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.
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If you want to feel at home faster in our city of Ventspils and like to build your confidence in everyday conversations, and looking to make friends and integrate into the Latvian community, then join the first Language Café meeting – organized by COLOURS WP5 (EDI)! It’s a relaxed and welcoming meet-up where international and local students come together to: Practice different languages Make new friends Enjoy light snacks and friendly conversations No grammar tests, no pressure – just real conversations in small, friendly groups. Come as you are and enjoy the exchange of cultures and languages! Register HERE Tuesday, 30th September at D0, 16.30!
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On 24 September 2025, a delegation from the University of Latvia Faculty of Science and Technology (UL FST) visited Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS). The UL delegation included FST Dean Aigars Ekers, Acting Vice-Dean for Science Sandris Lācis, Vice-Dean for Studies Aiga Švede, Vice-Dean for Development Diāna Šmite, and Head of the Department of Physics Tija Sīle. VUAS and the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) were represented by Rector Andris Vaivads, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology Vairis Caune, Head of the Doctoral School Lilita Sproģe, Chairman of the VUAS Senate and, at the same time, Chairman of the VIRAC Scientific Council Juris Freimanis, along with other researchers and teaching staff. The visit began with a trip to the VIRAC radio telescope complex in Irbene, where senior researcher Artis Aberfelds introduced the guests to the telescopes, associated equipment, and laboratories, and their use in astronomical observations. After a joint lunch at VUAS café Panorāma, Jānis Šate showed the guests the university's electronics teaching laboratories and their equipment. The event reached a productive apogee in a joint discussion lasting around two hours in the VUAS Rectorate conference hall. At its opening, Rector Andris Vaivads gave a presentation about VUAS, followed by a presentation by, Juris Kalvāns, Head of the VIRAC Astronomy and Astrophysics Department, about the main research directions in VIRAC astronomy, while researcher Vladislavs Bezrukovs outlined VIRAC's extensive international cooperation, particularly its participation in European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERIC). “The event reached a productive apogee in a joint discussion lasting around two hours in the VUAS Rectorate conference hall, where Rector Andris Vaivads gave a presentation about VUAS.” The discussion covered a range of topics related to science and studies. Both sides expressed interest in officially involving VUAS in the UL Master’s programme in Physics, alongside Daugavpils University. VIRAC researchers already teach several astronomy courses within this programme. The potential involvement of the VIRAC high-performance computing cluster in a new computing consortium, where UL is expected to take the leading role, was also discussed. Looking further ahead, UL is also interested in gaining access to VIRAC satellite communication abilities. Finally, the UL–VUAS cooperation agreement is to be renewed, including matters of collaboration in doctoral studies and research, as well as Latvia’s participation in the International Astronomical Union. The meeting took place in a frendly atmosphere, giving confidence in the successful continuation of cooperation between UL and VUAS.
On September 1 of this year, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences launched a new European Union (EU) co-funded project “Modernization of the Study Environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences”, No. 4.2.1.8/2/25/I/007. The project implementation period is 24 months, until August 31, 2027. The project aims to ensure the modernization of the study environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, which includes the improvement and development of the infrastructure of the bachelor's study program "Computer Science" and the professional bachelor's study program "Electronics Engineering". To ensure high-quality and competitive education, targeted measures will be implemented within the project framework, focusing on the technological modernization of study spaces, enhancing the material and technical base, and introducing information and communication technologies (ICT). These engineering and IT programs are strategically important for the sustainable economic growth of the Ventspils region and the entire country of Latvia, preparing highly qualified specialists to promote digital transformation and technological development. During the project, the infrastructure of laboratories and classrooms will be enhanced to ensure that study rooms are equipped with the latest technologies and meet the standards of modern higher education. The latest technologies and equipment will be purchased and introduced, significantly expanding students' opportunities to work with current industry tools and software, thereby preparing them to work with technologies widely used in the industry. In addition, it is planned to continue adapting the digital infrastructure to modern requirements, allowing for the implementation of the hybrid and distance learning process in accordance with current educational trends. The modernization carried out will significantly improve the quality of studies and compliance with labour market requirements, providing students with the opportunity to acquire practical skills and adapt to the growing requirements of the industry. This project will not only improve the study environment and promote the integration of innovations into the learning process, but will also contribute to the development of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences as a higher education and research center in Latvia and beyond, attracting students from the region and the country, as well as from abroad. The total cost of the project “Modernization of the study environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences”, No. 4.2.1.8/2/25/I/007, is 215,083.00 EUR, of which the planned amount of the European Regional Development Fund is 85% of the eligible expenses – 182,820.55 EUR, and the amount of state funding is 15% of the eligible costs – 32,262.45 EUR.
We are pleased to invite you to participate in the VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths: Ventspils, Latvia |September 8–19, 2025 This intensive and inspiring summer school is designed for Master’s students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers in astronomy and astrophysics. The event is hosted by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Key Topics: Pulsar observations with the LOFAR telescope Pulsar astronomy fundamentals Observation planning Pulsar data processing and analysis Venue: Engineering Research Institute – Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Room 407
The Latvian Rural Advisory and Education Centre, in cooperation with project partners, one of which is Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, invites you to an online opening seminar on August 27 at 10:00 AM on the new My Farm livestock section, which helps to: accumulate and analyze farm data, monitor animal welfare, plan work and make data-driven decisions, save time in preparing reports. At the seminar: You will learn how this idea originated and why it remains relevant today. You will hear about the experiences and benefits of experts for Latvian livestock farmers. You will see a practical demonstration of how to use the tool on your farm. You will receive answers to your important questions. Questions can be asked in the comments during the live broadcast. Live on Facebook profiles @LLKCOzolnieki and @Manslauks, as well as www.llkc.lv Link to the event: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1290216356070792 The event is a part of the project No.: 21-00-A01611-000017 "Efficient Environmental and Animal Welfare Farm Monitoring". Project Objective: The long-term goal is to promote sustainability and competitiveness in the Latvian livestock sector, in line with the guidelines of the European Green Deal. In recent years, global environmental and climate issues have become increasingly relevant, and it can be assumed that in the future, consumers will demand products produced in an environmentally friendly manner. These future challenges compel farmers to reassess their current management practices and explore environmental and sustainability issues. To achieve this goal, an innovative farm monitoring system will be developed for the livestock sector, ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis in one place. This system will promote compliance with animal welfare requirements, facilitate sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, and enable the monitoring of daily activities, ultimately reducing the time spent on preparing various reports.
