Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences has launched an ambitious research project aimed at discovering the socio-economic potential of Soviet military heritage sites in Latvia. The project is entitled "From Soviet military legacy to heritage: Stakeholder perspectives on socio-economic values of sites in Latvia. To preserve or to forget?". The research will take place at a number of sites across Latvia, including on the North West Kurzeme coast, which was the external border of the USSR.

The importance of understanding and managing military heritage has become even more pressing now that Europe is facing increasing geopolitical tensions. The war in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder that today's events shape tomorrow's legacy, and it is therefore essential to rethink how we preserve and interpret the evidence of past conflicts.

Latvia's complex past during the Cold War period (1947-1991) has left a vast military legacy, ranging from partisan bunkers to once top-secret military bases. These sites, which are reminders of recent history, have cultural, educational and tourism potential which is difficult to exploit due to the different perspectives of stakeholders - owners and heritage managers, local authorities, the public, tourists and other groups.

By combining expertise in historical, economic, tourism and socio-technical systems modelling, the research team will develop guidelines that will make it easier for the businesses and municipalities that own or manage these sites to make decisions on heritage management.  Dialogue on the challenges and opportunities related to the Soviet military heritage will be promoted through the involvement of different stakeholders.

"In society, the debate on military heritage is often polarised because it is associated with a particular power or ideology, the victory or loss of one side - involving different stakeholders will not only stimulate dialogue but also allow a better understanding of the specificities of managing this complex heritage", says Dr. Linda Veliverronen, the project's lead researcher.

The research team is committed to transparency and public involvement throughout the project. The results will be used in various educational programmes, promoting the involvement of younger generations in the study of Latvian history.

Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences is a leader in interdisciplinary research focusing on cultural and natural heritage, sustainability and innovation. As a member of the European University Alliance, ViA brings together experts from different fields to address the challenges facing contemporary society.

Funding institution: Latvian Council of Science

Funding number: lzp-2024/1-0565

Acronym: lzp-2024/1

This research is funded by the Latvian Council of Sciences, project "From Soviet military legacy to heritage: Stakeholder perspectives on socio-economic values of sites in Latvia (VA#MILIT)”, project No. lzp-2024/1-0565.

For further information, please contact:

Name and surname: Linda Veliverronen

Position: Project Manager, Lead Researcher

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 28339049

On January 8, at the opening ceremony of the “Science for Latvia 2025” calendar, the ambassador certificates of the science communication platform researchLatvia, created by the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM), were also presented for the first time, which Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) also received.

The ambassador certificate Member of researchLatvia was presented to the 12 scientific institutions included in the calendar, thus confirming their significant role in the development of Latvian science.

Research Latvia is a science communication platform created by the Ministry of Education and Science, which creates a research and innovation ecosystem in which interaction between various scientific sectors and institutions, society and academia, business and culture, and the national and global world of science is cultivated.

Also in 2025, the Ministry of Education and Science prepared and published the calendar “Science for Latvia”, which was presented on January 8. Highlighting and evaluating outstanding achievements in research and confirming Latvia’s important role both in the European Research Area and on a global scale, the calendar includes Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences researcher Ph.D. Oskars Java.

As an important science communication tool, this calendar brings together Latvian researchers for the eighth time since 2018, who, with their achievements, promote the recognition of the country’s science on an international scale. Complementing one another, the calendar “Science for Latvia 2025” brings together 12 leading scientific institutions in Latvia. Their outstanding achievements in research confirm our country’s important role both in the European Research Area and on the global scientific arena.

“Of course, it is an honor for me to be one of the faces in the Science Calendar, especially this year, when a large part of my colleagues have much more professional experience. I hope that with my story I will inspire others to obtain a doctorate in science,” admits O.Java.

Oskars Java's path at ViA began in 2018 in the doctoral study program, but during this time he has undergone rapid career growth. O.Java is currently the director of the ViA SSII scientific institute and director of the doctoral study program, including actively continuing to conduct research.

ViA researchers included in the “Science for Latvia” calendar in 2018 Dr.sc.ing., associate professor, leading researcher Arnis Cīrulis and Dr.hist. associate professor, leading researcher Gatis Krūmiņš. In 2019 Ph.D. ViA Rector, associate professor, leading researcher Agnese Dāvidsone In 2024 Dr.sc.ing., researcher Linda Lancere ViA research and research strategy are the answer to the new challenges posed by the transition to a knowledge society and globalization. The long-term goal is to create and apply new next-generation knowledge society technologies. The medium-term goal of ViA research is to promote the development of smart specialization sectors at the national and Vidzeme regional levels and increase productivity by conducting research in the areas of current societal and technological challenges.

The National Research Program Implementation and Monitoring Commissions, based on the results of the evaluation by international experts, made a decision in 2024 to grant funding to 5 national research programs, including the project “Decision-Making Support System for Achieving Climate Neutrality Goals” (VPP-KEM).

The project aims to create a unified national decision-making support tool for achieving Latvia’s climate neutrality goal, as well as to improve the quality of education and supplement the existing knowledge base, promoting a sustainable approach to the implementation of climate policy.

At the end of 2024, researchers involved in the project visited the Ministry of Climate and Energy to present a test version of the Latvian GHG emissions system dynamics model, which was carefully developed over the course of a year.

The model is particularly important because it allows:

• Analyze various solutions for reducing carbon emissions Compare paths to climate neutrality
• Assess the impact on national growth
• The model will support policymakers in making data-based decisions on sustainable development.

This is the second version of the model, but after listening to the recommendations and ideas of the Ministry of Climate and Energy, significant improvements have been planned so that it can respond to the needs of industry experts and policymakers.

To achieve the set goals, various activities were implemented in 2024:

• 3 modeling seminars 6 presentations at foreign and Latvian conferences
• 4 scientific publications prepared
• 5 meetings with the Implementation and Monitoring Commission remotely and in person
• 21 working group meetings
• 1 Scientists' Night

The project involves researchers from Riga Technical University, who work in collaboration with the University of Latvia, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, and Riga Stradiņš University.

The goal of the project is to create a unified national decision support tool for achieving the goal of Latvia’s climate neutrality. The main focus is on the modeling of the impact of policy decisions in various sectors – energy, industrial processes, agriculture, ZIZIMM and waste management. The tasks of the project include analysis of climate policy obligations, assessment of climate instruments, identification of innovative technologies and collection of necessary data. The plan envisages evaluating how the EU and Latvia comply with climate commitments, evaluating climate change mitigation and adaptation tools, as well as identifying innovative technologies in all sectors of the economy.