Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) was founded in 1996 in Valmiera. It is a higher education and research institution with international recognition. Since 2025, its research capacity has been consolidated within the Vidzeme University Scientific Institute (ViAZI). Moreover, ViA has become one of the first 12 scientific institutions to join researchLatvia as a Member — serving as an ambassador of Latvian science.

This recognition, awarded through the researchLatvia platform established by the Ministry of Education and Science, highlights the university’s significant contribution to the development of Latvian science. In the interactive calendar “Science for Latvia 2025”, the month of August is dedicated to ViA’s research, marking it as the university’s “science month.”

“Research what you teach, and teach what you research” — this is the guiding principle behind ViA’s scientific activity, which has had the status of a scientific institution since 2015. Its research is characterized both by high-level international scientific work, which ensures competitiveness in Europe and globally, and by applied research in fields essential for the Vidzeme region and Latvia’s national economy. ViA researchers are leading experts in areas related to sustainability in its broadest sense, balanced economic development, societal resilience and democratic values, as well as digital transformation. “A major added value of our work is the ability not only to deeply specialize in specific scientific fields but also to work across disciplines, creating synergies between expertise in social sciences and engineering,” explains Vidzeme University’s Rector and leading researcher, Ph.D. Agnese Dāvidsone.

Research, Innovation, and New Infrastructure

ViA’s 2023–2028 strategy sets out its vision to become an internationally recognized regional hub of knowledge, research, and innovation, driving societal and future growth. The university’s core values are entrepreneurship, sustainability, collaboration, creativity, respect, responsibility, and academic freedom.

Vidzeme University’s research activities are closely tied to the needs of the region and society and are integrated with its academic programs:

Research is also a vital part of the European University E³UDRES². This alliance, founded in 2020 by ViA together with eight other universities of applied sciences from EU countries, serves as a model for responding to the social, environmental, and economic challenges of the 21st century. ViA is also part of the project “Accelerate Future HEI”, which fosters the development and transformation of higher education institutions across the EU.

VA has repeatedly invested in improving its scientific infrastructure, attracting EU structural funds as well as allocating its own budget for the development of laboratories in virtual and augmented reality, spatial research, mechatronics, multimedia, and other fields.

Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences Research Team – Knowledge and Innovation for Regional Development in Europe

ViA’s research team is a dynamic, multidisciplinary group of specialists actively engaged in both scientific research and innovation. Combining academic expertise with practical approaches, the team advances research in sustainability, technology, societal resilience, governance, and regional development. Researchers collaborate with businesses, municipalities, and international partners to create solutions that bring tangible benefits to society and the region.

The university employs 52 scientific staff members:

• 15 leading researchers,
• 18 researchers,
• 19 research assistants,
• 19 doctoral students.

International Collaboration and Research Project Priorities

Vidzeme University actively develops international cooperation in science, participating in various EU and other funded research projects. ViA researchers collaborate with universities, research institutes, and companies worldwide to tackle challenges of societal importance. Such cooperation not only expands scientific competence and experience but also ensures the transfer of new knowledge both locally and internationally.

This is evidenced by the fact that, between 2019–2024, 57% of ViA researchers’ publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science databases were co-authored with international partners. The quality of ViA’s scientific work is also demonstrated by the fact that in recent years about half of its publications were published in 1st and 2nd quartile journals in Scopus and Web of Science, including 8% in top-decile journals.

In 2024, the university’s research project budget amounted to €2.42 million:

• 45% from EU structural funds,
• 12% from Horizon Europe,
• 40% from state funding,
• 3% from other national sources.

Research projects accounted for 62% of the total ViA project budget and made up one-third (33%) of the university’s overall budget.

Doctoral Studies

Together with other Latvian universities, Vidzeme University offers two doctoral study programs — Economics and Business and Socio-Technical Systems Engineering. In cooperation with the E³UDRES² European University alliance and Latvian partners, ViA is currently preparing to launch a new international doctoral program in engineering sciences in 2026.

The traveling exhibition "Science for Latvia 2025", created by the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM), offers a unique opportunity to explore 12 of Latvia’s outstanding scientists and their contributions to the development of society and research. Until August 27, this diverse exhibition can be viewed on the 2nd floor of the “Valleta” shopping center at 4 Rīgas Street, Valmiera, with a special focus on the contribution of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) and its role in advancing scientific research.

Twelve scientific excellence representatives from 12 leading Latvian research institutions highlight the strength and diversity of Latvian science within the European Research Area. In cooperation with the science communication platform researchLatvia, the calendar and exhibition "Science for Latvia 2025" showcase research topics explored by Latvian scientists that impact our society, environment, and culture. In August, particular attention is given to ViA’s role in developing internationally competitive research.

"Science and research, first and foremost, mean well-considered, knowledge-based decisions to me. Secondly, they are the key to prosperity, as research leads to new, innovative products and services with higher added value,” says Ph.D. Oskars Java, Director and Researcher at the Institute of Sociotechnical Systems Engineering at ViA.

Each scientist represents a unique research field, including choreomusicology, national defense and security, pharmacogenetics, protection of rare and endangered species, reduction of water body overgrowth, comet activity research, art science, simulation modeling, modern society’s inner logic from a philosophical perspective, cultural studies, and the history of books, library science, and the written word.

Throughout the year, the traveling exhibition will be displayed at various higher education institutions, as well as other public and cultural venues across Latvia. By scanning QR codes, visitors can watch all 12 video stories. This initiative not only promotes the visibility of science but also strengthens the public's connection with it.

“I am always pleased when we are approached to host exhibitions. It means that 'Valleta' is recognized and valued as a place that reaches a broad audience,” says Monta Rubene, Director of the shopping center.

She adds: “August is a time when students prepare for or return to school, so this kind of exhibition fits well with the spirit and rhythm of this season.”

The 12 scientists – six women and six men – each contribute with their unique research to the development of interdisciplinary national and global scientific centers:

• Dr. art. Diāna Zandberga (Vice-Rector for Scientific and Creative Work at Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music; Director of the joint professional doctoral arts program of Latvian art universities; pianist)
• Dr. sc. pol. Toms Rostoks (Director of the Center for Security and Strategic Research at the National Defence Academy of Latvia; Associate Professor)
• Dr. biol. Renāte Ranka (Tenure Professor at Riga Stradiņš University Faculty of Pharmacy; Lead Researcher at the Institute of Public Health)
• Dr. biol. Artūrs Škute (Professor at the Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University)
• Ph.D. Rūta Ozola-Davidāne (Associate Tenure Professor at the Institute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies)
• Mg. sc. comp. Karina Šķirmante (Lead Researcher and Doctoral Student at Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences)
• Art. D. Ansis Rozentāls (Lecturer at the Art Academy of Latvia; IT specialist and painter)
• Ph.D. Oskars Java (Director and Researcher at the Institute of Sociotechnical Systems Engineering, ViA)
• Dr. phil. Raivis Bičevskis (Tenure Professor in the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Latvia, specializing in social philosophy, ethics, and religious studies)
• Dr. sc. ing. Sergejs Gaidukovs (Tenure Professor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technologies, Riga Technical University)
• Ph.D. Baiba Tjarve (Deputy Director and Lead Researcher at the Institute of Culture and Arts, Latvian Academy of Culture)
• Mg. art., Mg. soc. Dagnija Baltiņa (Director of the National Library of Latvia; Doctoral Student)

Modern science inspires, amazes, and shapes a knowledge-based society! May the achievements of the Castle of Light (National Library), Latvia's universities of science, arts, and applied sciences continue to inspire us all – to seek, to create, and to grow!

The science calendar has been developed with the support of European Union funds.
Developers: SIA “Entuziasti Digital,” including Mārtiņš Pavasaris, video director Kristaps Mozgirs, and photographer Mārtiņš Goldbergs, in collaboration with the researchLatvia creative team.

In an increasingly interconnected world, Europe faces the challenge of fostering unity while celebrating diversity. The slogan “Connecting Europe by shaping regional identities” captures a vision where local cultures, traditions, and innovations are not only preserved but actively contribute to a shared European future. By empowering regions to define and express their unique identities, for example through urban landscapes, work, and cuisine, Europe can build stronger bridges between communities.

Shaping regional identity is not only about preserving the past, it’s also about embracing the future. New technologies, such as AI and digital platforms, offer powerful tools to guide regions forward. When tradition meets innovation, regions can evolve in ways that honour their roots while opening up new opportunities for growth and connection.

Three hubs, one mission

This year’s E³UDRES² Hackathon brings together students from across Europe to work collaboratively in three physical hubs – St. Pölten (Austria), Fulda (Germany), and Jyväskylä (Finland) – tackling local challenges with a shared mission: to connect Europe through the lens of regional identity.

This event is not about IT, coding or creating an App - while E³UDRES² Hackathons follow the short timeframe of a Hackathon, they are not IT events, but open for participants from all backgrounds, knowledge levels and nationalities. Bring your ideas, creativity, and skills to solve global challenges and make a lasting impact!

Discover the Hackathon hubs & topics

This year, the E³UDRES² Hackathon is organized in three different hubs, with specialized focus areas. With the event taking place in Austria, Germany, and Finland, there's various exciting, real-life challenges awaiting you!

Find out more HERE

Last Friday, on 18 July, the TED4LAT Doctoral Summer School concluded with an inspiring excursion to the De Woldemer Museum. The summer school took place from 14 to 18 July at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA), gathering PhD students from various European countries. This final event served as a symbolic "cherry on top," offering participants a chance to better understand Latvian culture and foster informal international networking.

The most valuable activities of the summer school, according to the PhD students, included the colloquium—an opportunity to present their doctoral research progress and receive constructive feedback from professors and fellow participants. Attendees especially emphasized that this activity helped them develop presentation skills, prepare for their defenses, and receive practical suggestions for further work. Another highlight was the open data hackathon—teamwork focused on developing data-driven business ideas to address societal issues. Its structured format, where each thematic part was followed by a three-minute pitch presentation, helped participants not only refine their ideas but also learn principles of research project development. The guest speaker presentations—contrary to expectations, even the classic lecture format received high praise. Participants noted that listening to some of Europe’s top experts in their fields provided them with both new knowledge and inspiration for their research.

“The TED4LAT Summer School proved that PhD student development is best supported through a diverse format—from academic colloquia to creative hackathons and cultural experiences. It is becoming an important platform for strengthening collaboration and developing new ideas among future researchers,” said lead researcher and doctoral school organizer Ph.D. Oskars Java.

Event gallery available here

The doctoral school is implemented by project partners: Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Latvia), Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (France), Politecnico di Torino (Italy), Riga Technical University (Latvia), and the Baltic Open Solutions Center (Latvia).

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe programme under grant agreement no. 101079206.