CONFERENCECooperation with industry, work in international groups and acknowledgment
January 2026 - March 2026
This project period began with a pleasant surprise, as on January 19th an acknowledgment was received from the Fedaration of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia — a Certificate of Recognition for the “Fedaration of Security and Defence Industries of Latvia Annual Award 2026” in the category “Research” for studies in the field of satellite navigation and space.
At the end of January, the postdoctoral researcher participated in the “Act in Space” hackathon as a mentor/expert, but at the beginning of March took part in the Tender evaluation board of project applications for the ESA Business Incubation Centre, where the knowledge gained during the postdoctoral project proved high valuablity.
At the beginning of February, a mobility visit to Lithuania was carried out, during which meetings were held with representatives of Vilnius University, Vilnius Technical University, the Military Cartography Centre, and the Construction Sector Development Agency.
During the visit, I. Mitrofanovs delivered two lectures, providing an overview of his postdoctoral research wher he pointed out the importance of GNSS in modern life. One lecture was given to representatives of the Construction Sector Development Agency, which is the owner of Lithuania’s national GNSS reference network “LitPOS.” The second lecture took place at the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences of Vilnius University and was also attended by representatives of the Lithuanian Military Cartography Centre.
As the visit continued, a meeting was held with Professor Eimuntas Kazimieras Paršeliūnas of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering at Vilnius Technical University. During the meeting, discussions covered how LitPOS is monitored and how GNSS interference detection is carried out. Potential cooperation was also discussed, resulting in the preparation and submission of a project proposal to the EUREKA EUROSTARS call in collaboration with “Lejaslīves” ltd. and Vilnius Technical University. The project focuses on the study and modelling of natural GNSS interference, with the aim of improving user awareness of the negative effects of space weather on GNSS, thereby enabling better planning of activities in accordance with current conditions.
On March 4–5, I. Mitrofanovs participated in the Nordic Geodetic Commission (NKG) GNSS working group, whose work this year focused on the impact of the ionosphere and other disturbances on GNSS measurements and ways to mitigate them. The knowledge gained during the postdoctoral project was also valuable in this international working group.
Abstract related to the project topic were prepared and submitted for participation in the section “Geodynamics and Geospatial Research 2026” of the 84th International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia, which will take place on April 15, 2026.
At the end of April, the postdoctoral researcher will go on a mobility visit to Espoo, Finland, to visit and gain experience from colleagues at the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute.