How did VIRAC do in 2020?

January 6, 2021

We’ve made quick steps into the new 2021, leaving bright and significant events behind us, that will not be forgotten too soon. Yesteryear has brought every one of us many challenges – we needed a restructure of work life due to the crisis in our country, to be relentless and not give up in the face of hardships, as well as reach new peaks in our professional life in spite of these circumstances. VIRAC has also had a colorful 2020. We offer to look back on the most significant moments in VIRAC during 2020.


In the beginning of the year our lead researcher Artūrs Vrubļevskis participated in the interactive portrait exhibition #ZinātneLatvijai, hosted by the Ministry of Science and Education, the goal of the exhibition was to celebrate the scientific prowess and variety of Latvia, as well as allow to take a peek in the stories of personal videos by Latvian scientists and get to know the better.


At the start of the year a significant event was when we closed a partnership contract with the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), in order to combine VIRAC and SSC competencies and to work together on the RT-16 and RT-32 adaptation for dual application in radio astronomy and distant space communications, creating a possibility for an interdisciplinary application.


“Nowadays we know that Space is much larger and stranger than many might think. However, thanks to the many genius minds, it is becoming much more imaginable, visible and comprehensible – day after day people all around the world are working on the pieces of this incomprehensible puzzle and Latvia is no exception.” – the online “Icebreakers’20” event in 2020 can be described in these exact words, where specialists of the Space Industry participated, one of them – Aleksejs Klokovs, who also moderated this event. In turn, Artūrs Vrubļevskis, participated in the “Icebreakers’20” festival in the October of 2020, by presenting the importance of the fundamental research with examples from Ventspils and MIT.


In 2020 the realization of the Project Draugen, started in 2019, was actively being succeeded – market research was being done, 3D models of magnetic flow in the bicycle generator were being made, as well as the trademark “Friendyno” was registered within the framework of the Draugen project and overall exposition of the project was published in “Uzņēmēju dienas 2020”, moreover, Friendyno was widely presented in the International MINOX exposition, where Vladislavs Bezrukovs and Valērijs Bezrukovs also participated.


VIRAC representatives also participated in important conference blocks like Europlanet Science Congress 2020, “Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society”, as well as MTTW’20.


And not only our researchers participate in scientific research or give presentations to the interested in the form of public speaking, but also promote the improvement of high-scholar skills and knowledge within the framework of physics classes, which have been successfully taught by our researcher Artis Aberfelds.


In the later half of 2020 an issue about the Wind turbine park construction and potential electromagnetic interference with radio astronomical research arose, by using IE VIRAC radio telescopes in Irbene – that was what the lead researchers gave an in-depth explanation in public about. Also in September of 2020 the publication “Evaporative cooling of icy interstellar grains. II. Essential parameters” by Juris Kalvāns and Juris Roberts Kalniņš was published in the internationally recognized magazine – Astronomy & Astrophysics.


The most awaited event happened at the end of the year – the Christmas conference, that was held differently than ever before – online. The conference could be joined by anyone interested, from anywhere in the world. At the same time – Ventspils University of Applied Sciences conference “School of Tomorrow” was held.


Even though tours at Irbene in 2020 were limited due to the restrictions imposed in the country, it did not stop the biggest enthusiasts from visiting and getting to know the radio telescopes and the overall territory of Irbene. This year, approximately 3000 people have taken the tour offers.


There you have it, a colorful way to spend 2020. Numerous state financed, ERAF and European Space Agency projects have been started, many gatherings and seminars have been organized. We have participated in publicity events and revealed a collection of articles, as well as celebrated jubilees. We are proud that we have done unique research with unique results, proud for the new opportunities in partnerships and development in Latvia and Europe. We, VIRAC, are proud about every single one of our achievements and we will continue to improve on much larger scales not only in 2021, but also onwards.



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Ventspils University of Applied Sciences launches project to modernize study environment

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.

VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths

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

An online seminar Effective monitoring of environmental and animal welfare farms will take place

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.

Latvia will Become a Central Meeting Hub for Space Data Experts: Registration for the Conference "Big Data from Space 2025" is Open

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.

Student participation in COLOURS summer school in Germany

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/

Latvian scientists develop unique instrument to studies variable astrophysical radio sources

By Rota Rulle • July 30, 2025
Today, the field of radio astronomy has experienced a resurgence in ‘transient’ science, with more and more astronomical phenomena found to be active on timescales of months, weeks, and even within a single day. For example, high-mass stars form in short, intense bursts of mass accretion that display active variations on day-long timescales. The use of single-baseline interferometers (two telescopes connected together) has been known in astronomy since the 1940s. However, demand for this observing technique was soon overtaken by the development of interferometers comprising large numbers of radio telescope dishes. As demand for aperture synthesis arrays increased, the time available for each observing programme became more limited. The recent emphasis on transient science has renewed the demand for facilities capable of high-cadence monitoring of brightness variations in radio emission—an area in which the now uncommon single-baseline radio interferometer is particularly well suited. The aim of this project is the development of the Irbene Single-Baseline Interferometer (ISBI), designed to detect variations in the radio emission associated with high-mass star-forming regions. The ISBI will be used to monitor both radio continuum and maser emission from high-mass protostars. This will enable clearer distinctions to be drawn between currently untested and competing theoretical models proposed to explain the enigmatic variability recently linked to the formation of high-mass stars. With recent discoveries confirming rapid accretion bursts in high-mass protostars, time-domain radio astronomy has become a key frontier in understanding the formation of massive stars. These short-lived accretion episodes give rise to measurable variations in both radio continuum and maser emission. However, existing large-scale arrays are often oversubscribed and are not optimised for long-term, targeted monitoring of such sources. “The method will enable clearer distinctions to be drawn between currently untested and competing theoretical models proposed to explain the enigmatic variability recently linked to the formation of high-mass stars.” High-cadence, long-term monitoring, such as that possible by ISBI, greatly benefits from automation, which makes it much easier to carry out long-term, frequent monitoring of space signals, from planning observations to processing the data. Latvian scientists have created a unique set of tools and automated systems for the ISBI, turning it into a one-of-a-kind instrument with capabilities not found anywhere else. ISBI stands out because, unlike single-dish telescopes or large VLBI arrays, it can both detect weak signals and track them regularly over time. This makes it ideal for studying the changing radio emissions of massive star-forming regions, helping researchers understand processes like matter falling onto stars and the jets they eject. Thanks to automation, almost the whole workflow runs smoothly, allowing continuous and efficient monitoring of these fascinating cosmic events.
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