Field of Natural Sciences

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.

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

When Information Technology Meets the Universe Space exploration is becoming increasingly important, expanding humanity’s knowledge of the universe, promoting innovation and technological development, and attracting new talent to science. Her work highlights the importance of combining expertise from various fields to address complex scientific questions. At such a point of cooperation between technology and astronomy is the doctoral candidate Mg. sc. comp. Karina Šķirmante, a leading researcher and lecturer at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VeA). Karina’s research activities cover high-performance computing and data processing, focusing on space technology projects. She is actively involved in the European Space Agency’s Comet Interceptor project, which aims to launch a probe in 2029 to study a comet that has never come close to the Sun directly in space for the first time. In preparation for this mission, Karina, together with colleagues from the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VSRC) of the Institute of Engineering Sciences of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, is modelling comet activity in the radio frequency band, in collaboration with researchers from the Tartu Observatory (Estonia) and Aalto University (Finland). This international collaboration is helping to develop and calibrate the instruments that will be used during the mission.

On April 9th, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted Career Day 2025 , uniting high schoolers , university students , educators , and employers for a dynamic day of networking and hands-on experiences .

At the Elektrum Physics Festival, which will take place on April 12 at the ATTA Center in Riga, young people will be invited to engage in exciting physics discovery activities and explore future professions in STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The final of the FIZMIX school knowledge and physics competition will be held for the 30th time during the festival. This will be the fifth edition of the festival, and this year's theme is "Mission: Future." Throughout the day, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, visitors of all ages can participate in creative workshops and experiments that will test both intellectual and physical skills. The event will feature engaging activities presented by science centers from Latvia and Estonia, universities, extracurricular education institutions, companies, and entertainment centers. Each year, the festival is widely attended, with young people and families appreciating the meaningful way to spend their time—last year, it attracted around 4,000 visitors. Science centers and universities, including Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center, will offer various educational and interactive activities. Program: 11:00 – 11:25 Opening Ceremony 11:25 – 12:15 Discussion: "STEM Sciences: Future Professions" 12:25 – 14:00 Competitions, experiments on stage, activities, and prizes 14:00 – 14:15 Honoring long-time teachers 14:15 – 14:30 Announcement of FIZMIX competition finalists 14:40 – 15:40 FIZMIX competition final 15:50 – 16:10 FIZMIX competition awards ceremony 16:10 – 16:50 Concert: Fiņķis & Patrisha Organized by AS "Latvenergo," the FIZMIX knowledge competition and Elektrum Physics Festival aim to spark young people's interest in exact sciences, demonstrate how theoretical knowledge can be applied in practice, and encourage students to consider careers in STEM fields.

From March 21 to March 23, Ventspils University was the venue for the European University Alliance Colours hackathon "Combat Robotics" and the Ventspils Robotics Championship – one of the stages of the Latvian Championship. The event brought together technology and robotics enthusiasts from Latvia, Lithuania, Spain, Croatia and Egypt.

On Wednesday, May 28, everyone is invited to the Kurzeme Business Forum “Artificial Intelligence – The 4th Industrial Revolution”, which will take place at the Latvija concert hall. The forum will bring together entrepreneurs, municipal representatives, university staff and students, as well as technology experts to discuss the significance of education and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on business. The first part of the forum will focus on the role of higher education in the AI era. The development of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences will be examined in this context, addressing key questions: How will the education system adapt to new requirements? Which professions will remain relevant, and which will change? The discussion will also explore the synergy between AI and cybersecurity in academic studies. The second part of the forum will address the question—do businesses need AI? The legal framework and state support mechanisms for such innovations will be introduced. Entrepreneurs will share their experiences, and participants will gain insights into common myths and the real situation regarding AI in Latvia’s economy. The discussion will conclude with an exploration of the opportunities for port development in the AI era. Participants will have the chance to engage in valuable discussions and networking sessions. Although the forum will be held in Latvian, the company SIA Tilde will provide real-time translation into any language using AI technology. Register for the forum now: https://www.kurzemesbiznesaforums.lv/ The forum is organized by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences within the European University Alliance COLOURS, in collaboration with the Ventspils State City Municipality, the Freeport of Ventspils Authority, and the Green and Smart Technology Cluster.

From March 21 to March 23, Ventspils University was the venue for the European University Alliance Colours hackathon "Combat Robotics" and the Ventspils Robotics Championship – one of the stages of the Latvian Championship. The event brought together technology and robotics enthusiasts from Latvia, Lithuania, Spain, Croatia and Egypt. On Friday, March 21, 13 teams from various regions of Latvia, as well as partner universities in Croatia and Spain, began a three-day hackathon. During the event, teams were tasked with designing and building a combat robot to compete in a specially designed arena. After several intense battles, the grand prize of €1,500 was claimed by a team from Riga, Latvia with their combat robot "The Shredinator." Second place went to VUAS students with their robot "Bob," earning a €600 cash prize. Meanwhile, third place and a €400 prize were awarded to a team from Latgale with their robot "Zeimuļs vs PRK." The Ventspils City Special Award went to the team "Labākais tiiims ever" for their exceptionally creative combat robot design. Hackathon winner Patriks Ezerins shares: “I think this is a really cool way for people to come together – engineers, future engineers, and robotics enthusiasts – to build something amazing within a set time limit and then battle it out for victory. It’s a unique opportunity! I definitely recommend giving it a try, especially with the kits we provide. Even someone with zero coding knowledge can come, take a basic chassis (which is a pre-assigned part), print it, install the motors and controller, and start driving. That’s it – you’re ready to fight! I encourage everyone to participate, because the more participants we have in the future, the more hackathons like this will continue!” On Saturday, robotics and technology enthusiasts from Latvia, Lithuania and Croatia gathered at VUAS to participate in the Ventspils Robotics Championship. Throughout the championship, more than 50 robots competed in nine different disciplines, like Folkrace, Antweight, Mini Sumo, Line following and iRobot Sumo, and showcasing the participants' outstanding skills and innovative solutions. Team from Croatia placed 2 nd in Mini Sumo PRO category. The Ventspils City Special Award in the Robotics Championship was not given to an individual but to a team from Sigulda in recognition of their enthusiasm and extensive participation, demonstrating their contribution to the development of robotics. Photos: Day 1: https://zviedrans.lv/galleries/ventspils-starptautiskais-cinas-robotu-hakatons-1-diena-21-03-2025/ Day 2: https://zviedrans.lv/galleries/ventspils-starptautiskais-cinas-robotu-hakatons-2-diena-22-03-2025/ Day 3: https://zviedrans.lv/galleries/ventspils-starptautiskais-cinas-robotu-hakatons-3-diena-23-03-2025/

In an inspiring atmosphere, the Ministry of Education and Science launched its calendar and travelling exhibition "Research Latvia 2025". The interactive science calendar, available in both digital and traditional formats, showcases 12 of Latvia's leading scientific institutions and their researchers. Their outstanding achievements underscore Latvia's significant contributions to the European Research Area and on a global scale.  At the opening ceremony of "Research Latvia 2025", for the first time, the 12 featured scientific institutions received the Member of researchLatvia recognition, thus confirming their significant role in the development of Latvia's research. "The 'Research Latvia' calendar, now in its eighth year, has become a unique guide to Latvia's scientific achievements - inspiring, sparking new ideas, and emphasising the importance of science for the sustainable development of our society. The exhibition, calendar, and video stories about fascinating scientific personalities not only highlight achievements but also serve as an essential strategic communication tool, helping us move toward our ultimate goal—a knowledge-based society. May modern science create, surprise, and drive us forward!" said Anda Čakša, Minister of Education and Science. The calendar launch event took place at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, K. Barona Street 1, Riga. The travelling exhibition will be open to the public there until January 29, 2025. Throughout the year, the exhibition will be displayed in various higher education institutions, as well as other public and cultural venues across Latvia. By scanning QR codes, visitors can watch all 12 video stories. This initiative not only promotes science but also strengthens the public's connection to the world of research.