Enhancing human capital and knowledge in health science by institutional cooperation and mobility between the University of Latvia and three Norwegian universities

Project facts

Project promoter:
University of Latvia
Project Number:
LV05-0022
Target groups
Students and trainees in all forms of higher education level education and training,
Teachers, trainers, managers, leaders and other staff within higher education institutions
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€85,514
Final project cost:
€77,168
From Norway Grants:
€ 69,451
The project is carried out in:
Rīga

Description

The project aims to enhance human capital and knowledge base at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia (LU) and increase the institutional cooperation in research and development with the Norwegian University of science and technology (NTNU) and the University of Oslo (UiO) by promoting partnerships and mobility between universities of both countries, and increasing the capacity and competence-building at LU. Taking into account the multidisciplinary research activities carried out at LU, it is necessary to improve the competence in the diverse fields through the sharing of knowledge among partner universities to increase the scientific and teaching productivity of LU. The mobility action is in line with the long-term strategic development plan and international mobility strategy of LU. By taking part in this Scholarship Activity LU academic staff will strengthen the excellence in research and further develop their academic career. The Bachelor, Master and PhD student exchange will prolong and initiate intense collaboration also into the PhD and PostDoc phase, respectively. Diversification of contacts is essential for building up long-lasting partnerships, especially by early stage scientists. The sustainability will be ensured by the future exchange of students between University of Latvia and Universities in Norway.

Summary of project results

The project was needed to increase the knowledge of academic staff and students at the faculty of Medicine (University of Latvia).The project is nominated for the Mobility Gala event in Romania. In total there were 7 student and 15 academic staff mobility, and 134 ECTS were earned. The mobility of academic staff ensured the exchange of research and academic experience between the University of Latvia (UL), University of Oslo (UiO) and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The progress of existing synergy and research projects has been discussed by all parties. New experimental procedures and methods have been practiced at the host Universities to improve the scientific qualification of academic staff members and ensure a successful outcome of the existing research projects. Academic staff members from UiO and NTNU have participated in seminars and discussions about the quality of teaching and research in UL. UF members have presented their research results, methodology and progress in the field. the participants attended educational courses and seminars in the partner institutions to increase the knowledge in the field of health sciences and to implement it in the scientific work and teaching in UL. The acquired knowledge will be implemented in the form of scientific publications and defended PhD thesis of students. By taking part in the project, UL academic staff members have strengthen their excellence in research and increased their qualification, which contributes to the development of future academic and scientific carriers. The qualification of new scientists is developed by the opportunity to learn new techniques and approaches in host laboratories. The methods and theoretical knowledge acquired during mobility will be implemented in PhD and Master thesis of UL students. The obtained research results will be disseminated to the scientific community in the form of scientific publications.

Summary of bilateral results

Thanks to the participation of the two donor universities, students and staff at the University of Latvia were able to broaden their research knowledge in the health sciences and exchange viewpoints in an international setting. The lessons learned during the mobility will benefit not only the individuals that participated in the project in the form of strengthening their career perspectives, but also strengthens the staff and research portfolio of the University of Latvia. Future cooperation is planned, using Erasmus+ funding, also EMBO grants or Marie Curie grants.