Field of Humanities and Arts
Scientists at the Faculty of Translation Studies (FoTS) of VUAS conduct research in the field of Humanities in accordance with VUAS’s strategic goals and study directions.
The main fields and foci of research at the FoTS are:
- Translation studies and translation theory and practice;
- Terminology, lexicography, and terminography;
- Digitalization solutions in the humanities
Main areas of research
Translation Studies and translation theory and practice
Research on the theoretical and practical aspects of translation processes, including the use of technology in translation.
Terminology, lexicography, and terminography
Research on terminology, including the diachronic and synchronic development, scientific practical projects involving work on the development of new terms, the creation of dictionaries, and the development of special terminology needed for both industry and academic purposes.
Digitalization solutions in the humanities
digitalization solutions and the use of technologies in the humanities, such as machine translation and post-editing, digital databases, computer-assisted translation tools, and digital learning platforms.
The main research directions of FoTS are of a pronouncedly applied nature, although each direction is also closely related to specific theoretical issues of comparative and contrastive linguistics, incl. translation theory, as well as to theoretical and practical aspects of applied linguistics. Importantly, research areas are closely related to the study programmes of the FoTS, thus ensuring dissemination of competences and inclusion of the research results in the study courses.
The number of FTS researchers’ publications indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and Erih Plus databases has increased in recent years, exceeding 20 publications. This is a significant number considering the small size of the faculty involved in the study field.
The research projects implemented by VUAS FoTS align with VUAS’s strategic goals, such as the modernization and digitalization of study offerings, as well as scientific excellence and the transfer of knowledge to the economy.
Student Involvement in Research
The research work and activities are organized through the full study cycle (bachelor-master-doctoral studies) and through the University-level research framework and national and international research projects which also define the research priorities. The doctoral programme “Language and Literature Studies”, the implementation of the new doctoral model and the presence of a Doctoral School also have a significant impact on the development of science at the FoTS.
FoTS students are involved in diverse scientific research focused on translatological, terminological, localization, literature/culture/cultural history etc. aspects, as well as modern language/translation technologies thus providing background for up-to-date research. Students participate in scientific conferences and are involved in international projects, including European Language Resource Initiatives and ERASMUS+, which promote exchange and understanding of cultural diversity.
A successful tradition is the interdisciplinary scientific conference ViA Scientiarum (2019 and 2021) organised by the FoTS (together with Liepaja University) and bringing together students, researchers, and faculty members to share their research results.
In 2019, FoTS also organized the international conference Bridging Languages and Cultures which also had another scientific product – a volume of papers published with a foreign publisher (Frank & Timme).
Students participate in the project Terminology without Borders. This is a project led by the Terminology Coordination Unit (TermCoord) of the Directorate-General for Translation of the European Parliament and involves several European universities with the engagement of both students and experts.
Events and Highlights
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Translation Studies master's study programme Translation and Terminology keeps expanding its range of international partners by initiating a strategic collaboration with the Austrian company Kaleidoscope . This collaboration will provide university lecturers and students access to modern and AI-based language and terminology management tools, which are essential in today’s digital translation and terminology environment. The collaboration plans to integrate the company’s developed solutions into the study process, providing future specialists with practical skills in working with AI solutions. The Austrian company Kaleidoscope is internationally acknowledged in the field of content management. The company specializes in developing innovative software solutions that help businesses worldwide optimize the translation process and ensure terminology consistency. One of their best-known products is the AI-based platform Quickterm , which is considered as the market leader in terminology management. Kaleidoscope combines decades of experience with modern automation and quality control methods. The company’s goal is to help organizations and educational establishments communicate effectively in a multilingual environment, while reducing costs and improving content accuracy. This collaboration proves the master's study programme’s desire and ability to keep up with the latest trends in the translation and terminology industry. Students and lecturers, working with Kaleidoscope tools, will gain advantages in both the Latvian and international labor market. The first practical lessons are expected to begin in the spring semester.
On December 10, at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Library, students and other participants with a German language knowledge had the opportunity to be a part of a German language workshop on Christmas-themed topics titled “Modernes Deutschlandbild mit Fokus – Weihnachten” and conducted by Goethe-Institut volunteer Jūlija Novodvorska ( Julia Nowodworska ). During the workshop, participants were able to introduce themselves and engage in a range of activities, including creative tasks such as making origami candle holders, singing Christmas songs in German, and enjoying traditional Christmas treats and tea. As a gift from Ventspils German Culture Society, workshop participants received the new bilingual calendar for 2026, “L ebendige Gutshöfe – gestern und heute | Manor Houses – Yesterday and Today,” which has been prepared by the Ventspils German Cultural Society for the fifth year in a row. Students from Ventspils Technical School also participated in the workshop together with their German language teacher, Žanna Blaževica. The event was an excellent opportunity to put the German language knowledge acquired during the lessons into practice. Sincere thanks to Julia for leading the workshop! The workshop was organised in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut in Riga, the Chair of the Ventspils German Cultural Society, Māra Kraule, and VUAS FoTS lecturer Silga Sviķe.
On 5 December, the Latvian Association of Young Researchers (LJZA) marked its 20th anniversary with a celebration event at the Riga Latvian Society House. The anniversary event, held in the Golden Hall of Riga Latvian Society House, gathered together representatives from different generations of the LJZA, as well as the association’s supporters and partners. During the anniversary celebrations, young scientists were honoured for their active involvement in the LJZA Policy Working Group. Thus, VUAS doctoral student Džeina Kleina-Šnipke from the study programme “Economics and Business” received recognition for her contributions to the policy working group and doctoral student Aiga Bādere from the study programme “Languages and Literature Studies” received recognition for translating and editing LJZA texts. Throughout the ceremonial event, the association’s origins, development and achievements were reviewed, and active members and cooperation partners were honoured for their support, which has allowed the LJZA to strengthen its involvement in academic activities, public policy-making and science communication processes. The anniversary event in the Golden Hall of the Riga Latvian Society was attended by representatives of different generations of the LJZA, described in a congratulatory speech by one of the association’s founders, Jānis Jaško, as both “older” and “younger” young scientists, along with the association’s supporters and cooperation partners. Over the years, the association has been supported both intellectually and financially by the Minister of Education and Science, the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, the Latvian Council of Science, the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the National Electronic Mass Media Council, and other institutions. Photo by: Dāvis Dambenieks
On 17 December at 13.00, a Scientific Christmas Conference will take place at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Library, gathering together lecturers and researchers of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences to reflect on the work accomplished during the year and to present it to colleagues, students, and other participants. The conference will bring together researchers from different fields, including information technology, engineering, economics, astronomy, and others. This year, 12 topics have been submitted for the scientific conference: Operating Principles of Artificial Intelligence Systems , S. Hiļķevičs Modelling Comet Activity in 3D Environment , G. Jasmonts, K. Šķirmante, A. Slavinskis, K. Blumbergs Work Efficiency and the Productivity Paradox in Latvia’s ICT Sector , K. Balode Current Work at the Irbene Antenna Complex , A. Orbidāns, M. Bleiders, A. Bērziņš, R. Laurinovičs, J. Trokšs, R. Rasmanis Development, Insights, and Application of Behaviour Economics: Can We Live Better? , L. Pūce Satellite Communications with a Moving Object , M. Šneps-Šneppe Talent Ecosystem: The “Next Tech Talents” , L. Sproģe, L. Pūce, K. Krēsliņš, L.Rudzroga, N. Malašonoka, I. Kozlova Overview of the Results of the Project “Single-Baseline Radio Interferometer in Modern Transient Astrophysics” , R. A. Burns, J. Šteinbergs, K. Šķirmante, A. Aberfelds, V. Bezrukovs, I. Šmelds, M. Bleiders, A. Orbidāns, R. Rasmanis, I. Kozlova Analyses of the Interaction between the Natural Resources Market and Macroeconomic Indicators , S. Hiļķevičs, V. Semakina Overview of the Project: “Study of Multiwavelength Quasiperiodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares’ Results” , V. Bezrukovs, D. Y. Kolotkov, V. M. Nakariakov, J. Šteinbergs, K. Šķirmante, A. Aberfelds, D. Bezrukovs, S. A. Belov, A. Kalniņa Standard Model, Quantum Gravity, Dark Matter and Energy , S. Hiļķevičs Marketing of VUAS Engineering Students: “Kambuča” , R. Laurinovičs The conference focuses on VUAS research, aiming to reach a wider audience and strengthen the scientific community. We invite everyone interested to participate in the conference and explore the scientific activities at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences!
A researcher from the Faculty of Translation Studies of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Associate Professor Silga Sviķe, participated in the European Association for Terminology (EAFT) summit “Terminology Planning in Europe” from 27 to 29 November. The summit was organised for the twelfth time this year and took place at the University of Innsbruck in Austria. The summit featured several panel discussions on terminology at different levels of education, the implementation of multilingualism, and its impact on terminology. The programme also included other important topics, such as ensuring high-quality terminology in artificial intelligence tools and how to retrieve information from tools that contain correct terminology. During the panel discussions, terminologists debated the formation of neologisms and the role of terminology in a multilingual society. The main conclusion drawn from participation in the summit was that terminology planning is not only a linguistic issue — it also concerns politics, education, information and communication technologies, and culture. Therefore, terminology is important and relevant to society as a whole. Particular importance was placed on the teaching and learning of terminology in the context of the growing popularity of artificial intelligence. During the summit, the fourth volume of the Handbook of Terminology, titled Terminology Planning in Europe , was presented. This publication is a relevant and significant resource for those interested in terminology. Prepared by: FoTS Associate Professor, researcher Silga Sviķe
In early November, Roberta Šarlote Andersone, a fourth-year student of the study programme “Translation and Language Technologies”, had a great opportunity to join her internship localisation team at the DeepL Dialogues conference in Berlin. The conference focused on the idea of how to be “future fluent” and how artificial intelligence (AI) can help reveal and maximise human potential. Both DeepL’s founder and CEO, Jarek Kutylowski, as well as other DeepL developers and clients delivered presentations by sharing the company’s AI-related future goals, new ideas, and their own experience. The demonstration also featured the latest tools, such as an AI agent, a real-time speech translation system, and a tool designed to maintain consistent style and quality. Šarlote said: “The DeepL conference was an engaging and inspiring experience. I learned a lot about upcoming features that will soon be introduced, as well as ongoing projects that are still in development. I was especially impressed by DeepL’s progress, as I only knew its machine translation tool and was unaware of its other features and business-oriented tools. It was very inspiring to hear how DeepL plans to develop alongside artificial intelligence, and the experience not only expanded my knowledge of translation technologies but also made me think about how AI is transforming the way we work.” The main lesson I learned is that AI is here to stay, and it is important to learn how to collaborate with it so that it supports us rather than replaces us and enhances our strongest skills. I am genuinely happy that I had the opportunity to attend such an event,” notes Šarlote.
The Dean of the Faculty of Translation Studies of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Jānis Veckrācis, conducted professional development classes for Latvian language teachers from the city and municipality of Ventspils on 20 November at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. During the classes, discussion was encouraged on current developments and changes in the teaching of the Latvian language in the contexts of school and higher education, on the characteristics of young people’s use of the Latvian language, and on possible future trends. The specifics of academic writing in the preparation of secondary school students’ research papers were also briefly discussed. However, the most important topic of the classes was observations and recommendations related to typical grammatical problems and debatable choices of vocabulary and expression in young people’s written work.
29 November is a special day for the Faculty of Translation Studies of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS FoTS), as it marks the birthday of long-standing Ventspils University of Applied Sciences professor Juris Baldunčiks. This year, the commemorative event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Professor Juris Baldunčiks (1950–2022) took place on 26 November at the library of VUAS. At the beginning of the event, students of translation study programmes visited the professor’s memorial office. This was followed by a student conference, during which students presented Professor Baldunčiks’s scientific research and popular scientific publications. Second-year students of the “Translation and Language Technologies” programme selected both the professor’s earlier popular scientific articles, such as “ Borrowings with the Final -menis in the Latvian Language ” (1987), and his later scholarly studies, including “ False Friends of the Latvian Translator: Theory and Practice ” (2006). The event was attended by the professor’s widow, Ingrīda Irbe, who shared interesting episodes from the professor’s life. In 2025—the year marking Professor Baldunčiks’s 75th anniversary—several initiatives were undertaken to commemorate his legacy. These include the establishment of a scholarship named after Professor Juris Baldunčiks for graduates of translation programmes (patrons: the Baldunčiks family and VUAS graduate Silga Sviķe); the publication of the entry “ Juris Baldunčiks ” in the “National Encyclopaedia of Latvia”; the preparation and publication of the scientific article “ Historical Development of Concepts and Their Designations: The Latvian Terms grāmatvedība (‘accounting’) and grāmatvedis (‘accountant’) ” (Scopus), based on Professor Baldunčiks’s card index; the selection and cultivation of a lilac variety at the Institute of Horticulture, which will be named “Professor Juris Baldunčiks” in recognition of the professor’s research into the history of the Latvian word ceriņi (‘lilacs’); and the naming of a terminology section after the professor at the international conference “Beyond Words” (9–10 October 2025). Prepared by: FoTS Associate Professor, researcher Silga Sviķe
On December 1, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) and the University of Latvia (UL) signed a cooperation agreement, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two higher education institutions in the development of the study process, scientific research, innovation, and knowledge transfer. The agreement provides for long-term joint initiatives that will promote the competitiveness of higher education and science in Latvia, both at national and international levels. The agreement was signed by the rectors of both universities — Andris Vaivads (VUAS) and Gundars Bērziņš (UL) — confirming their shared commitment to deepening cooperation in several areas, including staff and student mobility, the development of joint education and research projects, the advancement of study programmes, and the creation of modern learning materials. The cooperation agreement has been concluded for a period of five years. The Rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Andris Vaivads, noted: “This agreement is an important step that will enable our students and researchers to expand their opportunities and achieve closer integration within Latvia’s higher education landscape. Cooperation with the University of Latvia will provide access to broader resources, laboratories, and joint projects, thereby fostering the development of both academic and research excellence.” In turn, the Rector of the University of Latvia, Gundars Bērziņš, stated: “It is important that we cooperate and that each of us develops and strengthens our respective strengths. What I saw here today is that your niche is being developed very strongly! I am pleased with the opportunity to combine the scientific and academic potential of both universities. By working together on new study solutions, international research projects, and innovations, we are strengthening the higher education system of Latvia as a whole. This cooperation is focused on long-term results and offers new opportunities for both students and academic staff.” The cooperation agreement also provides for the development of lifelong learning initiatives, the creation of new continuing education and professional development programmes, as well as the joint organisation of cultural, sports, and academic events. Representatives of both parties note that the agreement will serve as a platform for more flexible use of available resources and for developing solutions of significance to the higher education system. Following the signing of the agreement, attendees had the opportunity to listen to lectures by the Chair of the VUAS Council, Kristaps Klauss, and the Rector of the UL, Gundars Bērziņš, on the topic “Strategies That Work and Strategies That Do Not”, and to take part in a discussion.
