POINTS OF EXCELLENCE www.rtu.lv

Riga Technical University, 2016

Published by: International Relations Department

Design and layout: Arnis Grinbergs

Photo credits: Arturs Pērkons, Eduards Lapsa, Edgars Špengelis, Aleksandrs Kendenkovs, Andris Eglītis, Jānis Knāķis, Edijs Pālēns / LETA, Imants Urtāns, Valts Kleins

POINTS OF EXCELLENCE 6 Riga Technical University (RTU) – Strategic Partner for Excellence 72 Riga Business School

8 Latvia and Riga – “Added Value” of RTU 73 BALTECH Study Center

10 The Republic of Latvia 74 Affiliations

14 The Capital City – Riga 75 Engineering High School

20 History of RTU 76 Research at RTU

28 RTU in the 21st Century 77 Research Management

30 RTU Ķīpsala Campus 78 Research platforms and main research areas

36 RTU Structure 80 Selected Research Projects

39 RTU Strategy 94 Cooperation with Enterprises

40 Studies at RTU 95 Start-Up and Spin-Off Enterprises

40 Study Process Management 96 Business Incubators

42 Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning 98 Design Factory

46 Faculty of Civil Engineering 100 Scientific Library

48 Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology 104 Student Parliament 50 Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications 106 International Relations CONTENTS 54 Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering 116 Sports

58 Faculty of E-Learning Technologies and Humanities 120 Culture

60 Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management 128 RTU Alumni Association

64 Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry 136 RTU Contacts

68 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport and Aeronautics niversity should not just react at Despite a marked focus on engineering, we pay changes in the society; it should be the much attention to sports and cultural activities – driving force for change! Riga Technical RTU teams in basketball, volleyball and floorball University adheres to this principle in have won medals in both Latvian and European Uthe field of tertiary education and is constantly championships. The cultural scene at RTU is developing to become an internationally represented by numerous artistic groups including recognized, modern, leading research and male choir “Gaudeamus”, the winner of “Grand innovation University in the Baltic States. Prix” at numerous international competitions.

Creating one campus in Ķīpsala means – we Our constant striving for excellence is the have developed a comfortable and creative factor that best characterizes the quality of study environment housing the most modern our work. In this book we summarized 30 points Laboratory Building in the Baltics, Design of RTU excellence in studies, research, and Factory – the place, where new ideas emerge and extra-curricular activities and we invite you to get implemented, with modern faculty buildings appreciate the top achievements of RTU. RTU – and one of the greenest campuses in Europe. Let this book be your guide into the world of In the course of our transformation from a classic RTU studies, research and innovation, providing academic university into a third generation insights into development history of the oldest university, we are promoting synergy between technical university in the Baltic States and its STRATEGIC science, academic studies, innovation and points of excellence! valorization, educating and training engineers for the future.

The quality of education provided by RTU Welcome to RTU! PARTNER FOR is greatly respected by both Employers’ Confederation of Latvia, which unites leading enterprises in the industry, and foreign companies – CERN, Daimler AG, ESA and other, who employ RTU Doctoral students, research RTU Rector staff and alumni. Academician Dr. habil. sc. ing. EXCELLENCE Leonids Ribickis Owing to a wide range of study programs implemented in English, in the last three years the number of international students at RTU has tripled, amounting to 11% from the total number of students.

6 7 is developing in lockstep with summit, a World Ice Hockey Championship, the Latvia and Riga – the city that Eurovision song Contest, and many other large- RTU for several years is ranked scale international events: in 2014, Riga was the among the most popular tourist destinations as European Capital of Culture; in 2015, Riga was one of the most beautiful cities on the Baltic Sea home to the Latvian Presidency of the Council of coast. the European Union.

Riga is the city where centuries meet. Riga cityscape represents the multi-layered history The Republic of Latvia of Latvia from the Middle Ages until today. Art LATVIA Nouveau and wooden buildings of the 19th century The Republic of Latvia – a country on the coast of are trademarks of Riga, although overall its the Baltic Sea founded in 1918. architecture represents an eclectic mix – from medieval houses to apartment blocks of the Latvia consists of fertile lowland plains and Soviet times, and the contemporary architecture. moderate hills, with most of its territory That all makes Riga so special. AND RIGA – situated about 100m above sea level. The country has vast forested areas, an extensive Riga International Airport is one of the fastest- network of rivers, thousands of lakes, and growing travel hubs in Europe; it provides direct hundreds of kilometers of seashore, lined with flights to more than 80 destinations. pine forests, dunes, and white sandy beaches. ADDED VALUE The country’s strategic location between Riga is a cultural hub, where all forms of culture Scandinavia and Russia has made it an are part of everyday life; it is a European city with international crossroad for trade, commerce, a unique historical feel. Riga has many faces, new and cultural exchange since ancient times. and old, contrasting and complimentary, creative and traditional. Once you are here, it will take you OF RTU by surprise. The Capital City – Riga

Riga, founded in 1201, has always been the political, economic, and cultural center. Nowadays, around one third of Latvia’s population lives and works there. The Historical Centre of Riga is listed by UNESCO as one of the world’s most important cultural and architectural sites. Riga has hosted a NATO

8 9 The Republic of Latvia 18 November – Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia

Rundale Palace – the Latvian pearl of Baroque and Rococo architecture The Freedom Monument Capital City – Riga

The Latvian National Opera

Old Riga Town Hall Square, the statue of Roland, the House of Blackheads

Old Riga at night Fireworks over the Daugava, Riga HISTORY OF RTU

istory of RTU dates back almost 155 years. The establishment of RTU, then Riga Polytechnicum (later – Riga Polytechnic Institute), was closely Hconnected with the economic and political changes in Europe in the middle of the 19th century: rapid development of manufacturing and railway transport, erection of bridges and other engineering constructions. Riga was rapidly transforming itself into a developed industrial centre. The main task of the school was to educate and train technical intelligentsia who would be capable of working with new manufacturing equipment and proposing new HISTORY ideas for new achievements.

After taking into account recommendations by numerous representatives from German universities, a decision was made to support the OF RTU establishment of a private polytechnic higher school in Riga. It was the first higher education establishment in the current territory of Latvia, then part of the Russian Empire.

A permission from the Russian Tsar Alexander II to Emperor Nikolay II decreed on 6 May 1896 that establish a high school was received in May 1861, turned the higher school into a state-owned and on 14 October 1862, the first students enrolled institution – Riga Polytechnic Institute (RPI). in preparatory course and commenced their From the turn of the century and the first studies. This day is celebrated as RTU birthday. decade of the 20th century RPI flourished. The institute played a major role in turning Riga City The first instructors mainly came from Germany, into a modern metropolis, its professors and Switzerland and Austria-Hungary, and German graduates taking part in developing gas and was the language of instruction. Physicist Ernst electricity supply systems, as well as tramcar Nauk became the first Rector of the higher transport system. Hundreds of brick houses school. were built, including real gems of Art Nouveau,

20 21 HISTORY OF RTU

mainly designed by local architects – graduates of RPI School of Architecture. People associated with RPI facilitated the advances of the most modern technical fields in Riga, such as aviation and automobile industry. PRI graduate Friedrich Zander became one of the founders of the rocket and space science in Russia.

Many other prominent scientists worked at the University: August Toepler, Ėtienne Laspeyres, George Armitstead, Wilhelm Ritter, Mikhail Dolivo-Dobrovolsky, Engelbert Arnold, Paul Walden and Wilhelm Ostwald – the only Nobel The cap of "Selonija" student corporation Prize Laureate from the Baltic States.

The work of the high school was interrupted by World War I. Political regime changed several times, and along changed the name of the high school. By 1918, RPI faculties were included into a newly established Latvian Higher School (University of Latvia, State University of Latvia).

Riga Polytechnic Institute renewed its work on 1 September 1958 and in the mid-1970ies, RPI became the largest higher educational institution in Latvia.

In March 1990, RPI was renamed as Riga Technical University (RTU). On its way to the united European education area, RTU had already in 1991 started educating and training international students, as well as provided its academic staff and students the opportunity to work and study in different European universities. Gradually the system of education was transformed into a three-level higher education format at Bachelor, Master and Doctoral levels and RTU fully integrated into the Members of the student corporation "Selonija" European Higher Education Area. during the 1899/1900 academic year

22 HISTORY OF RTU A study book on building methodology, 1937 Many other prominent scientists worked at the University: August Toepler, Ėtienne Laspeyres, George Armitstead, Wilhelm Ritter, Mikhail Dolivo-Dobrovolsky, Engelbert Arnold, Paul Walden and Wilhelm Ostwald – the only Nobel Prize Laureate from the Baltic States.

25 HISTORY OF RTU

1862–1896 Riga Polytechnicum

1896–1919 Riga Polytechnic Institute

ERNST GUSTAV VON AUGUST KARL THEODOR PAULS VOLDEMAR 1919–1958 NAUCK KIESERITZKY LIEVENTHAL GROENBERG VALDENS VON KNIERIEM Technical faculties within In office from In office from In office from In office from In office from In office from 1862 to 1875 1875 to 1885 1886 to 1891 1891 to 1902 1902 to 1905 and 1906 to 1916 Latvian Higher School / 1919–1922 from 1917 to 1919 University of Latvia / 1922–1945 State University of Latvia / 1945–1958

1958–1990 RTU headquarters in 1960's Riga Polytechnic Institute

Since 1990 Riga Technical University RTU KRISTAPS ALEKSANDRS ALEKSANDRS EGONS IVARS LEONĪDS NEILANDS MĀLMEISTERS VEISS LAVENDELIS KNĒTS RIBICKIS In office from In office from In office from In office from In office from In office from RECTORS 1958 to 1960 1961 to 1963 1963 to 1985 1985 to 1999 1999 to 2011 2011

26 27 RTU IN THE 21ST CENTURY

is a modern internationally the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia, which recognized university. It is the recommends RTU as the priority university for RTU only polytechnic university obtaining a higher education in Latvia. in Latvia as well as the largest university in the country – it educates and trains almost 15 RTU is constantly developing its infrastructure thousand students. constructing a campus in Ķīpsala Island. On completion, the campus will be the most RTU is focused on becoming a third generation advanced engineering study center in the Baltic university that not only provides high quality Region. education, but also conducts advanced research and ensures innovation and technology transfer, in such a way practically implementing scientific discoveries.

At nine faculties of RTU it is possible to obtain RTU IN THE high quality education not only in engineering, but also in social sciences and humanities. Study programs implemented by RTU have been ST positively evaluated by international experts and are officially accredited. The quality of education 21 CENTURY provided by the University has been attested by

28 29 POINT OF RTU IN THE 21ST CENTURY EXCELLENCE IN INFRASTRUCTURE RTU Ķīpsala Campus

RTU is the first university in Latvia, which in 2007 started to implement an ambitious project to develop a university campus that would unite education and research facilities.

To accomplish the project “RTU – City within a City”, the university is developing the most advanced engineering study center in the Baltic Region. The campus will unite all units of RTU in one place – almost in the center of Riga.

Ķīpsala Campus also houses a renovated student hostel, equipped apartments for guest professors Fantastic view of Old Riga from the terrace of and a small conference center. RTU Student Hostel in Ķīpsala

30 31 RTU IN THE 21ST CENTURY

RTU Ķīpsala Campus

The design of RTU Campus – "City within the City" RTU IN THE 21ST CENTURY

RTU Ķīpsala Campus RTU IN THE 21ST CENTURY FACULTY OF FACULTY OF COMPUTER FACULTY OF CIVIL ARCHITECTURE AND SCIENCE AND INFORMA- ENGINEERING RTU Structure URBAN PLANNING TION TECHNOLOGY ••Department of Architecture and ••Civil Engineering Computer Centre ••Institute of Computer Control, ACADEMIC ASSEMBLY Urban Planning ••Institute of Building Production Automation and Computer ••Department of History and Theory of ••Department of Civil Engineering Engineering Architecture College Programmes ••Institute of Information Technology SENATE STUDENTS PARLIAMENT ••Department of Fine Arts ••Institute of Building and ••Institute of Applied Mathematics Reconstruction ••Institute of Applied Computer ••Ecological Construction Centre Systems RECTOR ADVISORY BOARD ••Institute of Materials and Structures ••Environment Modelling Centre ••Professional Continuing Education Centre VICE-RECTOR FOR RESEARCH ••Institute of Heat, Gas and Water Technology ••Institute of Transport Infrastructure Engineering VICE-RECTOR FOR STUDIES

FACULTY OF FACULTY OF E-LEARNING FACULTY OF POWER AND VICE-RECTOR FOR FINANCE ELECTRONICS AND TECHNOLOGIES AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TELECOMMUNICATIONS HUMANITIES ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR ••Institute of Radioelectronics ••Institute of Power Engineering ••Institute of Humanities FACULTIES ••Institute of Telecommunications ••Institute of Industrial Electronics and ••Institute of Applied Linguistics • Institute of Transport Electronics Electrical Engineering • Distance Education Study Centre DEPUTY RECTOR FOR STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT • • and Telematics ••Institute of Environmental Protection and Heating Systems DEPUTY RECTOR FOR INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC COOPERATION AND STUDIES FACULTY OF FACULTY OF MATERIALS FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ECONOMICS SCIENCE AND APPLIED ENGINEERING, TRANSPORT DEPUTY RECTOR FOR BUSINESS AND INNOVATION AND MANAGEMENT CHEMISTRY AND AERONAUTICS

• Institute of Civil Engineering and • Institute of Design Technologies • Institute of Aeronautics DEPUTY RECTOR FOR INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT • • • Real Estate Economics ••Institute of Applied Chemistry ••Institute of Biomedical Engineering ••Institute of Occupational Safety and ••Institute of Polymer Materials and Nanotechnologies Civil Defence ••Institute of Silicate Materials ••Institute of Mechanical Engineering HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT ••Institute for Quality Enginiering ••Institute of Technology of Organic Technologies ••Institute of International Business Chemistry ••Institute of Mechanics and Customs ••Institute of Technical Physics ••Institute of Transport HEAD OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND DOCUMENT PROCESSING DEPARTMENT ••Unit of International Programmes ••Institute of General Chemical Engineering ••Institute of Inorganic Chemistry HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

HEAD OF LEGAL DEPARTMENT AFFILATIONS ••Cēsis Branch ••Liepāja Branch ••Daugavpils Branch ••Ventspils Branch ••Riga Business School

36 37 RTU IN THE 21ST CENTURY In 2015, total assets of RTU increased from 96.3 million EUR RTU Strategy to 109.4 million EUR. RTU Strategy includes the most important policies of RTU in Strategy implementation. It is for RTU development in the period till 2020. an elected body that unites specialists in the field of research, education, culture, The Strategy is based on three main goals of or national economy, which consults RTU the University – high quality study process, Senate and Rector on the issues concerning excellence in research, and sustainable University Strategy and supports developing innovation and commercialization. RTU capacity. The Advisory Board evaluates University performance and provides advice on RTU Advisory Board is an essential partner the overall development of RTU.

RTU is a modern, internationally recognized RTU has been developing in accordance with science and technology university, which in its the RTU Strategy 2014–2020. In 2015, total capacity of an education, research, life-long assets of RTU increased from 96.3 million EUR learning and innovation center educates and to 109.4 million EUR, the funds were invested trains highly qualified engineering specialists for in infrastructure development, purchase of the Latvian national economy. Comprehensive equipment and machines, etc. In turn, RTU equity modernization and adoption of the world’s grew from 62.3 million EUR to 65.8 million EUR, best practices ensure dynamic and sustainable RTU revenue also increased by 2.6 million EUR. development of RTU, allow RTU and its alumni to compete internationally.

Chair of RTU Senate professor RTU Vice-Rector for Finance Dr. oec. Elīna Gaile-Sarkane Dr. oec. Ingars Eriņš

39 STUDIES AT RTU

trademark is high quality internationally competitive RTU engineering education based on more than a century-and-a-half old academic traditions appropriate to meet new technological challenges.

Study programs at RTU have been persistently developed in cooperation with employers to provide tertiary education in cutting-edge technologies and engineering that meets the needs of the global labor market. It helps RTU graduates to easily integrate in the labor market and to develop a successful professional career. At the same time, RTU provides opportunities to pursue a career in science to the alumni who are interested in research, offering them the chance STUDIES AT RTU to enroll for Doctoral studies. RTU is the largest university in Latvia by number of students and one of the largest universities in the Baltic States by number of foreign students. Study Process Management We are very proud because the number of students willing to study at RTU attests high Studies at RTU are implemented by nine faculties, quality of education we provide that has been including 33 institutes. recognized by both local and foreign students.

RTU has affiliations in Daugavpils, Liepaja, Ventspils and Cesis; it comprises Riga Business RTU Vice-Rector for Studies School, BALTECH – a consortium of seven Dr. sc. ing. Uldis Sukovskis engineering universities from the Baltic Sea Region, as well as Engineering High School.

40 41 FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANNING POINT OF

RTU Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning educates and trains specialists in architecture. EXCELLENCE Possible fields of specialization – spatial planning, restoration of historical monuments, interior design and landscape architecture.

Dean of the Faculty of The priority of the Faculty of Architecture Exhibition of Student Architecture and Urban and Urban Planning is educating and training Planning professor Dr. arch. specialists for the Latvian market. However, we Uģis Bratuškins: also recommend our students to gain academic experience in other countries and willingly enroll Diploma Projects As the society takes a more foreign students at our Faculty for international active part in the development study semesters. of high quality environment, an Every year the Faculty organizes exhibitions of architect should be able to reconcile the interests student Diploma Projects presenting student of all stakeholders. It is virtually not possible to be works on display to initiate public discussion. The a solo player in the contemporary architecture. interested public may get acquainted with the signature and aptitude of future architects. The architect of the 21st century is like a conductor holding an orchestral score in his hands Diploma Projects are normally dedicated to and managing design and construction processes topical public and urban development issues: so that the result meets expectations. That is contemporary development of historical why a modern architect should set ambitious environment, transformation of former industrial goals, be able to think critically and respect sites, public use of water’s edges, etc. opinion of the others. Study Program: • Architecture Young architects introduce themselves by presenting spatial, functional, and engineering Major Research Areas: solutions for major construction objects and • Synthesis of Art and Architecture as a facilitating factor in original environment development scenarios. human environment development • Territory planning systems in the context of spatial They are not afraid to raise public interest parameters of urban development and attract attention to the places where the • Latvian architecture and urban development in the context of clashing manifestations of radically different European architecture urban development concepts have left their • Artistic and socio-economic aspects of urban planning colorful marks. It is the reason why exhibition • Aspects of sustainable development of residential environment of student Diploma Projects is a much-awaited Atrium of the building of • Spatial and social aspects of harmonious development of annual event in Riga. the Faculty of Architecture urban environment identity and Urban Planning 42 st The architect of the 21 century is like STUDIES AT RTU a conductor holding an orchestral score in his hands and managing design and construction processes so that the result meets expectations FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING POINT OF

RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering provides academic and professional education in civil engineering, EXCELLENCE geodesy and cartography, as well as heat, gas, and water technology.

Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering professor Dr. sc. Prototypes ing. Juris Smirnovs: Study Programs: A builder should not only have • Civil Engineering empathy with people, but also • Construction Management developed by with nature and history. It • Geomatics • Innovative Road and Bridge Engineering is the greatest magic of the • Innovative Solutions in Geomatics work of a builder. • Heat, Gas, and Water Technology • Transportation Engineering a new generation Before implementing constructions works it is Major Research Areas: necessary to both assess the long term impact • Composite materials and constructions, thin-walled of environmental factors building design and structures consider what is hiding beneath. Several years • Structural analysis, technical condition monitoring and defect detection of composite ago, a secret cable laid by Germans during WW2 used for communication with Berlin was • Efficient, high strength concretes, geopolymers and porous ceramics discovered in the process of constructing a road • Road traffic safety, roadway surfaces, research on bridge in Latvia. Thus, builders again and again come construction safety and durability engineers into direct contact with history and artifacts. • Remote sensing of the Earth’s surface Each builder, who in the course of professional • Geotechnical investigations career wants to create many new buildings that • Building envelope and structural physics investigations will serve several generations of residents for • Development of new generation of composite structures New generations of excellent composite to do computer simulation software and many years, should thoroughly explore climatic • Oscillation analysis and forecast of building structures, engineers are purposefully trained at the prototype testing. At the Institute of Materials oscillation damping systems conditions of the respective region. In Latvia, it Department of Composite Materials and and Structures, where Latvian scientists have • Didactics of graphical communication, computer aided design is necessary to learn to account for freeze-thaw in architecture, civil engineering and mechanical engineering Constructions. Every year student teams designed the construction of the wing for the cycles, additional loads imposed by snow, etc. It is • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems get involved in the development of end-use largest passenger airplane Airbus A380, students possible to learn all this at the Faculty of Building • Use of solar, wind, geothermal energy sources in power supply, composite material products. develop, for example, innovative snowboard and and Civil Engineering. low-energy building design skateboard prototypes. In such a way students • Biological stability and control in drinking water distribution Designing product prototypes, students learn learn how to employ technologies that are used in systems • Impact of floods on engineering constructions – stability, risks how to use vacuum infusion technology or high level scientific research. and assessment • Water supply and sewage systems and equipment 46 47 FACULTY OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY POINT OF

The Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology educates and trains specialists in all EXCELLENCE fields of computer science and information technology (IT) who will be capable to work in the areas, where new information systems and other IT solutions should be developed and applied.

Dean of the Faculty of professional should have excellent cooperation Student work with Computer Science and and communication skills, as well as language Information Technology skills, the knowledge of English in particular. professor Dr. habil. sc. ing. It is necessary to know how to set goals, be Jānis Grundspeņķis: pragmatic and responsible as the work of intelligent multiagent contemporary IT specialists influences the way For several consecutive people think, changes their behavioral patterns years, the Employers’ and their lives. Confederation of Latvia compiles a list of systems educational establishments and study programs most recommended by employers. RTU and the program “Computer Systems” implemented by the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Developing various autonomous intelligent Technology are convincing winners. systems, Faculty researchers have managed to captivate students’ interest and involve them in IT sector is one of the most rapidly developing research on artificial intelligence and robotics. industries in the world – integration of technology in almost all spheres of human activity ensures Study Programs: While researchers create robots for industrial that this tendency will continue and that there • Automation and Computer Engineering and household purposes, students studying will be a constant demand for IT professionals in • Business Informatics engineering create robots for fun and • Computer Systems the labor market. • Financial Engineering competitions, promoting the interest of • Information Technology youngsters, schoolchildren in particular, in It is a common mistake to think that IT specialists • Intelligent Robotic Systems robotics and engineering. Students actively • Logistics and Supply Chain Management spend their day working only with newest participate in the work of Robot School and technologies and computers. They spend a lot of Major Research Areas: Robotics Club supported by the Faculty. time communicating with people, that is why a • Integrated intelligent computing for evolving digital enterprises Students organize Latvian Robotics • Ambient intelligence for smart autonomous and distributed Championship; they also won at numerous World system design and integration • Integrated data processing (communications, computing and and Japan Robot Tournaments. management) in complex distributed environments • Mathematical modeling 48 FACULTY OF ELECTRONICS AND We have a long-standing TELECOMMUNICATIONS expertise, for instance, our

The Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications educates and trains specialists in electronics, mobile communications and telecommunications, trains professionals in the field of computerized internationally competitive transport control, information and electronic systems, as well as specialists in telematics. acoustics school. Dean of the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications professor We have long-standing expertise, for instance, Dr. sc. ing. Jurģis Poriņš: our internationally competitive acoustics school. The manufacturing enterprise established by We have to deal with various our graduate Jānis Zariņš “JZ Microphones” has smart devices and computers produced microphones for such world famous on a daily basis, and in the artists as Madonna, Nelly Furtado, Lady Gaga, future we will use them at a much greater scale. Study Programs: The Offspring. Company “SAF Tehnika” founded However, any smart device is first and foremost • Electronics by the Faculty graduates Normunds Bergs and electronics and only after that – software. • Electronics and Mobile Communication Didzis Liepkalns has become one of the world • Telecommunications Moreover, while application software changes, • Transport Electronics and Telematics largest manufacturers of data transmission electronic hardware remains unchanged, thus, equipment. along with growing speed new tasks arise, and Major Research Areas: so the requirements with respect to electronic • New generation of optical communication networks and their The Latvian Electronic Equipment Testing Center components backup keep constantly changing. • Research and development of cyberphysical systems operates at the Faculty, it is an accredited body, technologies using the innovative high-speed optical which performs RF radiated emission, conducted Electronics is very versatile and multifaceted – transmission system technologies immunity, magnetic field and other tests, as ranging from semi-conductor 3D chips • High density wavelength division multiplexing (HDWDM) and well as temperature tests. passive optical network (PON) modeling, characterization in nanotechnologies to supercomputers, and optimization from camcorders at the eagle’s nest to • Development and assessment of energy-efficient electromobiles. It is a multi-billion industry, the communication systems market covers both large international companies • Multicarrier modulation format design for communication systems and small start-ups. All industry players strive • Development and assessment of new generation microwave to develop new generation technologies, and the transmission systems competences and skills necessary to accomplish • Signal processing for 4G and 5G wireless technologies that can be obtained at the Faculty of Electronics • Research on transportation communication systems and and Telecommunications. complex data processing • Mathematical modeling of telecommunications networks and systems • Development of switching power converters and improvement of electromagnetic compatibility 50 51 POINT OF STUDIES AT RTU EXCELLENCE Research Student experience results are in fiber-optic registered by respective transmission systems patents,

The Faculty comprises High-Speed Optical for fiber-optic transmission systems, examine Transmission System and Non-Linear Fiber the existing and develop new testing methods to as well as Optics Laboratory conducting world-class analyze non-linear processes in optic fibers and research on high-speed optic wavelength- WDM transmission systems. Research results division multiplexing (WDM) transmission system are registered by respective patents, as well as reflected in element design and testing, data transmission reflected in publications and lecture courses. speed up to 56 Gbit/s per channel. publications Using the opportunities provided by the laboratory, students in the course of their studies develop competences and skills in the field of fiber-optic transmission systems. and lecture

This is the only laboratory of this kind in the Baltic States. Using advanced equipment and optical courses. measurement bench, the researchers develop and test innovative components and solutions

52 53 FACULTY OF POWER AND STUDIES AT RTU ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING The most stable employers

The Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering educates and trains engineering specialists in the field of power engineering, electrical engineering and environmental science, who are competent can be found in the field in electrical power transmission and distribution systems and their control, electric machines and apparatus, power electronics and electric drives, industrial automation and computerized control, issues of energy efficiency, as well as, environment protection and management. of power engineering that

Dean of the Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering guarantee secure work in the professor Dr. sc. ing. Oskars Krievs: long term Power engineering and Study Programs: clean environment play a • Adaptronics fundamental role in the • Computerized Control of Electrical Technologies development of any society. At present, in the • Power and Electrical Engineering industrial and household automation. Along with • Environmental Science context of energy resource depletion and climate the rapid change and technological development, change, these areas have become a priority both Major Research Areas: it is getting more and more topical to account for in Latvia and the world, with the demand for • Management, optimization and automation of power the occurring climate change and manage the innovative ideas and highly qualified workforce in generation and supply environment so as to sustain its quality also in • Innovative design of electrical machines, electrical apparatus st the field of power engineering growing. and electrical devices the 21 century. Qualified specialists are in high • Development, synthesis and verification of methodologies, demand in all spheres named, and the Faculty of Power engineering is one of the industries that recommendations, algorithms, software for participants of Power and Electrical Engineering educates and characterize the quality of life and economic power supply system train them. development of the society: the demand for • Power electronic converters and their control algorithms in modern power supply systems, electric drive and renewable energy grows along with higher demands with resource usage Development of any industry is not possible respect to the quality of life. Today it is difficult • Smart electric technologies in lighting systems, without power engineering, that is the reason to name a field that does not make use of manufacturing automation and energy efficiency why considerable investment is poured into improvement electrotechnical devices and automatic computer power engineering and respective technologies • Smart electric transport systems control systems – electric drive, different power • Knowledge-intensive science of climate and bio-economy are constantly developing. Therefore, the most converters and telemechanic systems can be • Analyses of power supply circulation cycles and development stable employers can be found in the field of encountered in power generation, transmission of planning instruments power engineering that guarantee secure work in and distribution, in electric transport and • Development of new sources of renewable energy and the long term. technologies • Reduction of pollution by energy equipment, technological and environmental aspects of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as their trapping and storage 54 POINT OF STUDIES AT RTU EXCELLENCE Creative Anyone can realize Laboratory one’s technical ideas The Faculty has established a Student Creative at the laboratory. Laboratory, where students create prototypes of electrical equipment and implement their engineering ideas.

Anyone can realize one’s technical ideas at the laboratory, no matter whether it is a schoolchild developing one’s research work or a student working on his/her Bachelor or Master paper, or simply an interested member of the public who wants to take a foray in designing an electrical machine.

Power supply enterprise “Latvenergo” supported 12 work places in the laboratory, they are equipped with various mechanical processing tools, gauges, and testing equipment.

56 57 FACULTY OF E-LEARNING STUDIES AT RTU TECHNOLOGIES AND HUMANITIES POINT OF

The Faculty of E-Learning Technologies and Humanities educates and trains technical translators EXCELLENCE in the fields of mechanical engineering, logistics, power engineering, materials science, information technologies, telecommunications, civil engineering, architecture and urban planning, engineering economics and other domains, as well as providing training to highly qualified specialists introducing e-learning technologies in the enterprises and life-long learning system. Distance Education

Dean of the Faculty of can develop one’s Doctoral Thesis under E-Learning Technologies supervision of two scientific advisers – a linguist and Humanities associate and a technical discipline specialist. Study Center professor Dr. philol. Marina Platonova: We are the only educational institution in Latvia that implements the study program in technical Distance Education Study Center is one of the The Center is equipped with modern Faculty of E-Learning translation. We are also the only RTU faculty, units of the Faculty of E-Learning Technologies telecommunications (ISDN videoconferencing) Technologies and Humanities where the number of international students and Humanities. It develops distance learning and multimedia facilities. is a unique example of successful synergy exceeds the number of local students. opportunities and new generation e-education in between engineering sciences and humanities; Latvia designing and adjusting distance learning there are not many of this kind in Europe. Only a courses, as well as organizing the learning few European universities have similar experience, processes within these courses. for example, the University of Manchester in the UK and Chemnitz Technical University in The Center cooperates with distance learning Germany, which offer students the opportunity centers from other countries, at present the Study Programs: to study technical disciplines simultaneously with staff of the Center is involved in 14 international • Technical Translation humanities. projects in the field of distance learning course • E-Learning Technologies and Management design. Future knowledge is interdisciplinary, and studies Major Research Areas: at the Faculty of E-Learning Technologies and • Information and communication technologies – new Researchers of the Center have developed a Humanities have high added value because the knowledge society products prototype of a modern life-long learning support interdisciplinary aspect is integrated in every • Multi-screen e-learning concept eBig3 (e-ecosystem of the system, which will help the users in the learning lifelong learning target group) study course. It is an interesting synergy. • Smart cities and smart technologies process react to the user behavior in • Multimedia technology applications the e-environment. Interdisciplinary aspect is also clearly manifested • IT and digital media in linguistics and communication science within Doctoral studies, as a future researcher • Contrastive linguistics • Translatology • Terminology of particular fields • Language for Special Purposes (LSP) teaching and learning 58 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING STUDIES AT RTU ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT

The Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management provides higher education at all levels in various fields of economics and entrepreneurship – business management and economics, human resources management, civil construction management, real estate management, urban and regional economics, customs and tax administration, international business relations, occupational safety, quality management, marketing, logistics, finance, etc.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management professor Dr. habil. oec. Remigijs Počs: Study Programs: • Human Resources Management st Since 2013 the Faculty of • Occupational Safety Engineering Economics and A professional of the 21 • Safety Engineering Management has been ranked • Fire Safety and Civil Protection among 1,000 world best business schools and • Economics universities by an international rating Eduniversal, • Urban and Regional Engineering Economics century is a cross-disciplinary being included in the 3 Palmes league, which • Engineering of Regional Development and Urban Economics comprises excellent business schools with • Innovations and Entrepreneurship reinforcing international influence in business and • Administration of Customs and Taxes specialist management education. There are 5 Palmes of • Real Estate Management Excellence leagues overall. • Civil Construction and Real Estate Management • Organization and Management of International Economic A professional of the 21st century is a cross- Students also participate in the work of Relations Excellent ranking was also received within disciplinary specialist. The studies at the Faculty entrepreneurship camp Cambridge Venture • Business Logistics Eduniversal international Master study program of Engineering Economics and Management Camp, where students develop their business • Entrepreneurship and Management rating. Three Master study programs implemented • Business Finance have a clear interdisciplinary character. ideas, raise start-up financing and establish by the Faculty of Engineering Economics and • Management Science and Economics Every faculty student obtains integrated spin-off enterprises. Management were ranked among the world best – • Total Quality Management entrepreneurial competencies. Study process “Administration of Customs and Taxes”, “Civil is oriented towards learning by doing or The Faculty participates in the UN initiative Construction and Real Estate Management” and Major Research Areas: learning by developing and establishment of Principles of Responsible Management MBA program “Innovations and Entrepreneurship”. • Development of entrepreneurship and innovations an integrated theoretical knowledge base. Education – PRME, paying particular attention At the same time, Master study programs • Management of civil engineering, real estate, urban and The Faculty implements a study course "New to the principles of responsible education and territory development “Business Finance” and “Economics” were ranked Product Design and Development Methodology", integrating them in the aims, values, methods, • Organizational and national safety among 200 best university programs in economics • Quality management of processes, products and systems within which students develop competencies in study process, science and research, partnerships and finance in Eastern Europe. • Development of economic, mathematical and statistical new product design and technology transfer. and social dialogue. models 60 61 POINT OF STUDIES AT RTU EXCELLENCE

Student established Crazy Roller

Faculty students in the course of their studies invented and designed a crazy roller – a new spin-off enterprises device, which can be used to both roll down the hill and move on the ground or water surface. In total 12 basic versions and prototypes of the roller were developed in cooperation with RTU and innovative experts in mechanical engineering. An enterprise Trakais rotors Ltd was established to promote the product in the market. At present, the attraction works in many amusement parks products in Latvia, however, about 700 European skiing resorts and Mediterranean water sports centers are among potential clients. Mobile application Infy.me Breakfast cereals Milzu! (Giant!)

Faculty graduate, entrepreneur Oskars Putniņš The student of the study program “Innovations developed a mobile application Infy.me, which and Entrepreneurship” Enno Ence during his was created to change the way how business studies developed and improved one of the most world communicates. It is the first personal successful Latvian food products of the recent smartphone assistant, which stores and times – Milzu! breakfast cereals. Currently, Latvia manages paper business cards. Infy.me stores is the main market for the breakfast cereals, but digital copies of business cards in the cloud, and it is planned to export Milzu! products to Estonia Faculty students in the course of their studies they can be accessed from any device. You can and the Scandinavian countries. share your business cards via Infy.me, e-mail, invented and designed a crazy roller – a new SMS or social networks. Each business card has a unique QR code, which can be located in any device, which can be used to both roll down the place important for the business – electronically or in the printed form. hill and move on the ground or water surface.

62 63 FACULTY OF MATERIALS SCIENCE STUDIES AT RTU AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY

The Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry educates and trains specialists in chemistry, materials science, chemical technology, clothes and textile technology, materials technology and design. The Study Programs: Faculty provides basic education courses in chemistry, • Clothing and Textile Technology • Chemistry st materials science and physics to all students of RTU. • Applied Chemistry • Chemical Technology In the 21 century, chemistry • Industrial Pharmacy • Nanotechnologies of Materials Dean of the Faculty of • Materials Science Materials Science and Applied • Material Technology and Design • Material Design and Technology and materials science are Chemistry professor Dr. chem. Valdis Kokars Major Research Areas: • Synthesis of multifunctional nanoparticles, nanofibres Latvia and RTU have long and catalysts, production technology and applications of among the most important nanocoatings and nanocomposites standing traditions in science • Synthesis of components and materials for electronics, and chemical industry, photonics, optoelectronics and information technology, smart innovative materials and products manufacturing. materials research areas The only Nobel Prize laureate coming from • Innovative biomaterials, materials / biomaterials technology the Baltic States – Wilhelm Ostwald – was a • Synthesis of high-potential organic substances, studies of structure, technological solutions for pharmaceutical, medical professor of chemistry at RTU from 1881 to 1887. and bioorganic chemistry He received the Nobel Prize in 1909 for research • Design of control principles for interphasial and boundary Pedagogical and research traditions have been on catalysis, chemical equilibrium and reaction processes in order to design micro-, sub-micro- and nano- maintained by several generations of researchers. scale heterogeneous composite polymer and inorganic velocities, which he conducted in Riga. The most advanced materials with a theory-guided functionality The Faculty is still one of the leading units at famous chemist of Latvian descent Paul Walden • Development, research and quality assurance of alternative, RTU in terms of advanced scientific qualification, also worked at RTU. He was the founder of renewable and mixed fuels, lubricants and their components research infrastructure, scientific achievements, dynamic stereochemistry and electrochemistry • Modification of natural and chemical fibers and optimization including student research activity. of non-aqueous solutions. In 2010, American of their properties, smart textiles and clothing • Synthesis, modification, investigation and use of inorganic st Chemical Society awarded the Award of Citation materials and composites for special applications and the In the 21 century, chemistry and materials for Chemical Breakthrough to P. Walden’s specific needs of national economy science are among the most important publication on discovery of optical inversion • Ecological solutions for chemistry, chemical engineering, research areas, their task is to find answers to (Walden inversion). P. Walden was nominated for materials science and related sectors innumerable topical questions of our age, which • Use of Latvian natural resources (mineral, forests and other the Nobel Prize six times, unfortunately, he never renewable) for production of new products with high added may even include the survival of humanity in the received it. value distant future. • Improvement of the testing laboratories infrastructure for materials and products, extension of the testing scope for the quality and international competitiveness increase of products made by national producers 64 65 POINT OF STUDIES AT RTU EXCELLENCE Cooperation with the Faculty students and industry and student alumni regularly scholarships win prizes and

The Faculty of Materials of Technology of Organic Chemistry in awards. Science and Applied chemistry, chemical technology, biologically Chemistry works in active compounds and their dosage forms, close cooperation with SAKRET Ltd and Z-Light Ltd scholarships industry, organizations and for students of study programs “Chemistry”, enterprises, which offer grants “Chemical Technology”, “Materials Science” and and scholarships to the best “Nanotechnologies of Materials”, Riga Varnish students and members of academic staff: and Paint Factory scholarship, JSC Grindeks and Latvian L'Oreal grants For Women in Science, Tenax Ltd practical skill promoting scholarship, memorial scholarships of the Latvian Academy scholarship of the Latvian Institute of Organic of Sciences named after Emīlija Gudriniece, Synthesis, JSC Inspecta Latvia internship Alfrēds Ieviņš, and Mārtiņš Straumanis, Gustavs scholarship. Vanags scholarship, JSC Olainfarm Solomon Hiller scholarship in chemical technology, Faculty students and alumni regularly win prizes prizes for graduation theses of RTU Institute and awards.

66 67 FACULTY OF MECHANICAL STUDIES AT RTU ENGINEERING, TRANSPORT AND Mechanical Engineering and Metalworking technical maintenance specialist, which attests AERONAUTICS Industries of Latvia. Industry representatives that their competences and skills conform to participate in the development and improvement general European requirements. The certificate is of all study programs, they also take part in the recognized in the international labor market. defense of graduation papers. This guarantees In Latvia, mechanical engineering and The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport that the study programs correspond to the metalworking industries are clearly export- and Aeronautics educates and trains specialists in requirements of 21st century industry. oriented, on average about 70% of production engineering, mechanical engineering and machine volume is exported to more than 100 countries, building, engineering design, construction of Faculty graduates work in Latvia, EU countries, thus the export market and the geography of mechanisms and appliances, mechatronics, logistics, Study Programs: USA, Switzerland and other countries. The work faculty graduates’ activities is very wide. automotive and railway transportation technology, • Automobile Transport of the alumni of the study program “Aviation technical maintenance of aircrafts in mechanical • Aviation Transport Transport” has an even more global character: engineering and avionics, medical engineering and • Railway Electrical Systems they receive a certificate of an aviation transport physics, heat-power engineering and heat engineering, • Railway Transport and nanoengineering. • Engineering Technology, Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering Study • Industrial Design • Mechanical and Instrumental Engineering Dean of the Faculty of Pneumobile designed and • Medical Engineering and Medical Physics programs Mechanical Engineering, • Mechatronics assembled by RTU students. Transport and Aeronautics • Nanoengineering In 2016, the pneumobile took professor Dr. sc. ing. • Production Engineering part in the international Ēriks Geriņš: • Heat Power and Thermal Engineering competition in Hungary correspond • Transport Systems Engineering The fields, in which the • Transport Faculty of Mechanical to the Engineering, Transport and Aeronautics Major Research Areas: educates and trains students, are of strategic • Aeronautics and space technologies importance: they create products with high • Robotics: robot in the environment • Fluid power systems requirements added value and supply all other industries with machines, production systems, components • Mechanical engineering manufacturing technologies and related services, as well as the necessary • Computer Aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies and know-how. • Solid body contact mechanics of the industry • Nanotechnologies • Transport and transport systems The curricula of the study programs implemented • Biomedical engineering and medical physics st by the Faculty are coordinated with the industry • Mechanics of composites and elastomers of the 21 associations, including the Association of • Applied mechanics • Reliability, non-destructive monitoring and technical diagnostics of constructions and machinery century. 68 69 POINT OF POINT OF STUDIES AT RTU EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE Opportunities Opportunities offered to provided by BOSCH the students by Railway training center Microprocessor System Engineering Lab

The Faculty houses BOSCH training center, The Faculty’s Institute of Transport in which at the same time is RTU Car Operation cooperation with the technological company Laboratory. Siemens established the Railway Microprocessor System Engineering Lab. Newest automotive technologies that can be employed at BOSCH training center allow Microprocessor system allows students to model educating and training of both faculty students train movement at railway junction stations, at and qualified car service station specialists, the same time, it provides Doctoral students the providing opportunity to work with the most up- opportunity to conduct research in the area of to-date BOSCH car diagnostic tools. railway traffic safety.

In the training center, the students learn how Students were involved as engineering and to use and service modern car diagnostic tools, technical personnel in the process of establishing passenger compartment air conditioning and the laboratory. Students not only had to gasoline and diesel engine fuel injection systems, assemble the components, but also since the as well as vehicle electrical and electronic very beginning could participate in railway systems. infrastructure research and modeling.

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RIGA BUSINESS SCHOOL BALTECH STUDY CENTER

Riga Business School (RBS) has worked within BALTECH Study Center works at RTU since The work of the Consortium is coordinated by RTU since 1991. It was established in cooperation 2000. It is the University Consortium for BALTECH Secretariat, and since 1 September among RTU, State University of New York at Science and Technology of the Baltic Sea 2015 this function is performed by RTU. Buffalo, USA, and University of Ottawa, Canada. Region uniting seven engineering universities, which offer graduates the opportunity to RBS offers Bachelor and Master studies in enroll for international Master study programs English. MBA programs are envisaged for “Industrial Engineering and Management” and experienced specialists and managers willing “Environmental Science”. to obtain an internationally recognized degree of Master of Business Administration. After Study programs have been developed jointly by secondary school, students can enroll for Riga Technical University, Kaunas University of the Bachelor program and obtain a degree Technology, Linköping University, Lund University, in international business management KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tallinn (BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration). Study Programs: University of Technology and Vilnius Gediminas Study Programs: RBS Bachelor program offers students the • International Business Management (BBA) Technical University. • Industrial Engineering and Management opportunity to obtain a double degree diploma • General MBA studies • Environmental Science from RTU and either BI Norwegian Business • Pre-MBA program – intensive preparatory course for BALTECH also offers distant learning courses School or the University of Buffalo. MBA studies in Latvia or abroad in natural sciences, technology, and industrial management. It provides students and staff The School has more than 1,000 alumni, who mobility opportunities, as well as supporting have achieved managerial positions in Latvia and research and academic projects. abroad. University Consortium for Science and Technology The RBS English Language Centre is an BALTECH was founded in Riga in 1998. Its aims internationally certified centre for administering are to promote closer cooperation by developing ETS tests in Riga; it administers TOEFL® iBT as compatible international study programs in well as other international tests. It also runs natural sciences, technology, and industrial English language courses. management, to promote student and academic staff mobility and to provide scholarship and grant support.

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AFFILIATIONS ENGINEERING HIGH SCHOOL

RTU has established a comprehensive network of Taking responsibility for the development branches outside the capital city Riga in order to of engineering in Latvia, RTU established promote intellectual development in the Latvian Engineering High School in 2014. The studies regions and to educate and train qualified commenced in 2015. workforce close to their place of residence in different parts of Latvia. It is the first general secondary education establishment in Latvia that has been founded RTU affiliations have been established in four within the framework of a university. RTU intends Latvian cities – Cesis, Daugavpils, Liepaja, and to give the most talented Latvian schoolchildren Ventspils. RTU affiliation development policy the opportunity to take study courses in exact envisions implementing study programs adapted and natural sciences at an advanced level to the needs of the economy of each territory, as preparing them for the engineering studies. well as improving availability of higher education in the Latvian regions. Special attention is paid to the integration of engineering studies and scientific research activities into the study process, using RTU faculties, motivating schoolchildren to get involved in research and creating a new generation of scientists.

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Research Management

Strategic aim of research conducted at RTU is to their innovative ideas, expertise and consultations analyze and offer solutions to the most urgent in various fields. Enterprises, in their turn, and topical technical and social problems. The are invited to invest in innovative knowledge knowledge potential accumulated in the course and technology projects and together with of research is employed in entrepreneurship. RTU researchers work in the areas where new products with high added value are created. RTU has attracted the best Latvian researchers in the field of exact sciences and is purposefully Second, the University supports the RESEARCH educating and training a new generation of establishment of new spin-off and start-up researchers. enterprises based on the innovations created by University researchers and students. Using its RTU implements four-year Doctoral studies at 21 research base, technical facilities and resources, Doctoral study programs in engineering, natural RTU offers new entrepreneurs the services of sciences, architecture, social and service sciences. business incubators and the Design Factory, AT RTU The total number of Doctoral students exceeds which provides access to rapid prototyping 500, and the development of Doctoral theses equipment. is supervised by experienced and professional has become a modern as Daimler AG, KUKA Roboter GmbH, Airbus, academic personnel. Third, RTU ensures intellectual property internationally recognized Eurocopter SAS France and Astrium SAS France. protection, providing consultations to the RTU university, which conducts RTU participates in nine state research programs, One of the aims of Doctoral studies is to involve researchers on patent application procedures. internationally competitive research and which aim at research of the issues important students in research and innovation process. cooperates with reputable international research for the Latvian society and solution of topical Doctoral students soon become highly qualified Innovation and Technology Transfer Center and institutions, such as the European Organization problems. researchers looking for innovative solutions, the Department of Business and Innovation for Nuclear Research CERN, European Space creating new products and technologies. coordinate and organize innovation and Agency, Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, This publication provides only a brief overview technology transfer, university growth and Fraunhofer Institute, Germany, and other. of some research projects implemented at RTU, RTU Doctoral School is actively involved in development. however, we hope that it will give a general promoting the quality of Doctoral research, as An important aim of RTU is to facilitate and impression of the work conducted by RTU well as professional advancement of scientific The University makes every effort to ensure that support research-intensive entrepreneurship, researchers and will inspire cooperation. advisers of the theses. each idea born at RTU laboratories has a success including establishment of university spin-off story of its own. enterprises. Therefore, cooperation with the RTU Vice-Rector for Research The University promotes research and industry is an essential aspect of RTU activities. Dr. sc. ing. Tālis Juhna valorization in three areas.

RTU researchers have closely cooperated with First, the University commercializes knowledge and have conducted research and developed new and inventions created by researchers and technologies for both large Latvian enterprises – promotes researcher cooperation with the Grindex, Latvenergo, Latvijas Finieris and largest enterprises in Latvia and international Aerodium, and such international companies companies. RTU researchers offer enterprises

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Research platforms and main research areas

Research at RTU is organized on six research Information and Communication Materials, Processes and Technologies platforms. •• Usability studies of e-learning systems and •• Development and functionalization of bio- development of new e-learning technologies, compatible and bio-degradable materials The objective of research platforms is to ensure methods and systems; that can be integrated within the human multi-faculty and interdisciplinary research in •• Research on the Internet of Things and Big body or expanded outside of the body; the areas of great significance for the national Data transfer and processing, development •• Development of high added value materials economy and society. of methods for improvement of energy from local non-renewable and renewable efficiency of information transfer; resources; Active and continuous analysis of market needs •• Research on the use of ICT in linguistics; •• Smart materials for environmental and commercial potential takes place within the •• Development of smart cities and regional monitoring and remediation - development, research platforms. technologies and creation of new e-services research and integration in the current to improve the quality of life; infrastructure; Energy and Environment •• Research and development of technologies •• Development of smart materials for •• Safety of power supply systems and for cyber physical systems on the basis of generation of alternative energy (H2O optimum operational modes for innovative high-speed optic transmission splitting, piezoelectric nano-structures) improvement of performance and economic system technologies; •• Electro-optical materials for construction, return; •• Research on comprehensive data processing automotive and defence sectors - research •• Methods and technologies for improvement studies in complex distributed environments; and development. of power and thermal energy generation, •• Comprehensive intelligence for the •• Organic chemistry and pharmaceutical transmission, distribution and consumption development and integration of smart and processes and technologies. efficiency; autonomous systems; •• Methods and technologies for promotion of •• High performance signal processing and Security and Defence renewables to increase the regional energy rapid modifications; •• Strategic products for international security; independence and reduce environmental •• Development of next generation radio •• Boarder security; impact; frequency and micro-wave communication •• National economic security; •• Climate technologies and environmental systems; •• Civil defence. methods for a circular economy. •• Research on transport communication systems and complex processing of Cities and Development information. •• Sustainable environment; •• Efficient urban infrastructure; Transport •• Research, protection and development of •• Energy efficient and safe road and rail cultural heritage; transport; Selected •• Urban development (development of new •• Safe and financially efficient air transport; technologies); •• Efficient transport infrastructure; •• Economy of urban planning; •• Reliable and safe methods for diagnostics of •• Risk assessment of urban infrastructure and technical condition of vehicles and transport Research Projects its economic growth potential. infrastructure.

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POINT OF POINT OF EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE Research on future spacecraft Research on food staff constructions quality diagnostics

Researchers are developing a design and shell structures are determined – i.e., at what Spin-off enterprise CONELUM launches an producers took risk continuing production. certification methodology for composite shells in thickness limit cylindrical walls of an aircraft/ innovative methodology for mould detection in However, since the introduction of the innovative cooperation with Airbus DS and European Space spacecraft are both light in weight and at the dairy goods. methodology in the industry, these problems have Agency. same time sufficiently durable. been solved. The methodology for testing of food staff The researchers of the Institute of Materials and The aim of the research is to develop an quality has been developed at the Water Project managers – professor Dr. sc. ing. Structures of the Faculty of Civil Engineering efficient design methodology for composite Research Laboratory of the Faculty of Civil Tālis Juhna, leading researcher Dr. sc. ing. in cooperation with company Airbus DS and spacecraft constructions, assessing geometrical Engineering for almost 10 years. It allows Linda Mežule. the European Space Agency are developing a imperfections. Cylindrical thin-walled shells determining the presence of fungi and mould in design and certification methodology, which can are most sensitive to product geometric the product in just 30 minutes. In comparison, be used to determine the lowest robust load tolerances, therefore the research focuses on microorganism testing methods currently used bearing capacity of thin-walled (radius/thickness the development and validation of design and in the industry provide similar test results in 24 ratio 400 to 1000) composite shells. The certification methodology, which can be used hours, or even longer. methodology will be used in manufacturing of the to determine the lowest reliable design bearing next generation of spacecrafts from composite capacity of thin-walled composite shells. RTU researchers united in the enterprise materials. Conelum, and based on long-term research Project manager – leading researcher Dr. sc. ing. results have developed an innovative Leading RTU researcher Kaspars Kalniņš, the Kaspars Kalniņš. methodology, which allows quickly and first intern at the European Space Agency from efficiently – in just half an hour – to determine Latvia, is looking for the ways how to optimize the presence of fungi and mould in the product. space craft weight and, respectively, its fuel consumption by using composite materials. In the Previously, it took more than 24 hours for process of a wide range of computer simulations food and drink producers to conduct such and experimental testing of scale models of microbiological testing. During testing process, composite constructions, limit states of very thin manufacturing was either suspended or

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POINT OF POINT OF EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE Research on renewable Research on Riga’s Art Nouveau

energy technology Thanks to research into Art Nouveau, in 1997 In Riga, the majority of buildings in Art historical center of Riga was included in the Nouveau period were commissioned by Top technology, which enables fuel to be produced It has high calorific value and is easily reprocessed UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites. Latvian entrepreneurs, and they were designed from plant biomass and producing biogas from by microorganisms. RTU has developed the almost exclusively by local architects. The dairy processing by products. technology for obtaining biogas from whey. Riga – one of the most beautiful pearls on the majority of them graduated from the School shores of the Baltic Sea – with its beautiful of Architecture of Riga Polytechnic Institute, Technology developed by researchers of the Project managers – professor Dr. sc. ing. architecture enchants every newcomer. Professor and Latvian architects were particularly active. Faculty of Civil Engineering, which allows Tālis Juhna, leading researcher Dr. sc. ing. of the Faculty of Architecture and Urban They developed one of the most distinctive producing fuel from hogweed, the plant that Linda Mežule. Planning Jānis Krastiņš in his studies investigates variants of Art Nouveau in the architecture of is ranked among the most dangerous invasive the role and significance of Art Nouveau in Riga – National Romanticism, an attempt of the species in Latvia, its leaves may cause burns and the urban environment of Riga. Art Nouveau Latvian architects to create their own national blistering if come into physical contact. architecture heritage was a determining factor artistic style. Art Nouveau is now recognized and for including the historical center of Riga in the honored, it is a true Latvian national pride. RTU researchers are developing the technology UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in 1997. that will enable production of second generation Project manager – professor Dr. habil. arch. biofuel – biobutanol – from hogweed biomass. Art Nouveau is a style of art characteristic of Jānis Krastiņš. the end of the 19th and the beginning of the Researchers also analyze the opportunities to 20th center. The facades and interior of Art sustainably use industrial waste to generate Nouveau buildings were frequently decorated energy and reduce environmental pollution. with elegant ornament. However, it was not Whey, the main type of waste in milk processing, a necessary element. The essence of the style has attracted attentions of the scientists as a was determined by the new creative method of promising substance for biogas production. the time – to ascribe artistic expression to the utilitarian objects.

Rental houses in Riga, Lāčplēša street 70, 70a, 70b. Architect Eižens Laube, 1909

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POINT OF POINT OF EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE Research on multiagent Research on energy efficiency in robotic systems fiber-optic transmission systems

Multi-robot control system concordantly fulfils of the technology to introduce it into the The algorithm developed by the researchers of the improving energy efficiency of any fiber-optic large tasks and allows robots to orient in the enterprises of various profiles both in Latvia and Institute of Telecommunications allows reducing communication system. At present, a flexible premises. abroad. Robotic Solutions Ltd has already been essentially ICT sector energy consumption. communication system pilot model has been established, its aim is to introduce the technology developed at the laboratory, it can be used to The researchers of the Department of in the dairy industry in Latvia, thus raising Researchers of the Faculty of Electronics and perform measurements and data analysis on Artificial Intelligence and Systems Engineering efficiency of defined operations. The aim of Telecommunications investigate the next various applications of the algorithm. of the Faculty of Computer Science and another company – ICD Latvija Ltd – is to adapt generation of fiber-optic communication systems Information Technology under the lead of a the technology for a wider scope of applications and options to increase data transmission rate According to the estimates, if the developed true enthusiast of robotics, associate professor in automation solutions. The negotiations with in the fiber-optic environment and, consequently, algorithm is used in fiber-optic transmission Agris Ņikitenko, have developed a multi-robot numerous enterprises from Norway, Germany, the related energy consumption reduction systems, energy consumption in ICT sector will control system architecture, which allows many and Spain are underway. Joint research projects opportunities. The topicality of research is improve considerably. robots to concordantly fulfill large tasks, for have been submitted within H2020 program. determined by demand for high speed Internet example, cleaning of large spaces, work in the and 3D television, as well as exponentially Project manager – professor Dr. sc. ing. greenhouses – plant monitoring, precise irrigation Taking into consideration the expected benefits growing energy consumption of the Information Vjačeslavs Bobrovs, Scientific project manager – or chemical treatment, etc. offered by the technology, the research and Communications Technology sector. professor Dr. sc. ing. Jurģis Poriņš. conducted at RTU has a great growth potential. The technology ensures integration of the work As speeds of communication systems are of many robots, which includes task allocation, Technical project manager – associate professor increasing, energy consumption is growing obstacle and collision avoidance, as well as Dr. sc. ing. Agris Ņikitenko. significantly. To solve this problem, researchers the ability to orient in the premises, which are under the lead of professor Vjačeslavs ensured by landmarks in combination with Bobrovs look for an algorithm that will allow odometry of motion sensor data. Simplicity and relatively low costs are the main advantages of the developed technology.

Currently, the researchers of the Autonomous Systems Laboratory work on improvement

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POINT OF POINT OF EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE Research on optimization of Research on flue gas robotic production lines treatment equipment

Research by RTU scientists helps reduce energy Growing energy prices and different political RTU researchers are developing flue gas Industrial tests demonstrate that thanks to consumption of Daimler robotic production lines instruments in the industrial countries make treatment equipment, which reduces air pollution evaporation and condensation processes in up to 25 %. energy efficiency one of the key stones of and at the same time saves energy by 25 %. the devices, fog generation is regulated, it is production company strategies and determine necessary to capture small dust particles (pm2.5 Young researchers of the Institute of Industrial topicality of RTU research. Initial research results One of the main tasks of power engineering is and pm10). These devices simultaneously allow Electronics and Electrical Engineering of the served as a basis for further activities within to reduce the impact of the industry on climate increasing boiler energy efficiency and ensure up Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering EU 7th Framework project AREUS, uniting six EU change. Therefore, an active transition from to 25 % fuel saving. Armands Šenfelds and Dāvis Meike have countries and ten partners from the industry and fossil fuels (natural gas) to biomass usage, developed a methodology that gives the universities. mainly timber, is under way. Burning timber Producers call flue gas fog generators “two-in- Daimler plant the opportunity to reach the causes additional effect in the boiler room one” devices, as they reduce air pollution and at desired production volume, quality and speed, Project managers – Dr. sc. ing. Dāvis Meike and furnaces: through the smokestack, small dust the same time save energy. significantly reducing total energy consumption – researcher Mg. sc. ing. Armands Šenfelds. particles enter atmosphere along with complete up to 25 % – plus decreasing energy consumption combustion products. Project manager – professor Dr. habil. sc. ing. of separate robotic production processes. Dagnija Blumberga. Researchers of the Institute of Environmental Energy optimization system conducts energy Protection and Heating Systems of the Faculty consumption analysis and increases energy of Power and Electrical Engineering under the efficiency of robotic production lines, allowing lead of professor Dagnija Blumberga have recompensing of the energy in motion braking developed flue gas treatment equipment with processes. Application of mechanical brakes of the integrated evaporation and condensation industrial robots is also improved intelligently processes. Flue gas fog generators produced in using production process intervals. cooperation with Komforts Ltd are installed after wood chip boiler cyclones to capture small dust particles.

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POINT OF POINT OF EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE Research on new intelligent street New and improved materials for lighting technology bone tissue engineering, new locally targeted drug delivery systems Using light-emitting diode technology in street lighting and temperature. This data is processed lighting, energy consumption is reduced to 70 %. by a smart system built in the lamps, which respectively regulates light intensity. Locally targeted drug delivery systems ensure Project managers – professor Dr. sc. ing. The Distance Education Study Center of patient healing without a course of systemic Līga Bērziņa-Cimdiņa, assistant professor Dr. the Faculty of E-Learning Technologies and The most significant innovation of the project antibiotics. sc. ing. Dagnija Loča, associate professor Dr. sc. Humanities managed an EU research project is the developed smart energy efficient system, ing. Jānis Ločs. LITES (Led-based intelligent street lighting which is built into the lamps and is capable of Researchers of the Institute of General Chemical for energy saving). The project united partners regulating light intensity, thus considerably Engineering of the Faculty of Materials Science from France, Portugal and Italy. In the course of reducing energy consumption. This system and Applied Chemistry are developing materials the project the researchers of RTU DESC, the corresponds to the EU safety standards for topical for clinical implantology on the basis of Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering and public places. calcium phosphate to replace, renew and treat the partners have developed and tested energy bone tissues. efficient intelligent street lighting, using light- Project manager in Europe – emitting diode technology. MBA Jānis Kapenieks. The methods developed by RTU are also studied. The methods allow delivering drugs to the Using intelligent led-technology in street implant material and depending on the type lighting, it is possible to reduce energy of method regulating drug flux speed. The consumption by up to 70 %. advantage of the methodology is a significantly reduced drug dose and the action of the drug The element that distinguishes the solution exactly in the place where it is needed. This offered within the project is changing light method ensures healing of the patient without a intensity depending on the environment course of systemic antibiotics, in contrast to the conditions. LITES sensors perceive motion, area current practice in post-operative period.

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POINT OF POINT OF EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE Biodegradable materials for Research on intelligent materials – packaging and 3D printing photocatalysts

Materials degrade in soil in one month time. components, and the objects created from them Intelligent materials help purifying chemically or powder. It has not only pollution elimination are environmentally friendly, as they biologically biologically polluted water. properties in the sunlight, but also magnetic To reduce environmental pollution, the degrade in soils without releasing any toxic properties, which allows the photocatalyst to be researchers work on developing alternative substances. Costs are reduced as there is no Researchers of the Institute of Silicate Materials separated from the purified environment and polymer materials, which fully biologically need for waste recycling. A consumer of the new of the Faculty of Materials Science and Applied used repeatedly. degrade after use without any harm to the product, being environmentally friendly, can live Chemistry have developed a photocatalyst, environment. to the principle – used it and forgot about it. which in an innovative way purifies chemically or Project manager – researcher Dr. sc. ing. biologically polluted water. Andris Šutka. A new biodegradable hybrid composite for 3D Project manager – researcher M. sc. ing. object printing and production of packaging Velta Tupureina. RTU researchers have synthesized intelligent was developed by the Institute of Polymer materials (photocatalysts), which act as an Materials, Faculty of Materials Science and active ingredient in the sunlight, turning chemical Applied Chemistry. Biodegradable printer or biological water pollution into clean water and filaments for 3D printing contain only non-toxic carbon dioxide. Photocatalyst looks like a brown

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POINT OF POINT OF EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE New catalytic processes for Research on software for testing biomass conversion in fuels medical X-ray equipment radiation quality The research is included in the list of most have been established, which allows an increase significant scientific achievements in Latvia. in their efficiency and ensuring higher quality of the end products. X-ray radiation quality testing method has been The offered solution is easy to use, and medical The research conducted at the Institute of approbated in Latvian hospitals. personnel training can be done in a couple of Applied Chemistry Faculty of Materials Science The research was included in the list of 10 most minutes. and Applied Chemistry allows improving significant achievements in applied sciences in The quality of the X-ray image is important to biofuel production process using a new type of Latvia in 2015. ensure accurate diagnosis using digital X-ray Method of analysis of digital image brightness heterogeneous catalysts in transesterification radiogrammetry, and thus the quality should be statistics has been approbated in seven hospitals reactions, as well as using chemical Project manager – professor Dr. habil. chem. regularly checked. in Latvia. interesterification process in biofuel production. Valdis Kampars. New biofuel synthesis methods have been Researchers of the Institute of Biomedical Project manager – professor Dr. habil. phys. developed, including full catalytic hydrogenation Engineering and Nanotechnologies of the Jurijs Dehtjars. of rapeseed oil and catalytic pyrolysis and Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport catalytic solvolysis of inferior biomass (sludge and Aeronautics under the lead of professor from water cleaning, straw, wood processing Jurijs Dehtjars have developed software, which waste). Interrelations of these catalytic processes analyzes statistics on digital image brightness, ensuring simple and quick monitoring of X-ray radiation quality. The software can be adapted to any medical X-ray apparatus.

Innovative software gives opportunity to avoid using any additional measuring devices for daily checks of radiation physical parameter stability.

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Cooperation with Enterprises team can perform large premise cleaning, lawn made from various composites, adapting Start-Up and Spin-Off Enterprises mowing, premise and territory monitoring and their shape and elasticity parameters, testing Both Latvian and foreign enterprises willingly other tasks. their resistance to different types of stress in The University has established numerous invite RTU researchers to develop innovative the virtual environment. Multistart modelled successful start-up and spin-off enterprises and solutions for business and to provide expert and Tehniskā Ortopēdija Ltd. tempering, Pareto and robust optimization launched several projects. consultations services. Investing in innovative The researchers of the Department of Industrial strategies are implemented into the software, knowledge and technology projects, enterprises in Electronics and Electrical Technologies, RTU which allows solving mixed integer non-linear Conelum cooperation with researchers have implemented Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering, have programming tasks. Monte Carlo simulation and Conelum is a technological enterprise, which was many successful projects and developed high developed the prototype of a smart artificial correlation analysis can be used for uncertainty established in 2014 using the expertise of RTU value added products. limb, which the company plans to use in design quantification. researchers. The Conelum team has developed and research of smart prosthesis implementation a method that is based on using fluorescent DUO AG Ltd. mechanisms, as well as feedback and control JSC Olainfarm biomarkers to determine the presence of Research team of the Department of Chemistry units. The prototype implements object capturing One of the recurring problems of the bacteria, fungi and mould in the product in the 30 and Technology of Biologically Active Compounds, movements, and in the future, the developed contemporary pharmaceutical chemistry is the minutes time, which is considerably faster than in RTU Faculty of Materials Science and Applied prototype will be elaborated and offered as a necessity to use reactants with the predefined case of the previously used methods. Chemistry, has developed a technology that commercial product. atomic configuration and the required reactive allows the production of extracts of different ability, but in the manufacturing process, QFER vegetable oils using ultrasound. The innovative Rešetilovs un Co Ltd. these substances may be toxic and difficult to Qfer is a mobile application, which is used oil extraction technology will let the company The researchers from the Centre of Civil control. The researchers of the RTU Faculty to quickly find the best offers by the closest replace the old cold pressing method and expand Engineering designed a compact mobile of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry popular and interesting service providers. This their product range with a new product – oil biofiltration system for deferrization of conducted research into alternative reaction application is already in use in Cyprus. Qfer has extract containing avenanthramides of oats, underground waters, which can be used in conditions for obtaining quinuclidine derivatives been developed by four RTU students: Jevgenijs which can be used in production of food, cosmetic different climatic conditions. In the course to substitute a widely used but harmful Novickis and Arturs Burņins from the Faculty of and skin care products. of laboratory experiments, the researchers phosgene with less toxic and better controllable Engineering Economics and Management, and tested different filter materials and designed substances: (bis(trichloromethyl) carbonate Dmitrijs Angelovksis and Arturs Ņiķiforovs from Terra Virtuala Ltd. a prototype of a compact mobile biofiltration and easily replaceable phenyl chloroformates. the Faculty of Computer Science and Information The researchers of the Department of Systems system, which is installed at a water purification When the appropriate reaction conditions Technology. Theory and Design, RTU Faculty of Computer station and ensures deferrization of underground (solvent, concentration, temperature, feed Science and Information Technology, have waters. Using the new technology, it is possible rate, length of the process) are identified, the Motion Media Park developed a module ‘iRobot Roomba’ for vacuum to produce different types of water deferrization above-mentioned reactants yield good results in Motion Media Park is an enterprise that offers cleaners. Attaching the module to the vacuum biofiltration equipment. obtaining quinuclidine derivatives. These results modern and interactive digital advertising cleaner makes it a member of the robot team can be further used in the synthesis of real opportunities and provides its customers up-to- and allows the division of large volumes of work Centre Composite Ltd. pharmaceutical agents. date communications support. The main services into smaller tasks. The system lets allocate sub- The researchers of RTU Laboratory for Machine include virtual tours, 360° object views and smart tasks to definite robots, monitor performance and Mechanism Dynamics have developed video recording, editing and processing. The and, if necessary, redistribute tasks. The use of software KEDRO for multicriteria optimization enterprise was established by the students of the a centralized server ensures summarizing the of composite elements. Using the capacity of Faculty of Computer Science and Information collected data on a single card. The system also KEDRO and commercial CAD/CAE software, it is Technology Armands Zagorskis and Pēteris Tīss. ensures automatic charging of the robots. Robot possible to perform optimization of constructions

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Business Incubators

Green Technology Incubator The aim of Green Technology Incubator is to support and facilitate entrepreneurship that is connected with innovations in green manufacturing. It is a joint project of RTU, University of Latvia and Norwegian industrial development corporation SIVA that is aimed at interdisciplinary cooperation and promotion of knowledge flow among Universities, research institutions, and green manufacturing enterprises.

RTU Student Business Incubator The aim of RTU Student Business Incubator is to promote practical implementation of new, perspective, creative, innovative, competitive business ideas, supporting RTU students and graduates. Start-up entrepreneurs have the opportunity to realize their business ideas, using benefits offered by the Business Incubator for the period of one year.

96 POINT OF RESEARCH AT RTU We are proud to be inspired by and be part Our recent projects include creating such of Design Factory Global Network, together equipment as composite material test rigs, bio- with other Design Factories in Aalto, Shanghai, cement molds, a unique water treatment system, Melbourne, Geneva, Porto and a growing number a training device for wind music instruments, and EXCELLENCE of other places worldwide. fitting systems for smart textiles. RTU Design Factory We are proud to be inspired by RTU Design Factory is a lively place that brings together research, education and the industry, creating a new hands-on learning culture and and be part of Design Factory opportunities for radical innovation. It is hosted under the RTU Vice-Rector for Science office, and is open to all faculties of the university. Global Network. We provide access for researchers and students to facilities, tools and services for prototyping that allow creating new and complex solutions. Technologies we offer range from laser cutting and engraving, 3D printing and scanning to high- speed CNC machining and post-processing.

We work with interdisciplinary student and researcher teams to solve real-life challenges from various industries. We also develop scientific equipment, demonstration models or fully functional prototypes to support scientists and staff of RTU.

Our team combines a variety of skills in mechanical engineering, robotics, creative thinking and methodologies, electronics, product development, design and business. And we happen to speak 10 different languages.

98 99 SCIENTIFIC LIBRARY

Scientific Library of RTU is library's self-service system automates a quick an academic library of state and convenient issuing and collection of books The significance accredited within including the opportunity to return books outside the State United Library Information System library working hours. with the largest collection of traditional sources on engineering and architecture in There is a spacious reading hall with library Latvia – approximately 1.5 million items. The stock in open access, overnight reading room, library provides access to a number of electronic reading and resource room for the academic resources – databases with 47,000 e-journals and staff, reading room for students with kids, 148,000 e-books, which are available at the library silent reading room, individual booths and team premises and remotely to the registered users. rooms, cozy kitchenette for visitors, as well as a transformable conference hall. It is planned that The Scientific Library of RTU is the first library in the future the users will also have access to The library provides access to a number of in Latvia in terms of RFID (Radio Frequencies rare book reading room displaying books dating IDentification) technology application. The back to the 17th century. electronic resources – databases with 47,000 e-journals and 148,000 e-books.

100 The Scientific Library of RTU is the first library in Latvia in terms of Radio Frequencies IDentification technology application. Many active students STUDENT work at RTU SP uniting students from each PARLIAMENT faculty and affiliation

Student Parliament – students who care about students! self-government.

tudent Parliament is the oldest student Many active students work at RTU SP uniting self-government in Latvia, founded on students from each faculty and affiliation self- 23 April 1992. Student Parliament is government. Student Parliament deals with engaged in improvement of study quality protecting students’ interests in decision-making Sand study environment, organizes different bodies of RTU, study quality monitoring, solution extra-curricular activities, consults the students of various social issues, organization of study, on topical questions as well as cooperates research, sports and cultural activities, and with other student organizations in Latvia and cooperation with Latvian and foreign student abroad. organizations.

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INTERNATIONAL THINK GLOBAL RELATIONS BE GLOBAL!

is highly active in international and world education networks and actively •• The Association «European Universities RTU students actively use the opportunities affairs. The University is open participates in the work of specialized Public Relations and Information Officers – offered by Erasmus+ program, choosing one RTU to cooperation with foreign associations: EUPRIO of the numerous partner universities for their partners, it hosts guest delegations to launch •• European University Association – EUA •• Romualdo Del Bianco Fund – Life Beyond exchange studies. joint projects and organize exchange of good •• European Society for Engineering Tourism practices. Education – SEFI •• Baltic Sea Region University Network – It has become a tradition to organize •• European Association for International BSRUN International Weeks and thematic summer With a slogan “Think global, be global!” RTU Education – EAIE schools, uniting students and professors from all positions itself in the global education market •• Association for International Educators – Currently RTU offers more than 45 study over the world. as a modern university open to international NAFSA programs in English, and each year the range of cooperation. •• The University Consortium for Science and programs is expanded. At present, the number Technology – BALTECH of international students has reached 11 % of the RTU is represented at the largest European •• Baltic University Programme – BUP total number of students.

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Ice Breaking Party for the international students INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS POINT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Study Programs in English

Civil Engineering BP / MP / D Clothing and Textile Technology BP Geomatics BP Chemistry BA / D EXCELLENCE Innovative Road and Bridge Engineering MA Applied Chemistry MA

Innovative Solutions in Geomatics MA Chemical Technology BA Transportation Engineering BP Aviation Transport BP / MP International Automation and Computer Engineering D Railway Electrical Systems MP

Business Informatics MA Railway Transport MP

Computer Systems BA / MA / D Engineering Technology, Mechanics and BA / MA / D Mechanical Engineering Week Every year RTU organizes an International Week – Logistics and Supply Chain Management MA Medical Engineering and Medical Physics BP / MP a major event, which is important for establishing Electronics MA / D new contacts and reinforcing cooperation with Nanoengineering MP Electronics and Mobile Communication BA existing partners. Foreign cooperation partners Production Engineering D are invited to participate in RTU International Telecommunications BA / MA / D Week to gain a thorough understanding of study Heat Power and Thermal Engineering MP Adaptronics BP and research activities and industry specifics Transport Systems Engineering BP in Latvia, to get new ideas to develop new Computerized Control of Electrical MA cooperation forms and improve the existing Technologies Transport D cooperation formats. Power and Electrical Engineering D Industrial Engineering and Management MA

Environmental Science MA / D Environmental Science MA During the International Week, RTU organizes various thematic lectures, presentations and Technical Translation BP / MP International Business Management BP / BBA discussions, the participants make individual Urban and Regional Engineering Economics MP General MBA studies MP / MBA visits to RTU faculties and administrative units to meet colleagues and discuss concrete Innovations and Entrepreneurship MP Pre-MBA program – intensive preparatory course for MBA studies in Latvia or abroad cooperation issues and plan tasks for the future. Civil Construction and Real Estate MP The program also includes cultural events so that Management the participants can better understand Latvian Designations: Organization and Management of mentality and traditions. BP / MP BA – Academic Bachelor study program International Economic Relations BP – Professional Bachelor study program Entrepreneurship and Management BA / MA BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration Every year, the International Week results in new MA – Academic Master study program international cooperation agreements, which Business Finance MA MP – Professional Master study program provide opportunity to RTU students and staff MBA - Master of Business Administration Management Science and Economics D to participate in exchange study, internship, D – Doctoral study program teaching and experience sharing trips.

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International Week 2016 Europe Asia North America 366 1.079 7

Africa 93

South America 23 More than 1,500 Australia students 1 from 70 countries study at RTU (including 573 exchange students) The coach of the team RTU/Robežsardze is Raimonds Vilde, an Olympic silver SPORTS medalist. ACTIVITIES

RTU promotes sports and healthy life style

RTU, sports activities are compulsory Sport traditions are the University quality badge; for all first-year students, and each they unite generations, promote healthy sporting At student can select the most attractive and competitive spirit of the students and activity from a wide range of sports: swimming, facilitate internationalization. Moreover, sports boxing, track and field athletics, movement activities play not only educational but also social therapy, wrestling, artistic gymnastics, aerobics, role. Going in for sports, the students spend basketball, volleyball or indoor football. quality time and find new friends.

Every year, RTU allocates a certain number of athletic scholarships. RTU is proud of its varsity teams:

RTU has men’s varsity teams in basketball, •• Volleyball team RTU/Robežsardze, football, floorball, and volleyball. RTU also has a which regularly competes in both the cheerleading team, which consists of both local Baltic Volleyball League and Latvian and international students. Championship; it has won several medals, they are the winners of SELL Games, Every year RTU athletes participate in SELL winners of the Latvia Universiade. The coach Student Games and win prizes in many kinds of the team is Raimonds Vilde, an Olympic of sports at various European and World silver medalist; Championships, World Student Universiade, and the Olympic Games. •• Floorball team – medals in the Latvian Championship, winner of international SELL RTU offers its students the opportunity to use Games, winners of the Latvia Universiade. a swimming pool, stadium, sport halls, and a sports, seminar and recreation centre Ronīši.

116 POINT OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES EXCELLENCE Olympic medals won by RTU students

RTU is proud of its Olympic champions

Gold: •• Pāvels Seļivanovs (volleyball, Moscow, 1980).

Silver: •• Cēzars Ozers (basketball, Rome, 1960); •• Pāvels Seļivanovs (volleyball, Montreal, 1976); •• Juris Bērziņš (rowing, Moscow, 1980); •• Artūrs Garonskis (rowing, Moscow, 1980); •• Zintis Ekmanis (bobsleigh, Sarajevo, 1984); •• Raimonds Vilde (volleyball, Seoul, 1988).

Bronze: •• Haralds Blaus (clay pigeon shooting – the name then used to denote trapshooting, Stockholm, summer of 1912).

118 RTU CULTURE

RTU Culture Centre helps promote talents

RTU has established the Culture Center to Artistic teams are welcoming to both local and promote student solidarity, to create community foreign students and invite everyone to take part spirit and provide the opportunity to develop and enjoy a rich cultural life both in Latvia and 12 artistic groups work one’s talent. The Center helps students find the abroad, where RTU artistic groups participate in most appropriate kind of artistic self-expression. international competitions and festivals.

12 artistic groups work within RTU Culture within RTU Culture Center. Center. Daba San

120 RTU CULTURE

POINT OF Gaudeamus EXCELLENCE Male choir Gaudeamus The best way to get acquainted RTU male choir Gaudeamus was founded in 1959; it is the leading male choir in Latvia. with the country a person is staying In the last decade, the choir has released six CDs at is exactly by learning its culture. with classic Latvian choir and modern Latvian music, classic Western Europe choir music and Russian Orthodox Church pearls, including Sergey Rachmaninov monumental choir cycle Vesperes. RTU male choir “Gaudeamus” conductor Ivars Germans, Austrians, Americans, Swiss – those Gaudeamus has given more than 800 concerts Cinkuss: who stayed in Latvia for a longer period of time. in different European countries, USA, Australia, Cooperation with a British singer Robbie Williams We warmly welcomed them all. The best way South Africa, and China, having performed in in April 2015 was one of the most exciting to get acquainted with the country a person is such world famous concert halls as Musik Verein adventures of the choir recently. The choir staying at is exactly by learning its culture. in Vienna and Beijing Forbidden City Concert recorded two compositions with Robbie Williams, Hall. Since 1989, the choir has participated in which would be released in 2016. Cooperation We still continue cooperation with one of our many international competitions winning medals with the cult Finnish pop band Leningrad singers – Austria’s commercial attaché in the and prizes, including gold medal at World Choir Cowboys can also be mentioned as the most Baltic States Herwig Palfinger. Although work Games in China in 2006. The choir won the gold interesting international event. made Helwig move to Helsinki, he fell so deeply in medal and became the champion in the male love with Latvia that every time he visits Riga on choir category also at the World Choir Games Many international students and guests from business, he comes to Gaudeamus rehearsals. He RIGA 2014. Ivars Cinkuss other countries sang in the choir – Danes, found his spiritual home in Gaudeamus choir.

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Groups working at the Culture Centre

Student brass band SPO Female choir Delta Established in 1969. Established in 1959. Conductor Māris Martinsons Conductor Inta Eizenberga-Cērmane

SPO is a cheerful band uniting both local and Choir Delta participated in all Latvian Song and international students. For example, an exchange Dance Festivals, Baltic Students’ Song and Dance student from Germany, Thomas Kunze, during Festival Gaudeamus, as well as in international his Erasmus exchange studies was a rightful competitions and festivals having won prizes. member of SPO. He participated in the concert dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the band. SPO participated in filming many motion pictures by Riga Cinema Studio (Karalienes bruņinieki Female choir Delta (Queen’s Knights), Ceplis (Ceplis Affair), Dāvana vientuļai sievietei (Present for a Lonely Woman) and other), recorded two long play records (1984, 1985) and a CD Jauns un traks (Young and Crazy) Student brass band SPO (2008).

Folk dance group Vektors Established in 1958. Art director Dagmāra Leja

Folk dance group Vektors is a group of 60 friends and fellow thinkers who dance Latvian folk dances in Latvia and abroad. For more than 55 years the group was led by a legendary Latvian choreographer Uldis Šteins. The group received a certificate from the Guinness Book of World Records in London for the new world record in the category ‘Longest Dance’, which was registered in Riga on 25 October 2008: 2,208 participants from 99 folk dance groups participated in this initiative by Vektors.

Dagmāra Leja and Uldis Šteins 124 Folk dance group Vektors

Folk dance group Vektors is a group of 60 friends and fellow thinkers who dance Latvian folk dances in Latvia and abroad. POINT OF EXCELLENCE RTU Alumni

RTU has about 120,000 graduates united by RTU Alumni Association. It is a public organization established on 23 May 2012, and ever since its aims are to unite different generations of RTU alumni, to implement various support programs RTU ALUMNI and to promote the sense of belonging to one’s alma mater.

The work of the Alumni Association is based on three key concepts: contacts, knowledge ASSOCIATION and support. Firstly, contacts mean facilitating cooperation among members of the association, RTU units, employees and future alumni – the current students. Secondly, the association offers obtaining and reinforcing experience based- knowledge, organizing different educational, sports and inspirational activities for alumni – visits to innovative enterprises, tours to research The work of the Alumni laboratories. And thirdly, support, i.e. support provided to alumni by cooperation partners of Association is based the University and association, as well as the support the alumni offer to the University – their on three key concepts: experience, funding, and bringing in new students. The association regularly informs the public contacts, knowledge and about various activities at its web-page www. alumni.rtu.lv, via monthly newsletters to the support. member e-mails, as well as through social media.

128 129 RTU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION RTU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Andris Dambis, Dainis Dukurs, in transport and logistics in the Baltic States – play a decisive role in plotting Latvia on the world Director of Ogres Servisa Chairman of the Board of Latvian Railways – since 2011, and the chairman entrepreneurship map, ensuring that competitive centrs Ltd, founder of OSCar, Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge of the board since 2016. goods with high added value are produced here owner of the enterprise OSC Track Ltd, Latvian Bobsleigh and that the people become more intelligent, and Skeleton Federation, “Master program “Innovations and self-assured, and wealthy. I am sure that only the In 1982 graduated from skeleton coach Entrepreneurship” (MBA) implemented by RTU country with highly developed technical knowledge the Faculty of Mechanical and BI Norwegian Business School was my second and education can produce bobsleighs and Engineering (at present – the In 1980 graduated from the degree, which I was pursuing during a very busy luges, which bring Olympic medals, can promote Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport and Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (at present – period in my career. However, this program manufacturing that may bring us to the top of the Aeronautics). the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport is designed for the people like me and allows rating of countries with the highest GDP.” and Aeronautics). students to simultaneously perform one’s work Andris Dambis is one of the most celebrated tasks and to find time for studies. The program Latvian auto racers, race car engineers and Mechanical engineer. really inspired new ideas, allowed seeing any Joseph Habib, constructors, who received international “The knowledge I obtained at Riga Technical real life situation or a business problem from a Vice-President of American recognition for his projects – Dakar OSCar auto University is very useful in my present work – different point of view and definitely widened my company CommScope in and American Pikes Peak Hill Climb electric sports, constructing skeleton bobsleds for the horizon. I consider that a person’s career and life Dubai, Service Providers for car eO PP01. In summer 2015, the car eO PP03 Latvian team. The second largest achievement is in general are a consequent result of the choices a Middle East and Africa region designed by A.Dambis and assembled by “Drive my course mates; they can be called the members person has made. If you permanently invest in your eO” team became the first world electric car, of my team, as I regularly ask them for advice and education and growth, expand your knowledge and In 1997 graduated from the which won the Pikes Peak Competition in the consultations. ” practical experience, you can achieve even more. Faculty of Radio Technology USA. MBA was one of the turning points, which allowed and Communications (at present – the Faculty of me to get where I am now, and I am very grateful Electronics and Telecommunications). “In my life I have pursued only one aim – I have Edvīns Bērziņš, to my University for the knowledge I gained.” always wanted to build automobiles, to work with Chairman of the Board of Professional in telecommunications with 20 metal ware. Even in kindergarten I knew that I SJSC “Latvijas dzelzceļš” years of experience. Mainly worked in the Middle would be a vehicle engineer. I was lucky after the (Latvian Railways), president Ilmārs Rimšēvičs, East, Africa and Australia regions. At present is secondary school – Riga Polytechnic Institute President of the Bank of working in Dubai. Held managerial positions in just launched a program in vehicle engineering. In 2007 graduated from Latvia such companies as Alghanim Industries, Harris The choice to study and obtain vehicle engineer the Faculty of Engineering Stratex Networks, BT, Andrew Corporation, Integ, qualification gave me the opportunity to go in for Economics (at present – In 1990 graduated from ADC and other. motoring, to think about cars and create them. I the Faculty of Engineering Economics and the Faculty of Engineering am absolutely sure that the knowledge I obtained Management). Economics (at present – “In order to come and feel comfortable in a at the higher school has helped me to achieve the Faculty of Engineering foreign culture while studying abroad, a person good results in my field. It is the foundation of my E. Bērziņš headed the Department of Economics and Management). is becoming more independent, self-assured and professional activity.” International Cooperation in the Latvian Police confident. Contacts with Latvians and other Academy, managed Legal Department in Engineering economist. foreign students taught me to respect other JSC “Latvijas kuģniecība” (Latvian Shipping “It can be stated for certain that now Riga cultures and cultural heritage. My leadership skills Company), he also was a member of the board. Technical University, the knowledge it generates, were also developed – leadership and business He has been a member of the board of the leader engineers and chemists – same as 150 years ago – styles in different cultures considerably vary. In

130 131 RTU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION RTU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

interaction with a foreign culture I developed a foundation and provided the necessary skills at RTU has helped me learn the art of developing courses on mathematics. Another important thing more comprehensive and detailed understanding to become an expert in the industry and a high the environment. In the beginning, it was general I learned is that education, gaining new knowledge of the world and changed my opinions and values. level strategic manager. The studies developed knowledge that helped in work, then – practical and professional advancement should be lifelong. Being involved in cross-culture communication, and improved the ability to think logically, solve experience gained working for 13 years in the Studies at RTU and mainly post-graduate studies I learned about international standards, laws complicated non-standard problems, as well largest architecture and urban development created both internal need and habit to keep up to and regulations. This all helped me to develop my as making decisions in the situations when only enterprise of the Latvian SSR, Latvian building date with the scientific progress in the field and to career. Studies abroad are a journey that starts in limited data is available. Thanks to the at the time design institute “Pilsētprojekts” (1981–1993), where strive to be ahead of it in one specific sector. RTU your native land and different experience gained in unique program launched by RTU Rector Egons I held different positions, from a regular architect developed critical thinking and internal need to the course of this journey determines who you are Lavendelis that allowed learning the basics of and to the head of the bureau.” employ logic, algorithmic and structured approach at the end of your trip.” entrepreneurship along with studies of the major, I to any life situation. This approach is an absolute obtained the competencies to promote my career must in research work, but it can be very valuable first in the field of finance, then in food processing Kārlis Šadurskis, in solving everyday problems.” Juris Gulbis, and now – in telecommunications sector.” Minister of Education of the Chairman of the board Republic of Latvia of Lattelecom Ltd, Chief Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Officer Juris Poga, In 1982 graduated from the European Commissioner and Member of the board of Faculty of Automatics and European Commission Vice- In 1993 graduated from the Arhitekta J. Pogas birojs Computing Technology (at President for the Euro and Faculty of Civil Engineering (Architect’s J. Poga Bureau) present – the Faculty of Social Dialogue (at present – the Faculty of Ltd Computer Science and Information Technology). Building and Civil Engineering) and the Faculty of In 2007 graduated from Engineering Economics (at present – the Faculty In 1981 graduated from the Graduated from RTU with distinction having the Faculty of Engineering of Engineering Economics and Management). Faculty of Architecture and obtained a degree in applied mathematics, Economics (at present – the Faculty of Civil Engineering (at present – the Faculty of later – degree of the candidate of technical Engineering Economics and Management). Worked as a senior economist in JSC Baltic Architecture and Urban Planning). sciences and Doctor degree in mathematics. Transit Bank, worked in Coopers & Lybrand, Worked at RTU in different positions – starting Latvian physicist, economist and politician. was a deputy financial director in JSC Ave Lat Member of the Latvia Association of Architects with senior teacher to professor, headed RTU Former member of the Saeima, Minister of Grupa, member of the board, managing director since 1985. Received the annual Latvian Chair of Probability Theory and Mathematical Finance, Prime Minister of the Republic of and chairman of the board of JSC Latvijas Architecture Awards many times and was Statistics. The member of the Saeima several Latvia. Since 2014 – European Commissioner balzams. Since 2007 – financial director of recognized as the winner of the competition times, member of the European Parliament, and European Commission Vice-President for Lattelecom Ltd, member of the board. For his “The Building of the Year in Latvia”. Some head of the Saeima Commission on Budget and the Euro and Social Dialogue headed by Jean- significant contribution to the development of most significant works include Russian Pavilion Finance (tax), Minister of Education and Science Claude Junker. Lead Latvia in the period of telecommunications and IT sector, as well as for EXPO’92 in Seville (Spain, 1992); Liepaja (2002-2004 and 2016). financial crisis. In 2011 received the International integrating young specialists in the labor market multifunctional center Large Amber (Latvia, Prize from Friedrich August von Hayek Stiftung and educating Latvian society in 2013 J. Gulbis 2015) and many other. “In the course of studies at RTU I received a high Foundation for considerable contribution to was awarded the title of the Honorary Alumnus quality education in mathematics and information restoring financial and economic stability of of RTU. “The main benefit obtained during studies at RTU technology corresponding to the highest standards Latvia. In 2012 received the Vasek and Anna is skills and understanding of often controversial of that time. For example, within the mathematics Maria Polak Charitable Foundation Award from “Education obtained at RTU has established factors that shape architecture. Knowledge gained study module there were about 20 different the Fund for American Studies for contribution

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in the capacity of the head of the government in of Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian overcoming the financial crisis. Several times was Unity. Z. Stankevičs is a member of the European recognized the European Person of the Year in Academy of Sciences and Arts (Academia Latvia. Scientiarum et Artium Europaea) and an Honorary Member of the Latvian Academy of “Already at the secondary school it became clear Sciences. that I could study physics, as I studied in the class with the focus on physics and mathematics. “Science has always interested me. At school I However, along with the change of political regime, enthusiastically read popular scientific books and it suddenly became possible to study economics dreamt about space travels and contacts with rather than political economy of socialism, that extraterrestrial civilizations. At the last moment is why in parallel to the study of physics I also I decided to study automated control systems at studied economics at RTU. The main benefit I RTU rather than nuclear physics. After I received gained in the course of studies is exact thinking my diploma, I worked as an engineer for 12 years. and structured problem solving skills, which help The most valuable thing I gained studying at in many situations. I think that it is no coincidence RTU is logical thinking, systemic approach to that many Latvian politicians have physical- problem solving, as well as the ability to gain mathematical background – exact thinking is the new knowledge, structuring it and leaving the factor that helps in politics.” non-essential. At present I mainly concentrate on humanitarian dimension, and engineering education helps me unite it with practiucal, Zbigņevs Stankevičs, empirical aspects of life.” Metropolitan Archbishop of Roman Catholic Church of Riga

In 1978 graduated from the Faculty of Automatics and Computing Technology (at present – the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology). RTU has about 120,000 Ordinated a priest in 1996, concesrated as bishop and ingressed in 2010. Received PhD in Theology from Pontifical Lateran University in 2008. Since 2011, Z. Stankevičs is a member of graduates united by RTU the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Z. Stankevičs a member Alumni Association.

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