The project “Smart Complex of Information Systems of Specialized Biology Lexis for the Research and Preservation of Linguistic Diversity” continues

April 19, 2022

The first quarter of the second year of the project “Smart Complex of Information Systems of Specialized Biology Lexis for the Research and Preservation of Linguistic Diversity” (IMDS) has been an active one for all involved partners. 


Collaborative online meetings between the project teams at the Institute of Horticulture and faculties of VUAS have continued regularly, focusing on refining the information system designed for the collection and research of biological and organism-related terminology. Simultaneously, data entry work is ongoing. At this stage of the project, a database term module has been developed; the development of a plant variety name accumulation module is still planned for the future. Currently, 50131 taxon names from 335 bibliography sources have already been entered into the database. The team is also expanding the translating botanical terminology mobile app, including the development of new sections and functionalities.


In early 2022, project members participated in several conferences: On January 26–27, Silga Sviķe, Sintija Ozoliņa, and Linda Ozola-Ozoliņa presented the paper “Naming of Plants: Names of Rhododendron Cultivars Bred in Latvia” at the XXXII Scientific Readings online conference hosted by Daugavpils University.  In the paper, the authors analyzed the names of rhododendron varieties bred in Latvia, as well as addressed terminology issues in naming rhododendron varieties. Conference programme available here:  https://lasijumi.du.lv/lv/Programma


On 24 and 25 February Gints Jasmonts, Silga Sviķe, and Karina Šķirmante presented their paper “New Information Extracting and Analysis Methodology for the Terminology Research Purposes: The Field of Biology” participated in the “Italian Research Conference on Digital Libraries” (IRCDL 2022), an online conference organized by Italian researchers. Project participants presented the digitization of Pauls Galenieks' Botanical Dictionary in order to add the dictionary’s data to the developed system. Conference programme available here: http://ircdl2022.dei.unipd.it/index.html#schedule


Thanks to the IMDS project, several scientific publications have already been released, including:

  • Stalažs A. (2022) To be or not to be native: from the discourse on the official status of Salix alba to the recommendation to strengthen the protection of marginal populations in Latvia, with notes to related taxa. Journal for Nature Conservation (Scopus, Q1, IF 2.831)
  • Stalažs A., Kosinkina A. (2021) Names of Nature Objects in Street Names: An Interdisciplinary View. Linguistica Lettica (Scopus)
  • Sviķe, S. (2021) Mobile apps as language-learning tools. Challenges, problems and solutions of specialised lexicography (2021) AILA Review, 34 (1), pp. (19-36). (Scopus)


Currently, preparations are underway for the planned international interdisciplinary scientific conference “Linguistic Diversity, Terminology, and Statistics”, which will be held online on November 3–4, 2022. The second call for papers is being prepared, with an abstract submission deadline of July 31, 2022. More info about the conference: https://www.virac.eu/ldts. Researchers in terminology and cross-linguistic studies are especially encouraged to participate.


This research has been funded by the Latvian Council of Science, project “Smart Complex of Information Systems of Specialized Biology Lexis for the Research and Preservation of Linguistic Diversity“. Proj. No. lzp-2020/1-0179.

Share on other platforms

Other news

VUAS receives the “Best Practice University” certificate for high standards in the quality of international studies

By Rota Rulle • October 29, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) has been recognized as one of 16 higher education institutions in Latvia to receive the “Best Practice University” award from the Study in Latvia initiative. This certificate confirms that the university meets the criteria set by the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of the Interior, ensuring responsible admission of international students and a high-quality study process. With this Agreement, the VUAS have undertaken to comply with the criteria and principles of the Agreement fostering good practice in attracting international students and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality study process. VUAS promises to observe good faith and ethical principles, providing only true information in marketing activities and advertising campaigns for international students.

Erasmus Days at VUAS: A Celebration of International Collaboration

By Rota Rulle • October 28, 2025
On October 22, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) joined the international celebration of “Erasmus Days”, bringing students and staff together for an afternoon filled with creativity, teamwork, and cultural exchange. The event was organized by two students of VUAS with the help of international office and “COLOURS”, featuring engaging activities and friendly competition across a series of interactive stations. Each station offered a unique challenge inspired by the theme of cultural diversity, encouraging participants to test their knowledge, communication skills, and creativity while earning points for their teams. Guided by enthusiastic station leaders and coordinated by the two main event organizers, the atmosphere was both energetic and welcoming. Students from different study programs and cultural backgrounds had the opportunity to connect, work together, and learn from one another in a relaxed and engaging environment. Throughout the event, participants enjoyed refreshments and snacks, as well as a live performance from the band “Sweet Sixteen.” The music, laughter, and friendly competition made for a memorable afternoon celebrating the spirit of “Erasmus +” openness, inclusion, and intercultural understanding. At the end of the activities, all teams received prizes in recognition of their efforts, with the winning team taking home exclusive VUAS merchandise. “Erasmus Days” once again highlighted the value of collaboration and student mobility, reminding everyone that learning extends far beyond the classroom, it thrives through shared experiences and cultural exchange and making new connections. Photos: Endijs Eihlers

Language Café Returns for Round Two

By Rota Rulle • October 24, 2025
After a fantastic first edition, our Language Café is back and better than ever! If you missed it the first time, this is your chance to join the friendliest crew of language lovers on the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences campus. Expect good vibes, new words, and plenty of laughter as we meet again at D0 (Lounge Room) on 29th October 2025 at 16:30. Whether you’re a returning participant or a first-timer, everyone is welcome! So dust off your sense of humour, clear your schedule, and widen your comfort zone. Bring a friend, roommate, coursemate, and of course, your favourite snack – and let’s make language learning fun again!

VUAS representative strengthens cooperation with Le Mans University in France

By Rota Rulle • October 22, 2025
In September, Lilita Sproģe, Head of the Doctoral School at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, went on a business trip to Le Mans University in France to discuss opportunities for creating a joint internship project for doctoral students and developing cooperation in providing doctoral study courses, research, and student mobility. The meeting was organized by COLOURS project partners at the Le Mans University. The day's program included several meetings with representatives of Le Mans University, including Christine Gonzalez, Deputy Director of the EDGE Doctoral School and Lecturer and Researcher at the Faculty of Management and Economics, Geoffroy Martin, Administrative Director of the Doctoral School, Selin Duhan, Head of the International Relations Office, Xavier Lachazette, Vice President of International Relations, and Miloš Borozan, former COLOURS WP3 Manager. During her visit, L. Sproģe familiarized herself with the language faculty and doctoral student workspaces, as well as the research infrastructure on the university campus. Le Mans University is closely integrated into the city structure and easily accessible by public transport from Paris and Le Mans itself. The talks covered key differences between Latvian and French doctoral school models and regulatory frameworks, credit point accounting principles, promotion procedures, and deadlines for completing doctoral theses. The meeting resulted in a strengthened mutual interest in further cooperation in the development of joint doctoral activities and research in the fields of linguistics and economics.

Language Cafe Brings Together International and Local Students

By Rota Rulle • October 16, 2025
On September 30, 2025, the first Language Café organized by the COLOURS Project was held at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. The event gathered international and local students in a relaxed and informal environment to practice languages (Mainly Latvian Language for now), exchange cultures, and foster connections across study programs. The event took place at student lounge, bringing together students from more than 6 different nationalities and speakers of a wide variety of languages, including English, Latvian, French, German, and Russian. The Language Cafe was designed to support student integration and intercultural communication, two key focus areas of COLOURS. During the event, participants engaged in small-group conversations guided by Lasma Asme, the EDI coordinator. The atmosphere was lively and inclusive, with background music by Liva Slesare, allowing students to gain confidence in speaking while enjoying snacks and refreshments prepared by the EDI coordinator. “The participation from both Latvian and international students exceeded our expectations,” commented Janvier Dylan, COLOURS representative and International student “It was inspiring to see how open and engaged everyone was, especially how many Latvian students were eager to communicate and connect across cultures. The energy and motivation to continue this kind of event were remarkable.” The event concluded with students dividing into small groups, where Latvian participants taught international students common words and phrases useful for everyday communication. This interactive exchange created a lively and friendly atmosphere that encouraged mutual learning. The session ended with an open discussion about future activities, during which students shared creative ideas for how upcoming café meetings could look. Many also expressed interest in volunteering and helping to organise the next events, highlighting their motivation to make the Language Cafe a regular and sustainable part of campus life the organisers noted that the success of the first Language Café demonstrates the importance of creating spaces that encourage communication, collaboration, and cultural exchange beyond the classroom. The next Language Café is planned for 29th October 2025, and all VeA students, international and local, are welcome to join.

Erasmus Days 2025 – Let’s Celebrate Together!

By Rota Rulle • October 15, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences invites students, staff, and the community to join Erasmus Days 2025 on October 22nd at 5:00 PM in the Lounge Room (D0) for an unforgettable evening of fun, culture, and connection. The event will feature a variety of interactive stations and activities, offering everyone a chance to test their knowledge, explore new cultures, and win exciting prizes. Whether you’re an Erasmus+ participant, an international student, or simply curious about global exchange, this celebration is the perfect opportunity to learn, engage, and connect. To keep the energy high, the evening will include snacks, live music, and plenty of good vibes – all in the spirit of bringing people together from across the world. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate Erasmus Days 2025 with us! Come share the Erasmus spirit, make new friends, and experience the joy of international exchange.
Other news