The Name of the Project: 3^rd Round of Modernization of Irbene Radio Telescope Complex

Project No.: 1.1.1.4/17/I/010

Project Acronym: RKM

The project is implemented within the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Operational Program  ‘Growth and Employment’ 1.1.1 Specific Support Objective ‘To Increase the Research and Innovation Capacity of Latvian Scientific Institutions and the Ability to Attract External Funding by Investing in Human Resources and Infrastructure’ 1.1.1.4 ‘Development of R&D Infrastructure in the Fields of Smart Specialization and Strengthening of Institutional Capacity of Research institutions’

Project Submitter: Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Institute of Engineering Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VUAS IE VIRAC)

Project Duration: 11/12/2017–31/1/2021

The Aim of the Project:
The main aim of the project ‘3^rd Round of Modernization of Irbene radio telescope complex’ is to continue modernization of Irbene radio telescope complex at VUAS IE VIRAC, as well as strengthen research capacity and excellence and achieve successful integration in international scientific organizations, such as the EVN (European VLBI Network).

Achieving the project aim requires investments in the research infrastructure of VUAS, that is planned as an investment in the modernization of Irbene radio telescopes and renewal of the existing infrastructure, ensuring its longevity, compliance with ever-growing international requirements and standards, as well as improving the efficiency of the scientific complex.

Main project activities include:

• Non-construction related measures to increase the operational efficiency of the Irbene radio telescope complex, aimed at improving the reception efficiency of the RT-32 radio telescope.
• Renovation of the Irbene radio telescope complex and repair works, the execution of which will complete the renovation works of the Irbene radio telescope complex.
• Complementing the scientific infrastructure of VUAS IE VIRAC for the Astrophysics and Remote Sensing departments, as well as mechanics and electronics laboratories to ensure the successful operation and development of these departments, raising their scientific capacity and developing potential.
• As a result of the project the modernization of the Irbene radio telescope complex will be continued, ensuring the longevity of this mega-object; new equipment obtained Remote Sensing and Astrophysics Departments; expanded range of mechanical and electronics laboratory equipment; increased RT-32 capture efficiency 1.5 to 1.8 times. All these results will promote the development of fundamental science, increase the scientific potential and capacity of the VIRAC, as well as facilitate the conduct of scientific discoveries. This project is an investment in the future, allowing young researchers to work with time-tested equipment.

The total costs of the project are EUR 1,650,204.22, of which 5% or EUR 82,510.22 is co-funding by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, 14.25%, EUR 235,155.00 is government funding and 80.75% or EUR 1,332,539.00 is ERDF funding.

Contact Information:

Project Administrative Manager – Baiba Reimane, baiba.reimane@venta.lv