Approved fundamental and applied research project proposals at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences

January 20, 2023

The project proposals prepared by the Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center" (ERI VIRAC) of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences for the Latvian Science Council (LZP) grant competition, project No. lzp-2022/1-0083 "A single-baseline radio interferometer in a new age of transient astrophysics" and project No. lzp-2022/1-0017 "Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares," were highly evaluated and financially supported by the LZP's decisions on December 20, 2022.


Both projects are being implemented by the Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center" (ERI VIRAC) of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.


Project No. lzp-2022/1-0083 "A single-baseline radio interferometer in a new age of transient astrophysics" is intended as a fundamental research study aimed at creating the Irbene single-baseline radio interferometer (ISBI), which will be capable of detecting radio emission fluctuations related to high-mass star formation regions. The developed ISBI will be used to observe the continuum emission of high-mass protostars and maser emission lines. The obtained results will help choose between currently untested and competing theoretical scenarios proposed to explain the recently discovered variability of radio radiation observed in high-mass star formation regions.


During the implementation of the project, it is planned to deepen the understanding of the eruption formation process, which is believed to follow flares during which high-mass stars accumulate mass. High-cadence observations using the Irbene interferometric system will be organized to study these processes.


The project includes the following tasks:

  • Expand the existing capabilities of the Ventspils radio observatory by using two radio telescopes (32m and 16m in diameter) in a unified system as an interferometer.
  • Improve and automate the planning of astronomical observations and processes related to the acquisition and analysis of astronomical data.
  • Create a list of approximately 30 high-mass protostars whose radio signal emissions will be simultaneously monitored at 6.7 GHz methanol maser lines and radio C bands.
  • Interpret astronomical data by studying the processes of high-mass star formation and development, thereby understanding the formation of massive stars.
  • Organize public lectures and informative events, and publish the achieved results in scientific conferences and leading astronomy journals.


The results obtained during the project implementation will provide answers to unanswered questions about the processes of high-mass star formation. Additionally, the project team aims to deepen the understanding of the eruption formation process, which is believed to follow flares during which high-mass stars accumulate mass. High-cadence observations using the Irbene interferometric system will be organized to study these processes. Such observations require a combination of effective and specific functional technologies, which are not easy to develop nowadays. The unique advantages of the Irbene interferometer provide an opportunity to research short-term variable astrophysical processes.


The project activities are planned to be implemented from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025. The total project funding is 300,000.00 euros, and the scientific leader of the project is Ross Alexander Burns, a leading guest researcher at the Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center" of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.


Project No. lzp-2022/1-0017 "Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares" is intended as a fundamental research study with the main goals of:

  • Using VSRC instruments to establish a reliable and systematic observation system for solar flares and stellar super-flares;
  • Discovering similarities and differences between the radio emission mechanisms of solar and stellar flares and their quasi-periodic pulsation characteristics;
  • Laying the groundwork for future research in collaboration with radio observatories worldwide.


The research program of the project focuses on the extensive study of the quasi-periodic pulsation (QPP) phenomenon (as an indicator of plasma oscillation dynamics) in solar flares and stellar super-flares. Multi-frequency radio astronomical observations are planned in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Warwick (United Kingdom), using the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center (VIRAC) complex in Irbene. The research will focus not only on solar flares but also on widely distributed and actively flaring red dwarf stars. QPP detection and analysis in light curves will be performed by combining traditional and innovative data analysis methods, such as wavelet and empirical mode decomposition analysis. Participants from the United Kingdom, with extensive experience in coronal process research, will provide process modeling and lead data analysis.


The project includes the following tasks:

  • Establish a single-baseline interferometer (using both Irbene radio telescopes RT-16 and RT-32) to conduct a research program on solar and stellar flare observations in the radio frequency band.
  • Create and optimize a set of data analysis tools to describe flare light curves and spectra, and to detect QPP events.
  • Discover similarities and differences between solar and stellar flares in their QPP characteristics, and create a comprehensive statistical overview of flares.
  • Present scientific results by publishing them in prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals, giving presentations at international and local conferences, holding an annual international seminar on the project topic, participating in public lectures, and preparing a popular science article.
  • Conduct educational work with school students and university students at the VIZIUM Science and Innovation Center (in Ventspils, Latvia).


The expected results during the project implementation will enable VIRAC to establish a unique research cluster capable of conducting world-class solar flare and stellar super-flare observations and data analysis, complementing the capabilities of the world's leading solar research institutes. A particularly interesting and notable phenomenon characteristic of both solar and stellar flares is QPP in the radio frequency bands, which will be used to identify similarities and differences between solar flares and stellar super-flares, as well as their physical mechanisms.


The project activities are planned to be implemented from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025. The total project funding is 300,000.00 euros, and the scientific leader of the project is Valeri Nakariakov, a leading guest researcher at the Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center" of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.

Share on other platforms

Other news

Initiative for Space Weather Investigations 2025

By Rota Rulle • May 22, 2025
BLU 2025 - workshop of the Bulgaria – Latvia – Ukraine Initiative for Space Weather Investigations June 2-6, 2025 Primorsko, Bulgaria

A delegation from the Norwegian space industry visited VUAS

By Rota Rulle • May 22, 2025
Last week, a delegation from the Norwegian space industry visited Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (and the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre. The delegation included representatives from nine Norwegian companies and organizations. The visit was organized by Austris Keišs, Director of Export Promotion in Norway at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA). Among the visitors was Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Norway’s largest defense manufacturing company, which produces advanced defense, aviation, and space systems, including combat management solutions and remote weapon stations, as well as developing air defense systems and missile technologies for various military applications. The company also offers maritime systems such as autonomous and remote-controlled solutions for naval forces. Also visiting Ventspils was Space Norway, one of Norway's leading satellite and space infrastructure companies; PaleBlue, a company that offers spaceflight simulations; Spectrum Blue, which uses quantum technologies to develop and produce next-generation materials used in healthcare and sustainability sectors, as well as digital decision-support systems for building management. Other visitors included Inventas, a leading Norwegian design and innovation company; Rocket Grace Group, which organizes Spaceport Norway, one of the largest space conferences in the Nordic countries; and startup Nava Space, which plans to manufacture next-generation space suits designed for extreme environmental conditions by combining artificial intelligence solutions with smart materials. The visit also included representatives from the University of Oslo, the engineering research foundation Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, and the Norwegian Industrial Forum for Space Activities (NIFRO). During the visit, the delegation toured the VIRAC and VUAS electronics laboratories. VUAS Rector Andris Vaivads gave a presentation introducing the activities of both VUAS and VIRAC. According to Austris Keišs, Head of the LIAA representative office in Norway, the goal of the visit was “to promote cooperation in the space industry between Latvia and Norway and to integrate Latvian companies into international projects and supply chains, positioning Latvia as an attractive investment destination for Norwegian companies.” VSRC Director Mārcis Donerblics assessed the visit as productive: “We were pleased that the Norwegian Ambassador to Latvia, Ine Måreng, who is a strong supporter of the space sector, also joined the visit. The visit was doubly effective because both the political and industrial sectors were represented,” said Donerblics. “Of course, we took the opportunity to exchange contacts with representatives from various institutions, and with several, we agreed to continue the dialogue in one-on-one meetings. It’s too early to mention specific examples, but we are interested in topics like telecommunications, satellite communication antenna systems, and student exchange opportunities.” Donerblics also reminded that VIRAC already has a strategic partnership with the Swedish Space Corporation and that there is a solid basis to hope for broader partnerships among the Nordic and Baltic countries.

Guest lecture by the Head of the Culture and Press Section of the German Embassy

By Rota Rulle • May 20, 2025
On 15th of May, students of the Faculty of Translation Studies had the opportunity to attend a guest lecture about German-Latvian cooperation, embassy work and diplomatic protocol. The guest lecture was given by Christopher Grounau, Head of the Cultural and Press Section of the German Embassy, and Nataļja Buinicka, graduate of VUAS’ bachelor and master study programme in translation. At the beginning of the day, the visitors were welcomed by the 3rd year students of the translation bachelor study programme; the students gave them a short tour of the University and told them about the daily life of students and about the VUAS in general. During the guest lecture, the Embassy representatives told the students of the Faculty of Translation Studies about the work of the Embassy, its structure and responsibilties of specific units, shared some aspects of their daily duties, and answered questions asked by students. Matīss Jansons and Elēna Šatrovska, 3rd year students of the bachelor study programme Translation, Interpreting and Language Technology shared their impressions of the tour and the guest lecture: Matīss said: "Until now, I had no idea how close and diverse the cooperation between Latvia and Germany actually is. It was interesting to hear how much attention and support they give to cultural projects that really bring our countries closer together. I used to think that diplomacy was all about fine suits, empty speeches and champagne at events, but today I realised that there is much more to it. It's a lively, dynamic environment where every day is different, and behind it all, there's people who do exciting and important work.” Elena also shared: “It was a wonderful opportunity not only to learn how the Embassy works from the point of view of insiders, how diplomatic meetings are organised, where so many details need attention, but also to meet the people who make the Embassy run smoothly. Moreover, meeting them in person allowed me to see the human perspective of their work making it more understandable, not as something idealised, complicated and unachievable.” Event organized by the lecturer of the VUAS Egita Proveja. Information prepared by the students of the bachelor study programme Translation, Interpreting and Language Technology.

European Space Agency Mission “Comet Interceptor” Applies Comet Models Developed in Latvia

By Rota Rulle • May 20, 2025
Through collaboration between Latvian technology company Nanocraft SIA, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, and the Tartu Observatory, the photo-realistic modelling project “CI3D” has been successfully delivered to the European Space Agency (ESA). The project activities have produced computer-generated images used for testing the cameras of ESA’s “Comet Interceptor” mission. Since the mission, scheduled for the early 2030s, will approach a still-unknown target comet—its trajectory from the Oort cloud towards the Sun currently too distant to observe with telescopes—photo-realistic images are needed to validate the mission’s cameras.

Literary Translation Workshop at the VUAS Library with Poet Linda Mence

By Rota Rulle • May 20, 2025
On May 7, the second- and third-year students of the study program “Translation, Interpreting and Language Technologies” participated in a literary translation workshop at the VUAS Library. The event was led by poet, translator, and editor Linda Mence and attended by students with a particular interest in literature and literary translation. The main theme of the workshop was the voice embodied in the text. This voice can belong to an author or translator, although the translator’s voice usually plays a symbolic role. At the beginning, Linda Mence introduced the audience to the questions that should be asked before starting a translation, such as: “Identity – who is the speaker?”, “What are the lexical layers and the emotions conveyed by the words?” Students read several texts – poems and story excerpts – and expressed their opinions during discussions in order to reach a common understanding. They also translated texts from English into Latvian to explore the nuances of literary translation. The poet and translator also shared her experience of translating various works and spoke about “absolute language pitch”, which is comparable to absolute musical pitch and is just as undeniably a great talent. Moreover, this sensitivity can be developed by reading works of various genres and authors from different time periods. However, translation should begin with shorter forms – essays and short stories. Two third-year students, Ilze Jaunzeme and Natālija Dolgova, shared their feedback on the event. Ilze said: “Once again, I was reminded that translating expressive texts is not an easy task. What I really liked was that it felt more like a conversation with a like-minded person – a colleague who is genuinely interested, listens freely and curiously to all ideas, and offers suggestions. This event was incredibly valuable; I hope no one loses interest and that more of these workshops will follow.” Meanwhile, Natālija commented: “I truly enjoyed how heartfelt this event was. Linda Mence explained very clearly and engagingly the aspects that must be considered when translating literature. She didn’t just lecture – she actively involved the audience, and I believe that the exchange and weighing of different translation options taught us more than if we had simply listened.”  The event was organized by the Dean of the Faculty of Translation Studies at VUAS, the Ventspils International Writers’ and Translators’ House, and the VUAS Library.

VUAS Culture Day: Unveiling the Cultural Iceberg

By Rota Rulle • May 12, 2025
Join us for an insightful and delicious journey around the world at our upcoming Culture Day event! On May 21st at 4:30 PM in the VUAS student lounge D0, students from Turkey, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, China, and India will take you on a fascinating exploration of their unique cultures, inspired by the concept of the Cultural Iceberg. Just like an iceberg, there's so much more to a culture than what meets the eye. Our presenters will go beyond the familiar tourist sights and delve into the deeper, often unseen aspects of their heritage. Prepare to: Savor authentic flavors: Taste traditional dishes prepared with love by our student representatives. It's a culinary adventure you won't want to miss! Uncover hidden depths: Through engaging presentations, discover the values, beliefs, and customs that truly shape each culture. Navigate cultural nuances: Learn about intriguing taboos and gain a better understanding of potential cultural misunderstandings. Challenge stereotypes: Engage in open discussions and hear firsthand perspectives that break down common misconceptions. This is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, and gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of our global community right here at VUAS. Don't miss this chance to: Expand your cultural intelligence. Make new friends and connections. Enjoy delicious international food. Participate in thought-provoking discussions.  Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 21st at 4:30 PM and head to the VUAS student lounge D0 . Let's explore the fascinating depths of culture together! We look forward to seeing you there!
Other news