To enhance and develop achievements in science and research, several changes have been made at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA). Two existing scientific institutes have been merged to form the Scientific Institute of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViAZI). A new Scientific Council has also been elected. The merger of the two ViA scientific institutes – the Institute of Social, Economic and Humanities Research (HESPI) and the Institute of Sociotechnical Systems Engineering (SSII) – took place in April.
“We have decided to merge the two institutes to more effectively achieve ViA’s scientific goals, utilize scientific potential, foster broader interdisciplinarity, and move towards scientific excellence,” says ViA Rector, Ph.D. Agnese Dāvidsone.
On April 22, The Scientific Council of the ViA Scientific Institute (ViAZI) was elected at the general meeting of scientists of the university including the following researchers: Dr.sc.ing. Arnis Cīrulis, Ph.D. Oskars Java, Dr.hist. Gatis Krūmiņš, Dr.sc.ing. Linda Lancere, Dr.sc.ing. Kaspars Osis, Dr.psych. Vineta Silkāne, Ph. Linda Veliverronena, and Ph.D. Ieva Zaumane. The Council is responsible for ensuring the strategic direction of the institute, determining priority research areas, approving the director, overseeing their work, and more. Dr.psych. Vineta Silkāne has been elected Chair of the ViAZI Scientific Council.
"The Scientific Council acts as the intellectual compass of the institute – it not only defines research priorities but also shapes an environment where every researcher can develop their academic path with respect and a long-term perspective. We believe that scientific excellence arises from taking care of people – supporting their scientific independence, collaboration, and inner drive to explore,” says leading researcher and associate professor Vineta Silkāne.
On June 16, Professor and leading researcher Dr.geogr. Andris Klepers was elected as Director of the newly established Scientific Institute at ViA. He will assume the role at the end of August.
Dr. Klepers earned his Ph.D. at the University of Latvia, researching tourism destination marketing and cluster strategies. He has also acquired additional expertise in tourism and regional development through studies in Germany and several Nordic countries. He enhanced his research skills through postdoctoral research and academic qualification-building in Sweden, Australia, and Iceland. He regularly publishes scientific articles, presents research at international conferences, and participates in organizing them.
Dr. Klepers has worked at HESPI since 2015 – initially as a researcher, and since 2021 as a leading researcher. He is an active member of the HESPI Scientific Council and leads the spatial research laboratory.
“By applying my diverse experience and openness to dialogue, I see an opportunity to more purposefully implement ViA’s development strategy and strengthen the value of our organization’s brand. I fully commit to fostering an international, interdisciplinary, excellence-oriented, sustainable, and collegial research environment grounded in mutual respect,” said A.Klepers after his election.
The purpose of ViAZI’s establishment is to conduct scientific research, ensure the functioning of the Doctoral School, participate in the implementation of study programs, and provide public services in the fields, subfields, and interdisciplinary areas of engineering and technology, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
