Fund: | Eiropas reģionālās attīstības fonds |
Total project funding: | 422 673 eiro |
EU funding: | 359 272,05 eiro |
Beneficiary: | Ventspils University of Applied Sciences |
Project number: | 1.1.1.2/1/25/I/005 |
GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION
The goal of the project "Irbene Radio Telescope Complex Modernization Phase 4" is to promote the development of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Institute of Engineering Sciences "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre" (VIRAC), ensuring access to excellent research infrastructure and thereby increasing Latvia's innovation system capacity in smart specialization (RIS3) areas. The project envisages modernization of the Irbene radio telescope complex, expanding its research capabilities, improving safety and compliance with international scientific requirements.
The main problems being addressed through the project are the RT-32 radio telescope's low reception efficiency, insufficient data processing capacity, outdated receiver equipment, and limited opportunities to ensure international cooperation with leading networks such as EVN and JIV-ERIC. Modernization measures will allow increasing reception efficiency from ~35% to 50-60%, expanding the frequency range up to 22 GHz, providing anti-corrosion protection, as well as improving work safety by installing safety walkways.
Within the project framework, modern equipment will be purchased and installed, including new receivers and data processing technologies (GPU cards, servers), as well as expanding the high-performance computing cluster (HPC). Data streaming and formatting will be improved to meet the growing requirements of VLBI observations and CERN Tier-2 data centers. Thus, the project will provide opportunities for VIRAC to strengthen participation in international research and attract highly qualified researchers.
At the same time, the project strengthens investment in RIS3 areas - information and communication technologies, photonics, smart technologies, biomedicine and bioeconomy. The radio telescope infrastructure is also used for testing remote sensing, satellite communication, precision agriculture and space data processing solutions. The project improves the research environment and opens new opportunities for industry to collaborate with scientists in developing innovative solutions.
As a result of project implementation:
research infrastructure will be modernized, ensuring its compliance with international standards;
VIRAC's ability to conduct high-precision observations and participate in international research initiatives will increase;
working conditions for scientists will be improved, ensuring availability of new technologies and tools;
attraction and retention of young scientists in Latvia will be promoted;
research cooperation will be strengthened with international partners such as EVN, JIV-ERIC, LOFAR ERIC, CERN.
The implementation of this project is a continuation of investments from previous phases, strengthening VIRAC as a center of excellence of national importance with modern and sustainable scientific infrastructure.
PROJECT PROGRESS INFORMATION
Signed contract with CFCA on project implementation
NEWS
https://www.venta.lv/ir-pabeigta-irbenes-radioteleskopu-kompleksa-modernizacijas-ligumu-izpilde
Autors: Projekta vadītāja – Baiba Reimane, baiba.reimane@venta.lv
