In October, VUAS COLOURS WP5, headed by Lasma Asme, joined other representatives from COLOURS partner universities gathered at Garage33, Paderborn University, Germany, for a dynamic CoLab dedicated to Mental Health, Body Image, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The three-day event, which is part of the COLOURS CoSpace initiative, brought together students, researchers, and staff from across Europe to exchange perspectives and co-create innovative approaches under the smart specialisation area of Health and Well-being. Participants from a very diverse background, under the moderation of Dr Christine Hante-Koch and Dr Alena Diedrich, discussed how issues like body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression are closely connected and how promoting a positive body image can make a real difference for people’s health. Using design thinking processes, the group also worked on the importance of creating fair and inclusive support systems that meet the needs of different communities, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people facing disabilities, financial struggles, or migration challenges. The participants were divided into 4 groups and had cases ranging from how to deal with women who survived breast cancer, to isolated international students living in other countries, and how to make gamers more active while utilizing their special skills and enlarging their comfort zone. At the end of the event, each group pitched their ideas, solutions, and next steps. These solutions were evaluated and challenged by a panel of experts from multiple disciplines, with the example of Martin Persson, Professor of Health Sciences at Kristianstad University. The CoLab encouraged teamwork, creativity, and cultural exchange. The ideas developed in Paderborn will help shape future COLOURS activities and strengthen collaboration between partner universities committed to building healthier and more inclusive learning environments and society at large.

From 8 to 19 September, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted the scientific workshop “VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths”, organized by the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC). The event brought together researchers and students from Latvia and abroad. The summer school aimed to develop knowledge and practical skills in pulsar observations, radio astronomical data processing, and international scientific collaboration. Over two weeks, participants attended lectures and hands-on sessions on the fundamentals of pulsar astronomy, observation planning, and data analysis, with a special focus on observations with the LOFAR low-frequency antenna array. The summer school was led by VIRAC researchers Jānis Šteinbergs and Vladislavs Bezrukovs. Special guest lecturers Dr. Alisa Shevtsova and Dr. Ihor Kravtsov from the Institute of Radio Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine shared their expertise on the physical properties of pulsar emission and low-frequency research methods. What are pulsars? - Pulsars are extremely dense, rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit powerful radio pulses at regular intervals. These signals are so precise that they are often compared to cosmic clocks. Observations of pulsars with modern radio telescopes help scientists study extreme physical conditions, the properties of the interstellar medium, and the large-scale structure of the Universe. VIRAC conducts research in radio astronomy, space technologies, and data processing, and operates the Irbene Radio Telescope Complex - one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Northern Europe. One of the key instruments is LOFAR (Low Frequency Array), a Europe-wide network of low-frequency radio telescopes that connects hundreds of antenna stations across multiple countries, including Latvia. Ventspils University’s participation in the JIV-ERIC and LOFAR-ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium) strengthens Latvia’s integration into the international radio astronomy community. It provides opportunities to conduct observations across the radio spectrum of the Universe. The summer school fostered collaboration between Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, the University of Latvia, and Riga Technical University, while also facilitating the exchange of experience with research institutions from Europe and Ukraine. The event was implemented within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012 “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation”

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) has been recognized as one of 16 higher education institutions in Latvia to receive the “Best Practice University” award from the Study in Latvia initiative. This certificate confirms that the university meets the criteria set by the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of the Interior, ensuring responsible admission of international students and a high-quality study process. With this Agreement, the VUAS have undertaken to comply with the criteria and principles of the Agreement fostering good practice in attracting international students and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality study process. VUAS promises to observe good faith and ethical principles, providing only true information in marketing activities and advertising campaigns for international students.

On October 22, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) joined the international celebration of “Erasmus Days”, bringing students and staff together for an afternoon filled with creativity, teamwork, and cultural exchange. The event was organized by two students of VUAS with the help of international office and “COLOURS”, featuring engaging activities and friendly competition across a series of interactive stations. Each station offered a unique challenge inspired by the theme of cultural diversity, encouraging participants to test their knowledge, communication skills, and creativity while earning points for their teams. Guided by enthusiastic station leaders and coordinated by the two main event organizers, the atmosphere was both energetic and welcoming. Students from different study programs and cultural backgrounds had the opportunity to connect, work together, and learn from one another in a relaxed and engaging environment. Throughout the event, participants enjoyed refreshments and snacks, as well as a live performance from the band “Sweet Sixteen.” The music, laughter, and friendly competition made for a memorable afternoon celebrating the spirit of “Erasmus +” openness, inclusion, and intercultural understanding. At the end of the activities, all teams received prizes in recognition of their efforts, with the winning team taking home exclusive VUAS merchandise. “Erasmus Days” once again highlighted the value of collaboration and student mobility, reminding everyone that learning extends far beyond the classroom, it thrives through shared experiences and cultural exchange and making new connections. Photos: Endijs Eihlers

After a fantastic first edition, our Language Café is back and better than ever! If you missed it the first time, this is your chance to join the friendliest crew of language lovers on the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences campus. Expect good vibes, new words, and plenty of laughter as we meet again at D0 (Lounge Room) on 29th October 2025 at 16:30. Whether you’re a returning participant or a first-timer, everyone is welcome! So dust off your sense of humour, clear your schedule, and widen your comfort zone. Bring a friend, roommate, coursemate, and of course, your favourite snack – and let’s make language learning fun again!