Within the framework of the project “Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe,” VUAS has developed several innovative products to improve the study process.

October 12, 2021

Since November 1, 2018, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences has been involved in the project “Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe”. Ten cooperation partners from Ventspils and Valmiera are participating in the project. During the implementation of the project, several innovative products have been developed to introduce and use digital solutions that would considerably improve the workflow at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. These innovative products are available to use by both the staff and students of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.

One of these products is the VeApp information system that has been developed as a unique daily study and activity planning, information sharing and communications tool for the convenience of the students and staff of VUAS. The VeApp is available for iPhone, iPad, and Android smartphone users.


On the app, the users can view their current study or event calendar. Students can now find and contact the lecturers and the VUAS staff, as well as quickly locate rooms at the university. With the check-in function built in the app, the students can easily mark themselves present at lectures and events by using their smartphones to scan the QR codes displayed on special LCD screens near the most frequently used classrooms. These screens will display the list of lectures, any published changes, and the QR codes necessary for the digital check-in using a smartphone. 

Additionally, the application serves as an informative platform through which important announcements about news and opportunities at the university can be shared in real-time. Meanwhile, the VeApp content control system enables the VUAS administrative staff to easily and securely control the sections and content of the app in real-time, allowing for a quick and efficient way to adapt to different levels of change.


Other innovative achievements and upgrades include the new video studio which is currently being equipped and will soon be available for use. The video studio will serve as a tool for creating new materials and modernizing the existing ones. The studio provides professional filming, lighting and sound equipment, as well as top-class editing and recording software. The equipment and software can be used for streaming and online classes, recording and editing videos for various purposes.


During the project, room C406 was modernized and improved and is now proudly called the interactive digital classroom. The new interactive digital classroom was set up to assist the daily work of lecturers with various tools. It provides the lecturers a convenient way to present their lectures both in-person and remotely, or in a mixed-mode, even if the students are on-site and the lecturer is working remotely. The classroom is equipped with a microphone and a camera for online transmission of the lecturer, as well as webcams for students, digital tablets for drawing and writing on the computer, and an interactive whiteboard that provides remote access.


In the project, the word "innovative" is not limited to just technology and tools, but it also includes methodology which plays an important role. For example, 36 hours of training were organized on the topics of creating a modern online course, the tools and versatile possibilities on Moodle, including the use of interactive tools, modernized FIT courses, additionally, the faculties of VUAS and the Lifelong Learning Center developed distance learning courses with video-based content. Momentum has increased for effective and meaningful use of various ICT tools in the process of teaching study courses.


The project "Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe" has initiated the development of distance learning and laid the foundation for its development where, through the use of a technological base and appropriate methodologies, we will be able to develop innovative approaches to studying.


This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Urban Innovative Actions Initiative. The content of this press release does not reflect the official opinion of the Urban Innovative Actions Initiative. Responsibility for the information and views expressed in the press release lies entirely with the author.


Share on other platforms

Other news

By Rota Rulle September 9, 2025
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.
By Martina Bertāne September 3, 2025
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
By Rota Rulle August 25, 2025
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.
By Rota Rulle August 19, 2025
The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened online registration for the international conference on big data from space, Big Data from Space 2025 (BiDS 2025). This large-scale event will take place for the first time in the Baltic Sea region, in Riga, from 29 September to 3 October. The conference will offer a broad and diverse programme, bringing together leading experts, researchers, and policymakers to discuss the use of satellite data in science, innovation, and the development of solutions that matter to society. Jānis Paiders , Acting State Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia and Deputy State Secretary for Human Capital, Science, and Innovation Policy, highlights: “The fact that the international BiDS 2025 conference is taking place in Latvia marks a significant milestone – this prestigious event is being held in the Baltic Sea region for the first time. It is a testament to Latvia’s vital role in the development of the space sector, as well as the potential of our researchers and companies to apply satellite data for economic growth, societal needs, and the creation of innovative technologies. ” BiDS 2025 programme will include: Workshops at the University of Latvia Academic Centre (29 - 30 September); Panel discussions, presentations, and an exhibition at the National Library of Latvia (1 - 3 October); B2B events, demonstrations, and broad networking opportunities.
By Rota Rulle August 11, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Translation Studies Bachelor’s degree student of “Translation and Language Technology” Matīss Jansons and Bachelor’s degree student of “Intercultural Communication” Līva Slesare participated in an exciting summer school “Responsible Digitalization: AI, Social Media and their Contribution to a Sustainable Society”, which took place from 21st to 25th of July in Paderborn, Germany. The aim of the summer school was to provide a learning experience about sustainable use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies for the benefit of society, while promoting collaboration, practical innovation and cultural exchange. The summer school program was intense and dynamic – lectures, workshops and discussions led by lecturers and guest lecturers took place throughout the day, covering the practical application of artificial intelligence, its ethical and social aspects, issues of power, prejudice and everyday life. Each day provided new insights and encouraged students to think about the role of technology in the future society. Outside of lectures, students from Latvia, as well as from various other countries, had the opportunity to go on guided tours and get to know the city of Paderborn in Germany and its ancient history, see the world's largest computer museum "Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum", as well as have informal conversations and make new contacts. Students admit that the opportunity to work in international teams with participants from several COLOURS alliance universities was very valuable. This diversity promoted the exchange of experience and allowed for different approaches to solving problems related to artificial intelligence. Dr. François Vignale's (Le Mans University) lecture on the identification of AI-generated and biased content also aroused special interest, providing practical knowledge and sparking a discussion about these problems in society. This experience gives students the opportunity to gain new knowledge, opening a broader view of the everyday life of students at other European universities, exchanging opinions and creating contacts and future friendships. Read more about the summer school on the COLOURS website: https://colours-alliance.eu/event/international-summer-school-on-responsible-digitalization-ai-social-media-and-their-contribution-to-a-sustainable-society/
By Rota Rulle July 30, 2025
Today, the field of radio astronomy has experienced a resurgence in ‘transient’ science, with more and more astronomical phenomena found to be active on timescales of months, weeks, and even within a single day. For example, high-mass stars form in short, intense bursts of mass accretion that display active variations on day-long timescales. The use of single-baseline interferometers (two telescopes connected together) has been known in astronomy since the 1940s. However, demand for this observing technique was soon overtaken by the development of interferometers comprising large numbers of radio telescope dishes. As demand for aperture synthesis arrays increased, the time available for each observing programme became more limited. The recent emphasis on transient science has renewed the demand for facilities capable of high-cadence monitoring of brightness variations in radio emission—an area in which the now uncommon single-baseline radio interferometer is particularly well suited. The aim of this project is the development of the Irbene Single-Baseline Interferometer (ISBI), designed to detect variations in the radio emission associated with high-mass star-forming regions. The ISBI will be used to monitor both radio continuum and maser emission from high-mass protostars. This will enable clearer distinctions to be drawn between currently untested and competing theoretical models proposed to explain the enigmatic variability recently linked to the formation of high-mass stars. With recent discoveries confirming rapid accretion bursts in high-mass protostars, time-domain radio astronomy has become a key frontier in understanding the formation of massive stars. These short-lived accretion episodes give rise to measurable variations in both radio continuum and maser emission. However, existing large-scale arrays are often oversubscribed and are not optimised for long-term, targeted monitoring of such sources. “The method will enable clearer distinctions to be drawn between currently untested and competing theoretical models proposed to explain the enigmatic variability recently linked to the formation of high-mass stars.” High-cadence, long-term monitoring, such as that possible by ISBI, greatly benefits from automation, which makes it much easier to carry out long-term, frequent monitoring of space signals, from planning observations to processing the data. Latvian scientists have created a unique set of tools and automated systems for the ISBI, turning it into a one-of-a-kind instrument with capabilities not found anywhere else. ISBI stands out because, unlike single-dish telescopes or large VLBI arrays, it can both detect weak signals and track them regularly over time. This makes it ideal for studying the changing radio emissions of massive star-forming regions, helping researchers understand processes like matter falling onto stars and the jets they eject. Thanks to automation, almost the whole workflow runs smoothly, allowing continuous and efficient monitoring of these fascinating cosmic events.
Other news