On 2 July 2018, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences started implementing the project "Support for Preparation of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences International Cooperation Projects in Research and Innovations" or "ATVASE". The project is planned until 31 December, 2022.                                                                                                                                                                                               

Within the framework of this project, it is planned to promote the involvement of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and university scientific structural units (Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre" (ERI VIRAC), Smart Technology Research Centre and the Centre for Entrepreneurship, innovation and Regional Development, as well as departments) in networking activities, strengthening cooperation with partners, incl. engaging in collaborative consortia to promote the growth and integration of collaborative projects in the infrastructures of the European Strategy Forum for Research Infrastructures. 

During the project, activities are planned to support the university staff: 

1. establishing partnerships for the preparation of international projects in Horizon 2020 and the European Union's 9th Framework Programmes;               
   
2. organising international scientific conferences and       
   
3. ensuring participation in the JIV-ERIC consortium   
   

At the end of the project it is planned to achieve several significant results:       

• to prepare 10 international cooperation projects,   
  
• to organise 5 international scientific conferences,     
  
• to implement 1 consortium cooperation plan,     
  
• to organise 76 publicity events,     
  
• to ensure technical support for 2 workplaces.   
  

Total funding of the project is EUR 262 751,76 and the planned amount of the European Union Regional Development Fund is EUR 223,339.00. Planned duration of the project: 54 months - from 1 July 2018 to 31 December 2022.     

Sniedze Šama, Vice Rector for Financial and Administrative Matters: "This project will provide significant support to Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and ERI VIRAC both by compensating the costs incurred to the VUAS budget for preparing highly valued project applications for Horizon 2020 and other European Union funded programmes, and by funding researchers' participation in JIVE-ERIC consortium activities".