Project Duration: 01.08.2021 - 30.11.2023

Project Partners: Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences

Funding Amount: EUR 408,852.00

Funding Source: European Social Fund

Implementation Period: 01.08.2021 - 30.11.2023

Objective

The project's objective is to strengthen the academic staff of Rezekne Academy of Technologies (RTA), Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VeA), and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) in strategic specialization fields by improving the quality and competitiveness of doctoral study programs and ensuring the renewal of academic and research staff.

Project Summary

The development plans for doctoral study programs (DSP) at RTA, VeA, and ViA recognize higher education and science as sectors with significant horizontal impact, contributing to human resource and economic development as well as the transformation of Latvia’s economy. The project and its planned recruitment of doctoral students aim to promote both the content and technical development of doctoral schools, fostering the piloting and adaptation of innovations in practice.

Support for the doctoral research process, including assistance from university-industry collaboration partners and experts from other partner universities, will be provided. By engaging them in various activities and events, doctoral students will be able to obtain the most up-to-date information on industry innovations or fundamental/applied research for their dissertation. This ensures that dissertations remain relevant and significant, aiding doctoral students in advancing their careers.

Key Project Activities

The project plans to provide ESF support in the form of salaries and necessary research funding to engage doctoral students in university work, offering 11 doctoral grants:

• RTA: 4 grant positions (Engineering and Technology - 2, Social Sciences - 2)
• VeA: 4 grant positions (Social Sciences - 2, Humanities and Arts - 2)
• ViA: 3 grant positions (Engineering and Technology - 2, Social Sciences - 1)

By the end of the project, ESF support will continue to attract international academic staff for doctoral study programs. The project aims to recruit three foreign lecturers, one for each participating institution.

Planned Results

By December 31, 2023, at least three doctoral students who received support are expected to have obtained their doctoral degree and, within six months of graduation, be employed as academic staff in a higher education institution.