VIRAC researchers attend conference in Japan and visit Japanese Observatories

April 5, 2023

From 18 March to 1 April 2023, Ivars Šmelds, Senior Researcher of VIRAC, and Artis Aberfelds, Researcher of VIRAC, were on a mission to Japan to participate in the International Astronomical Union (IAUS) 380. "Cosmic Masers: Proper Motion toward the Next-Generation Large Projects" and to visit several Japanese radio astronomy observatories.


As previously reported, such thematic conferences on cosmic masers, bringing together the world's leading cosmic maser researchers, are held at intervals of about five years, with the previous thematic conference in this field taking place in Sardinia in 2017. These conferences report on current research results, discuss visions for the future of the field, and establish and develop collaborative links between individual researchers and the research institutes that represent them through personal contacts.


This year's conference took place in Kagoshima, southern Japan, from 20 to 24 March, and was organised by Kagoshima University in collaboration with the Astronomical Society of Japan and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. The list of participants includes 178 scientists from all over the world, and around 80 scientific papers were presented, not including poster presentations (a poster on an A0-size sheet) brought to the symposium by almost every participant who did not give an oral presentation. The conference programme was divided into sections, each section devoted to a different topic, some of which concerned the research on space knots themselves, and others on the

research areas to which they make an important contribution. This time, the topics were:

1.      Cosmic Distance Scale and the Hubble Constant,

2.      Black Hole Masses and the M-sigma Relation,

3.      Structure of the Milky Way,

4.      Dynamics of Formation of Massive Stars,

5.      Pulsation and Outflows in Evolved Stars,

6.      Theory of Masers and Maser Sources,

7.      New Projects and Future Telescopes.


VIRAC scientists, Artis Aberfeld and Ivars Šmelds, presented two posters at the symposium: "Possibly New OH Excited Rotatonal State Masers" and "New insights of 6.7 GHz methanol maser variability in IRAS 20126+4104".


More information about the conference is available here: https://iaus-maser2023.jp/.


The mission also included a visit to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan to agree on a collaboration using a single baseline interferometer. This technique is expected to be used for the scientific results of two projects carried out at the VIRAC, and an agreement was reached to use the expertise of Japanese colleagues to verify and improve the results of observations carried out with the radio telescopes of the VIRAC.


In addition to the above, Ivars Šmelds and Artis Aberfelds also visited the Ibaraki University Observatory with two 32 m radio telescopes (one of them see Fig.3). Reports on the methanol observing programmes were exchanged and closer cooperation was agreed between the methanol monitoring organisations of which the scientists of the two observatories are members. Insights were also gained into the challenges of publishing an archive of observations of cosmic knots.


The above mentioned activities took place within the framework of the project " Support for Preparation of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences International Cooperation Projects in Research and Innovations (ATVASE) ", Nr. 1.1.1.5/18/I/009 and will be financed from the project funds.

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