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

The TALKS & TEA afternoons are starting again

By Rota Rulle • February 27, 2026
The TALKS & TEA afternoons are starting again! Next week on Tuesday we invite YOU to a cozy tea afternoon with activities to learn new Latvian words and to connect with local students! This time we will talk about festivals and celebrations we have in Latvia but, of course, we are also excited to hear about the festivals that you celebrate! Everybody is welcome to join! Where & when? Date: 3rd March 2026 Time: 17:00 Place: D103 We are looking forward to seeing you and your friends!

Students participate in TechChill Student Challenge 2026

By Rota Rulle • February 25, 2026
Last weekend, the TechChill Student Challenge 2026 took place in Riga, bringing together motivated students to experience the fast-paced world of startups. We are proud that 16 students from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences participated in the 24-hour hackathon, while three students from the Start-up Management programme were part of the organizing team, contributing to the successful delivery of the event. During the challenge, participants formed teams, developed business ideas, validated their concepts, and presented their solutions to a professional jury, all within just 24 hours. Hackathons provide a valuable opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in practice, strengthen teamwork and problem-solving skills, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. The jury consisted of industry representatives: Luīze Dārta Sietiņa (TechChill), Āris Brenčis (NGL Ventures), Velma Linko (Junction), Lev Bass (Hukt AI), and Sigvards Krongorns (Verge HealthTech Fund). Their expertise provided valuable feedback and real-world insight into the startup ecosystem. Among the participants, 4th year Start-up Management student Kate Liepa and her team achieved 2nd place, receiving tickets to Latitude59. You can read her reflections on the experience here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kate-liepa-77168b24b_techchill-student-challenge-has-come-to-ugcPost-7431977095171371009-OA0U We are proud of our students for their initiative, engagement, and strong representation of the university.

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences starts project “Multi-material Dust Astrochemistry (DACE)”

By Rota Rulle • February 23, 2026
As of January 2026, the Fundamental and Applied Research Programme of the Latvian Council of Science project No. lzp-2025/1-0065 “Multi-material Dust Astrochemistry (DACE)” has commenced. The research is being carried out by staff of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Department at the Engineering Research Institute “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre” (VIRAC) of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. The scientific significance of DACE lies in its novelty. It has long been known that within the Solar System and in the wider cosmic space of our Galaxy and beyond there exist tiny solid grains – interstellar dust. They have a varied chemical composition, albeit two classes of materials dominate: silicate minerals (rock) and carbon (soot). This diversity of dust is taken into account in several subfields of astrophysics, such as physics of the interstellar medium physics and cosmochemistry (the science of the origin of the compounds and elements that formed the Solar System). However, in astrochemistry – which studies molecular transformations in the interstellar medium – the varied composition of dust has so far been largely ignored. Nevertheless, it may be significant, as many important chemical transformations in space occur on dust grain surfaces. Within DACE, we will investigate how differences in interstellar dust materials – including temperature, surface adsorption (molecular sticking) properties, and other parameters – affect the chemical composition of interstellar nebulae. Starting in January, leading researchers J. Kalvāns and J. Freimanis began work on the DACE project, conducting preliminary studies as well as initial scientific and administrative planning and preparation. Full, coordinated, and active research began in February with the formal involvement of students. On February 18, the project’s opening seminar was held, during which two key research directions were defined: calculating temperatures for dust grains in interstellar clouds embedded in cosmic radiation fields, and adapting a new reaction database for astrochemical calculations. After the seminar, project participants visited VIRAC radio telescope complex in Irbene (see photo).

Meet, Share and Connect at the Doctoral Breakfast

By Rota Rulle • February 20, 2026
What is the PhD experience like elsewhere in Europe?  The Doctoral Breakfast offers all PhD candidates from the universities of the COLOURS European Alliance a dedicated space to meet, share experiences, and broaden their perspectives on doctoral studies. This monthly online event provides a welcoming environment for informal discussions, the exchange of good practices, and the emergence of new ideas. The objective is promote and prepare international mobility experiences for teaching or training, to build connections, encourage dialogue, and foster peer-to-peer exchanges at the European level. It is also an opportunity to explore different approaches to doctoral studies, enrich one’s scientific reflection, and begin building a European research network from the start of an academic career. Upcoming sessions: Monday, 27 April – 9 to 10 :30 AM, CIeL meeting room and online https://short.univ-lemans.fr/DoctoralBreakfast-27april Friday, 29 May – 9 to 10 :30 AM, CIeL meeting room and online https://short.univ-lemans.fr/DoctoralBreakfast-29may

Researchers Demonstrate at MarTe Technical Workshop How Simulation Tools Drive Maritime Innovations

By Rota Rulle • February 13, 2026
Offshore wind energy, green hydrogen production, sustainable maritime transport, smart port infrastructure, and marine biotechnology are increasingly recognised as key pillars of the sustainable blue economy in the Baltic Sea region, shaping its long-term environmental resilience, energy independence, and economic transformation. At the first technical workshop of the project Marine Technology Excellence Hub for Sustainable Blue Economy in the Baltics (MarTe) , held at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS), researchers demonstrated how such ambitions depend on advanced physical modelling and simulation tools that bridge research and industrial implementation. The workshop, titled “ Physical Modelling for Blue and Green Transitions: Deep-Tech Tools from Lab to Market ”, brought together experts from VUAS, Riga Technical University, the University of Latvia, the UL Institute of Solid State Physics, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Tallinn University, and the University of Tartu. Physical Modelling as a Development Engine A central theme of the event was the role of numerical simulation in accelerating technological development. Using tools such as SOLIDWORKS, COMSOL Multiphysics, OpenFOAM, and other advanced platforms, engineers can analyse structural behaviour, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, electromagnetics, and multiphysics interactions before building physical prototypes. “MarTe connects academic staff in Latvia and Estonia with industry, public administration and funding organisations to jointly develop innovation related to the Baltic Sea, coastal regions and ports,” explained VUAS researcher Vladislavs Bezrukovs. “We focus on science-intensive deep-tech solutions that support the green transition and digitalisation, including offshore renewable energy systems, green hydrogen technologies, maritime decarbonisation, smart port infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and bio- and hydro-technologies tailored for the Baltic Sea region.” Open-Source and Commercial Tools in Practice Sabīne Upnere (Riga Technical University) demonstrated applications of the open-source computational fluid dynamics toolkit OpenFOAM, highlighting its importance for small and medium enterprises due to the absence of costly licences. She showed how complex wind and water flow phenomena can be modelled in maritime contexts, including structural interaction and thermal processes. Normunds Jēkabsons (University of Latvia) shared long-term experience in modelling wind turbines, vibration, heat transfer, and industrial flow systems, emphasising the strategic value of open-source tools for research flexibility and innovation capacity building. From the commercial software perspective, Martin Johansson and Alex K. Aaskilde (PLM Group Sverige AB) introduced the newest features in SOLIDWORKS, including AI-assisted design functionalities that automate optimisation and reduce development time. They also presented support programmes offering free licences for early-stage start-ups, lowering barriers to innovation. Modris Dobelis (Riga Technical University) demonstrated how SOLIDWORKS is integrated into engineering education and certification pathways, giving participants hands-on modelling opportunities and illustrating the direct link between academic training and industrial competence. Marina Konuhova (Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia) demonstrated how multiphysics simulation in COMSOL enables the modelling of strongly coupled physical processes in liquid–hydrogen systems, including thermodynamic, fluid dynamic, and mechanical interactions relevant to renewable energy and industrial hydrogen applications. Her presentation illustrated how advanced numerical modelling supports optimisation of compression processes, improves system safety and efficiency, and reduces development risks at early design stages. Vladislavs Bezrukovs (VUAS) showcased the application of electromagnetic (EM) simulations in EMWorks for analysing field distribution, induced currents, and performance constraints in linear generator systems. The presentation emphasised how accurate modelling of complex geometries and realistic boundary conditions is essential for predicting electromagnetic behaviour, optimising generator efficiency, and ensuring reliable operation in demanding engineering environments. Modelling for Safety, Environment and Green Transition Kristjan Tabri (Tallinn University of Technology) presented a comprehensive numerical reconstruction of the MS Estonia ferry disaster. His work illustrated how structural modelling and load simulations can deepen understanding of ship failures and contribute to maritime safety standards. Environmental forecasting was addressed by Uldis Bethers and Tija Sīle (University of Latvia). They presented modelling systems that predict wind, wave, and hydrodynamic conditions without direct measurement, supporting port operations and coastal risk management. From the industry perspective, Laura Apoga (LVR Flote Ltd) delivered an overview of maritime innovation within Latvia’s fleet modernisation efforts. She presented examples of hybrid vessel implementation, operational optimisation, and collaborative models between public institutions and industry partners. The talk highlighted practical pathways for introducing greener propulsion systems and improving coastal support services. Andrejs Zvaigzne (Riga Technical University) showcased the development of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell fishing vessels, discussing technical integration and regulatory challenges for decarbonising Baltic maritime transport. Andrejs Krauklis (Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies) discussed modelling of hydrothermal ageing and polymer degradation, critical for assessing long-term material reliability and environmental pollution risks. Aleksejs Zolotarjovs (Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia) presented the Spectromarine case study – a successful example of bringing laboratory-developed water monitoring technologies to market through strategic niche positioning. From Digital Design to Sustainable Blue Economy Across all presentations, one message was clear: physical modelling is not an auxiliary tool but a core driver of innovation. By combining structural simulations, hydrodynamics, energy systems modelling, and environmental forecasting, researchers can move efficiently from theoretical concepts to industrial prototypes. The workshop, which was attended by more than 50 participants both in person and remotely, demonstrated how simulation technologies underpin the transition to a sustainable blue economy in the Baltic region – enabling safer ships, greener propulsion systems, optimised port operations, and advanced marine materials. Recorded presentations from the MarTe technical workshop are available on YouTube allowing a broader audience to access the knowledge shared during the event. MarTe continues to strengthen collaboration between Latvia and Estonia, aligning academic expertise with industry needs and supporting the development of deep-tech solutions for the Baltic Sea region. MarTe project: Marine technology excellence hub for sustainable blue economy in Baltics (European Commission – Horizon Europe, HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-07-01. Nr. 101186498.

Researchers of the State Research Programme participated in a discussion on the opportunities and challenges of adult education

By Rota Rulle • February 5, 2026
On January 16 within the framework of the State Research Programme of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Professor Una Libkovska, within the framework of the State Research Programme project "Development of evidence-based solutions for the effective improvement of professional competence of adults and assessment of the transfer of its results to practice in Latvia" (VPP-IZM-Education-2023/4-0001), participated in a meeting with entrepreneurs organized by the State Education Development Agency and the Ventspils State City Education Board on opportunities and challenges for adult learning. During the meeting, the opportunities offered by the skills management platform STARS for adult continuing education and professional upskilling were discussed, with a particular focus on the European Union projects "Training for Workers" and "Digital Skills for Experts". The discussions emphasize the importance of employers in providing support to employees in the process of starting training, as well as the need to establish purposeful cooperation between entrepreneurs, local government and educational institutions. VIAA's Department of Adult Education presented the learning opportunities offered by the STARS platform, as well as the necessary support for employed adults to start their studies and the role of the municipality in providing this support. In the second part of the event, meetings were held with municipal specialists and adult education organizers, representatives of youth and cultural work and other interested parties. The discussion discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in adult education, as well as identifying the necessary support from VIAA in reaching out to adults and motivating them to engage in learning. The event brought together more than 20 representatives of business and institutions of Ventspils municipality, who actively participated in discussions, shared their experience and expressed proposals for improving the adult education offer. The meeting reaffirmed that coordinated and targeted cooperation between state institutions, local governments, educational institutions and employers is an essential prerequisite for the effective development of adult skills, strengthening competitiveness and sustainable employment.
Other news