Without stereotypes – girls also repair cars and study electronics
August 14, 2020
Eleonora Harčuka is one of the few girls who has chosen the program “Electronic Engineering” at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS). She began her studies on September 1, 2019, when she followed recommendations and an opportunity to have a state-funded place. She started doing, as Eleonora says, “one of the best things in her life – studying at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.”
Eleonora had an interest in technology already at school and, instead of continuing studying at secondary school, she chose to become a mechanic and study at Ventspils Technical College. “After graduating from the college, a logical question arose – where to continue my studies? My first choice was Riga Technical University (RTU), but in Riga a number of state-funded places was limited, so the idea of studying had to be postponed and I started earning money by working in a car service,” informs Eleonora. The future student of the Faculty of Information Technologies continued working in Ventspils, but later began to take an interest in studying in her city and that led her to the Faculty of Information Technologies at VUAS. “The opportunity to study electronics and combine it with my knowledge in the field of auto mechanics seemed like a great opportunity to master the nuances of modern engineering, because it is not a secret that there are a lot of car electronics nowadays,” says Eleonora. Having found out that VUAS also provides state-funded places, the decision to study here was obvious.
“The beginning of my studies was exciting. Later the excitement was replaced by the desire to master everything that is offered in VUAS.” Sharing her thoughts about the first months of study and participation in various events, Eleonora remembers well the event called “Orientation Night” and the lecturer's request that students use the respective form “You” during lectures, when students communicate with lecturer, but outside the university – the informal form “you”. The attitude of lecturers and the individual approach to each student are invaluable: “The lecturers are ready to sit with you for long hours, even all night, so that you understand the necessary information!”
After spending her first academic year in Ventspils, Eleonora likes Mondays much more than Fridays: “I never thought that I would ever say this, but the desire to study electronics and see my course mates every day is much stronger than waiting for the weekend.” In three years, Eleonora will become an engineer, who will have improved the already gained skills in the field of car mechanics, but the memories and knowledge, gained at the VUAS, will always stay with her, regardless of which career she will choose.
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In February of this year, the European Union-funded project “Opticon RadioNet Pilot” No 101004719 (ORP) was successfully concluded at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center (VIRAC), part of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, located in Irbene, Latvia. VIRAC is known for its two large radio telescopes – including a 32-meter dish, one of the largest in Northern Europe – which are used to study radio signals from cosmic objects. Given the scale and complexity of space, collaboration has always been essential, and VIRAC has long been involved in international and EU-funded projects. Since 2009, VIRAC has participated in a series of projects under the “RadioNet” umbrella, aimed at strengthening radio astronomy research across Europe by increasing access to facilities, advancing technology, encouraging institutional collaboration, and supporting the growth of young scientists. The ORP project represented the next step, merging the efforts of radio and optical telescope communities into a single coordinated program. By integrating facilities observing across the radio, sub-mm, infrared, and optical wavebands, ORP enabled seamless access for European researchers to an unparalleled array of observatories. With a total budget of €15 million, of which €60,000 was allocated to VIRAC and Ventspils University, the project supported VIRAC’s active participation in multiple scientific and collaborative activities. Among these activities, VIRAC regularly participates in EVN (European VLBI Network) observation sessions, held three times a year, as well as in monthly real-time e-VLBI sessions and EVN-lite observations, which serve as supplementary components to the main EVN observation programme. Participation in these activities has been actively supported and facilitated through the ORP (Opticon RadioNet Pilot) project. Additionally, VIRAC researchers are actively involved in the international scientific community, regularly attending major conferences and participating in training programs and exchange visits at leading European observatories. Activities such as transnational access to European ESFRI and ERIC research facilities, training programs, and support for the astronomical community will continue through one of the most significant outcomes of the ORP project—ACME (Astrophysics Centre for Multi-Messenger Studies in Europe). This new initiative aims to integrate not only optical and radio astronomy but also other branches of astrophysical observation, including gravitational waves, neutrinos, and cosmic rays, fostering a truly multi-messenger approach to astronomy. This project has received funding from the European Union's research and innovation programme HORIZON 2020 under grant agreement No 101004719. Scientific Project Coordinator: Ivars Šmelds ( ivars.smelds@venta.lv ) Administrative Project Manager: Ieva Kozlova ( ieva.kozlova@venta.lv )
On Wednesday, 9th of April, as part of the “Career Day” event organised by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, students of the Bachelor's study programme “Intercultural Communication” were invited to a guest lecture delivered by Adrija Enrika Ēdele – a graduate of VUAS Master's study programme “Strategic Intercultural Communication”, and a current student of VUAS Master's study programme “Translation of LSP Texts”, a public relations specialist at the North Kurzeme Regional Hospital (Ventspils Hospital). The guest lecture was attended by first, second and third year students of the Bachelor's study programme “Intercultural Communication”. The guest lecturer shared the story of her work experience as a public relations specialist at the Ventspils Hospital, as well as her daily duties, challenges and answered the students' questions. In her presentation, the lecturer talked about planning and organising events, stressing that “'the biggest challenge when planning an event is to make sure that everything is thought of and nothing is forgotten”'. In telling her experience, she emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in emergency situations, acting prudently to avoid making the situation worse. From the guest lecture, students say they have gained an insight into the daily life of the profession by getting to know it better. They were able to see the usefulness of the theories and knowledge taught at the university, get answers to questions about the languages they needed to learn, employer requirements when applying for a job, the differences between the duties of a specialist and a manager as well as the importance of well-written press releases. These types of lectures give students the opportunity to get to know the professions and their responsibilities in real life, which allows everyone to make sure that the chosen profession is suitable for them, and they are also necessary for everyone who is still studying, which is why the “Career Day” event organised at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences is the right event for everyone to visit. Translation is made by: “Intercultural Communication” 2nd year student Karīna Ganiņa
At the Elektrum Physics Festival, which will take place on April 12 at the ATTA Center in Riga, young people will be invited to engage in exciting physics discovery activities and explore future professions in STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The final of the FIZMIX school knowledge and physics competition will be held for the 30th time during the festival. This will be the fifth edition of the festival, and this year's theme is "Mission: Future." Throughout the day, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, visitors of all ages can participate in creative workshops and experiments that will test both intellectual and physical skills. The event will feature engaging activities presented by science centers from Latvia and Estonia, universities, extracurricular education institutions, companies, and entertainment centers. Each year, the festival is widely attended, with young people and families appreciating the meaningful way to spend their time—last year, it attracted around 4,000 visitors. Science centers and universities, including Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center, will offer various educational and interactive activities. Program: 11:00 – 11:25 Opening Ceremony 11:25 – 12:15 Discussion: "STEM Sciences: Future Professions" 12:25 – 14:00 Competitions, experiments on stage, activities, and prizes 14:00 – 14:15 Honoring long-time teachers 14:15 – 14:30 Announcement of FIZMIX competition finalists 14:40 – 15:40 FIZMIX competition final 15:50 – 16:10 FIZMIX competition awards ceremony 16:10 – 16:50 Concert: Fiņķis & Patrisha Organized by AS "Latvenergo," the FIZMIX knowledge competition and Elektrum Physics Festival aim to spark young people's interest in exact sciences, demonstrate how theoretical knowledge can be applied in practice, and encourage students to consider careers in STEM fields.
From March 21 to March 23, Ventspils University was the venue for the European University Alliance Colours hackathon "Combat Robotics" and the Ventspils Robotics Championship – one of the stages of the Latvian Championship. The event brought together technology and robotics enthusiasts from Latvia, Lithuania, Spain, Croatia and Egypt.
On Wednesday, May 28, everyone is invited to the Kurzeme Business Forum “Artificial Intelligence – The 4th Industrial Revolution”, which will take place at the Latvija concert hall. The forum will bring together entrepreneurs, municipal representatives, university staff and students, as well as technology experts to discuss the significance of education and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on business. The first part of the forum will focus on the role of higher education in the AI era. The development of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences will be examined in this context, addressing key questions: How will the education system adapt to new requirements? Which professions will remain relevant, and which will change? The discussion will also explore the synergy between AI and cybersecurity in academic studies. The second part of the forum will address the question—do businesses need AI? The legal framework and state support mechanisms for such innovations will be introduced. Entrepreneurs will share their experiences, and participants will gain insights into common myths and the real situation regarding AI in Latvia’s economy. The discussion will conclude with an exploration of the opportunities for port development in the AI era. Participants will have the chance to engage in valuable discussions and networking sessions. Although the forum will be held in Latvian, the company SIA Tilde will provide real-time translation into any language using AI technology. Register for the forum now: https://www.kurzemesbiznesaforums.lv/ The forum is organized by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences within the European University Alliance COLOURS, in collaboration with the Ventspils State City Municipality, the Freeport of Ventspils Authority, and the Green and Smart Technology Cluster.
From March 21 to March 23, Ventspils University was the venue for the European University Alliance Colours hackathon "Combat Robotics" and the Ventspils Robotics Championship – one of the stages of the Latvian Championship. The event brought together technology and robotics enthusiasts from Latvia, Lithuania, Spain, Croatia and Egypt. On Friday, March 21, 13 teams from various regions of Latvia, as well as partner universities in Croatia and Spain, began a three-day hackathon. During the event, teams were tasked with designing and building a combat robot to compete in a specially designed arena. After several intense battles, the grand prize of €1,500 was claimed by a team from Riga, Latvia with their combat robot "The Shredinator." Second place went to VUAS students with their robot "Bob," earning a €600 cash prize. Meanwhile, third place and a €400 prize were awarded to a team from Latgale with their robot "Zeimuļs vs PRK." The Ventspils City Special Award went to the team "Labākais tiiims ever" for their exceptionally creative combat robot design. Hackathon winner Patriks Ezerins shares: “I think this is a really cool way for people to come together – engineers, future engineers, and robotics enthusiasts – to build something amazing within a set time limit and then battle it out for victory. It’s a unique opportunity! I definitely recommend giving it a try, especially with the kits we provide. Even someone with zero coding knowledge can come, take a basic chassis (which is a pre-assigned part), print it, install the motors and controller, and start driving. That’s it – you’re ready to fight! I encourage everyone to participate, because the more participants we have in the future, the more hackathons like this will continue!” On Saturday, robotics and technology enthusiasts from Latvia, Lithuania and Croatia gathered at VUAS to participate in the Ventspils Robotics Championship. Throughout the championship, more than 50 robots competed in nine different disciplines, like Folkrace, Antweight, Mini Sumo, Line following and iRobot Sumo, and showcasing the participants' outstanding skills and innovative solutions. Team from Croatia placed 2 nd in Mini Sumo PRO category. The Ventspils City Special Award in the Robotics Championship was not given to an individual but to a team from Sigulda in recognition of their enthusiasm and extensive participation, demonstrating their contribution to the development of robotics. Photos: Day 1: https://zviedrans.lv/galleries/ventspils-starptautiskais-cinas-robotu-hakatons-1-diena-21-03-2025/ Day 2: https://zviedrans.lv/galleries/ventspils-starptautiskais-cinas-robotu-hakatons-2-diena-22-03-2025/ Day 3: https://zviedrans.lv/galleries/ventspils-starptautiskais-cinas-robotu-hakatons-3-diena-23-03-2025/
