Field of Humanities and Arts

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/

From July 7 to 12, the Multilingualism EU Summer School 2025 took place in Luxembourg for the second time. The participation of master's students in this summer school is ensured by the European Master's in Translation (EMT) network, which also includes the master's program Translation and Terminology of VUAS. Thirty-three students from master's programs in translation or law participated in the summer school. The school aimed to introduce participants to the importance of multilingualism and its practical implementation in EU institutions. This year, our program was represented at the school by Ailenda Bulindža-Leitiete. Ailenda shares: "Participation in the summer school was an excellent opportunity to visit the European Parliament and meet translator Alīna Grīnberga, get acquainted with the European Union (EU) Court's work and meet legal linguists Kristīne Bārdiņa and Kristaps Bērziņš. We also visited the European Court of Auditors, where we had the opportunity to speak with translator Inga Stodere. Additionally, during our visit to the European Commission, we met translator Mairita Drauga. At the Publications Office, I met translator Ieva Rozenberga, who told me about the daily work and the specifics of a translator. We also went to the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs and met with Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, who guided us on a tour. We also visited the European Investment Bank. At each of the visited institutions, we met professionals who shared their experiences, told us about behind-the-scenes work, and encouraged us to engage in practical tasks. The summer school program was intense and packed with activities. There were presentations, thematic workshops, and discussions about language specialists' daily lives, as well as about the role of languages in a broader political and social context. I particularly remember the Luxembourg Foreign Minister's words that diversity is our strength. Of course, one of the summer school themes was also artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in the translation sector. However, this did not raise concerns about the future of the translator profession, but instead inspired us. It was emphasised that the future belongs to those who freely manage AI, and the discussion is about AI managed by translators, not about replacing translators with AI. No less significant was the experience in the informal part – getting to know each other, exchanging thoughts with participants and EU institution representatives, and the spirit of cooperation. This week provided an opportunity not only to gain professional knowledge but also to develop a firm conviction and motivation for translator work. I am especially grateful to the Latvian language section representatives of all the visited institutions. Thank you for the warm welcome and for sharing knowledge! The experience gained at the summer school will serve as a guide for my professional growth. I still think with a smile about every person I met during the summer school week. Luxembourg will now always be a place to return to – in thoughts, languages, or perhaps even as a professional."

A researcher and associate professor from the Faculty of Translation Studies of VUAS, Silga Sviķe, participated in the "Transius Conference 2025" at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, with a research poster presentation titled "Translation of legal documents, drawing up and certification of translation: Latvian practice" from July 7 to 9. The conference was organised by the University of Geneva's Translation Studies Faculty together with the legal and institutional translation studies centre "TRANSIUS". The centre's main objective is to promote research and education in translation studies. The centre achieves this goal by collaborating with translation professionals, particularly from international organisations and Swiss institutions, as well as researchers from other universities. This year marks ten years since the first "Transius" conference, and this is one of the largest conferences on legal text and institutional document translation. The conference brought together and featured research presentations from 250 participants from various countries worldwide. Current research in legal text translation focuses on the use of artificial intelligence tools and large language models in translation, the specifics of document translation and translation certification, translation editing and post-editing, as well as adapting translation study programs to new opportunities. More information about the conference can be found on the conference website: https://transius.unige.ch/en/conferences-and-seminars/international-conferences/tc25/cfp Information prepared by: FTS researcher and associate professor S. Sviķe Group photo author is Transius Centre.

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences is a regional university of applied sciences where scientific activities are carried out in three strategic specialization areas: In natural sciences – implementing research in the fields of mathematical modelling, optical signal technology, astronomy and astrophysics, space technology and engineering electronics, ICT and electronics In social sciences – conducting research in the areas of entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional economics In the humanities – conducting research in applied linguistics, comparative linguistics, and translation studies In June 2025, the science communication brand researchLatvia paid special attention to the contribution of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences to research activities, emphasising the contribution of Mg. sc. comp. Karina Šķirmante, researcher and lecturer at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, to science, technology and astronomy. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences – a university with the largest radio telescope antenna in Northern Europe Although Ventspils University of Applied Sciences will only be 28 years old this year, for most of its existence, it has been home to a world-class research centre – the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VSRC). Ventspils University of Applied Sciences has been home to the largest radio telescope antenna in Northern Europe for 21 years. " If the world stands on three pillars, then VeA has four – three faculties and the VSRC. Science is inseparable from education, and higher education must be grounded in scientific principles. It is this close connection between education and science that has ensured the rapid development of VSRC and the Irbene radio telescope complex over the past 20 years. More than 150 students have developed their bachelor's or master's theses at VSRC - either in science or technology development. The majority of VSRC employees are graduates of our university. VSRC has grown into one of the leading scientific institutions in Northern Europe, specialising in astrophysics and space technologies. VSRC conducts international-level scientific research and contributes to technological innovations, bringing Latvia's name to the world. Shortly, radio telescopes will also be used in a completely new direction - in satellite communications, communicating with space satellites near the Moon," says Andris Vaivads , rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. International partners highly value VeA's infrastructure – the radio telescope complex in Irbene is part of the European radio telescope networks (JIVE, ILT) with significant importance in scientific observations. VeA's scientific activities are focused on internationally significant research in collaboration with international partners, including the Swedish Space Corporation and the European Space Agency. In 2024, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences produced 41 publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, of which 17 were published in the highest-ranked journals in Q1, and four in Q2. This is an excellent indicator indicating competitive and high-quality research. New researchers are being trained Many employees of the VSRC and the Faculty of Information Technologies work in both structural units, ensuring effective knowledge transfer between researchers and students. Representatives of this field are actively involved in public education throughout Latvia, conducting practical classes in schools and VeA laboratories, as well as giving lectures at the School of Astronomy. The development of a stratospheric probe by third-year students has also become a tradition, attracting public attention and inspiring future researchers. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences students – the most capable young specialists This July, Mārtiņš Leimants , a student in the "Electronics Engineering" study program, will travel to the Dutch city of Noordwijk to start working at the European Space Research and Technology Centre. Mārtiņš is the second Ventspils University of Applied Sciences student to intern at the European Space Agency (ESA) – a place where only the most capable young specialists from around the world have the opportunity to gain experience. In 2022, Rodrigo Laurinovičs went to ESA and spent two years there. If one student at ESA is a significant achievement and recognition, then two already mark a notable trend, confirming the excellence of our study program. Doctoral studies There are currently 22 doctoral students studying and conducting research at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences – 14 students are obtaining a doctorate in social sciences, and eight students in humanities and arts. The Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre is a significant research centre that attracts doctoral students and candidates from other universities conducting research in the field of natural sciences. In the 2023/2024 academic year, the first three graduates of the study program "Economics and Entrepreneurship" received their Doctor of Science degrees at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Research funding doubled in 2024 Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and the VSRC are actively involved in various international programs and projects. Since 2024, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences has been part of the European university alliance COLOURS, which unites European regional universities from nine countries: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Sweden. In 2024, the total funding received for research projects reached just under € 2.7 million. This is a significant increase of just under 1.5 million euros compared to 2023. The most significant increase in funding in 2024 is observed in the areas of contract work and intellectual property transfer, demonstrating the university's ability to create practically applicable solutions for industry needs. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences focuses on the creation and transfer of high-value-added knowledge, creating a platform where education, science, and innovation meet. With a clear strategic direction, international vision and modern infrastructure, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre are an essential part not only in the region and Latvia, but also on a global scale! Video with this month's researchLatvia calendar scientist Mg. sc. comp. Karina Šķirmante

On June 5, representatives from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission visited Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) to discuss issues related to the development of academic careers in higher education in Latvia. The purpose of the visit was to gain an understanding of the role, challenges, and opportunities of regional universities, including VUAS, in the implementation of new academic career models. During the meeting, experts met with the university’s management and academic staff to discuss topics such as attracting and retaining academic personnel, career development opportunities, support for professional advancement, and potential collaboration with other institutions in Latvia. The international expert group included Gillian Golden, Project Leader in the OECD Higher Education Policy Team; Thomas Weko, an international higher education expert and researcher at the George Washington Institute of Public Policy (USA); and Kristiāna Egle, a policy analyst in the OECD Higher Education Policy Team. The experts greatly appreciated the opportunity to hear a report from the Executive Director of the Ventspils City Council on the university's role within the city’s ecosystem, the university’s experience and staff perspectives, as well as the opportunity to learn about the university’s development strategies in a regional context. The discussions covered both the challenges and potential solutions that could help improve the development of academic careers in Latvia.

At the end of May, the results of this year's literary competition "Aicinājums" were announced at the Jānis Akuraters Museum, revealing new features of Latvia's future literary scene. The competition, which has been held for 49 years, helps promote the growth of young writers and supports them through various events. This year, participants submitted 87 poetry and prose works for evaluation. The jury, consisting of Džena Andersone, Krista Anna Belševica, Guntis Berelis, Dainis Deigelis, Kristīne Ilziņa, Kristaps Vecgrāvis, and Kaspars Zalāns, selected the best works in each category and age group. In the prose category for the third age group (19–21), prize-winning places, diplomas, and gifts were also awarded to Ilze Jaunzeme (2nd place) and Roberta Šarlote Andersone (3rd place), students of the Bachelor's program "Translation and Language Technology" at the Faculty of Translation Studies, thus earning free tickets to participate in the summer seminar, which will take place from August 11 to 15 at the Jānis Akuraters Museum. Ilze admits that she managed to jump on the "last train," as 21 seemed like the last moment to do so, but the attempt was not in vain and even resulted in a place, participating for the first time: "It is a sign that I need to continue, and it encourages me to be more active in the literary field. I saw so many children who received awards in other age categories. It is heartening to see that so many people love books and writing. This love will pay off." Šarlote comments on the event as follows: "Our debut in 'Aicinājums' was a burst – participating once and for all, we received prize-winning places." She also notes that she was pleased by the comment of writer Kristīne Ilziņa, that each participant present has the opportunity to find their voice, as long as they continue on the path they started and do not give up writing. The laureates of the last age group are offered several opportunities to continue developing their literary careers, such as publication opportunities in literary magazines, participation in creative workshops led by renowned Latvian and foreign authors, and participation in international literature festivals and reading sessions. The next step for young authors could be masterclasses and events organised by the Literary Academy. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences is proud of Ilze's and Šarlote's achievements and wishes them to continue finding their voice in the world of words!

At the beginning of June, Associate Professor Silga Sviķe, Director of the Master’s Programme “Translation and Terminology” at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, participated in a meeting of the “European Master’s in Translation” (EMT) network in Warsaw, Poland. The event was organized by the Institute of Applied Linguistics at the University of Warsaw and brought together academic representatives, translation industry experts, and representatives of the European Commission to discuss the latest developments in translation education and practice. The meeting took place over two days. On June 2, a colloquium titled “Translating Poland” was held, followed by the main EMT network meeting on June 3 under the theme “Translation Empowered by Technology and Training”. The colloquium addressed topics such as audiovisual translation and artificial intelligence (AI). Special attention was given to the role of subtitles in language learning and the use of AI in dubbing and audio description. The discussion also focused on terminology, plain and easy-to-read language, as well as literary translation. Participants were provided with insights into current research and professional practice. Leading Polish literary translators also took part in the discussion. On the second day of the EMT network event, several key topics were addressed: AI tools and the European Language Data Space: presentation of AI tools developed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation and their application in higher education institutions. Exchange of experiences in working groups: EMT participants discussed competencies gained in translation studies, cooperation with industry professionals, audiovisual translation, terminology, and data usage. Public image of translators and interpreters: a discussion on the societal perception of the translation profession. Critical evaluation of AI implementation: a panel discussion among technology manufacturers, tech companies, and education sector representatives. The meeting concluded with presentations of joint projects by EMT and LIND (“Language Industry Platform”)—covering internship opportunities, continuing education for lecturers, and promotion of the translation profession. Photo: EMT event publicity photos

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences recently hosted the forum “Artificial Intelligence – The Fourth Industrial Revolution”, which took place at the concert hall “Latvija”. The forum brought together industry experts, policymakers, university representatives, and others, gathering around 250 participants in total. The next day, a workshop titled “How to Collaborate Across Generations in the Era of AI” was held at the “Saieta nams” in the Pasiekste Windmill, open to all interested participants. During the same week, Ventspils welcomed partners from all COLOURS project countries. Over the course of several days, they worked together to advance the goals of Work Package 3 (WP3). The partners were also introduced to Ventspils University, Latvian culture and traditions, visited the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre in Irbene, and participated in the CoLab. Kristiāna Balode, WP3 coordinator from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, shared: “It was a true pleasure to welcome the COLOURS partners to Ventspils and to share both our professional experience and Latvia’s rich culture and hospitality. I am especially proud that we had the opportunity to present our university and highlight Ventspils’ potential in the field of innovation. This meeting not only strengthened collaboration within WP3, but also sparked new ideas for the future development of science and higher education.”