Field of Social Sciences

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!

In 2025, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences launched the project “VUAS and ViA Doctoral Grants”, under which grant funding was awarded to two doctoral students through a competitive selection process to support the successful completion of their doctoral dissertations. Meet the Grant Recipient – Kristiāna Balode!

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. 

To gain insight into the experiences, needs, and challenges faced by early-career researchers in their career development, a survey of doctoral students and early-stage researchers is being conducted within the framework of the NextTechTalents project. The main objective of the Europe-wide NextTechTalents project is to support the development of early-career researchers’ competencies, including technology-related skills, to improve training systems, and to promote the development of research careers. The project implementers invite doctoral students and early-career researchers whose research is directly or indirectly related to technology to dedicate approximately 15 minutes to completing the survey, sharing their experiences and perspectives on career development. By doing so, participants will contribute to the implementation of evidence-based solutions and to strengthening the European research environment. During the research phase of the project, in-depth interviews with early-career researchers and relevant stakeholders are also being conducted, alongside an analysis of national regulatory frameworks and the collection of good practice examples. The data obtained will be used during the project’s implementation to improve career support systems in research institutions and to facilitate researchers’ more successful integration into the labour market. The survey results will help identify which new training models, mentoring programmes, and other support mechanisms are needed to enhance researchers’ skills and improve their employability. The anonymised data will also be used in future research to promote the development of evidence-based policies and practices in the field of research career support. The survey can be completed here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/NextTechTalents_ECR_Survey The project is being implemented under the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme for the period from 1 June 2025 to 30 September 2027. Its total budget amounts to EUR 1,286,375.00, of which EUR 168,750.00 is allocated to the fulfilment of the project tasks assigned to Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. The project is coordinated by the non-profit research organisation MINDS & SPARKS GmbH, based in Vienna, Austria. Project partners include Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca (Romania); Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Latvia); Jožef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana (Slovenia); Munster Technological University in Cork (Ireland); Impact Hub Liepāja in Liepāja (Latvia); Cluj IT Cluster in Cluj-Napoca (Romania); and Digital Innovation Hub Slovenia in Ljubljana (Slovenia).