A summary of the implementation of the plan of the project “Support for Preparation of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences International Cooperation Projects in Research and Innovations (ATVASE)”

June 30, 2021

On 30 June 2021, another six months of the implementation of the project “Support for Preparation of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences International Cooperation Projects in Research and Innovations (ATVASE)” (project No. 1.1.1.5/18/I/009) at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences have passed. Several activities have been implemented during the last six months. Due to the Covid19 pandemic, all business trips have been cancelled, so all activities have been carried out

remotely on online platforms.


Activity 1.2. Business trips for the preparation of “Horizon 2020” and European Union’s 9th Framework Programme international cooperation projects


09-10.03.2021 The director of VIRAC participated in the remote conference “Paris Space Week 2021”. This conference is dedicated to business meetings, exhibitions and innovation challenges in the space industry. Paris Space Week is “The Networking Place” where companies, space agencies, start-ups, buyers and investors in the space industry from all over the world, through prescheduled qualified leads, take part in our innovation challenges, listen to our conferences and share their innovative products. At this event, A. Klokovs had organised 12 One2One meetings with the representatives of the space industry to make contacts, promote VIRAC and build international

cooperation in projects, space technology and pooling of resources. With two of them, cooperation in investment in space technology and implementation of joint projects continues. The VIRAC had created a participant profile in the event system with a full description of activities and services offered, which, according to statistics, had around 25 unique visits. In general, the conference was attended by around 40 speakers and 1,000 participants, over 9,000 business meetings were organised.


17-19.03.2021 The director of VIRAC participated in the remote conference “CYSAT’21”. This is the first European conference on cybersecurity in the space industry, particularly in satellite communications. With easier access to space and the boom of new space services collecting valuable data, space assets are becoming an attractive target for hackers. ​This 3-day event, in partnership with CYSEC, APSwiss and ESA’s ARTES Applications programme, gives the European space community the opportunity to learn, share and connect on the topic of cybersecurity by bringing selected executives, ethical hackers and experts together. At this event, A. Klokovs had organised 4 One2One meetings with the representatives of the space industry to make contacts, promote VIRAC and build international cooperation in projects, space technology and development of VIRAC services. Discussions continue with Leafspace from Italy, one of Europe’s largest satellite communications companies, about the use of the Irbene radio telescope complex in satellite communications services, satellite technologies and new investment projects, including the construction of new antennas. The VIRAC had created a participant profile in the event system with a full description of activities and services offered. In general, around 21 speakers and 206

participants from 26 countries attended this conference.


Activity 3. Ensuring participation in the JIV-ERIC consortium.


During the six months, Engineering Research Institute “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre” of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences has implemented several activities.

Activity 3.2. Business trips (in Latvia and abroad) for ensuring participation in the JIVERIC consortium


21.01.2021 Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs participated in the ILT Board meeting held online in Zoom to discuss progress in the implementation of LOFAR 2.0 and current issues. The meeting was chaired by Director of the ILT Rene Vermeulen, who first presented the reports on the technical issues of the development of LOFAR 2.0 in HBA LOW (110190 MHz) and HBA MID (170230 MHz) modes and then the discussion continued on the possible solutions.


28.01.2021 Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs participated in the LOFAR-ERIC Working Group meeting held online in Zoom. The meeting was chaired by J. Ridded-Numan, the representative of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, who started by presenting the issues from the previous meeting on 25.10.2020 to review the ongoing activities and tasks. Then, Director of the ILT Rene Vermeulen reported on tax and investment issues, on the new draft of the Technical Annex, on

the current version of the LOFARERIC Statutes V4.0 and the planned financial plan. At the end, there was a discussion on the future steps in implementing the ERIC project. The ILT Board members from France, England, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland and the Netherlands, as well as the representatives of national ministries of education and science, participated in the meeting. In this meeting, Latvia was represented by Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs and Head of the RIS3 Unit from

the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Ministry of Education and Science Uldis Berķis.


19.02.2021 Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs participated in the LOFARERIC Working Group meeting held online in Zoom. The meeting was opened by Wim van Cappellen, ASTRON engineer and project manager, with a report on the compatibility of LOFAR1.0 and LOFAR2.0 stations. Discussions continued on the LOFAR2.0 upgrade and ERIC prospects. Director of the ILT Rene Vermeulen reported on a summary of current issues and also events, including the priorities in the financial plan, the timetable.


18.03.2021 Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs participated in the LOFARERIC Working Group meeting held online in Zoom. The meeting was chaired by J. RiddedNuman, the representative of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, who started by presenting the ongoing activities and tasks for the next meeting of the Working Group on 19.04.2021. The ILT Board members from France, England, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland and the Netherlands, as well as the representatives of national ministries of education and science, participated in the meeting.


31.03.2021 Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs participated in the ILT Board meeting held online in Zoom. It was chaired by the Director of the ILT Rene Vermeulen, who started by presenting reports on ILT activities and then continued with statistics on observation applications. Dr. Carla Baldovin, ASTRON project manager and LOFAR policy coordinator, spoke about the progress in the implementation of LOFARERIC, the statutes, the return on investment, the financial model of the consortium, the transition process from ILT to ERIC and the next steps. The meeting continued with Wim van Cappellen, LOFAR2.0 project manager, who spoke about current events and progress in the implementation process of LOFAR2.0.


19.04.2021 Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs participated in the LOFARERIC Working Group meeting held online in Zoom. The meeting was chaired by J. Ridded-Numan, the representative of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, who started by presenting the issues from the previous meeting on 18.03.2021 to review the ongoing activities and tasks. Then, Director of the ILT Rene Vermeulen asked all members of the Working Group to answer six strategic questions for the LOFARERIC implementation process in each member country.


12.05.2021 Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs participated in the EVN Board meeting held online in Zoom. It was chaired by the Chairperson of the EVN Board Tiziana Venturi, who first presented the issues from the previous meeting on 12.11.2020 to review and adopt the protocol of the previous meeting and review ongoing activities. Then the Chairperson of the EVN Programme Committee Kazi Rygl continued with the results of the scientific activities in the network, statistics on observation applications and trends. This was followed by a discussion among the participants on operational and technical issues of the EVN, including future EVN scientific events and seminars. Then Director of JIVE Paco Colomer spoke about JIVE current events, the interaction between EVN and JIVE, the update of the VLBI global alliance, support for new potential stations and EVN’s communication and information network. At the end, reports from the observatories were presented.


19.05.2021 Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs participated in the JIVERIC Board meeting held online in Zoom. The meeting was chaired by JIVERIC Director Francisco Colomer and Board Member John Conway, who started by presenting the issues from the previous meeting on


13.11.2020 to review and adopt the protocol of the previous meeting and review ongoing activities. Then Director of JIV-ERIC Francisco Colomer continued with updates on the JIVE strategy, financial flows for 2020, financial forecast for 2021-2024, observational statistics and staff changes. At the meeting, participants voted in favor of admitting the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) to JIVERIC as of 2021. Also, a new chairperson of the JIVE Board, Tiziana Venturi from Italy, and a

new vice-chair, Jose Antonio Lopez Fernandez from Spain, were elected. The meeting was attended by members of the JIVERIC Board and invited organisations from France, England, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, Sweden and the Netherlands, as well as representatives of national ministries of education. Latvia was represented only by a representative of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.


27.05.2021 Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs participated in the LOFARERIC Working Group meeting held online in Zoom. The meeting was chaired by Director of the ILT Rene Vermeulen, who started by presenting the current issues and announcements from the member countries.


16.06.2021 Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs participated in the ILT Board meeting held online in Zoom. The meeting was chaired by the Director of the ILT Rene Vermeulen, who started by presenting the ILT reports and urgent issues for discussion in the consortium. This was followed by a discussion among the members on software development issues, LOFARERIC preparations, budget reports of 2018 and 2019, ILT & ERIC financial plans and the annual reports of the observatories.


21.06.2021 Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs participated in the LOFARERIC Working Group meeting held online in Zoom. The meeting was chaired by J. RiddedNuman, the representative of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, who started by presenting the issues from the previous meeting on 19.04.2021 to look through ongoing activities and tasks. This was followed by a discussion among the members on the statutes, the technical and scientific annexes, the user access policy, the transition model, the decommissioning model and the interim Board.


Activity 3.4 Organisation of events for ensuring participation in the JIVERIC consortium

On 28 April 2021, a workshop and JIV-ERIC Consortium Board meeting took place within project No. 1.1.1.5/18/I/009 “Support for Preparation of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences International Cooperation Projects in Research and Innovations (ATVASE)”.


The workshop was attended by the representatives of the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS), Riga Technical University (RTU) and the University of Latvia (UL).


At the JIVERIC Consortium Board meeting, Director of VIRAC A. Klokovs spoke about the progress on the project “ATVASE”, problems and obstacles due to the coronavirus pandemic. A. Klokovs also talked about news in the consortium and that several new activities are planned with the Space Agency.


The workshop was opened by Vladislavs Bezrukovs, VIRAC researcher, who presented the VIRAC radio astronomical observations of 2021. Boriss Rjabovs, VIRAC leading researcher, presented radio measurements of the magnetic field in open structures of the solar corona. The seminar was also attended by Ilgmārs Eglītis, the representative of the University of Latvia, who gave a presentation on research at the Baldone Astrophysical Observatory 20202025. Jurģis Poriņš, the representative of RTU, in his presentation spoke about current research in the field of optical frequency combs. At the end of the seminar, Jānis Kaminskis, the representative of RTU, gave a presentation on the role of GeoVLBI and the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) from the perspective of the Nordic Geodetic Commission (NGC).


Taking into account the situation in the country due to Covid19, the seminar and the Board meeting were held on an online platform accessible for everyone interested. The total costs of the project “Support for Preparation of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences International Cooperation Projects in Research and Innovations (ATVASE)” (project No. 1.1.1.5/18/I/009) are EUR 262,751.76, the planned amount of the European Union Regional Development Fund is 85.00% of the eligible expenses – EUR 223,339.00, and the amount of state funding is 15% of the eligible expenses – EUR 39,412.76.


Share on other platforms

Other news

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences launches project to modernize study environment

By Rota Rulle • September 9, 2025
On September 1 of this year, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences launched a new European Union (EU) co-funded project “Modernization of the Study Environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences”, No. 4.2.1.8/2/25/I/007. The project implementation period is 24 months, until August 31, 2027. The project aims to ensure the modernization of the study environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, which includes the improvement and development of the infrastructure of the bachelor's study program "Computer Science" and the professional bachelor's study program "Electronics Engineering". To ensure high-quality and competitive education, targeted measures will be implemented within the project framework, focusing on the technological modernization of study spaces, enhancing the material and technical base, and introducing information and communication technologies (ICT). These engineering and IT programs are strategically important for the sustainable economic growth of the Ventspils region and the entire country of Latvia, preparing highly qualified specialists to promote digital transformation and technological development. During the project, the infrastructure of laboratories and classrooms will be enhanced to ensure that study rooms are equipped with the latest technologies and meet the standards of modern higher education. The latest technologies and equipment will be purchased and introduced, significantly expanding students' opportunities to work with current industry tools and software, thereby preparing them to work with technologies widely used in the industry. In addition, it is planned to continue adapting the digital infrastructure to modern requirements, allowing for the implementation of the hybrid and distance learning process in accordance with current educational trends. The modernization carried out will significantly improve the quality of studies and compliance with labour market requirements, providing students with the opportunity to acquire practical skills and adapt to the growing requirements of the industry. This project will not only improve the study environment and promote the integration of innovations into the learning process, but will also contribute to the development of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences as a higher education and research center in Latvia and beyond, attracting students from the region and the country, as well as from abroad. The total cost of the project “Modernization of the study environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences”, No. 4.2.1.8/2/25/I/007, is 215,083.00 EUR, of which the planned amount of the European Regional Development Fund is 85% of the eligible expenses – 182,820.55 EUR, and the amount of state funding is 15% of the eligible costs – 32,262.45 EUR.

VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths

By Martina Bertāne • September 3, 2025
We are pleased to invite you to participate in the VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths: Ventspils, Latvia |September 8–19, 2025 This intensive and inspiring summer school is designed for Master’s students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers in astronomy and astrophysics. The event is hosted by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Key Topics: Pulsar observations with the LOFAR telescope Pulsar astronomy fundamentals Observation planning Pulsar data processing and analysis Venue: Engineering Research Institute – Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Room 407

An online seminar Effective monitoring of environmental and animal welfare farms will take place

By Rota Rulle • August 25, 2025
The Latvian Rural Advisory and Education Centre, in cooperation with project partners, one of which is Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, invites you to an online opening seminar on August 27 at 10:00 AM on the new My Farm livestock section, which helps to: accumulate and analyze farm data, monitor animal welfare, plan work and make data-driven decisions, save time in preparing reports. At the seminar: You will learn how this idea originated and why it remains relevant today. You will hear about the experiences and benefits of experts for Latvian livestock farmers. You will see a practical demonstration of how to use the tool on your farm. You will receive answers to your important questions. Questions can be asked in the comments during the live broadcast. Live on Facebook profiles @LLKCOzolnieki and @Manslauks, as well as www.llkc.lv Link to the event: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1290216356070792 The event is a part of the project No.: 21-00-A01611-000017 "Efficient Environmental and Animal Welfare Farm Monitoring". Project Objective: The long-term goal is to promote sustainability and competitiveness in the Latvian livestock sector, in line with the guidelines of the European Green Deal. In recent years, global environmental and climate issues have become increasingly relevant, and it can be assumed that in the future, consumers will demand products produced in an environmentally friendly manner. These future challenges compel farmers to reassess their current management practices and explore environmental and sustainability issues. To achieve this goal, an innovative farm monitoring system will be developed for the livestock sector, ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis in one place. This system will promote compliance with animal welfare requirements, facilitate sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, and enable the monitoring of daily activities, ultimately reducing the time spent on preparing various reports.

“A Whistle-Stop Tour: ESO – ALMA – AtLAST – Quasar” – invited talk by Dr. Evanthia Hatziminaoglou

By Rota Rulle • August 22, 2025
On August 18, 2025, Dr. Evanthia Hatziminaoglou from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) delivered an insightful invited talk at the University of Latvia. The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge astronomical research and advancements, focusing on ESO's contributions, the ALMA telescope, the Atacama Large Aperture Submillimetre Telescope (AtLAST), and the study of quasars. Dr. Hatziminaoglou highlighted ESO's role as the leading intergovernmental astronomy organization, encompassing 16 member states and strategic partnerships with Chile and Australia. The talk showcased ESO's groundbreaking facilities, including the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at Paranal and the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), set to be the largest optical/infrared telescope in the world. The presentation also delved into ALMA's capabilities, emphasizing its precision in resolving small details and its ongoing upgrades to enhance sensitivity. Dr. Hatziminaoglou discussed the AtLAST concept, a next-generation 50-meter single-dish observatory powered by renewable energy, designed to bridge gaps in angular scales, sensitivity, and mapping speed in submillimeter astronomy. A significant portion of the talk focused on the study of quasars, exploring their environments, star formation rates, and the triggers of extreme star formation in quasar hosts. Dr. Hatziminaoglou shared findings on multiplicities around SDSS quasars, revealing how submillimeter counterparts and redshift influence star formation rates and environments. In addition to the scientific presentation, there was a lively discussion on potential collaboration between the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, and Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. The discussion emphasized creating pathways for Latvian researchers and students to engage with ESO and ALMA facilities, opening new opportunities for joint projects, training, and integration into international astronomy networks. This engaging presentation underscored the synergy between ESO's facilities, ALMA, and AtLAST, paving the way for future discoveries in astronomy. Dr. Hatziminaoglou's talk was an inspiring showcase of the collaborative efforts driving innovation in the field and inspiring the next generation of astronomers. Dr. Hatziminaoglou's talk was an inspiring showcase of the collaborative efforts driving innovation in the field and inspiring the next generation of astronomers. The seminar was organized within the framework of the project “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation” (No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Latvia will Become a Central Meeting Hub for Space Data Experts: Registration for the Conference "Big Data from Space 2025" is Open

By Rota Rulle • August 19, 2025
The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened online registration for the international conference on big data from space, Big Data from Space 2025 (BiDS 2025). This large-scale event will take place for the first time in the Baltic Sea region, in Riga, from 29 September to 3 October. The conference will offer a broad and diverse programme, bringing together leading experts, researchers, and policymakers to discuss the use of satellite data in science, innovation, and the development of solutions that matter to society. Jānis Paiders , Acting State Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia and Deputy State Secretary for Human Capital, Science, and Innovation Policy, highlights: “The fact that the international BiDS 2025 conference is taking place in Latvia marks a significant milestone – this prestigious event is being held in the Baltic Sea region for the first time. It is a testament to Latvia’s vital role in the development of the space sector, as well as the potential of our researchers and companies to apply satellite data for economic growth, societal needs, and the creation of innovative technologies. ” BiDS 2025 programme will include: Workshops at the University of Latvia Academic Centre (29 - 30 September); Panel discussions, presentations, and an exhibition at the National Library of Latvia (1 - 3 October); B2B events, demonstrations, and broad networking opportunities.

Student participation in COLOURS summer school in Germany

By Rota Rulle • August 11, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Translation Studies Bachelor’s degree student of “Translation and Language Technology” Matīss Jansons and Bachelor’s degree student of “Intercultural Communication” Līva Slesare participated in an exciting summer school “Responsible Digitalization: AI, Social Media and their Contribution to a Sustainable Society”, which took place from 21st to 25th of July in Paderborn, Germany. The aim of the summer school was to provide a learning experience about sustainable use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies for the benefit of society, while promoting collaboration, practical innovation and cultural exchange. The summer school program was intense and dynamic – lectures, workshops and discussions led by lecturers and guest lecturers took place throughout the day, covering the practical application of artificial intelligence, its ethical and social aspects, issues of power, prejudice and everyday life. Each day provided new insights and encouraged students to think about the role of technology in the future society. Outside of lectures, students from Latvia, as well as from various other countries, had the opportunity to go on guided tours and get to know the city of Paderborn in Germany and its ancient history, see the world's largest computer museum "Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum", as well as have informal conversations and make new contacts. Students admit that the opportunity to work in international teams with participants from several COLOURS alliance universities was very valuable. This diversity promoted the exchange of experience and allowed for different approaches to solving problems related to artificial intelligence. Dr. François Vignale's (Le Mans University) lecture on the identification of AI-generated and biased content also aroused special interest, providing practical knowledge and sparking a discussion about these problems in society. This experience gives students the opportunity to gain new knowledge, opening a broader view of the everyday life of students at other European universities, exchanging opinions and creating contacts and future friendships. Read more about the summer school on the COLOURS website: https://colours-alliance.eu/event/international-summer-school-on-responsible-digitalization-ai-social-media-and-their-contribution-to-a-sustainable-society/
Other news