An international team of astronomers has successfully completed the IVARS (Interferometer for Variable Astrophysical Radio Sources) project, delivering a new observational capability for studying the formation of massive stars through time-variable radio emission. By combining two radio telescopes at the Irbene Radio Observatory in Latvia into a dedicated single-baseline interferometer, the project has enabled the first sustained, high-cadence monitoring of radio continuum variability in high-mass protostars, carried out simultaneously with maser monitoring. 

MarTe 1st Technical Workshop “Physical Modelling for Blue & Green Transitions: Deep-Tech Tools from Lab to Market” Date: 4–5 February 2026 Venue & Format: Hybrid On-site: Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Ventspils Augstskola) 101A Inženieru Street, Ventspils, LV-3601, Latvia Online: Zoom (with live YouTube translation) Language: English Registration: HERE About the Workshop The MarTe 1st Technical Workshop brings together researchers, industry representatives, startups, and students to explore how modern physical modelling and simulation tools can accelerate innovation in the blue and green economy . Aligned with Marine Technology Excellence Hub for Sustainable Blue Economy in the Baltics ( https://www.marinetechub.eu/ -MarTe) mission, the workshop demonstrates how deep-tech tools such as SolidWorks and COMSOL help transform early-stage ideas into real-world solutions. Through lectures, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities, participants will learn how modelling and simulation reduce development risks, shorten design cycles, and support the transition from laboratory concepts to market-ready technologies. The workshop will highlight practical applications in marine and maritime technologies, renewable energy, hydrogen (H₂-to-X) solutions, and sustainable blue economy value chains , with examples relevant to the Baltic Sea region and beyond. Programme Highlights: Introduction to physical process modelling, CAD-based modelling with SolidWorks and Multiphysics simulations with COMSOL Live demonstrations and hands-on exercises Designed for participants with little or no prior experience in 3D physical modelling. Success stories in deep-tech development from Research to Market Pathways from low TRL to market (TRL 6–7+) Who Should Attend? This workshop is open to: Industry representatives in marine, maritime, and green technologies Researchers and engineers working on applied R&I Startups and entrepreneurs in deep-tech and blue economy sectors Students and early-career innovators interested in simulation tools and applied modelling Participants will gain practical skills , insights into real success stories, and opportunities to connect with the MarTe innovation ecosystem. Why Participate? Learn modern simulation and modelling approaches Discover how to move ideas from lab to market Exchange knowledge with experts from academia and industry Build collaborations in the Baltic Sea blue economy Full agenda will be announced soon. For more information, please follow the MarTe project channels or contact the organizers. Contacts: Vladislavs Bezrukovs Vladislavsb@venta.lv Phone: +37127134283 Baiba Reimane baiba.reimane@venta.lv

On 9 December, a meeting with representatives of Latvia’s space sector was held at the Saeima, focusing on the establishment of a unified approach to the governance and development of the space sector in Latvia. The event was attended by Mārcis Donerblics, Head of the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre; Andris Vaivads, Rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences; and Jānis Šate, Head of the “Electrical Engineering” study programme. The meeting was initiated by Saeima Speaker Daiga Mieriņa, bringing together representatives of industry organisations, entrepreneurs, education and research institutions, along with officials from public administration bodies. The purpose of the discussion was to highlight the need for a clear and coordinated governance model that would advance the sustainable development of Latvia’s space sector, strengthen inter-institutional cooperation, and assure unified representation of national interests at the international level. The meeting highlighted the role of the space sector in driving innovation, strengthening the high-tech ecosystem, and enhancing Latvia’s competitiveness. Representatives of the Latvian Space Industry Association, space sector entrepreneurs, experts from academic institutions, as well as officials from various ministries and state institutions. Participants highlighted that a unified governance approach is an essential requirement for Latvian organisations to actively participate in European Union space programmes and international cooperation projects, including collaboration with the European Space Agency. The meeting also addressed topics related to enhancing public-private sector cooperation, opportunities for attracting funding, and the importance of maintaining dialogue on the long-term development of space policy in Latvia. Participants recognised the significance of ongoing collaboration and emphasised the necessity of regular communication between policymakers and industry representatives. The meeting at the Saeima marks an important milestone toward a better-coordinated and goal-oriented Latvia’s space sector, promoting a unified vision and strengthening Latvia’s position within the European and international space community.

On December 10, at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Library, students and other participants with a German language knowledge had the opportunity to be a part of a German language workshop on Christmas-themed topics titled “Modernes Deutschlandbild mit Fokus – Weihnachten” and conducted by Goethe-Institut volunteer Jūlija Novodvorska ( Julia Nowodworska ). During the workshop, participants were able to introduce themselves and engage in a range of activities, including creative tasks such as making origami candle holders, singing Christmas songs in German, and enjoying traditional Christmas treats and tea. As a gift from Ventspils German Culture Society, workshop participants received the new bilingual calendar for 2026, “L ebendige Gutshöfe – gestern und heute | Manor Houses – Yesterday and Today,” which has been prepared by the Ventspils German Cultural Society for the fifth year in a row. Students from Ventspils Technical School also participated in the workshop together with their German language teacher, Žanna Blaževica. The event was an excellent opportunity to put the German language knowledge acquired during the lessons into practice. Sincere thanks to Julia for leading the workshop! The workshop was organised in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut in Riga, the Chair of the Ventspils German Cultural Society, Māra Kraule, and VUAS FoTS lecturer Silga Sviķe.

Professor at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, researcher of the State Research Programme Una Libkovska participates in the 3rd International Scientific Conference International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures. Shaping the Future: Synergies Between Nature, Technology and Society On 10–11 December 2025, Professor Una Libkovska, researcher within the National Research Programme project “Development of evidence-based solutions for the effective improvement of professional competence of adults and the assessment of the transfer of its results to practice in Latvia” (VPP-IZM-Izglītība-2023/4-0001), participated in the 3rd International Scientific Conference “Advancing Sustainable Futures: Shaping the Future: Synergies Between Nature, Technology, and Society (ICASF 2025)”, organised by Abu Dhabi University and held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. During the conference, the project’s key insights and research outcomes were presented and discussed within the scientific programme, including a paper entitled “Contribution of Sustainable Human Resource Management to Organizational Sustainability and Labour Market Transformation”. The ICASF 2025 conference brought together more than 200 participants from over 30 countries, who took part in the thematic scientific sections and presented research spanning the natural sciences, engineering and technology, social sciences, economics, and interdisciplinary studies, addressing global challenges and solutions related to sustainable development. Participants represented Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa, including Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Lithuania, the United States, Canada, India, Japan, and other countries. Participation in the conference provided valuable opportunities to expand international research cooperation, strengthen institutional partnerships, and engage in global dialogue on shaping a sustainable future. It also enabled the validation of research results within a broad international academic audience and supported knowledge transfer related to sustainable development policy, professional competence development, and the challenges of lifelong learning.