The University of Latvia (UL), together with the National Research and Innovation Institute, Rīga Stradiņš University, Riga East University Hospital, Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital and the Children’s Clinical University Hospital, signed a memorandum of understanding with global genomics leader Illumina, confirming a shared intention to advance genomics and precision medicine in Latvia.
The memorandum was signed in the United States during the working visit of the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, from 24 to 27 September. The University of Latvia is represented in the biomedical sector delegation accompanying the President by Vita Rovīte, Vice-Dean for Science at the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences of the University of Latvia, Associate Professor, Dr. biol.
During a meeting with Jacob Thaysen, CEO of Illumina, the global leader in DNA sequencing and genotyping technologies, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs discussed opportunities to expand existing cooperation, particularly in accelerating genomics innovation and scaling precision medicine across Latvia. During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Illumina and several Latvian biomedical institutions – the National Research and Innovation Institute, Riga East University Hospital, Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, the Children’s Clinical University Hospital, Rīga Stradiņš University and the University of Latvia. All parties have committed to promoting the development of genomics, and the memorandum establishes a framework for advancing precision medicine and integrating advanced biomedical technologies to help improve patient treatment outcomes.
This memorandum is an important step towards connecting genomics research and national data and biobank infrastructure with clinical practice. In the long term, this cooperation can contribute to earlier diagnosis, a more individualised approach to treatment and prevention, as well as strengthen the positions of the University of Latvia and Latvia in the international fields of genomics and precision medicine.
