Over two days, 12–13 November, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted the 9th International Scientific Conference Baltic Applied Astroinformatics and Space Data Processing (BAASP), organized by the Engineering Research Institute “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre”. The conference brought together scientists from the Baltic States, Europe, and other parts of the world to share research on astrophysics and radio astronomy, near-Earth space studies, and space technologies. The BAASP conference is held in Ventspils every two years. This conference series serves as a platform for fostering and strengthening international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the Baltic region and worldwide. It brings together astronomers, space scientists and engineers, as well as experts from related fields such as computer science, electronics, satellite technologies, geodesy, remote sensing, and environmental sciences. This year’s conference gathered participants from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, and representatives from Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland, as well as from Ukraine, Spain, Nigeria, Algeria, and China. Thus, the geographical reach of this year’s participants extended well beyond the Baltic region. The keynote speakers were Professor Andris Slavinskis from the University of Tartu (Estonia), Dr. Oleg Ulyanov from the Radio Astronomy Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and Professor Ilya Usoskin from the University of Oulu (Finland). In total, the conference participants delivered 29 presentations. BAASP 2025 continued the discussion on how emerging technologies are shaping astronomy, space science, geosciences, and remote sensing. As emphasized in the conference topics, so-called “big data” plays an increasingly important role in space science, requiring powerful capabilities for data acquisition, management, processing, and interpretation. Astroinformatics, as an interdisciplinary field, combines space science with high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, enabling major advancements in observational astronomy, satellite technologies, and Earth–space interaction studies. In recent years, Europe has continued to play a significant role in the development of next-generation astronomy. The expansion of the LOFAR low-frequency antenna network across the continent, including the Baltic region, enables high-resolution studies of cosmic magnetism, solar activity, and transient radio phenomena. The European VLBI Network (EVN) has significantly enhanced its real-time e-VLBI capabilities and sensitivity across a wide frequency range, supported by UK-based stations such as Jodrell Bank and e-MERLIN. These improvements have contributed to precise localization of fast radio bursts and compact extragalactic sources. Technological progress also enables automated, rapid-response observation modes. This emerging field integrates radio, optical, gravitational-wave, and neutrino data to study high-energy cosmic events such as neutron-star mergers and magnetar flares. At the same time, AI-driven data acquisition, on-board satellite computing, and quantum-technology-based algorithms open new possibilities for real-time analysis and autonomous decision-making in both Earth-observation and deep-space missions. CubeSats and modular satellite platforms continue to transform the landscape of low-cost, high-impact space research, creating new demands for data-integration and security models, as well as cross-domain interoperability. “During the conference we focus on space science both from the scientific and technological perspectives—data processing, algorithms, electronics, receivers, and astrophysics and astronomy as such,” explained Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre researcher Vladislavs Bezrukovs. The presentations largely reflected ongoing projects. “One of the conference topics is space weather. The Sun is currently at the peak of its activity cycle; a magnetic storm is approaching, and there have just been three large solar flares. Several talks at the conference were related to solar studies and extreme solar and space conditions,” Bezrukovs noted. “There were also presentations on instruments that allow us to observe the cosmos—telescopes and transmitters. We position ourselves as a deep-space communication center, and these presentations show how this technology is progressing. The conference also covered galactic and extragalactic studies, fundamental science, and fundamental astrophysics.” Rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Andris Vaivads, highlighted one of the conference topics especially relevant to the university—the presentation by Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre research assistant Gints Jasmonts on Modeling Comet Activity for the European Space Agency’s Comet Interceptor Mission. “Doctoral student Gints Jasmonts presented research on comet modeling—how comet tails form and how comae (envelopes of gas and dust) develop around comets. Several of our scientists work in this field, and Ventspils University is involved in ESA’s upcoming Comet Interceptor mission. This mission will travel to a fixed point in space and wait for an unknown object entering the Solar System from interstellar space, which will then be studied. Our researchers are modeling how the environment around such an object might look and how different instruments on the spacecraft could observe it. The Ventspils-based company Bitlake Technologies is also involved in system development for this mission,” Vaivads said. Expanding on this, Bezrukovs added: “This is especially relevant now because an interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, is currently traveling through the Solar System, raising many questions—and the Comet Interceptor mission will study such possible future visitors.”  Speakers delivered their presentations over two days, and on the second day participants also visited the International Radio Astronomy Centre in Irbene. “I hope this may become an annual event. The number of speakers is growing, so there is interest in making the conference broader and more frequent,” Bezrukovs added.

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences warmly invites doctoral students to take part in our upcoming Language Café – "Science in Plain Language", an event designed to help researchers express complex ideas in clear, accessible, and engaging ways. The event will take place online on Zoom platform, on November 28, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM CET (11:00 AM-1:00 PM Riga time). Work language: English Communicating science effectively is an essential skill in today’s diverse academic and professional environment. During this interactive session, linguist and plain-language expert, VUAS lecturer and guest researcher Aiga Veckalne will introduce the principles of plain language and share practical techniques for presenting research so that it can be understood by wider audiences. After the introduction, participants will be divided into mixed-cultural discussion groups to explore their own research topics and practice communicating them in clear, concise language. The session will conclude with short group presentations summarising the key insights. Doctoral students are encouraged to bring along their morning coffee, relax, and enjoy a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where learning is shared and curiosity is celebrated. We look forward to seeing you at the Language Café and to engaging in meaningful, inspiring conversations about science, clarity, and communication. To register, please fill out the survey here: https://forms.gle/XM9XVLjscCfKBfyD7 Zoom link will be sent to your email after registration.

In October, VUAS COLOURS WP5, headed by Lasma Asme, joined other representatives from COLOURS partner universities gathered at Garage33, Paderborn University, Germany, for a dynamic CoLab dedicated to Mental Health, Body Image, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The three-day event, which is part of the COLOURS CoSpace initiative, brought together students, researchers, and staff from across Europe to exchange perspectives and co-create innovative approaches under the smart specialisation area of Health and Well-being. Participants from a very diverse background, under the moderation of Dr Christine Hante-Koch and Dr Alena Diedrich, discussed how issues like body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression are closely connected and how promoting a positive body image can make a real difference for people’s health. Using design thinking processes, the group also worked on the importance of creating fair and inclusive support systems that meet the needs of different communities, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people facing disabilities, financial struggles, or migration challenges. The participants were divided into 4 groups and had cases ranging from how to deal with women who survived breast cancer, to isolated international students living in other countries, and how to make gamers more active while utilizing their special skills and enlarging their comfort zone. At the end of the event, each group pitched their ideas, solutions, and next steps. These solutions were evaluated and challenged by a panel of experts from multiple disciplines, with the example of Martin Persson, Professor of Health Sciences at Kristianstad University. The CoLab encouraged teamwork, creativity, and cultural exchange. The ideas developed in Paderborn will help shape future COLOURS activities and strengthen collaboration between partner universities committed to building healthier and more inclusive learning environments and society at large.

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

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!

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.

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.

On October 9 and 10, at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, in cooperation with Jan Dlugosz University in Poland, CoLab “More Than Words: (Inter)Linguistic Aspects in a Practical Context” took place. During the forum, participants discussed topics such as the interaction between language and technology, the impact of artificial intelligence on translation, cultural and identity aspects, current issues in language policy, and the challenges of communication in a multilingual society. Keynote lectures were delivered by speakers from several countries - Ramunė Kasperė from Lithuania, who outlined the future prospects of the translator’s profession in the age of artificial intelligence; Andrejs Veisbergs from the University of Latvia, who addressed issues of censorship in Latvian literary translations; and Olga Słabońska from Poland, who analyzed the grammatical structures of Polish and English from a cognitive perspective. Forum participants were eager to explore current topics from the perspectives of different lecturers and to gain valuable insights, which encouraged a broader understanding of the role of language, culture, and communication in contemporary society. At the end of the first day, all interested participants had the opportunity to visit the Ventspils Open-Air Museum to explore Latvia’s national cultural heritage – the Livonian language – together with Dženeta Marinska, a speaker of Livonian. The lecture concluded with a crossword activity, where participants searched for Livonian names of everyday objects around the museum grounds, followed by a tasting of traditional sklandrauši and smoked flounder from Kolka.  “The Livonian language lecture was truly inspiring – Dženeta spoke about both the history of the Livonian language and her personal journey of learning it. During the lecture, we also listened to Livonian folk songs and experienced the unique sound of the language. This experience made me reflect on the value and fragility of our own language – how easily it could disappear if we do not protect and use it in our daily lives,” shared participant Lelde Bērziņa. As part of the forum, COLOURS Alliance student workshops were also held, where students worked on practical tasks related to digital translation tools, intercultural communication, and foreign language learning. The forum concluded with a panel discussion titled “The Humanities: New Trends, Changes, and the Future.” More photos are available here: https://zviedrans.lv/klientiem/ Beyond Words: (Inter)Lingual Reflections in Practice October 9-10 | Ventspils, Latvia Password: beyondwordsventspils

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, in cooperation with Jan Dlugosz University (Poland), will host the international forum “Beyond Words: (Inter)lingual Aspects in Practical Contexts” on October 9 and 10. The forum will bring together representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science, Ventspils City Council, Jan Dlugosz University, the European Commission, and other stakeholders. The event will explore the challenges of translation, multilingualism, and intercultural communication. More information: https://en.venta.lv/colab-beyond-words