Modern radio astronomy relies not only on advanced technologies and international research infrastructure, but also on knowledge exchange and training the next generation of researchers. One of the most prominent examples of this collaboration is LOFAR (LOw Frequency ARray). This Europe-wide radio astronomy network enables scientists to explore the Universe at low radio frequencies and opens up new opportunities in various fields of astronomy. To introduce early-career researchers from different countries to this unique infrastructure, its latest technological developments, and the research opportunities it offers, ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, regularly organises LOFAR schools. Jesus Alberto Cazares Montes, a visiting leading researcher at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC), Engineering Research Institute “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre” (ERI VIRAC), Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, also took part in one of these training programmes. The Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON), founded in 1949, plays an important role in developing radio astronomy infrastructure and research. One of its major initiatives is LOFAR (LOw Frequency ARray), a European network of radio telescope stations designed to explore the Universe at low radio frequencies. The network is currently upgrading to LOFAR 2.0, which will improve its observational capabilities and the quality of astronomical images. To support the next generation of radio astronomers, ASTRON organises a LOFAR school every two years. The latest edition, held this autumn, brought together participants to learn about the technical and scientific aspects of radio astronomy using LOFAR. The programme covered collecting and processing observational data, reconstructing images, and the technical challenges of operating the array. Researchers also presented LOFAR applications across diverse fields, including pulsars and transient energetic phenomena, solar physics, cosmic rays, lightning, stars, and exoplanets. The school also offered participants practical research experience. During the final three days, they worked in teams on challenges proposed by ASTRON researchers, addressing questions related to the researchers’ ongoing scientific work. On the final day, each team presented its results, giving participants an opportunity to apply their knowledge to research problems resembling those encountered in professional radio astronomy. An important topic throughout the school was the ongoing transition from LOFAR 1.0 to LOFAR 2.0. The upgrade involves improvements to the software and data-processing systems, as well as advances in the calibration and operation of the array. LOFAR 2.0's improved data-processing capabilities can produce significantly more detailed, higher-quality astronomical images. The LOFAR network comprises stations distributed across several European countries. Latvia hosts one of these stations, the northernmost and second-easternmost in Europe (after Bulgaria). Other countries are upgrading or expanding their participation in the network, including Sweden, which has already upgraded its station, and Czechia, which plans to establish a station. During the LOFAR school, participants also observed a symbolic tradition marking the network’s transition to LOFAR 2.0. Whenever a station completes its upgrade, ASTRON places a soft toy bearing the station’s name in a transparent tube representing the upgraded stations. A European Union flag is also added to a map of Europe when a station begins the upgrade process. During the school, the participants witnessed two additions to the tube, representing a Polish station and the newly completed Bulgarian station. Latvia’s station has not yet been upgraded to LOFAR 2.0. Its modernisation would expand the country’s ability to contribute to international radio astronomy, allowing researchers to take advantage of the network’s improved capabilities. The station has the potential to support research at Latvian academic institutions and strengthen scientific collaboration across the Baltic region. The transition to LOFAR 2.0 would therefore represent more than a technical improvement. It would be an important step in maintaining and developing Latvia’s role in European radio astronomy, ensuring Latvian researchers can fully participate in the scientific opportunities offered by this evolving international infrastructure. Achieving this goal will require continued institutional support and investment in research infrastructure. This information has been prepared within the framework of the project “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation” (Project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012).

Artificial intelligence (AI) agents are not magic wands that make discoveries on their own. They build on existing knowledge and cannot independently comprehend entirely new scientific findings. However, as diligent assistants, they can significantly ease researchers’ day-to-day work by processing data, writing code, preparing repetitive data-processing workflows, rapidly summarising large volumes of information on scientific topics, and helping researchers understand how existing software works. Unlike conventional interactions with a chatbot, an AI agent can also take action: it selects tools autonomously, executes code, and carries out multi-step tasks systematically. Nevertheless, it must operate under careful researcher supervision. The large language models underlying these systems are fundamentally designed to predict the next word, rather than to guarantee factual accuracy. Every result must therefore be verified. Verification can also be delegated to another instance of an AI agent, although this does not necessarily save time or effort. To make these capabilities accessible and understandable to a wider audience, the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) launched a series of seminars on the use of AI agents in science in autumn 2026. Particular emphasis is placed on astrophysics and radio astronomy, including radio interferometric observations conducted using the JIV and LOFAR networks. The first seminar introduced participants to the world of AI and large language models (LLMs), which are familiar to the public through chat interfaces, search engines, and programming environments. At the second seminar, held on 15 October, VIRAC Research Assistant Jānis Šteinbergs shared his experience and practical examples from his work in computer science and astrophysics. This information has been prepared within the framework of the project “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation” (Project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012).

From 7 to 9 October, the international Zabbix Summit 2026 conference took place in Riga, bringing together representatives from various countries to share experience on the capabilities of the Zabbix monitoring platform and its use across different industries. Kristaps Blumbergs, a Research Assistant at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC), also attended the conference. 

A total solar eclipse is one of the rarest and most spectacular astronomical phenomena observable from Earth. Although a total solar eclipse occurs somewhere on the planet approximately once every 18 months, it may not be seen again at a particular location for several generations. The last total solar eclipse visible in Latvia occurred on 30 June 1954, while the next is not expected until 25 May 2142. Weather conditions in the Baltic region are also often unfavourable for astronomical observations, as cloudy skies frequently prevent even significant celestial events from being observed. For this reason, astronomy enthusiasts and researchers often organise expeditions to locations where the path of totality coincides with a greater likelihood of clear skies. 

The Engineering Research Institute “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre” (VIRAC) of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences is organising the seminar “Artificial Intelligence Tools and Agents: Their Use in Software Development and Radio Astronomy Data Processing” to introduce the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) agents and their practical applications in the development of smart technologies and scientific research. The seminar will take place on 15 October at 10:30 and will be led by Jānis Šteinbergs, Scientific Assistant at VIRAC.

A major upgrade is transforming one of Europe’s most powerful astronomical instruments, promising sharper views of the Universe, faster discoveries, and new opportunities for scientific research. Known as LOFAR 2.0, the radio astronomy network modernizes the European Low Frequency Array (LOFAR), a giant radio telescope made up of antenna stations spread across eight countries, including Latvia's station in Irbene. Unlike traditional telescopes, LOFAR works by combining signals from thousands of antennas across Europe into a single virtual instrument. The network can observe some of the lowest radio frequencies reaching Earth, helping scientists study distant galaxies, black holes, cosmic rays, and even processes in the Earth's ionosphere. With the new upgrade, LOFAR stations will be able to observe a much wider range of frequencies simultaneously, increasing both efficiency and scientific capability.

On 25 September, an international scientific symposium was held at the Faculty of Law of Trnava University, with the participation of Nansija Jotkus, a visiting research assistant and PhD student at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VSRC), Institute of Engineering Sciences at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. During the symposium, she presented the study “Emerging National Space Governance in the Baltic States”, focusing on the development of national space governance and legal frameworks in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.  Using the comparative legal method, the study analyses the differing approaches of the three Baltic States to the governance of space activities, their participation in international space law instruments, cooperation with the European Space Agency, as well as the interaction between national regulatory frameworks and emerging regulation at the European Union level. Particular attention was paid to significant developments in recent years. The study emphasises that participation in international space law treaties alone does not ensure the full implementation of these obligations at the national level. As private and commercial space activities continue to develop, national mechanisms for the authorisation and continuous supervision of space activities, registration of space objects, liability, cybersecurity, and the sustainability of space activities are becoming increasingly important. The presentation also examined the potential impact of the EU Space Act proposal, published by the European Commission on 25 June 2025, on national space governance in the Baltic States. The emerging European Union regulatory framework may become an important factor in harmonising requirements for space activities, while Member States will still need to ensure the effective implementation of their international obligations at the national level. A comparison of the Baltic States shows that, despite their shared integration into the European space ecosystem, the countries have chosen different paths in developing their national space governance frameworks. Participation in the symposium provided an opportunity to present research conducted in Latvia to an international academic audience, discuss the role of the Baltic States in the development of European space law, and exchange knowledge and experience with space law researchers from other countries. The research is related to Nansija Jotkus’ doctoral thesis on the effectiveness of international space law instruments and their role in ensuring a sustainable space environment. Participation in the international symposium provides an opportunity to increase the visibility of Latvia’s research experience and expertise in the space sector within the international academic community, while also promoting interdisciplinary cooperation between the fields of law, science, and technology. Such international cooperation is also important for Latvia’s involvement in European research infrastructure networks. By developing cooperation with the JIV-ERIC and LOFAR ERIC consortia, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences has the opportunity to strengthen Latvia’s research capacity and international visibility in radio astronomy, astrophysics, information technologies, and data processing, as well as to foster the development of new technologies and research methods. At the same time, an interdisciplinary approach to the space sector helps build a broader understanding of its legal, scientific, and technological dimensions, which are becoming increasingly important as Latvia takes a more active role in international space and research initiatives. This information has been prepared within the framework of the project “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation” (Project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012).

On 23 September this year, the Irbene complex of the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC), Institute of Engineering Sciences at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, welcomed leading astronomers and researchers from the U.S. National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) – Dr Todd R. Hunter and Dr Crystal L. Brogan. During the visit, the participants discussed further scientific cooperation and technological development in radio astronomy research. During the visit, the guests had the opportunity to explore the unique infrastructure of the Irbene radio astronomy complex, including RT-32, the largest radio telescope in Northern Europe, as well as the centre’s latest technical developments and R&D activities. Particular attention was paid to the new-generation receivers developed in-house, which enable more precise and sensitive observations of the Universe and can also be used for communication with deep-space probes. During the working meetings, the U.S. astronomers and VIRAC researchers discussed one of the major challenges facing modern radio astronomy – radio frequency interference (RFI) – as well as strategies for mitigating its impact and improving data processing. Particular attention was given to NRAO’s cooperation with the SpaceX Starlink satellite network in developing and implementing the Operational Data Sharing (ODS) tool, which helps prevent direct satellite signals from entering the field of view of NRAO telescopes. In discussing potential areas for joint research, both sides highlighted the opportunities for cooperation in astrophysics, particularly in studying the processes of massive star formation in the Universe. NRAO instruments, such as ALMA and the VLA/ngVLA, and the Irbene radio telescopes provide valuable and complementary observational data for this field of research. The visit represents an important step towards broader and more open interinstitutional cooperation between Latvia’s Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) and the U.S. National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). This information has been prepared within the framework of the project “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation” (Project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012).

On 24 September, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted the international scientific seminar “Massive Star Formation – Latest Research and Developments”, bringing together researchers from the Institute of Engineering Sciences “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre” (VIRAC) at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, as well as guest researchers from the United States. The seminar focused not only on the latest advances in massive star formation research and radio astronomy, but also on knowledge exchange, cooperation, and the development of new research opportunities. Meetings with internationally recognised experts in the field provided an opportunity to discuss current research methods and technological developments, share experience, and explore possibilities for future cooperation. The seminar was attended by scientist Dr Todd R. Hunter and senior astronomer Dr Crystal L. Brogan from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), USA. Both scientists introduced participants to current research in radio astronomy and state-of-the-art observational infrastructure, which enables increasingly precise exploration of the Universe and the processes involved in star formation. Dr Todd R. Hunter delivered a presentation entitled “Exploring the Universe at Centimeter Wavelengths: The Next Generation Very Large Array”, introducing the capabilities of next-generation radio astronomy infrastructure and its potential for future studies of the Universe. Dr Crystal L. Brogan, in her presentation “Searching for Our Cosmic Origins Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array”, focused on the opportunities offered by the ALMA observatory in Chile for modern radio astronomy and its importance in studying star formation processes and seeking answers to questions about our cosmic origins. The seminar also plays an important role in strengthening the research capacity of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and VIRAC. The opportunity for researchers to engage in discussions with internationally recognised radio astronomy experts here in Ventspils facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experience, helps researchers keep pace with the latest research methods and technological innovations, and promotes the increasingly close involvement of Latvian researchers in the international radio astronomy research community. The event was organised within the framework of the project “International Cooperation and Innovation of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation” (No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012).