New issue of University of Latvia’s magazine "Alma Mater" (Summer 2015)

Writing is as natural as eating, sleeping, and bathing Among the UL academic staff and researchers there are writers whose works have been published already for several years. In this article, a poet and writers tell about their first steps in literature, writing period and its benefits, as well as possible study process influence upon their literary works. Writing is not an additional job for them, but a lifestyle, hobby, and creative self-expression. Future materials: improving epoxide resins with carbon nanofillers Increasing necessity for new technologies has raised a significant interest in search for new materials. For example, various polymers have already substituted metal, glass, wood, and other traditional materials, and they open a new branch in material science. Polymers that are filled with various nanoparticles, i.e. fillers where each particle is measured in nanometres, are called nanocomposites. Epoxide resins, one of the most important polymer classes, are often used in manufacturing, production of engines, and in other sectors. The Laboratory of Long-Term Properties of Materials of the UL Institute of Polymer Mechanics examines nanocomposites of epoxide resins and their physical properties. When the global meets the local – a story of the UL Rector Prof. Mārcis Auziņš has been the UL Rector for two terms, or eight years. He speaks about the most notable moments, challenges, and important decisions faced when taking the post of the Rector. Prof. Auziņš refers to his favourite literary works and holds a view that two excellent books are enough for a writer to be called excellent. He also thinks that our students are not too radical or sharp in their opinions. Auziņš remembers a case in Germany when some students addressing the audience  at the university’s 600 anniversary celebration, called the rector a criminal, and it took him some time to pull himself together for the speech. Pugging clay for 40 years The UL is the only higher education institution in Latvia that already for 40 years has been providing an exclusive opportunity to explore the world of art with visually plastic material. Ceramics studio Vāpe, supported by cultural, artistic and educational creative UL society Juventus, has become one of the most visible applied arts studios in Latvia. Studying traditional cultural heritage and improving the range of thematic exhibitions Vāpe has also brought the name of the University of Latvia abroad: to Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, Georgia, Norway, and even Japan. Neuroscientist Inga Kadiša: you cannot fight alone in the battlefield of science Neuroscientist Inga Kadiša graduated from the UL Faculty of Biology in 1985, started working in the US in 1991, and now she is an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. At the end of April, she participated in International Conference of Neuroscience and Pharmacology “Neurodegenerative Diseases and New Trends in Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies”, which was held in the UL. Kadiša describes scientific opportunities in the US, the value of international collaboration and modern achievements in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Matteo Frey from Switzerland: people are my hobby Matteo Frey is an ERASMUS exchange student from Switzerland. He participates in various activities beyond his studies and wishes to take every opportunity provided by Riga and Latvia. Matteo describes his impressions about Latvia, differences in study process, as well as reasons for applying for an international exchange programme. ERASMUS+ practice opportunities for students ERASMUS+ is a new European Commission educational, youth, and sports programme launched in 2014. It is a continuation of the previous ERASMUS mobility programmes and it also consolidates other programmes (Leonardo da Vinci, Comenius, Jean Monnet) providing study, placement, and academic staff mobility opportunities. Kristīne Lepeško and Sintija Šona, students of the Faculty of Economics and Management, share their placement experience in Spain and London. Solar Cup 2015: solar energy for young inventors The UL Institute of Solid State Physics organises the eighth “Solar Cup” car race in order to promote knowledge about energy efficient solutions and their application in the modern world. Students participate with self-made vehicles powered only by solar energy. Before the race, models are arranged in corresponding groups: popular group or nonstandard (also called ‘expert’) group, and then participants can choose one of the race routes: strength, speed, water, or radio-controlled (solar) model orienteering. Students can also participate in an intellectual competition to test their knowledge about physics, the structure of the universe, and the world in general. Student band contest “Hadrons”: a way towards the big stage The 10^th young musicians’ contest, also known as “Hadrons”, took place in May. This year, the UL Radio NABA and the Student Council invited young musicians from different universities to listen to the latest trends in the world of music. Our students were the most active, as they might be encouraged by the contest’s popularity in the UL. The band Chomsky Chess Club, representing the UL Faculty of Computing, won the award for the best new band.

• <link internal-link>Magazine "Alma Mater"