Ventspils University of Applied Sciences conference University of Tomorrow has concluded

December 17, 2020

On 10 December, in Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) an international conference University of Tomorrow took place. Concurrently, the Modernisation Conference, which VUAS organised for the first time, and the Christmas Conference which is an annual scientific activity event at the university, took place. Considering the restrictions set by the government, University of Tomorrow took place remotely, thus giving opportunity for everyone to follow the course of the conference.


University of Tomorrow was opened with the introductory words of VUAS rector Professor Kārlis Krēsliņš, marking the growth of VUAS in the direction of study process modernisation and scientific activity. The scholarship of Professor Andris Klauss was also presented at the beginning of the conference. The patron of the scholarship Mārtiņš Lauva admitted that it was difficult to choose the scholarship receiver this year because all the candidates were worthy of the scholarship. Upon making the decision, a student of the Faculty of Translation Studies, Agate Freiberga, received the scholarship.


The first part of the conference focused on the quality of studies, its supervision and management in higher education institutions, teaching methods and the growth of the academic staff. Also, the audience was acquainted with the project Improvement of the Quality of the Content of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Study Programme, Improving the Efficiency of the Use of Resources, and Ensuring Better Governance. The conference University of Tomorrow was organised within the framework of this project. Maija Cēbere, Deputy Head of the Science and Development Department of VUAS, spoke more about the news of this project. Vice-rector of the Business University Turība associated professor Daina Vasiļevska shared Turība`s experience in ensuring good governance and study quality. It is worthwhile for all lecturers to get acquainted with the associate director of the RSU Centre for Educational Growth Prof. Nora Jansone-Ratinika`s presentation which reviewed various teaching methods and application possibilities in the study process, with emphasis on distance learning. The first part of the conference was concluded by Brigita Kukjalko, a senior expert of the Structural Funds Department of the Ministry of Education and Science who presented the upcoming changes in the academic career. These changes promise to organise the positions of the academic staff and their distribution.


As the conference continued, viewers could choose to continue following the Modernisation Conference or join the VUAS scientific event – the Christmas Conference. Those who chose the first option heard nine different presentations about the distance learning experience, opportunities for improvement and challenges faced by both lecturers and students. Along with these topics, the Rector of VUAS outlined the implementation of the new doctoral model in VUAS. Experts of the Study Department of VUAS Gints Dreifogels, Toms Urdze and Ivo Čapiņš presented the currently available distance learning tools at VUAS. The new Chairperson of the VUAS Student Council Lāsma Lubāne analysed the results of the student survey on the technical provision of the distance learning process, concluding that VUAS students are satisfied with the technic equipment of the university, however, some improvements are still to be made. Guntis Čoders, Deputy Director of the study programme Start-Up Management, also participated in the conference, talking about the importance of coaching and competence education. Competence-based education is one of the theses that has been said a lot on a national scale, so it was interesting to hear the implementation of this model in the programme Start-Up Management. Thanks to the remote format of the conference, without any long trips, Professor Martin Waiguny, Director of International study programmes at the University of Applied Sciences Krems, was also able to participate. The professor shared his experience of implementing distance learning at VUAS cooperation university in Krems and suggested specific things that could be implemented by VUAS. Two guest lecturers from the Faculty of Translation Studies (FTS), Goksel Ozturk and Murat Bayrak, from the Bursa Technical University, Turkey, compared the traditional full-time study process with the current situation, as well as highlighted the challenges of distance studies in linguistics. Continuing in the field of linguistics, the Dean of FTS Artūrs Viļums presented two digital research tools in linguistics which are used more and more often by students at the beginning of the new study format. VUAS IT faculty was also represented at the conference. Its dean, Vairis Caune, gave an insight into the daily life of the faculty and how the studies are currently organised, which online tools help lectures to happen and how to move forward so that the study process does not lose the quality during distance learning. The closing speech of the conference was from the lecturer of the Faculty of IT Jesus Cazares, who spoke with the personal motivation, inviting students and lecturers to adapt to the new format and to find better solutions to improve the quality of teaching.


The Christmas Conference brought together researchers and scientists from VUAS to look back at the achievements at the end of the year. Introducing colleagues, students and others to the results of their research – both theoretical and practical – ten researchers from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences participated in the conference. The fields represented in the reports were various – engineering, natural sciences, linguistics and translation science, as well as economics and business. The main motive of the conference was the development and vision for the future. The director of Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) Aleksejs Klokovs in his report Space Centre in Latvia and Space Industry Development provided a vision for further development of VIRAC. The leading researcher of VIRAC Manfrēds Šneps-Šneppe further analysed the development perspective. Researcher Vladislavs Bezrukovs gave two presentations – one on current events in the VIRAC radio observations and the other Friendyno - small power generator with the rotor linear motion – on his practical research. Two young VIRAC researchers in electronic engineering Andrejs Dzelme and Emīls Vēveris presented the results of practical research in a report Mobile Device Charger for a Bicycle Generator. The young researchers proved the ability to perform and present their research independently. Jesus Cazares, a lecturer at the Faculty of IT, also spoke in this part of the conference presenting his report A Method for the Composition of Piecewise Defined Functions. Representatives of all three faculties of VUAS also presented interesting and topical research. Valentīna Semakina, a visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM), presented a report Dynamic Stochastic Models of General Equilibrium prepared with the co-author professor Sergejs Hiļķevičs, the lead researcher at VIRAC. FTS representatives Baiba Egle and Ralfs Raitis Vecmanis presented a report Latvian Scientific Language Database – Development and Content. The final report of the conference given by the Faculty of Translation Studies guest lecturer Elizabete Kadakovska Interaction of Medical and Translation Sciences was relevant in the context of the current situation. The conference provided an optimistic view of VUAS research and a chance for experienced and young VUAS researchers to meet. 

Share on other platforms

Other news

By Rota Rulle June 27, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences is a regional university of applied sciences where scientific activities are carried out in three strategic specialization areas: In natural sciences – implementing research in the fields of mathematical modelling, optical signal technology, astronomy and astrophysics, space technology and engineering electronics, ICT and electronics In social sciences – conducting research in the areas of entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional economics In the humanities – conducting research in applied linguistics, comparative linguistics, and translation studies In June 2025, the science communication brand researchLatvia paid special attention to the contribution of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences to research activities, emphasising the contribution of Mg. sc. comp. Karina Šķirmante, researcher and lecturer at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, to science, technology and astronomy. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences – a university with the largest radio telescope antenna in Northern Europe Although Ventspils University of Applied Sciences will only be 28 years old this year, for most of its existence, it has been home to a world-class research centre – the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VSRC). Ventspils University of Applied Sciences has been home to the largest radio telescope antenna in Northern Europe for 21 years. " If the world stands on three pillars, then VeA has four – three faculties and the VSRC. Science is inseparable from education, and higher education must be grounded in scientific principles. It is this close connection between education and science that has ensured the rapid development of VSRC and the Irbene radio telescope complex over the past 20 years. More than 150 students have developed their bachelor's or master's theses at VSRC - either in science or technology development. The majority of VSRC employees are graduates of our university. VSRC has grown into one of the leading scientific institutions in Northern Europe, specialising in astrophysics and space technologies. VSRC conducts international-level scientific research and contributes to technological innovations, bringing Latvia's name to the world. Shortly, radio telescopes will also be used in a completely new direction - in satellite communications, communicating with space satellites near the Moon," says Andris Vaivads , rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. International partners highly value VeA's infrastructure – the radio telescope complex in Irbene is part of the European radio telescope networks (JIVE, ILT) with significant importance in scientific observations. VeA's scientific activities are focused on internationally significant research in collaboration with international partners, including the Swedish Space Corporation and the European Space Agency. In 2024, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences produced 41 publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, of which 17 were published in the highest-ranked journals in Q1, and four in Q2. This is an excellent indicator indicating competitive and high-quality research. New researchers are being trained Many employees of the VSRC and the Faculty of Information Technologies work in both structural units, ensuring effective knowledge transfer between researchers and students. Representatives of this field are actively involved in public education throughout Latvia, conducting practical classes in schools and VeA laboratories, as well as giving lectures at the School of Astronomy. The development of a stratospheric probe by third-year students has also become a tradition, attracting public attention and inspiring future researchers. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences students – the most capable young specialists This July, Mārtiņš Leimants , a student in the "Electronics Engineering" study program, will travel to the Dutch city of Noordwijk to start working at the European Space Research and Technology Centre. Mārtiņš is the second Ventspils University of Applied Sciences student to intern at the European Space Agency (ESA) – a place where only the most capable young specialists from around the world have the opportunity to gain experience. In 2022, Rodrigo Laurinovičs went to ESA and spent two years there. If one student at ESA is a significant achievement and recognition, then two already mark a notable trend, confirming the excellence of our study program. Doctoral studies There are currently 22 doctoral students studying and conducting research at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences – 14 students are obtaining a doctorate in social sciences, and eight students in humanities and arts. The Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre is a significant research centre that attracts doctoral students and candidates from other universities conducting research in the field of natural sciences. In the 2023/2024 academic year, the first three graduates of the study program "Economics and Entrepreneurship" received their Doctor of Science degrees at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Research funding doubled in 2024 Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and the VSRC are actively involved in various international programs and projects. Since 2024, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences has been part of the European university alliance COLOURS, which unites European regional universities from nine countries: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Sweden. In 2024, the total funding received for research projects reached just under € 2.7 million. This is a significant increase of just under 1.5 million euros compared to 2023. The most significant increase in funding in 2024 is observed in the areas of contract work and intellectual property transfer, demonstrating the university's ability to create practically applicable solutions for industry needs. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences focuses on the creation and transfer of high-value-added knowledge, creating a platform where education, science, and innovation meet. With a clear strategic direction, international vision and modern infrastructure, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre are an essential part not only in the region and Latvia, but also on a global scale! Video with this month's researchLatvia calendar scientist Mg. sc. comp. Karina Šķirmante
By Rota Rulle June 25, 2025
You are kindly invited to attend a scientific seminar that will take place on June 27, 2025 , at Room D407, VeA IZI VSRC . Seminar Programme 10:00 – 11:00 Prof. Valery M. Nakariakov , University of Warwick, UK "A Plasma Orchestra, or Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in the Solar Corona" 11:00 – 12:00 Lunch break 12:00 – 15:00 Scientific seminar “Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in the Solar Corona” as part of the JIV-ERIC National Node Scientific Seminar Series Please confirm your participation by marking your name in the Excel sheet: Participation Sheet You can join in person or online via Google Meet . Google Meet link --- A Plasma Orchestra, or Magnetohydrodynamic Waves in the Solar Corona Valery M Nakariakov (University of Warwick, United Kingdom) The corona of the Sun is the outermost part of the solar atmosphere. The corona is a very hot, fully ionised plasma dominated by the magnetic field. The corona is the birthplace of extreme events of space weather, and a natural laboratory for plasma physics. One of the most fascinated discoveries made with recent high-precision spaceborne imaging telescopes operating in the extreme UV band is the ubiquitous dynamics of the corona in a form of various large-scale wave motions. An example of such an instrument is the Extreme UV imager on the recently launched Solar Orbiter spacecraft. Typical oscillation periods are several minutes, typical wavelengths are tens to hundred thousand kilometres, and typical speeds are from several tens to several thousand kilometres per second, which make the solar coronal waves the largest electromagnetic wave motions resolved simultaneously in time and space, detected in the Universe. The observed waves are confidently interpreted in terms of the magnetohydrodynamic theory. Various plasma structures of the corona support different types of wave modes, allowing for the use of the waves for the plasma diagnostics via the method of magnetohydrodynamic seismology.
By Rota Rulle June 25, 2025
The Erasmus+ program offers the opportunity to participate in an innovative and dynamic learning format – the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). This format allows both students and staff to explore a specific topic in depth within an international setting, combining virtual learning with a short but intensive five-day on-site component. Students of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences actively take part in these programs – over the past two academic years, 18 students have participated in BIP courses held in Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, and France. From 26 to 30 May, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted its first Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme titled “Technology Startup Course”. The course was implemented as part of the “Developing by Experimenting II” module within the “Start-up Management” study program, in cooperation with two COLOURS partner universities – Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa (Poland) and University St. Kliment Ohridski Bitola (North Macedonia). During the program, students from Ventspils University collaborated in international teams with peers from Poland, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria to develop innovative, technology-based business ideas. In total, 38 students participated, including 18 international students (six of whom represented COLOURS partner universities), forming 13 project teams. The primary goal of the program was to enhance students' skills in creating innovative, tech-driven business ventures capable of competing in the real-world market. On 30 May, five of the top teams were selected to present their ideas to investors at the TestDevLab headquarters in Riga. The winning team, “SOUNDPACK”, was represented by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences student Ronalds Palacis. The team’s idea focused on using AI to generate fully cohesive, royalty-free sample packs based on natural language prompts, simplifying the workflow for music producers. The Erasmus+ BIP program provided a valuable experience for both students and staff and helped strengthen cooperation with international partner universities. In the next academic year, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences aims to implement two more BIP programs – one for students and one for staff. We encourage all faculties to submit their BIP program ideas by emailing: erasmus@venta.lv
By Rota Rulle June 18, 2025
On June 5, representatives from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission visited Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) to discuss issues related to the development of academic careers in higher education in Latvia. The purpose of the visit was to gain an understanding of the role, challenges, and opportunities of regional universities, including VUAS, in the implementation of new academic career models. During the meeting, experts met with the university’s management and academic staff to discuss topics such as attracting and retaining academic personnel, career development opportunities, support for professional advancement, and potential collaboration with other institutions in Latvia. The international expert group included Gillian Golden, Project Leader in the OECD Higher Education Policy Team; Thomas Weko, an international higher education expert and researcher at the George Washington Institute of Public Policy (USA); and Kristiāna Egle, a policy analyst in the OECD Higher Education Policy Team. The experts greatly appreciated the opportunity to hear a report from the Executive Director of the Ventspils City Council on the university's role within the city’s ecosystem, the university’s experience and staff perspectives, as well as the opportunity to learn about the university’s development strategies in a regional context. The discussions covered both the challenges and potential solutions that could help improve the development of academic careers in Latvia.
By Rota Rulle June 18, 2025
When Information Technology Meets the Universe Space exploration is becoming increasingly important, expanding humanity’s knowledge of the universe, promoting innovation and technological development, and attracting new talent to science. Her work highlights the importance of combining expertise from various fields to address complex scientific questions. At such a point of cooperation between technology and astronomy is the doctoral candidate Mg. sc. comp. Karina Šķirmante, a leading researcher and lecturer at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VeA). Karina’s research activities cover high-performance computing and data processing, focusing on space technology projects. She is actively involved in the European Space Agency’s Comet Interceptor project, which aims to launch a probe in 2029 to study a comet that has never come close to the Sun directly in space for the first time. In preparation for this mission, Karina, together with colleagues from the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VSRC) of the Institute of Engineering Sciences of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, is modelling comet activity in the radio frequency band, in collaboration with researchers from the Tartu Observatory (Estonia) and Aalto University (Finland). This international collaboration is helping to develop and calibrate the instruments that will be used during the mission.
By Rota Rulle June 12, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences recently hosted the forum “Artificial Intelligence – The Fourth Industrial Revolution”, which took place at the concert hall “Latvija”. The forum brought together industry experts, policymakers, university representatives, and others, gathering around 250 participants in total. The next day, a workshop titled “How to Collaborate Across Generations in the Era of AI” was held at the “Saieta nams” in the Pasiekste Windmill, open to all interested participants. During the same week, Ventspils welcomed partners from all COLOURS project countries. Over the course of several days, they worked together to advance the goals of Work Package 3 (WP3). The partners were also introduced to Ventspils University, Latvian culture and traditions, visited the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre in Irbene, and participated in the CoLab. Kristiāna Balode, WP3 coordinator from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, shared: “It was a true pleasure to welcome the COLOURS partners to Ventspils and to share both our professional experience and Latvia’s rich culture and hospitality. I am especially proud that we had the opportunity to present our university and highlight Ventspils’ potential in the field of innovation. This meeting not only strengthened collaboration within WP3, but also sparked new ideas for the future development of science and higher education.”
Other news