Joint JIV ERIC and LOFAR ERIC National partnership Board Meeting and Scientific Seminar in Ventspils
On June 18 and 19, 2025, at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Institute of Engineering Sciences "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre" (VeA IZI VSRC), within the project "Ventspils University International Cooperation and Innovations for the Development of Latvia's Smart Specialization" (No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012), which is being implemented with the co-financing of the European Regional Development Fund, the JIV ERIC and LOFAR ERIC Latvian national partnership joint board meeting and scientific seminar took place.
June 18 - Board Meeting and Seminar Opening in Irbene
The first day took place in Ance parish, Irbene, at the historic Irbene Radio Telescope Complex. The event was opened by VIRAC Director Mārcis Donerblics, who provided an introduction to the seminar's proceedings and significance.
VIRAC researcher Vladislavs Bezrukovs introduced the project's activities, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences' international cooperation, and its importance in innovation and the development of Latvia's smart specialisation.
Furthermore, Professor Jānis Kaminskis provided insights into current international activities in the fields of Geodesy and Geophysics, representing IUGG (International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics) and EGU (European Geosciences Union).
After the informational reports, seminar participants, led by Andrejs Dzelme, went on an excursion around the Irbene Observatory territory and visited the local museum. The evening concluded with discussions on collaboration opportunities between JIV ERIC and LOFAR ERIC national partnership consortiums, as well as the development of astronomy in Latvia.

June 19 – Scientific seminar at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences
On the second day, the event continued at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences with a joint board meeting within the JIV ERIC and LOFAR ERIC Latvian national partnership. Following the meeting, a scientific seminar was held, where researchers presented their current work and insights.
Seminar programme:
- V. Bezrukovs: Overview of VSRC radio astronomy projects and observations;
- B. Rjabovs, A. Vrubļevskis: On the deviation of coronal mass ejections from the radial direction;
- A. Sukharev, M. Ryabov, D. Zabora, M. Orlyuk, A. Romenets: Ionospheric wave activity in the Odessa Magnetic Anomaly according to URAN-4 antenna array data;
- D. Bezrukovs: Solar radio emission observations during the solar eclipse on March 29, 2025;
- K. Salmiņš, J. del Pino†, J. Kauliņš, S. Melkovs: Activities of the Riga satellite laser ranging station in 2024;
- I. Vilks: Historical overview of VIRAC development.
The seminar was organised 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), with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund.

Share on other platforms
Other news





