Dzīves un darba gājums

3.4. Unity of studies and research

The present DU scientific potential and research activities in various sub-branches of science ensure qualitative studies in both accredited bachelor and master programmes and in doctoral study programme, which is one of the main indicators of scientific potential. The unity of studies and research is determined by the study programmes worked out in accordance with the conception of European Higher Education Area and European Science Area. In all programmes students do research in conformity with the programme requirements. This is an obligatory requirement leading to academic and professional education.

The forms of students’ research work are: reports, study papers, bachelor and master theses, professional qualification works, competitive works. Competitions of students’ research works and conferences are held every year. The materials of conferences and competitions are published in students’ scientific collected articles. DU organizes annual international scientific conferences, and joint lecturer-student publications are also practised (Appendix DU-5).

Students are frequently involved into the implementation of research projects, because this is one of their validity criteria established by Latvian Science Council. Research problems and results are discussed also in lecture courses.

In 2003 DU young scientists have founded Daugavpils University Association of Young Scientists which has organized several activities: discussion about students’ options in EU, Science forum in Daugavpils, and is encouraging students to participate in the competition for the LAS Young scientists’ award etc.

The DU publishing house “Saule” is responsible for publishing scientific literature and teaching aids; it publishes about 70 issues annually (Appendix DU-7).

Daugavpils University publishes 20 science journals and annual collected articles, two of which (“Baltic Journal of Coleopterology” and “Journal of Teacher Education and Training”) are included in the list of issues acknowledged by the Latvian Science Council. Two more journals might be included in the same list if necessary improvements are made and regular publishing is ensured (www.lzp.lv). Two scientific journals published by DU - “Baltic Journal of Coleopterology” and “Acta biologica universitatis daugavpiliensis” are indexed in CAB International (www.cabi.org), Cambridge Scientifical Abstracts (www.csa.com), BIOSIS (Zoological Records), ELSEVIER and other international abstracting and indexing data bases.

3.5. International cooperation in research and studies

The international cooperation is coordinated by the DU Foreign Relations Department. The work of the department is oriented towards the competitiveness of DU study and research offers with those of similar higher education establishments in other countries. The internationalization process of Latvia’s higher education proceeds mainly due to cooperation with European countries. At present, the international cooperation and education internationalization develop in the following areas:

• 
  conclusion of bilateral cooperation agreements;
  
• 
  participation in international projects and programmes;
  
• 
  cooperation between structural units and individuals;
  
• 
  coordination of study programmes in order to promote mutual recognition of diplomas and qualifications.
  

Since 2001 DU has taken part in eight PHARE projects (Appendix DU-8). The funding was used for the development of information technologies, updating the study and scientific laboratories, increasing efficiency of academic and administrative staff and for a considerable improvement of the work of Foreign Relations Department. DU continues cooperation with the above mentioned partners and expands cooperation partnership in almost all continents. Different chairs of DU cooperate with 39 higher education establishments abroad (Appendix DU-9). Eleven contracts have been concluded with foreign higher education and other institutions. In 2002/2003 DU had 22 guest lectures from Sweden, Germany, USA, Russia, Belarusian and France (Appendix DU-10) and 6 foreign students from Spain, Germany and England are studying at DU at present.

Since 1999 DU has been participating in several international associations: NSEAD, AEEA, ACED, EEASA and UNITWIN/UNESCO European network.

Since 1999 DU has been taking part in ES SOCRATES/ERASMUS higher education programme. It cooperates with Murcia (Spain), Lund (Sweden), Bristol (England), Yelling (Denmark) and Fecht (Germany) universities and Swientoksis academy (Poland). Information about DU and about students’ social life is available in English. In 2002 seven DU lecturers and in 2003 eleven lecturers have taken in-service training abroad.

In 2003 in cooperation with the Norwegian scientists DU has started work in the second phase of EU LEONARDO DA VINCI programme.

3.6. Regional cooperation in research and studies

The cooperation between DU and Latgale Regional Development Agency (LRDA):

• 
  in 2002, during several working meetings, the cooperation trends between DU and LRDA have been specified;
  
• 
  the strategic development guidelines of the region have been established and the most urgent research trends and requirements elucidated;
  
• 
  participation in LRDA work groups and project developing groups;
  
• 
  development of projects for EU Structural funds;
  
• 
  research of the region.
  

The cooperation between DU and Daugavpils City Council:

• 
  in 2003 , during several working meetings the trends of cooperation between DU and Daugavpils City Council and most important needs have been specified;
  
• 
  DU representative’s (pro-rector of science) participation in the work of Daugavpils City Economic Development Commission;
  
• 
  to promote cooperation among regional areas (e.g. Daugavpils – Kielce (Poland)) through DU international contacts and cooperation partners;
  
• 
  agreement about bringing together students’ research themes and interests of city enterprises; organizing a competition for the best students’ research paper on the theme topical for the city;
  
• 
  the begin the cooperation between DU Young scientists’ Association and Economical Development Department at the Daugavpils City Council.
  

DU, being a regional university, is one of the founders of the association of Latvia’s Regional higher education institutions, and DU representatives are annual participants of The Daugava Fund board.