Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Translation Studies master's study programme Translation and Terminology keeps expanding its range of international partners by initiating a strategic collaboration with the Austrian company Kaleidoscope . This collaboration will provide university lecturers and students access to modern and AI-based language and terminology management tools, which are essential in today’s digital translation and terminology environment. The collaboration plans to integrate the company’s developed solutions into the study process, providing future specialists with practical skills in working with AI solutions. The Austrian company Kaleidoscope is internationally acknowledged in the field of content management. The company specializes in developing innovative software solutions that help businesses worldwide optimize the translation process and ensure terminology consistency. One of their best-known products is the AI-based platform Quickterm , which is considered as the market leader in terminology management. Kaleidoscope combines decades of experience with modern automation and quality control methods. The company’s goal is to help organizations and educational establishments communicate effectively in a multilingual environment, while reducing costs and improving content accuracy. This collaboration proves the master's study programme’s desire and ability to keep up with the latest trends in the translation and terminology industry. Students and lecturers, working with Kaleidoscope tools, will gain advantages in both the Latvian and international labor market. The first practical lessons are expected to begin in the spring semester.

On 9 December, a meeting with representatives of Latvia’s space sector was held at the Saeima, focusing on the establishment of a unified approach to the governance and development of the space sector in Latvia. The event was attended by Mārcis Donerblics, Head of the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre; Andris Vaivads, Rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences; and Jānis Šate, Head of the “Electrical Engineering” study programme. The meeting was initiated by Saeima Speaker Daiga Mieriņa, bringing together representatives of industry organisations, entrepreneurs, education and research institutions, along with officials from public administration bodies. The purpose of the discussion was to highlight the need for a clear and coordinated governance model that would advance the sustainable development of Latvia’s space sector, strengthen inter-institutional cooperation, and assure unified representation of national interests at the international level. The meeting highlighted the role of the space sector in driving innovation, strengthening the high-tech ecosystem, and enhancing Latvia’s competitiveness. Representatives of the Latvian Space Industry Association, space sector entrepreneurs, experts from academic institutions, as well as officials from various ministries and state institutions. Participants highlighted that a unified governance approach is an essential requirement for Latvian organisations to actively participate in European Union space programmes and international cooperation projects, including collaboration with the European Space Agency. The meeting also addressed topics related to enhancing public-private sector cooperation, opportunities for attracting funding, and the importance of maintaining dialogue on the long-term development of space policy in Latvia. Participants recognised the significance of ongoing collaboration and emphasised the necessity of regular communication between policymakers and industry representatives. The meeting at the Saeima marks an important milestone toward a better-coordinated and goal-oriented Latvia’s space sector, promoting a unified vision and strengthening Latvia’s position within the European and international space community.

On December 10, at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Library, students and other participants with a German language knowledge had the opportunity to be a part of a German language workshop on Christmas-themed topics titled “Modernes Deutschlandbild mit Fokus – Weihnachten” and conducted by Goethe-Institut volunteer Jūlija Novodvorska ( Julia Nowodworska ). During the workshop, participants were able to introduce themselves and engage in a range of activities, including creative tasks such as making origami candle holders, singing Christmas songs in German, and enjoying traditional Christmas treats and tea. As a gift from Ventspils German Culture Society, workshop participants received the new bilingual calendar for 2026, “L ebendige Gutshöfe – gestern und heute | Manor Houses – Yesterday and Today,” which has been prepared by the Ventspils German Cultural Society for the fifth year in a row. Students from Ventspils Technical School also participated in the workshop together with their German language teacher, Žanna Blaževica. The event was an excellent opportunity to put the German language knowledge acquired during the lessons into practice. Sincere thanks to Julia for leading the workshop! The workshop was organised in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut in Riga, the Chair of the Ventspils German Cultural Society, Māra Kraule, and VUAS FoTS lecturer Silga Sviķe.

Professor at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, researcher of the State Research Programme Una Libkovska participates in the 3rd International Scientific Conference International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures. Shaping the Future: Synergies Between Nature, Technology and Society On 10–11 December 2025, Professor Una Libkovska, researcher within the National Research Programme project “Development of evidence-based solutions for the effective improvement of professional competence of adults and the assessment of the transfer of its results to practice in Latvia” (VPP-IZM-Izglītība-2023/4-0001), participated in the 3rd International Scientific Conference “Advancing Sustainable Futures: Shaping the Future: Synergies Between Nature, Technology, and Society (ICASF 2025)”, organised by Abu Dhabi University and held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. During the conference, the project’s key insights and research outcomes were presented and discussed within the scientific programme, including a paper entitled “Contribution of Sustainable Human Resource Management to Organizational Sustainability and Labour Market Transformation”. The ICASF 2025 conference brought together more than 200 participants from over 30 countries, who took part in the thematic scientific sections and presented research spanning the natural sciences, engineering and technology, social sciences, economics, and interdisciplinary studies, addressing global challenges and solutions related to sustainable development. Participants represented Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa, including Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Lithuania, the United States, Canada, India, Japan, and other countries. Participation in the conference provided valuable opportunities to expand international research cooperation, strengthen institutional partnerships, and engage in global dialogue on shaping a sustainable future. It also enabled the validation of research results within a broad international academic audience and supported knowledge transfer related to sustainable development policy, professional competence development, and the challenges of lifelong learning. 

On 5 December, the Latvian Association of Young Researchers (LJZA) marked its 20th anniversary with a celebration event at the Riga Latvian Society House. The anniversary event, held in the Golden Hall of Riga Latvian Society House, gathered together representatives from different generations of the LJZA, as well as the association’s supporters and partners. During the anniversary celebrations, young scientists were honoured for their active involvement in the LJZA Policy Working Group. Thus, VUAS doctoral student Džeina Kleina-Šnipke from the study programme “Economics and Business” received recognition for her contributions to the policy working group and doctoral student Aiga Bādere from the study programme “Languages and Literature Studies” received recognition for translating and editing LJZA texts. Throughout the ceremonial event, the association’s origins, development and achievements were reviewed, and active members and cooperation partners were honoured for their support, which has allowed the LJZA to strengthen its involvement in academic activities, public policy-making and science communication processes. The anniversary event in the Golden Hall of the Riga Latvian Society was attended by representatives of different generations of the LJZA, described in a congratulatory speech by one of the association’s founders, Jānis Jaško, as both “older” and “younger” young scientists, along with the association’s supporters and cooperation partners. Over the years, the association has been supported both intellectually and financially by the Minister of Education and Science, the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, the Latvian Council of Science, the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the National Electronic Mass Media Council, and other institutions. Photo by: Dāvis Dambenieks