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/

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.

The planets of the Solar System formed from fine interstellar dust particles. As the interstellar cloud (which would later become the Solar System) condensed, the dust particles gradually sticked together. As this process continued in the disk around the proto-Sun, they grew to the size of sand grains, peas, beans, pebbles, etc., until the “dust” the size of flying mountains continued growing by attracting material with their own gravity.

March 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025 The first operational quarter and the month of June, in accordance with the project "Revealing the physical mechanism of mass ejection around young massive stars via CH3OH masers" plan, were marked by the first mobility period, in which postdoc researcher Artis Aberfelds visited the project partner – the Cagliari Astronomical Observatory ( OAC), which is part of the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF). During this period, I acquired the necessary knowledge to process data obtained using the Very Large Array (VLA) network of radio telescopes (see Figure 1). A standardized approach was developed to be applied to all 40 sources included in the survey of early evolutionary stage massive stars.  One of the most significant early results was the detection of 6.7 GHz methanol maser emission in the G240.32+0.07 star-forming region (Figure 2). The brightness of this source is four times lower than the theoretical sensitivity limit of the Irbene RT-32 radio telescope.

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