On 17 April, President Edgars Rinkēvičs visited Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, where Rector Andris Vaivads familiarised him with the academic process and the university’s development directions. In a conversation with the university’s leadership, its importance for regional development and its ability to attract students in the fields of technology and engineering were highlighted.
During the visit, the President discussed with students regional development policy, the importance of higher education institutions in the regions, science funding and the role of doctoral programs, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence into studies and other issues relevant to students. The President also observed practical classes at the university attended by 10th-grade students from Ventspils State Gymnasium No. 1.
“Ventspils University of Applied Sciences is an important centre of education and knowledge in the region, capable of preparing specialists in high-demand STEM fields and fostering interest in technology from school level. The university’s contribution to collaboration with schools in teaching physics and electronics, as well as in developing entrepreneurial skills, is highly commendable – this experience should be further developed and applied more widely.
At the same time, it is important to focus on clear strengths – areas in which the university can be internationally competitive and make a greater contribution to the economy and innovation. The Engineering Research Institute “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre” is a unique asset that should be much more closely integrated into studies and research, while strengthening cooperation with other higher education institutions,” said President Edgars Rinkēvičs.
