On May 23, a joint meeting of vice-rectors for research and heads of scientificunits from Latvian universities took place at Turība University to discuss currentcollaboration and future prospects.

The meeting was opened by Professor Zane Driņķe, Rector of Turība University, andProfessor Daina Vasiļevska, Vice-Rector for Academic and Research Affairs atTurība University.

As part of the event, participants were introduced to the existing cooperation betweenthe Latvian Academy of Sciences and higher education institutions, as well as itspotential future development, presented by Professor and Academician Baiba Rivža, Secretary-General of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Following this, Lana Frančeska Dreimane, Director of the Department of Higher Education, Science andInnovation, provided an overview of current developments and priorities in the fieldof science.

The meeting program included a presentation by Associate Professor Evija Kļava, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Turība University, on the synergybetween scientific research and entrepreneurial practice in business education.

Associate Professor Jānis Pekša, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology atTurība University, introduced attendees to the possibilities of using artificialintelligence in research and the study process.

Lecturer Vilnis Veinbergs of Turība University provided an insight into the researchactivities within the study direction “Internal Security and Civil Protection.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants went on an excursion to the state-owned company “Latvia’s State Forests” (VAS “Latvijas Valsts meži”) and continuedinformal discussions at Ēbelmuiža about opportunities for cooperation and next steps to promote the development of science in Latvia’s higher education institutions.