WELCOME TO THE COLOURS ALLIANCE!

From November 11 to November 15, 2025, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Electronics Engineering 3rd year students Rūdolfs Pakalns, Marta Dzelme and 1st year student Kristofers Jēkabs Rozevskis participated in the university alliance "COLOURS" hackathon "Reinforcement Farming", which took place at the University of Osijek in Croatia, at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology (FERIT). The main task of the hackathon was to train artificial intelligence agents as game characters using "stimulated learning" methods. On the last day, the AI characters developed by the teams competed against agents from other teams. Since the Electronics Engineering study program does not include courses that provide in-depth knowledge of artificial intelligence training, this hackathon was a great opportunity to gain additional knowledge that is useful in the rapidly developing field of artificial intelligence and helps to understand how AI, which is often used to facilitate everyday work, works. Rudolf admits that before participating in the project, he didn’t have a clear idea of how artificial intelligence training works; he had only heard about it. But during the hackathon, by actively working in a team and trying to solve real-life tasks, he gained experience in how AI is trained, how it reacts to data, and how to work with it in practical situations. This experience has given him a much more valuable understanding of AI and, in his opinion, is a very useful skill in today's and tomorrow's technology industry. As part of the project, students also attended the event "CoLab – Advanced Technologies for Smart Farming” and Field Study, which included a tour of a livestock farm equipped with several modern robotic devices. The farm is equipped with a robot manufactured by LELY, which prepares and delivers feed to the cows. The cows are monitored by smart collars that identify the cow's ID number, provide early warning of health problems, and collect milking statistics. Milking is also fully automated with a structure that performs milking and care. In addition, this event provided educational lectures on existing robotics and artificial intelligence systems used to improve agriculture, as well as solutions that are currently being developed. “In addition to the hackathon itself, it was very interesting to talk to local students and learn about their study programs and how they acquire STEM knowledge and skills. The local students were very welcoming and enthusiastically introduced us to Croatian traditions and history, adding cultural value to this project," says Marta. Kristofers Jēkabs Rozevskis emphasizes that participating in the hackathon has significantly contributed to his understanding of the principles and practical applications of artificial intelligence. "Knowledge in this field is very important for understanding how, at least in part, the artificial intelligence we work with on a daily basis is created. Although I had previously encountered AI development and theoretical principles, this project gave me a much clearer understanding of the steps and principles of AI training, how AI is taught to perform specific tasks, and which details can lead to incorrect or undesirable results," says Kristofers. As part of the project, students used stimulated learning methods to train agents to operate in a gaming environment, and during practical work, the sensitivity of AI training to the chosen "reward" structure became particularly apparent. "When setting an excessively large 'reward' for an action, the agent tended to 'get stuck' on it. This helped to better understand why some AI tends to make mistakes – perhaps it is more trained on the syntax of a text than on its truthfulness, or vice versa," explains Kristofers. He adds that he is particularly pleased to have the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience on a topic that interests him with both his classmates and students from other countries, strengthening mutual professional and academic cooperation. "This experience has been very valuable and educational, broadening our view of the possibilities of applying smart systems in various industries, so we would definitely take the opportunity to participate in COLOURS or another project again," the students admit.

This Wednesday 3rd of December, the final Talks and Tea (former Language Cafe) of the semester brought together around 25 students, both National and International, for a Christmas-themed gathering that blended creativity, cultural exchange, and a relaxed/welcoming atmosphere. The afternoon began with an introduction from our moderator, Liva Slesare, who guided participants through the activities planned. Students then moved through several festive stations designed to encourage conversation, Christmas spirit, and a sense of belonging. The programme included: Christmas Bingo with common words of things that evoke Christmas in Latvian and English, where local students provided clues and internationals had to find them. Paper craft stations, where students made snowflakes and other decorations A gingerbread decorating table, with cookies turning into everything from smiling faces to colourful Christmas trees A tree-decorating corner, where participants added ornaments to create a shared Christmas display A multilingual board where students wrote “Merry Christmas” in their own languages, often accompanied by drawings and personal touches Alongside the structured activities, several moments stood out and added a memorable, lighthearted spirit to the event, for example, when a popular Indian version of a Christmas song began playing unexpectedly during Liva’s moderation, setting off warm laughter across the room. Dylan, being wrapped quite literally like a Christmas present under the Christmas tree, sparked laughter, while young Jēkabs turned the simple act of introducing himself into an ongoing joke by spelling out his name for every curious participant. Board games and informal conversations continued throughout the session, creating a friendly environment where students could relax, connect, and share Christmas traditions from their home countries. This Christmas edition of Talks and Tea reflected what the series has aimed to build all semester: a space that is welcoming, inclusive, and comfortable for everyone who joins. As we close the year, the event served as a gentle reminder of how meaningful small moments of community can be. The event was made possible thanks to the dedicated support of our COLOURS’ EDI Officer Lāsma Ašme, whose ongoing work has helped create a space where international students feel at home and included throughout the semester. Her commitment set the tone for a meaningful and cheerful final session of the year. WP5 wishes all students a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next semester with the same spirit of openness, inclusion, and togetherness. Foto: Endijs Eihlers 

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences warmly invites doctoral students to take part in our upcoming Language Café – "Science in Plain Language", an event designed to help researchers express complex ideas in clear, accessible, and engaging ways. The event will take place online on Zoom platform, on November 28, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM CET (11:00 AM-1:00 PM Riga time). Work language: English Communicating science effectively is an essential skill in today’s diverse academic and professional environment. During this interactive session, linguist and plain-language expert, VUAS lecturer and guest researcher Aiga Veckalne will introduce the principles of plain language and share practical techniques for presenting research so that it can be understood by wider audiences. After the introduction, participants will be divided into mixed-cultural discussion groups to explore their own research topics and practice communicating them in clear, concise language. The session will conclude with short group presentations summarising the key insights. Doctoral students are encouraged to bring along their morning coffee, relax, and enjoy a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where learning is shared and curiosity is celebrated. We look forward to seeing you at the Language Café and to engaging in meaningful, inspiring conversations about science, clarity, and communication. To register, please fill out the survey here: https://forms.gle/XM9XVLjscCfKBfyD7 Zoom link will be sent to your email after registration.

In October, VUAS COLOURS WP5, headed by Lasma Asme, joined other representatives from COLOURS partner universities gathered at Garage33, Paderborn University, Germany, for a dynamic CoLab dedicated to Mental Health, Body Image, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The three-day event, which is part of the COLOURS CoSpace initiative, brought together students, researchers, and staff from across Europe to exchange perspectives and co-create innovative approaches under the smart specialisation area of Health and Well-being. Participants from a very diverse background, under the moderation of Dr Christine Hante-Koch and Dr Alena Diedrich, discussed how issues like body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression are closely connected and how promoting a positive body image can make a real difference for people’s health. Using design thinking processes, the group also worked on the importance of creating fair and inclusive support systems that meet the needs of different communities, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people facing disabilities, financial struggles, or migration challenges. The participants were divided into 4 groups and had cases ranging from how to deal with women who survived breast cancer, to isolated international students living in other countries, and how to make gamers more active while utilizing their special skills and enlarging their comfort zone. At the end of the event, each group pitched their ideas, solutions, and next steps. These solutions were evaluated and challenged by a panel of experts from multiple disciplines, with the example of Martin Persson, Professor of Health Sciences at Kristianstad University. The CoLab encouraged teamwork, creativity, and cultural exchange. The ideas developed in Paderborn will help shape future COLOURS activities and strengthen collaboration between partner universities committed to building healthier and more inclusive learning environments and society at large.

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

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!

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.

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.

On October 9 and 10, at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, in cooperation with Jan Dlugosz University in Poland, CoLab “More Than Words: (Inter)Linguistic Aspects in a Practical Context” took place. During the forum, participants discussed topics such as the interaction between language and technology, the impact of artificial intelligence on translation, cultural and identity aspects, current issues in language policy, and the challenges of communication in a multilingual society. Keynote lectures were delivered by speakers from several countries - Ramunė Kasperė from Lithuania, who outlined the future prospects of the translator’s profession in the age of artificial intelligence; Andrejs Veisbergs from the University of Latvia, who addressed issues of censorship in Latvian literary translations; and Olga Słabońska from Poland, who analyzed the grammatical structures of Polish and English from a cognitive perspective. Forum participants were eager to explore current topics from the perspectives of different lecturers and to gain valuable insights, which encouraged a broader understanding of the role of language, culture, and communication in contemporary society. At the end of the first day, all interested participants had the opportunity to visit the Ventspils Open-Air Museum to explore Latvia’s national cultural heritage – the Livonian language – together with Dženeta Marinska, a speaker of Livonian. The lecture concluded with a crossword activity, where participants searched for Livonian names of everyday objects around the museum grounds, followed by a tasting of traditional sklandrauši and smoked flounder from Kolka.  “The Livonian language lecture was truly inspiring – Dženeta spoke about both the history of the Livonian language and her personal journey of learning it. During the lecture, we also listened to Livonian folk songs and experienced the unique sound of the language. This experience made me reflect on the value and fragility of our own language – how easily it could disappear if we do not protect and use it in our daily lives,” shared participant Lelde Bērziņa. As part of the forum, COLOURS Alliance student workshops were also held, where students worked on practical tasks related to digital translation tools, intercultural communication, and foreign language learning. The forum concluded with a panel discussion titled “The Humanities: New Trends, Changes, and the Future.” More photos are available here: https://zviedrans.lv/klientiem/ Beyond Words: (Inter)Lingual Reflections in Practice October 9-10 | Ventspils, Latvia Password: beyondwordsventspils