On January 16 within the framework of the State Research Programme of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Professor Una Libkovska, within the framework of the State Research Programme project "Development of evidence-based solutions for the effective improvement of professional competence of adults and assessment of the transfer of its results to practice in Latvia" (VPP-IZM-Education-2023/4-0001), participated in a meeting with entrepreneurs organized by the State Education Development Agency and the Ventspils State City Education Board on opportunities and challenges for adult learning. During the meeting, the opportunities offered by the skills management platform STARS for adult continuing education and professional upskilling were discussed, with a particular focus on the European Union projects "Training for Workers" and "Digital Skills for Experts". The discussions emphasize the importance of employers in providing support to employees in the process of starting training, as well as the need to establish purposeful cooperation between entrepreneurs, local government and educational institutions. VIAA's Department of Adult Education presented the learning opportunities offered by the STARS platform, as well as the necessary support for employed adults to start their studies and the role of the municipality in providing this support. In the second part of the event, meetings were held with municipal specialists and adult education organizers, representatives of youth and cultural work and other interested parties. The discussion discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in adult education, as well as identifying the necessary support from VIAA in reaching out to adults and motivating them to engage in learning. The event brought together more than 20 representatives of business and institutions of Ventspils municipality, who actively participated in discussions, shared their experience and expressed proposals for improving the adult education offer. The meeting reaffirmed that coordinated and targeted cooperation between state institutions, local governments, educational institutions and employers is an essential prerequisite for the effective development of adult skills, strengthening competitiveness and sustainable employment.

Researcher Karina Šķirmante from the Engineering Institute Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences participated in the European ALMA School 2026 during the last week of January 2026. The goal was to learn how the world-class AMA interferometer works, including data retrieval and processing.

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences invites you to the public defense of Sanita Lasmane’s doctoral thesis, “Analysis and Improvement of Labor Market Assessment Approaches: A Case Study of Latvia,” for the acquisition of a Doctor of Science degree (Ph.D.) in Social Sciences. Scientific Supervisor: Professor Sergejs Hiļķevičs, Dr. phys. The author, S. Lasmane, will present innovative research aimed at adapting labor market assessment approaches specifically to the socio-economic situation in Latvia. The thesis was developed within the joint doctoral study program “Economics and Business” offered by three higher education institutions: Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, and the RTU Rēzekne Academy. Research Relevance: S. Lasmane’s research offers solutions in two directions of national importance: - A New Human Capital Assessment Approach: A new approach has been developed for the quantitative assessment of human capital at national and regional levels using regularly available data. - Estimation of Cobb-Douglas Production Function Parameters for Latvia: The Cobb-Douglas production function has been adapted to Latvian parameters, assuming that the sum of the coefficients α and β is not equal to 1. This was achieved by using traditional resources—capital and labor—as well as replacing them with potential "invisible agents" in the economy: banks and enterprises. Scientific Reviewers Associate 1.Professor Aija van der Steina, Dr. oec., Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Latvia; 2.Professor Sandra Jēkabsone, Dr. oec., University of Latvia, Latvia; 3.Associate Professor Ramutė Narkūnienė, Ph.D., Utena University of Applied Sciences, Lithuania. Time and Venue of the Defense Date: February 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM Location: Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Inženieru Street 101, Ventspils, LV-3601, Auditorium B4. The doctoral thesis is available for review at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Library (Inženieru Street 101, Ventspils) and online at www.venta.lv .

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

Advanced Diagnostics of Solar and Stellar Flares: STEF Project Successfully Concludes with Lasting Scientific Impact An international research team based at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) , Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, has successfully completed the Latvian Science Council–funded project “Multi-wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares (STEF)” (No. lzp-2022/1-0017) . The project has delivered major advances in solar and stellar physics, radio astronomy methodology, and time-domain astrophysics, while establishing a strong foundation for continued international research. Key scientific and technical achievements Over its three-year duration, STEF produced a coherent, high-impact body of results , including 17 peer-reviewed publications in Q1–Q2 international journals , addressing one of the central challenges of modern solar physics: understanding how magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves and oscillations modulate energy release in solar and stellar flares. The project significantly advanced: Theoretical modelling of MHD waves , including the effects of thermal misbalance, non-local thermal transport, and boundary conditions on wave damping, persistence, and amplification. Observational diagnostics of quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs) in solar and stellar flares, strengthening their interpretation as wave-driven phenomena. Helio and asteroseismology , extending oscillation-based magnetic diagnostics from the Sun to solar-like stars. Time-domain radio astronomy , through validated single-dish and interferometric methodologies developed at the Irbene observatory. Observational infrastructure, datasets, and software A major strength of STEF was the integration of theory with instrumentation and data analysis. The project established routine microwave solar observations with the RT-32 radio telescope , producing a curated solar radio observation dataset that includes full-disk mapping and long-term monitoring of individual active regions in multiple frequency bands and circular polarisations. This dataset provides a valuable observational basis for future studies of solar activity, flare precursors, and oscillatory phenomena. In parallel, the project advanced single-baseline interferometric techniques (RT-32–RT-16) for detecting faint, short-lived radio variability associated with stellar flares. To support these studies, the team developed and released an open-source interferometric/VLBI visualisation and inspection tool , enabling interactive time–frequency exploration, rapid identification of radio-frequency interference, and validation of transient candidates in long, high-cadence datasets. In addition, the Warwick project team released the SCOPE software package for statistically robust detection of oscillatory signals using empirical mode decomposition, applicable across astrophysics and other data-intensive disciplines. International collaboration and continuity STEF was embedded in a broad international network, with active collaboration involving observatories and universities across Europe. A strategic partnership with the University of Warwick (United Kingdom) played a central role, including invited lectures, joint workshops, and close interaction between theory, observations, and advanced signal analysis. Although the STEF project has formally concluded, its scientific programme continues and expands . Several new funded projects launched in 2025–2026 directly build on STEF results, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the developed methodologies, software, and international collaborations. References list: Arregui I., Kolotkov D.Y., Nakariakov V. M., "Bayesian evidence for two slow-wave damping models in hot coronal loops", Astronomy and Astrophysics, 677, art. no. A23., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202346834 Belov S. A., Goffrey T., Arber T. D., Kolotkov D. Y., “ Non-Local Thermal Transport Impact on Compressive Waves in Two-Temperature Coronal Loops”, Astronomy and Astrophysics, 693, art. no. A186, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202452938 Belov S. A., Kolotkov D. Y., Nakariakov V. M., Broomhall A. M., “Detecting Quasiperiodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares with a Neural Network”, The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, ApJS 274 31, 2024, https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4365/ad6f98 Belov S.A., Riashchikov D.I., Kolotkov D.Y., Farahani S.V., Molevich N.E., Bezrukovs V., ”On collective nature of non-linear torsional Alfvén waves”, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 523 (1), pp. 1464 - 1473, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stad1480 Berloff N. G., Broomhall A. M., Hookway G. T. , Lund M. N., Millson L. J., Kolotkov D., “Investigating magnetic activity cycles in solar-like oscillators using asteroseismic data from the K2 mission”, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 546 (3), 2026, https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stag092 Bezrukovs D., "Microwave observations of the Sun in Virac: An experience of implementation", Sun and Geosphere, vol.15, issue 2, pp.55-58, ISSN 1819-0839, 2023, http://dx.doi.org/10.31401/sungeo.2022.02.02 Bezrukovs V., et. al., “Effects of the Intraday Variability of the Radio Galaxy Perseus A (3C 84) at a Frequency of 6.5 GHz and Evidence for a Possible FRB Event”, Galaxies, 14(1), 1, 2026, https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies14010001 Cho K.-S., Kolotkov D. Y., Cho I.-H., Nakariakov V. M., “Frequency-dependent Evolution of Propagating Intensity Disturbances in Polar Plumes”, The Astrophysical Journal, ApJ 992 33, 2025, https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/adfde0 Hejazi S. M., Van Doorsselaere T., Sadeghi M., Kolotkov D.Y., Hermans J., “The effect of thermal misbalance on magnetohydrodynamic modes in coronal magnetic cylinders”, Astronomy and Astrophysics, 694, art. no. A278, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202450731 Kolotkov D. Y., Broomhall A. M., Hasanzadeh A., “Effects of the photospheric cut-off on the p-mode frequency stability”, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 533 (3), pp. 3387–3394, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stae2015 Kolotkov D.Y., Nakariakov V.M., Cloesen M., “The centroid speed as a characteristic of the group speed of solar coronal fast magnetoacoustic wave trains”, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 527 (3), pp. 6807 – 6813, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stad3681 Lim D.,Van Doorsselaere T., Nakariakov V. M., Kolotkov D.Y., Gao Y., Berghmans D., “Undersampling effects on observed periods of coronal oscillations”, Astronomy and Astrophysics, 690, art. no. L8, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202451684 Meadowcroft R.L., Zhong S., Kolotkov D.Y., Nakariakov V. M., “Observation of a propagating slow magnetoacoustic wave in a coronal plasma fan with SDO/AIA and SolO/EUI”, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 527 (3), pp. 5302 – 5310., 2024, https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stad3506 Nakariakov V. M., Zhong S., Kolotkov D.Y., Meadowcroft R.L., Zhong Y., Yuan D., “Diagnostics of the solar coronal plasmas by magnetohydrodynamic waves: magnetohydrodynamic seismology”, Reviews of Modern Plasma Physics, 8 (1), art. no. 19., 2024, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41614-024-00160-9 Nakariakov V. M., Zhong Y., Kolotkov D.Y., “Transition from decaying to decayless kink oscillations of solar coronal loops”, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 531 (4), pp. 4611 – 4618., 2024, https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stae1483 Zhong Y., Kolotkov D.Y., Zhong S., Nakariakov V. M., "Comparison of damping models for kink oscillations of coronal loops", Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 525 (4), pp. 5033 - 5040, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stad2598 Zhong S., Nakariakov V. M., Kolotkov D. Y., “A 50-Minute Coronal Kink Oscillation and Its Photospheric Counterpart”,The Astrophysical Journal Letters, 993 (L35), 2025, https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ae122e Zhong S., Nakariakov V.M., Kolotkov D.Y., Chitta L.P., Antolin P., Verbeeck C., Berghmans D., “Polarisation of decayless kink oscillations of solar coronal loops”, Nature Communications, 14 (1), art. no. 5298., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41029-8 Software list: Šteinbergs J., Visualization tool for interferometric data do standard calibration and data visualization of interfereometric data. https://github.com/VIRAC-SPACE/Visualization-tool-for-interferometric-data Kolotkov D., Python tool: scope - Statistical Confidence of Oscillatory Processes with EMD (Empirical Mode Decomposition). https://github.com/Warwick-Solar/scope This project was funded by the Latvian Science Council project “ Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares (STEF)” , lzp-2022/1-0017