From October 2024 to April 2025, Doctoral School of Daugavpils University has been conducting a series of lectures aimed at strengthening doctoral students’ research, professional, and interdisciplinary competencies. These sessions have provided students with valuable insights into current trends in science, data processing, intellectual property protection, international funding opportunities, and defense technologies.

1st Session – October 14, 2024
Topic: “When scientists communicate effectively, science thrives”
Lecturer: Steven R. Schuit (USA), internationally recognized business communication expert
Participants gained insight into effective scientific communication and acquired practical tools for presenting ideas convincingly. The session emphasized the role of communication in science and business and encouraged the development of both technical and interpersonal skills.

2nd Session – November 11, 2024
Topic: “From articles in Science and Nature to the added value of the research”
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. David Lordkipanidze (Tbilisi State University)
This session highlighted the importance of publishing in high-impact journals and the role of effective research teams. The professor shared his experience in international collaboration and networking and their impact on research excellence.

3rd Session – December 9, 2024
Topic: “From Post-doc to MSCA: carrying out research under national and European Commission level initiatives”
Lecturers: Līga Līce da Costa and Darja Aksjonova (Latvian Council of Science)
Doctoral students were introduced to research opportunities under the EU “Horizon Europe” programme and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. National-level support tools and the EURAXESS portal for funding and career opportunities were also presented.

4th Session – January 20, 2025
Topic: “Opportunities for Intellectual Property Protection”
Lecturer: Viktorija Karasa (Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia)
The session provided an overview of intellectual property protection, including patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. Participants learned about the role of the Patent Office and the services it offers to support the commercialization of research.

5th Session – March 31, 2025
Topic: “Laying the Foundation: Smart Data Processing from Research Design to Insights”
Lecturer: Dr.biol. Maksims Zolovs (Daugavpils University, Riga Stradiņš University)
This lecture focused on research design, data quality assurance, and determining sample size—key factors in improving research efficiency and reliability.

6th Session – April 28, 2025
Topic: “Security and Technology: How Universities Can Shape the Future of Defense”
Lecturer: Elīna Egle-Ločmele (Latvian Security and Defence Industries Federation – DAIF Latvia)

The session covered current trends in the security and defense industries in Latvia and internationally. It emphasized the role of universities in fostering innovation and collaboration between science, industry, and public institutions, enriched with real-world examples.

Daugavpils University sincerely thanks all guest lecturers for their inspiring and professional contributions to doctoral education. The lecture series will continue, with the goal of preparing researchers for work in a global, interdisciplinary, and practice-based academic environment.

More information:
https://du.lv/en/research/doctoral-school/doctoral-school-classes/

Additional Information:
Doctoral School
Phone: +371 654 71960
Email: doktoranturasskola@du.lv