Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences
About Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences
Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) is a modern and dynamic higher education institution in Latvia, specializing in applied sciences, innovation, and research. Located in the city of Valmiera, it offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in fields such as business, tourism, media, IT, and governance. ViA emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, digital transformation, and sustainability, preparing students for careers in an ever-evolving global environment. The university actively collaborates with industry partners and international institutions, fostering a practical and research-driven approach to education. ViA has expertise in Tourism study program development as well as in innovative study method approbation which is possible to the continuous relationship management with stakeholders ensuring close link to industry, pedagogic and research capacity. Intense contact with stakeholders allows to respond to industry needs and always be inline with innovations that come from industry that reflects in a study course content development.
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Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences is an internationally recognised regional platform for higher education, science, knowledge transfer and leadership of ideas, offering an ecosystem of the digital era for versatile options in acquiring professional higher education and carrying out interdisciplinary research, giving a proactive response to the challenges of society.
The mission of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences is to promote the sustainable development of knowledge society on regional and national level, providing the private and public sectors with high-level professionals, as well as conducting research to address societal challenges.
Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences is an internationally recognised regional platform for higher education, science, knowledge transfer and leadership of ideas, offering an ecosystem of the digital era for versatile options in acquiring professional higher education and carrying out interdisciplinary research, giving a proactive response to the challenges of society.
The mission of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences is to promote the sustainable development of knowledge society on regional and national level, providing the private and public sectors with high-level professionals, as well as conducting research to address societal challenges.
CORE TEAM @ Vidzeme University
Agita Livina
Professor
Agita Livina
Professor
Agita Līviņa is a Professor in the Faculty of Society and Science at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, and a Lead Researcher at the Institute of Social, Economic and Humanities Research (HESPI). She is a Chairperson of the UNESCO Chair Man&Biosphere in the institute. She is an expert of Latvian Council of Science in the field of economics and management and environmental sciences. Her research interests include tourism planning, including heritage and protected areas, circularity and talent attraction for small and medium urban areas. She was a Fulbright scholar on research in 2012 at the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, USA and full-time master student for one semester in the same university (2022 Spring). She received the Fellowship of the Government of India for the International training course in 2014 at the English and Foreign Language University in Hyderabad, India. She holds a PhD in regional economics since 2005 and a master’s degree in geography (regional development), bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences.
- Email:agita.livina@va.lv
Mārīte Balaņuka
International Project Manger
Mārīte Balaņuka
International Project Manger
Work Packet Lead: WP-1
Mārīte Balaņuka (Lead Coordinator, Project Manager, WP1 Lead)
Head of the International Relations Office at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA).
Coordinator and manager of Erasmus+ KA1 and Nordplus projects at ViA.
Guest Research Assistant for the European University Alliance E³UDRES² and E³UDRES² 2.0.
Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Organisation and Management.
Pursuing a Master’s degree in Project Management.
- Email:marite.balanuka@va.lv
Arnis Cīrulis
Associate Proffesor
Arnis Cīrulis
Associate Proffesor
Work Packet Lead: WP-4
Work Packet Member: WP-6
Associate Professor and Leading Researcher in Virtual Reality at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA).
Specializes in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies.
Head of the ViA Virtual Reality Technology Laboratory.
Highly cited scientist with multiple scientific publications.
Lecturer for undergraduate and graduate courses, covering topics such as computer networks and administration, as well as VR/AR innovations and industry developments.
Leading the development of a study module on the application of AR/VR in tourism and service studies.
- Email:arnis.cirulis@va.lv