First conference of the RACOBEU ERASMUS+ project

May 13, 2024

From 22 to 26 April this year, Ventspils University University of Applied Sciences together with Ventspils Secondary School No.2 organised a conference for students of the project RACOBEU (Radio Astronomy. Cooperation between European Universities: Developing Scientific and Technological Skills through Astronomy). Partners from Latvia, Spain and Poland participated in the conference in Ventspils. Lectures, seminars, excursions, hands-on activities and creative activities took place throughout the week.


On the first day of the conference, Latvian, Spanish and Polish student teams presented themselves and the educational institutions they represent. Students from Ventspils Secondary School No 2, together with their teachers, had prepared lively activities with Latvian traditions, songs and dances. After visiting Ventspils Secondary School No. 2, the conference participants went to Irbene, where they had the opportunity to see the radio telescope complex, go on a guided tour with Andrejs Dzelme and learn about the ongoing research at the VIRAC of the VUAS, which was presented by Dmitrijs Bezrukovs and Vladislavs Bezrukovs.


The following day, lectures were given by university lecturers and researchers:

  • Silvia Diaz (UPNA) "Presentation of the UPNA and RACOBEU",
  • Pawel Bialoblocki (AMU) "Astronomical Observatories of the Adam Mickiewicz University",
  • Jesus Alberto Cazares Montes (VUAS) "A short journey to the physics",
  • Jesús Palacián and Patricia Yanguas (UPNA) "The role of mathematics in astronomy".


The conference continued with presentations of students' astronomy projects:

  • V2V students presented solar observation methods. "Solar Cycles",
  • Polina Lugantseva. "Geomagnetic Storms",
  • Sofia Bezrukova. "Solar Radioastronomical Observatories",
  • Pavel Tokarev. "The Solar & Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)",
  • Max Odintsov. "Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)".
  • The Irubide team (Maria Molina Hernando, Eva Sanchez Hernandez, Javier Muniain Luque, Xabier Aramendia Unzue, Unai Allue Bere, Adrian Martinez Michel) from Spain presented the project "NIMBUS: "Earth from the skies".
  • The Spark team from Poland (Monika Urbaniak, Anna Dziadon, Tytus Golec, Antoni Judek, Oleksii Subota) presented their Graphical Astronomical Project.


At the end of the day, we met at the Ventspils Seaside Camping, where a mind games competition and other creative activities took place.


On 24 April, Endika Aguirre and Wassim Bouzarhoun, students at UPNA, gave a hands-on session on solar mapping data processing. The class was followed by a trip to the VIZIUM Science Centre. The next day was spent listening to lectures (Vladislavs Bezrukovs (VUAS) "Space based observatories and instruments", Jesus Alberto Cazares Montes (VUAS) "Lilliput ruling the world of Titans"), visiting the Ventspils Planetarium and Observatory. Milana Odintsova and Sofia Bezrukova organised a tour of Ventspils Old Town. At the end of the conference, certificates were awarded and expressions of gratitude were made.

 

The RACOBEU project continues to meet next spring for the second Students Conference, where we will be hosted by our Polish colleagues.

 

The RACOBEU project is implemented under the ERASMUS+ "KA220 Cooperation Partnerships in Higher Education" programme. The project partners are Universidad Publica de Navarra (UPNA, Spain), Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS, Latvia), Uniwersytet IM. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu (AMU, Poland), IES Padre Moret-Irubide (Spain), Spark Academy - Liceum Ogólnokształcące (Poland), Ventspils 2. vidusskola (Latvia).

Share on other platforms

Other news

By Rota Rulle September 9, 2025
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.
By Martina Bertāne September 3, 2025
We are pleased to invite you to participate in the VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths: Ventspils, Latvia |September 8–19, 2025 This intensive and inspiring summer school is designed for Master’s students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers in astronomy and astrophysics. The event is hosted by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Key Topics: Pulsar observations with the LOFAR telescope Pulsar astronomy fundamentals Observation planning Pulsar data processing and analysis Venue: Engineering Research Institute – Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Room 407
By Rota Rulle August 25, 2025
The Latvian Rural Advisory and Education Centre, in cooperation with project partners, one of which is Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, invites you to an online opening seminar on August 27 at 10:00 AM on the new My Farm livestock section, which helps to: accumulate and analyze farm data, monitor animal welfare, plan work and make data-driven decisions, save time in preparing reports. At the seminar: You will learn how this idea originated and why it remains relevant today. You will hear about the experiences and benefits of experts for Latvian livestock farmers. You will see a practical demonstration of how to use the tool on your farm. You will receive answers to your important questions. Questions can be asked in the comments during the live broadcast. Live on Facebook profiles @LLKCOzolnieki and @Manslauks, as well as www.llkc.lv Link to the event: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1290216356070792 The event is a part of the project No.: 21-00-A01611-000017 "Efficient Environmental and Animal Welfare Farm Monitoring". Project Objective: The long-term goal is to promote sustainability and competitiveness in the Latvian livestock sector, in line with the guidelines of the European Green Deal. In recent years, global environmental and climate issues have become increasingly relevant, and it can be assumed that in the future, consumers will demand products produced in an environmentally friendly manner. These future challenges compel farmers to reassess their current management practices and explore environmental and sustainability issues. To achieve this goal, an innovative farm monitoring system will be developed for the livestock sector, ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis in one place. This system will promote compliance with animal welfare requirements, facilitate sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, and enable the monitoring of daily activities, ultimately reducing the time spent on preparing various reports.
By Rota Rulle August 22, 2025
On August 18, 2025, Dr. Evanthia Hatziminaoglou from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) delivered an insightful invited talk at the University of Latvia. The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge astronomical research and advancements, focusing on ESO's contributions, the ALMA telescope, the Atacama Large Aperture Submillimetre Telescope (AtLAST), and the study of quasars. Dr. Hatziminaoglou highlighted ESO's role as the leading intergovernmental astronomy organization, encompassing 16 member states and strategic partnerships with Chile and Australia. The talk showcased ESO's groundbreaking facilities, including the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at Paranal and the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), set to be the largest optical/infrared telescope in the world. The presentation also delved into ALMA's capabilities, emphasizing its precision in resolving small details and its ongoing upgrades to enhance sensitivity. Dr. Hatziminaoglou discussed the AtLAST concept, a next-generation 50-meter single-dish observatory powered by renewable energy, designed to bridge gaps in angular scales, sensitivity, and mapping speed in submillimeter astronomy. A significant portion of the talk focused on the study of quasars, exploring their environments, star formation rates, and the triggers of extreme star formation in quasar hosts. Dr. Hatziminaoglou shared findings on multiplicities around SDSS quasars, revealing how submillimeter counterparts and redshift influence star formation rates and environments. In addition to the scientific presentation, there was a lively discussion on potential collaboration between the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, and Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. The discussion emphasized creating pathways for Latvian researchers and students to engage with ESO and ALMA facilities, opening new opportunities for joint projects, training, and integration into international astronomy networks. This engaging presentation underscored the synergy between ESO's facilities, ALMA, and AtLAST, paving the way for future discoveries in astronomy. Dr. Hatziminaoglou's talk was an inspiring showcase of the collaborative efforts driving innovation in the field and inspiring the next generation of astronomers. Dr. Hatziminaoglou's talk was an inspiring showcase of the collaborative efforts driving innovation in the field and inspiring the next generation of astronomers. The seminar was organized within the framework of the project “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation” (No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
By Rota Rulle August 19, 2025
The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened online registration for the international conference on big data from space, Big Data from Space 2025 (BiDS 2025). This large-scale event will take place for the first time in the Baltic Sea region, in Riga, from 29 September to 3 October. The conference will offer a broad and diverse programme, bringing together leading experts, researchers, and policymakers to discuss the use of satellite data in science, innovation, and the development of solutions that matter to society. Jānis Paiders , Acting State Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia and Deputy State Secretary for Human Capital, Science, and Innovation Policy, highlights: “The fact that the international BiDS 2025 conference is taking place in Latvia marks a significant milestone – this prestigious event is being held in the Baltic Sea region for the first time. It is a testament to Latvia’s vital role in the development of the space sector, as well as the potential of our researchers and companies to apply satellite data for economic growth, societal needs, and the creation of innovative technologies. ” BiDS 2025 programme will include: Workshops at the University of Latvia Academic Centre (29 - 30 September); Panel discussions, presentations, and an exhibition at the National Library of Latvia (1 - 3 October); B2B events, demonstrations, and broad networking opportunities.
By Rota Rulle August 11, 2025
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/
Other news