Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) made a significant contribution to the E³UDRES² Ent-r-e-novators Science Policy Conference, held at the Polytechnic University of Portalegre. Dr. psych. Vineta Silkāne, Associate Professor and Lead Researcher, along with Research Assistant Katrīne Kūkoja, presented their report titled “What does the future hold for researchers in the E³UDRES² European University Alliance?”

The conference, a hybrid event organized under the E³UDRES² European University Alliance, brought together project teams, policymakers, and representatives from Member State science agencies to discuss the outcomes of the Ent-r-e-novators project and future challenges for similar initiatives. Key topics included the intersection of science and policy, promotion of interdisciplinary research, and the importance of international collaboration in advancing knowledge. 

In their presentation, V. Silkāne and K. Kūkoja emphasized ViA's active role in the "Ent-r-e-novators" project, particularly within the Human Resources and Research & Innovation Ecosystems working group. They highlighted the university's commitment to developing academic careers and fostering professional growth.

“We are actively working on developing human resources and improving the research ecosystem. Two of the most important tasks are the development of academic careers and professional growth. What we find especially important is that this working group seeks sustainable solutions to promote researcher well-being, by improving work-life balance and ensuring a supportive environment,” said K. Kūkoja.

The conference featured expert presentations, dynamic roundtables, and thematic corners, including showcases from the Ent-r-e-novators project and other related European University Alliances. Participants had the opportunity to explore how structured and integrated frameworks can seamlessly connect research and innovation ecosystems within the E³UDRES² alliance. 

Are you a non-EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation applicant still considering your study destination this autumn? Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) in Valmiera, Latvia, is offering a last-minute opportunity to apply for studies starting this September! The deadline for applications is May 31.

ViA welcomes prospective students to apply for its internationally accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programmes in English. This call specifically invites applicants for the following programmes:

Bachelor’s Programme (Professional Degree):

• Information Technologies (4 years)
  Specialisation options:
  • Cybersecurity and Programming
  • Development of Virtual Reality and Mobile Systems
• Tourism organization and  management (4 years)

Master’s Programmes (Professional Degrees):

• Business Environment Administration (1,5 or 2 years (depending on previous education)
• Media and Information Literacy (1,5 or 2 years (depending on previous education)
• Strategic Communication and Governance (2 years)
• Virtual Reality and Smart Technologies (2 years)
• Tourism Competitiveness Management (1,5 or 2 years (depending on previous education)
• Gamified Reality Applications For Real-World Challenges And Experiences (Grace) (2 years)

Doctor’s Programmes

• Economics and Business (3 years)
• Sociotechnical Systems Modelling (3 years)

All programmes are taught in English, with opportunities to learn the Latvian language and immerse yourself in local culture and traditions.

🎓 Scholarships

Scholarships covering tuition fees are available to non-EU, non-EEA students for these programs

✈️ Arrival & Start of Studies

Studies begin in autumn 2025. Latvia is open for international arrivals, though visa and residence permit processes may vary based on your country’s embassy operations and current travel regulations. ViA provides support and guidance throughout the process.

🌿 Why Choose ViA?

Located in Valmiera, one of Latvia’s greenest and most dynamic cities, ViA offers more than just education. You’ll enjoy:

• Modern campus and student life
• Opportunities to collaborate with companies in Valmiera and the wider region
• Safe, welcoming environment with nature, culture, and innovation

📩 For questions and application assistance, contact:
ViA International Office
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From April 24 to 26, the research team from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) participated in the 16th International Conference on Baltic Studies in Europe (CBSE 2025), held in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The 2025 conference gathered the largest number of participants in the history of the event – more than 500 scholars, policy leaders, and experts from around the world, highlighting the role of the Baltic States in the global context.

Exploring the central position of the Baltic region between East and West, addressing the current challenges and opportunities facing the Baltic region today, and promoting dialogue on the region's security, identity and global relevance, the theme of the 2025 conference was “Converging paths: The Baltic between East and West”. The conference was opened by prof. Brendan Simms, Centre Director and Strand Leader, presented a lecture on “Britain and the geopolitics of the Baltic ”, which examined the UK's long-standing ties and strategic interests in the region. Nick Thomas-Symonds, UK Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations, presented a paper on the evolution of the UK-EU relationship and its implications for the Baltic States. Patrick Salmon, Chief Historian at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, closed the conference with “Churchill and the Baltic”, highlighting the historical resonance of the region in British foreign policy.

The presentation of the research conducted by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences researchers - Aija van der Stein, Linda Veliverronen and Ilze Grīnfelde - was held at the Cambridge Guildhall, with its historic interior in stark contrast to the content of the research - “Typology of the USSR military heritage in the context of stakeholder perception and tourism demand”. A. van der Stein and L. Veliverronen presented the project “Socio-economic value of the Soviet military heritage of the occupation period in the territory of Latvia from the stakeholders' point of view: to preserve or to forget?” The preliminary results of the analysis of the expert interviews conducted in the framework of the project, which allowed to identify the first criteria that can be used to determine which military heritage sites related to the Cold War period have tourism potential and which have less, as well as outlined possible ways of classifying the typology of military heritage.

L. Veliverronen says: "We discussed the use of Cold War-related military heritage in tourism, highlighting the sensitivity of this heritage. The intensive preparation for the conference also allowed us to take an important step towards the outcome - the creation of a model. This will facilitate heritage management decision-making for owners and managers of military heritage."

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:

Linda Veliverronen

Project Manager, Lead Researcher

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Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) is a state-accredited higher education institution offering 15 modern and industry-aligned study programmes across two faculties: the Faculty of Society and Science and the Faculty of Engineering. ViA provides high-quality, flexible study programmes that combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience and are continuously adapted to meet the needs of today’s society and labour market.

Our academic excellence is ensured by an experienced and professional teaching staff, innovative study methods, and motivated students who strive to reach their goals and build successful careers.

1. European-Level Studies

ViA offers internationally oriented programmes that address the challenges of the modern world and prepare graduates for successful careers globally. All programmes are developed in close collaboration with industry partners to ensure their relevance.

Programmes offered in English:

• Bachelor's level: Information Technologies, Tourism and organization management
• Master's level: Business Environment Administration, Media and Information Literacy, Strategic Communication and Governance, Virtual Reality and Smart Technologies, Tourism Competitiveness Management, Gamified Reality Applications For Real-World Challenges And Experiences (Grace)
• Doctoral level: Economics and Business, Sociotechnical Systems Modelling 

2. Learn from the Best

Our academic staff includes industry experts and practicing professionals, many of whom run their own businesses or work in leading companies. Examples include representatives from Accenture Latvia, the President of Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT), and other top-tier specialists.

3. Innovative Teaching Approach

ViA has redesigned its curriculum to include modern, flexible, and interdisciplinary courses. We integrate practice-based learning, digital tools, and international experiences at every stage of the study process to equip students with future-ready skills.

4. International Experience

ViA maintains active partnerships with over 100 higher education institutions in around 45 countries and more than 150 internship partners worldwide.

Our international collaborations include:

• Erasmus+ and Nordplus mobility programmes
• Partner networks such as EkoTekNord, Businet, EAIE, ATLAS, and Microsoft Academy
• Membership in IEEE Computer Society
• Annual Baltic International Summer School
• Dedicated International Study Module for exchange students

5. Career Support

ViA has strong ties with the business community, helping students secure internships and employment opportunities during their studies or shortly after graduation. Our practical orientation and collaboration with industry ensure real-world skills and fast career starts.

6. Interdisciplinary Education

Our programmes are designed to equip students with cross-disciplinary knowledge and adaptable skill sets, preparing them to work effectively across multiple sectors. This flexibility is key in today’s rapidly changing job market.

7. Modern Facilities

• Smart classrooms
• Digital learning ecosystem
• Labs: Virtual/Augmented Reality, Computer Networks, Mobile Technologies, RFID, Cybersecurity, Electronics, Mechatronics, Energy Efficiency
• Student study spaces
• Library
• Multimedia and Spatial Analysis laboratories
• Student Union
• Digital learning ecosystem
• Modern classrooms and study rooms
• etc.

Have questions?
Contact us: 📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

APPLICATION DEADLINES for AUTUMN 2025:

Non-EU, Non-EEA applicants (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral level): March 1 - May 31 (Scholarships covering tuition fees are available to non-EU, non-EEA students for these programs.)

EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation applicants (Bachelor’s): March 1 - July 22 (Students are eligible to apply for Latvian state-funded study placements.)

EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation applicants (Master's): March 1 - August 17 (Students are eligible to apply for Latvian state-funded study placements.)