On May 6, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted its annual Culture Day event, this year titled “Between Respect and Mistake”, organized by 1st-year students of the Bachelor’s study programme “Intercultural Communication”. The event brought together more than 54 local and international students and lecturers in a shared exchange of cultures and experiences. During the event, participants had the opportunity to explore the traditions, social norms, and cultural differences of Croatia, Ukraine, Germany, India, Ghana, and Latvia through interactive presentations and activities. Students shared personal experiences, engaged in dialogue with the audience, and encouraged participants to reflect on the importance of respect, understanding, and the ability to adapt to different cultural environments in everyday communication. This year, the event was also organized as an international initiative within the COLOURS Alliance, involving students and participants from various European universities. A special contribution was made by representatives from Croatia, who introduced the social norms, etiquette principles, and common cultural misunderstandings of their culture. The event was also accessible online, allowing the international audience to participate in activities and cultural exchange regardless of location. An essential part of the event was the “Flavor of My Culture” table, where participants shared traditional dishes and snacks representing their cultures. The atmosphere throughout the event was characterized by openness, curiosity, and a genuine willingness to learn about one another beyond familiar boundaries. Culture Day once again demonstrated that intercultural communication is not only about simply speaking to one another — it is about the ability to listen, understand, accept, and most importantly, build connections between people with different experiences and worldviews. Events like these strengthen the international environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, foster a stronger sense of community, and highlight the importance of cultural diversity both within the university and in society as a whole. Prepared by: Elizabete Apiņa-Fleisa Bachelor’s study programme “Intercultural Communication”, Year 1

The modern work environment is undergoing rapid change, and companies are increasingly seeking solutions to improve employee well-being. Last week, the hackathon “Workplace Reinvented” took place at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, where over three days students developed solutions to challenges posed by companies from Ventspils, focusing on strengthening employees’ physical and mental health. During the hackathon, inspiring lectures were delivered by “Vesels Birojs” founder Laima Buša, director of Ventspils Music High School Jēkabs Macpans, and public speaking specialist Rūta Maltisova. At the end of the hackathon, students presented their ideas, which were evaluated by a jury. The three best teams were awarded a total prize fund of €2,000: 1st place and €1,000 went to the team “Slippies” with their solution “Pawse” – a service providing regular dog visits to offices, carried out by trusted and experienced dog walkers. Such visits were intended to improve well-being in the workplace, resulting in higher work efficiency. 2nd place and €600 went to the team “Taij” with an idea of integrating treadmills into the work environment, emphasizing that this solution could improve employees’ concentration, decision-making, and reduce fatigue caused by sedentary work. 3rd place and €400 went to the team “Enviora” , which developed an artificial intelligence office assistant aimed at improving employee well-being. Throughout the hackathon, participant teams were supported by experienced mentors, including Sandra Žukova (head of the regional office of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia in Ventspils), mentors of the “Startup Management” study program Elviss Brauns and Atis Mertens, and Ventspils Music High School director Jēkabs Macpans. On the second day, mentoring was provided by VUAS HR department head Elīna Feldmane and senior specialist Raitis Didrihsons, head of the Science and Development Department Vitālijs Petkevičs, mentor and lecturer Āris Birze, ASYA customer support team leader and VUAS alumna Marta Anete Vinniņa, and HR WellBe founder Vija Niedre. In addition to developing ideas, participants also had the opportunity to strengthen team spirit and take care of their well-being outside of work sessions. The students visited the Adventure Park in Ventspils, where they tried disc golf and a ride on the toboggan track, and also took part in meditation sessions. The hackathon was supported by Alpro, Paulig, SaltCave, Ventspils Adventure Park, Rimi, and Red Bull. The event was implemented within the COLOURS European University Alliance, bringing together students from Latvia as well as partner universities in Italy and Germany. More photos are available HERE Ventspils Augstskolas Hackathon "Workplace reinvented" Password: ventspils2026

We invite YOU to another cozy TEA & TALKS afternoon! This time we will talk about May 4th "Day of the Restauration of the Republic of Latvia" and why it is so important for Latvia! We will also make a traditional Latvian dish - so make sure to keep your afternoon free to not miss out on valuable insights and food! As always, you are welcome to bring snacks and your cup as there will be tea! Everybody is welcome to join! Where & when? Date: 7th May 2026 Time: 17:00 Place: D0 We are looking forward to seeing you and your friends!

Doctoral students Zane Zonberga in collaboration with Monta Anšica on the project “Elaboration of evidence-based solutions for effective professional competence development of adults and assessment of the transfer of its results into practice in Latvia” (Project No. VPP-IZM-Izglītība-2023/4-0001) and my colleague Rimants Jeļinskis from the EPF joint doctoral program “Economics and Business”, participated in a five-day doctoral workshop at the University of Le Mans in France Participation in the Erasmus+ mobility program was specifically aimed at strengthening the framework of the project and the empirical research for my dissertation, as well as gaining an international perspective to evaluate and ensure that the developed solution is applicable not only in the Latvian context, but also on an international scale. The doctoral workshop at the University of Le Mans was a very valuable and, at the same time, quite intensive experience for me. University representatives had put together a well-thought-out program that combined an introduction to the academic environment, practical sessions, and opportunities to meet other doctoral students. On the very first day, students got to know each other, met with mentors, and toured the university, as well as observed the academic process in other programs. Over the following days, students participated in sessions on research methods and the use of academic resources, visited laboratories, and listened to presentations by other doctoral students, which provided a valuable insight into various research areas. They also had the opportunity to learn more about future career opportunities after completing our doctoral studies. Students especially enjoyed working in groups with people from other countries. In almost every activity, students were divided into different groups, which forced us to step outside our comfort zone and quickly find common ground with new researchers. On the fourth day, the workshops took place at an art museum, where we worked in teams to find solutions to future challenges and prepared pitch presentations. It was both challenging and interesting, as it required not only new ideas, but also the ability to present them clearly and convincingly. During this time, students also got to know many colleagues with whom they might collaborate on joint projects or work together in the future. This experience provided an opportunity to gain new knowledge that can be applied in the future both in the project’s research and in the development of the doctoral thesis.

At Irbene and Riga, 20–21 April 2026, a significant international scientific and academic event - the strategic seminar “Latvia’s National Partnership within LOFAR ERIC”- was held in Latvia, bringing together leading European radio astronomers, national policymakers, and academic institutions to strengthen Latvia’s long-term involvement in the LOFAR ERIC (Low Frequency Array – European Research Infrastructure Consortium) network. The meeting marked an important step in building a coordinated Latvian LOFAR community, bringing together Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Riga Technical University, the University of Latvia, alongside other Latvian universities, and supporting stronger collaboration in radio astronomy, data science, and related technologies. Keynote presentations were delivered by Prof. Peter T. Gallagher (Ireland), Chair of the LOFAR-ERIC Council, and Prof. Michiel van Haarlem (Netherlands), Executive Director of LOFAR-ERIC. They were joined by directors of international LOFAR stations and leading experts from Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Bulgaria, and Poland, as well as representatives from Latvia’s Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Economics, and universities. Discussions focused on Latvia’s future participation in LOFAR-ERIC, highlighting its strategic location, research capabilities, and growing role in European research infrastructures. A central outcome is a shared commitment to fostering a national LOFAR consortium and strengthening Latvia’s integration into European research programmes. The event brought together researchers, early-career scientists, and students, underlining Latvia’s growing appeal in astrophysics and space research, as well as LOFAR’s broad scientific impact across signal processing, big data analytics, and machine learning. On 20 April, participants visited the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) in Irbene, where they toured the RT-32 radio telescope and the LOFAR Irbene station (LV614), gaining insight into Latvia’s radio astronomy infrastructure and recent technological upgrades. The meeting confirmed strong momentum toward establishing a cohesive national LOFAR ecosystem in Latvia, supported by close cooperation between universities, government institutions, and international LOFAR-ERIC leadership. The event was organised as part of the project “International Cooperation and Innovation of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation” (Project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012).