From 8 to 19 September, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted the scientific workshop “VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths”, organized by the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC). The event brought together researchers and students from Latvia and abroad. The summer school aimed to develop knowledge and practical skills in pulsar observations, radio astronomical data processing, and international scientific collaboration. Over two weeks, participants attended lectures and hands-on sessions on the fundamentals of pulsar astronomy, observation planning, and data analysis, with a special focus on observations with the LOFAR low-frequency antenna array. The summer school was led by VIRAC researchers Jānis Šteinbergs and Vladislavs Bezrukovs. Special guest lecturers Dr. Alisa Shevtsova and Dr. Ihor Kravtsov from the Institute of Radio Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine shared their expertise on the physical properties of pulsar emission and low-frequency research methods. What are pulsars? - Pulsars are extremely dense, rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit powerful radio pulses at regular intervals. These signals are so precise that they are often compared to cosmic clocks. Observations of pulsars with modern radio telescopes help scientists study extreme physical conditions, the properties of the interstellar medium, and the large-scale structure of the Universe. VIRAC conducts research in radio astronomy, space technologies, and data processing, and operates the Irbene Radio Telescope Complex - one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Northern Europe. One of the key instruments is LOFAR (Low Frequency Array), a Europe-wide network of low-frequency radio telescopes that connects hundreds of antenna stations across multiple countries, including Latvia. Ventspils University’s participation in the JIV-ERIC and LOFAR-ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium) strengthens Latvia’s integration into the international radio astronomy community. It provides opportunities to conduct observations across the radio spectrum of the Universe. The summer school fostered collaboration between Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, the University of Latvia, and Riga Technical University, while also facilitating the exchange of experience with research institutions from Europe and Ukraine. The event was implemented within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund project No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012 “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation”

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths: Ventspils, Latvia |September 8–19, 2025 This intensive and inspiring summer school is designed for Master’s students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers in astronomy and astrophysics. The event is hosted by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Key Topics: Pulsar observations with the LOFAR telescope Pulsar astronomy fundamentals Observation planning Pulsar data processing and analysis Venue: Engineering Research Institute – Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Room 407

On August 18, 2025, Dr. Evanthia Hatziminaoglou from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) delivered an insightful invited talk at the University of Latvia. The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge astronomical research and advancements, focusing on ESO's contributions, the ALMA telescope, the Atacama Large Aperture Submillimetre Telescope (AtLAST), and the study of quasars. Dr. Hatziminaoglou highlighted ESO's role as the leading intergovernmental astronomy organization, encompassing 16 member states and strategic partnerships with Chile and Australia. The talk showcased ESO's groundbreaking facilities, including the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at Paranal and the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), set to be the largest optical/infrared telescope in the world. The presentation also delved into ALMA's capabilities, emphasizing its precision in resolving small details and its ongoing upgrades to enhance sensitivity. Dr. Hatziminaoglou discussed the AtLAST concept, a next-generation 50-meter single-dish observatory powered by renewable energy, designed to bridge gaps in angular scales, sensitivity, and mapping speed in submillimeter astronomy. A significant portion of the talk focused on the study of quasars, exploring their environments, star formation rates, and the triggers of extreme star formation in quasar hosts. Dr. Hatziminaoglou shared findings on multiplicities around SDSS quasars, revealing how submillimeter counterparts and redshift influence star formation rates and environments. In addition to the scientific presentation, there was a lively discussion on potential collaboration between the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, and Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. The discussion emphasized creating pathways for Latvian researchers and students to engage with ESO and ALMA facilities, opening new opportunities for joint projects, training, and integration into international astronomy networks. This engaging presentation underscored the synergy between ESO's facilities, ALMA, and AtLAST, paving the way for future discoveries in astronomy. Dr. Hatziminaoglou's talk was an inspiring showcase of the collaborative efforts driving innovation in the field and inspiring the next generation of astronomers. Dr. Hatziminaoglou's talk was an inspiring showcase of the collaborative efforts driving innovation in the field and inspiring the next generation of astronomers. The seminar was organized within the framework of the project “Ventspils University of Applied Sciences` International Cooperation and Innovation for the Development of Latvia’s Smart Specialisation” (No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/012), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.