Ventspils University of Applied Sciences PhD students gain experience at Young Scientists' summer school
From August 20 to 23, the Latvian Young Scientists' Association held its Summer School 2026 in Zvejniekciems, with four PhD students from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences taking part. The event focused on strengthening research, communication and collaboration skills.
The Latvian Young Scientists' Association held its annual Summer School 2026 in Zvejniekciems from August 20 to 23, bringing together young researchers from universities and scientific institutions across Latvia. Among the participants were four PhD students from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, who took the opportunity to develop their research, communication and collaboration skills.
Program highlights
The summer school aims to build young scientists' professional skills, encourage interdisciplinary cooperation, and help participants form new connections within Latvia's research community. This year's program addressed the role of scientists in building public trust and countering disinformation, as well as their potential contribution to the national strategy "Latvia 2050." Sessions also covered scientific writing, making the case for the importance of research projects, communicating with policymakers, and public speaking skills.
Cross-disciplinary exchange
The Ventspils PhD students noted that the summer school serves as a valuable meeting point where experience from different research fields is turned into useful advice. Discussions were held in an open-minded atmosphere that set aside disciplinary boundaries, allowing participants to find new and practical solutions to research-related questions.
The PhD students expressed gratitude to the event's organizers — the chairman of the Latvian Young Scientists' Association board, Oskars Teikmanis, board member Rasma Pīpiķe, as well as Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences PhD students Māra Grīnberga-Šilava and Dace Dance — and the association's whole team, for creating a supportive environment for scientific discussion and networking among academics.
