Dzīves un darba gājums

3.2. Research activities of academic staff and students

DU academic staff participates in carrying out programmes financed by Latvian Science Council. Since 2001 the number of such programmes has gradually increased, and they comprise several branches of science developed in Latvia. In 2003 the academic staff are carrying out 11 research projects (grants) and 1 research project financed by Latvian Science Council. The research is carried out in physics, biology, mathematics, literary theory, philosophy, pedagogy, psychology, sociology and economics (Appendix DU-3). In addition to the projects financed by Latvia’s Council of Science the academic staff take part in 17 international and 10 state level research projects which are financed by international and local organizations and funds (Appendix DU-3).

At present, DU scientists realize two EU 5^th framework projects: REG-ELIN-LAT, WOOD AND MAN. Several scientists have applied for EU 6^th framework project consortia. Several projects realized within the framework of PHARE Access, Life etc. projects are also important.

In 2003 the total financing for the development of science in state budget grants was Ls74296 (for doctoral studies and the development of science). In additional to that, Ls19747 were attracted in grants and Ls26550 through international projects and contracts. The sources for financing science and their proportions in DU, 2003 are indicated in fig.3.2.

At present, DU and Latgale Regional Development Agency are preparing two project applications for EU structural funds, but 9 idea proposals have been submitted to the Ministry of Education and Science for Ls762375 (Appendix DU-4) in total. The DU application for EU Life programme has been submitted for 865 650 EUR. In 2004 the financial resources planned for the development of science will be Ls72708 as a state budget grant and at least - Ls600000 basically from EU funds.

Fig.3.2. Sources of financing science and their ratio in DU, 2003
Gradually the number and quality of scientific publications grow. About 350 articles are published every year, 150 of which are published in internationally recognized editions. The number of attended international conferences abroad has also grown (Appendix DU-9). Monographs published abroad have been written in cooperation with foreign scientists.

See the plan of conferences organized in DU in 2003 in www.dau.lv and Appendix DU-6.

3.3. The development of doctoral studies

From 2001 to 2003 a purposeful development of doctoral studies has been carried out. In 2003 DU Doctoral Study Centre was founded and its development strategy has been worked out. The Council of Doctoral studies has also been founded. The materials of Doctoral Study Centre and requirements for financing have been submitted to the Council of Higher Education and to the Ministry of Education and Science. In 2003 two idea proposals to EU Structural funds about the development of doctoral studies and improving the material basis of DU as well as the requirement for allotting additional places for doctoral studies in natural sciences have been worked out and submitted to the Ministry of Education and Science.

At present doctoral study programmes in physics, biology, mathematics, pedagogy, literary theory, linguistic are being implemented (Appendix 3).

The doctoral study programme in psychology is in the process of accreditation while doctoral study programmes in history and economics are still being worked out.

The dynamics of the student number in doctoral studies 2001 - 2003 is indicated in table 3.3.

Table 3.3. The dynamics of the student number in doctoral studies 2001 - 2003

branch/ year	2001/2002		2002/2003				2003/2004
	budget funded	fee-paying		budget funded	fee-paying	budget funded		fee-paying
Biology	-	-		2	-	4		-
Physics	1	-		1	-	1		-
Mathematics	-	-		1	-	2		-
Pedagogy	11	10		13	11	14		27
Literary theory	6	-		8	-	6		1
Linguistics	4	-		4	-	6		1
Psychology	-	-		-	5	-		5
Total	22	10		29	16	33		34

Simultaneously with increasing the number of places, the mechanisms which would stimulate the defence of doctor’s promotion theses are also taken into consideration (study credits, leaves for research, internal grants). At the same time the issue of the quality assurance of doctoral studies is constantly in the focus of attention.

There are 2 Promotion Councils at DU: in literary theory and pedagogy. There is also the professors’ council at in pedagogy (Appendix DU-6).The promotion council in linguistics is in the process of shaping. DU successfully cooperates with the promotion and professors’ councils at Latvia University, Riga Technical University, Academy of Music and Art Academy of Latvia.