Project overall objective is to revive academic and public interest to feminist and gender theories in connection to current social reality and European political culture, to add new interdisciplinary dimensions to the already existing research mainstream, and to shed light on women's political and public activity by shaping a dialogue between various disciplines and cultures. The project aims at bringing new understanding to women and gender history of the European civilization, as well as considers the phenomenon of gender in connection to other reference fields (everyday history, politics, philosophy, literature, memoir studies, journalism, pedagogy, products of activity of various social and national groups). The project will develop effectiveness of gender politics in Latvia by providing political, social and academic sustainability of gender discourse in civic culture of Latvian society. To secure the sustainability of the civic activism in gender politics in Latvia, contemporary European politics of gender equality and recognition politics should become more present among various stakeholders of the Latvian gender political discourse. That is why the experience of Norway in gender research and politics will serve as the content and channel for revitalizing general political culture of Latvia. The project focuses on creation of sustainable and effective space of civic engagement into gender and culture politics. Although the title of the project proposes both sexes/genders, the project focuses mostly on women, since in the light of the overall project objective it is of higher significance. The concept of gender is culturally differentiated because each culture perceives it in its own way, frequently creating the dissonance between power and culture, between general normative acts and their perception in society. Therefore, the concept of gender should be defined in the context of national cultural and political history. Thus the dissemination activities will be spread into two directions: national and international (global). The complex dissemination strategies will be used, starting with the set of recommendations for the State Level decision makers and for university study programmes and up to mass media and the other public discourses.

The overall objective of the project is to obtain a comprehensive picture of the development of technologies for processing key mineral resources in prehistory and early historical periods in Latvia (lithic blade technology of the Stone Age; iron smelting in later periods), focussing on the role of transfers of technology across geographical space and between different societies and cultures, and thus contributing to the general understanding of technologies and technological change in Northern Europe in pre-industrial ages. The project envisages a novel approach to the study of the pre-industrial technologies used in the processing of major mineral resources, namely lithic materials and iron ore, which were of crucial socioeconomic significance in early prehistory and in later prehistory/early historical times, respectively. Recent research has highlighted the importance of technology transfers in shaping the pattern of use of both resources: this will provide the overall focus and common thread of the study, which will consider archaeological and historical evidence mainly from Latvia, viewed in the broader Northern European context. The lithic study will involve technological analysis of key museum collections in Latvia, focussing on the role of regional technology transfers in the development of blade technology during the Stone Age. The research on late prehistoric/medieval/early modern iron production will likewise involve systematisation and technological analysis of previously recovered material (both archaeological and written records), but will also include a major element of field research and laboratory analysis – targeted specifically at sites relating to the extensive iron production activities in the former Duchy of Courland and Semigallia (W and S Latvia, 16th–18th cent.). Here, the transfers of iron production technology across Northern Europe from late prehistory up to the Early Modern Era will be the key focus. The project includes a major element of experimental archaeology: knapping experiments and the reconstruction of a bloomery furnace. The research findings will be discussed in a workshop on technology transfer in the processing of mineral resources and will be disseminated through conference papers and publications at the international and national level. Major new insights can be expected on past technologies and technological change, propelling forward research in this field in Latvia and delivering results significant at the European level.

Overall objective of the project is to enhance higher education and research in Latvia and Norway. Project results and future development will contribute to the quality and effectiveness of the leadership and governance in the field of research and higher education in Europe. The current EU policy documents call for major changes that higher education and research institutions should undergo to respond to global challenges posed by the new environment at universities and research institutes, including innovations, knowledge-driven development, intellectual property rights, and academic entrepreneurship. The current HEIs do not perform to their capacity. This project is focusing on academic and research environments to make them more efficient by becoming entrepreneurial organizations in terms of leadership and governance, organisational capacity, development in teaching and learning, university – business/external relationships for knowledge exchange as outlined in the Guidelines for Entrepreneurial Universities. The project aims at exploring ways how to expand strategic partnerships with national and international stakeholders in order to secure sustainable development of higher educational institutions in line with EU policies. The project would apply the roadmap approach and focus on EU and field related policy documents in Latvia and Norway. The results of the project would be useful for the development of the higher education and research environment in Europe. The project would involve Ph. D. students and thus strengthen the human resource competencies in the area of institutional research. Although the project would focus primary on Latvia and Norway, the results would be useful for other EU countries and it would open up opportunities for further cooperation within the framework of Horizon 2020.

The overall goal of this project is to develop the new strategy for the treatment of the Alzheimer disease (AD) and to enhance research-based knowledge in Latvia through a long term collaboration of OSI, LU and UiO. The Lativian research groups at OSI will provide their expertise in structural analyses to start an iterative set of experiments. The UiO will provide knowledge and expertise in the field of disease models and analyses. The LU partners will have access to world-wide unique mouse models, and are skilled in the performance of behavioural and cognitive tests. Neurodegenerative diseases represent an increasing threat to the society and families in both countries. Deposition of toxic proteins in the brain leads to dementia, motor dysfunction, and psychiatric problems. Despite enormous efforts, so far, the pathomechanism of the most abundant form of these diseases, sporadic AD, has not been revealed and treatment is not available. Aggregation of intracerebrally generated Aβ peptides is the main reason for pathological deposits. It has been discovered by the Pahnke lab that removal of toxic peptide monomers is indeed an innovative option for treatment and prevention of dementia. Furthermore, it was first found in an Italian family that specific mutations in the N-terminal part of Aβ lead to the protection of heterocygote carriers by reducing the aggregation propensity. Based on this information, the project will set up a joint programme to investigate whether amino acid changes could be exploited as an innovative method to dissolve higher order Aβ aggregates and to enhance clearance of Aβ from the brain into the blood stream. The extensive expertise of the team at the OSI will be used to decipher structural differences of specific mutations and co-aggregated peptides. The resulting data will be used to iterate in vivo experiments. The opportunity of exchange of Latvian students to Norway for in vivo investigations and methods transfer will be used as well.

Because of a continuous increasing consumption of pharmaceutical products, their presence in the environment represents a serious environmental threat issue in industrialized countries. Pharmaceutical residues are introduced into the aquatic environment from numerous sources such as insufficiently treated sewage effluents, production residues, improper disposal of expired medications and unused drugs, accidental spillage during manufacturing and distribution. The continuous presence of pharmaceuticals in water bodies even at very low concentrations can lead to unwanted biological effects on aquatic species with the following impact on human health. Despite the high importance of this research area, there is still no sufficient scientific capacity and knowledge available in Norway and Latvia addressed to fully professional management of the issues of pharmaceutical residues. Therefore, the overall objective of the Project is to enhance the growth of research-based knowledge through the scientific cooperation between Norway and Latvia, developing a scientific capacity for the administration of pharmaceutical residues in the Latvian and Norwegian environment. As a result, the advanced high resolution mass spectrometric method will be introduced, diverse information about the contamination status will be obtained and the relevant training programs will be launched in the leading Universities of both countries. These activities will facilitate the execution of the general purpose to reduce risks related to the presence of pharmaceutical products in the environment.

The overall mobility's objective is to enhance the transfer of knowledge and experience among UL and UiO academic staff working on environmental impact management of pollutant threats in Latvia and Norway, establishing the ecological monitoring and food safety systems, e.g. methods for assessment of impact factors, recommendations for control and prevention of threat to human health, economical benefit and the environment. Considering the actuality of chemical compound, especially the pharmaceutical residue, distribution in the environment and the possible hazard to human health, the assignment of new advanced researchers working is an essential priority regarding the environmental considerations of the EEA area. The activity of knowledge transfer into the UL educational programmes by staff will enhance the development of relevant educational and training programs launched in both countries (UL, UiO). Only the academic staff mobility is foreseen within the project.

The Strategic Plan of the University of Latvia (UL) 2010-2020 appreciates an active involvement of students in mobility schemes, as this contributes to the excellence of student training and improves subsequently their employability. Mobility is also regarded as an utmost important tool for raising staff Academic qualification in the strategic policy documents of the University. According to the Development Strategy of UL the research is focused on multidisciplinarity and creation of synergy between both Latvian and foreign research institutions. Multilateral collaboration between UL, LBMC and UO will ensure knowledge transfer through a cooperation of groups with complementary expertise and implementation of internationally competitive research resulting in high-quality publications. Therefore this cooperation has a clear potential to provide new carrier opportunities for the involved young scientists. Both, the student and the academic staff mobility are foreseen within the project.

The Strategic Plan of the UL 2010-2020 appreciates tight involvement of students in mobility schemes, as this contributes to the students' cross-border study experience, personal growth and prospective involvement in research activities. Staff mobility is considered beneficial for raising academic personal excellence in terms of life-long learning and exchange of experience. The UL Vision and international cooperation strategy emphasize the significance of regional and cross-border cooperation between the UL and other academic institutions of the Baltic Sea Region and EU countries working towards common goals for social and economic development. The study programs in geography at the UL offer courses on planning yet the aspects of local development and landscape potentialities are only partially presented there. The Department of Geography is interested in advancing these topics through a knowledge transfer process by staff and students' involvement in international collaboration. 2 staff members, 3 PhD and some master students currently are developing themes on social and landscape planning, and democracy in practice through public participation. The experts from Regional Development and Landscape Geography at the Department of Geography (UiB) have a strong track-record in research addressing rural landscapes and development. The Department of Geography at UL is the most experienced institution in Latvia regarding large-scale migration research. Currently, 4 PhD and several master students are developing their thesis on migration. Centre for women's and gender research KVINNFORSK at UiT have experience in research of geographical mobilities in the High North. Mobility will engage students creating long-term contribution to the development of research competence within the field of migration. The exchange visits of personnel will contribute to come up with advanced theoretical and methodological interdisciplinary solutions to study youth mobility in Europe. Both, the student and the academic staff mobility are foreseen within the project.

The overall goal of the Project is to increase the teaching and research capacity in institutions of higher education in Latvia and Norway. This project seeks to increase the quality and the volume of student and teaching staff mobility between the partner institutions in the thematic area of political science, public administration and sociology. Staff and student mobility will result in long term impact on both sides via: - Development of joint study courses; - Curriculum development for joint study programme and life-long learning modules; - Joint research activities. These results will achieved based on joint interests of partners, their cooperation experience and will to deepen cooperation with future sustainable effects for all partners. The main sustainable benefits will deal with internationalization of studies, capacity building and development of joint Baltic Sea research area. Partners - Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences and Østfold University College were selected based on previous cooperation experience in teaching and joint research activities having resulted in more than 20 scientific publications. This project is intended to deepen cooperation in more structured way. Both, the student and the academic staff mobility are foreseen within the project.

The Centre for Gender Research at the University of Oslo (UiO) is the largest gender research centre in Norway, so collaboration will contribute to the improvement of the quality of education, achieved by the inclusion of the Norwegian experience on gender issues into the contents of the University of Latvia study courses. Collaboration with the Institute of Health and Society from the UiO allows to exchange the research experience and contributes to creation of the Erasmus+ exchange agreement and plan, as well as to discussion of a possibility to work out a project in the frames of the programme Horizon 2020, Health for Growth. The Icelandic experience in a wider Baltic-Nordic context is significant, since there are common features in language standardization and language education policies in both countries. Collaboration between the UL and Tromsø will promote exchange of Northern and Baltic experience and improvement of both theoretical linguistics and Latvian Studies. Both, the student and the academic staff mobility are foreseen within the project.

The overall purpose of the project is to establish, develop and strengthen educational co-operation in the economics and management area between UL and AiU. The project will provide an opportunity for both partners to share experience and best practice, promote collegial interaction, collaborate on student mobility projects, provide the basis for further academic staff co-operation between both partner universities and expand joint study possibilities. Both, the student and the academic staff mobility are foreseen within the project.

The Project is aimed to enhancing human capital and knowledge base at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia (LU) and increasing the institutional cooperation in research and development with the Norwegian University of science and technology (NTNU), the University of Oslo (UiO) and the University of Bergen (UiB) by promoting partnerships and mobility between universities of both countries, and increasing the capacity and competence-building in the LU. Taking into account the multidisciplinary research activities carried out in LU, it is necessary to improve the competence in the diverse fields through the sharing knowledge among partner universities to increase the scientific and teaching productivity of the LU. Both, the student and the academic staff mobility are foreseen within the project.

The proposed project presents a new collaborative research initiative within the field of cancer therapy. Our main objective is to perform preclinical evaluation of a novel therapeutic strategy against cancer cells based on a combination of chemotherapeutic drugs with viral gene therapy vectors. We propose to apply novel alphaviral vectors encoding cytokines, which able to stimulate tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration into the tumor and induction of pro-inflammatory microenvironment to block tumor recovery after chemotherapy. Several mouse models of breast cancer, melanoma and xenograft model of human lung carcinoma will be treated with chemical compounds with significant anti-proliferative properties followed by the application of alphaviral vectors. The outcomes of treatment will be monitored using advanced imaging technologies including bioluminescent and fluorescent imaging. The molecular mechanism underlying the alphaviral tumor tropism will be investigated in details using a comparative proteome analysis of cancer cells susceptible and unsuceptible to alphaviral invection. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop an efficient strategy for cancer treatment based on an application of image-guided targeted chemotherapeutics in combination with gene therapy vectors. Special attention will be paid to training of young researchers in cutting-edge imaging techniques, advanced immunological methods and mass spectrometry approaches. The research credibility is justified by the broad and complementary expertise of participating groups from three institutions: Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS); Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (LBMC); Oslo University Hospital (OUH).

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently emerged as important mediators of intercellular communication and been implicated in the regulation of physiological and pathological processes, including cancer. Cancer-derived EVs contain disease-related molecules, and therefore EVs in biological fluids may serve as a "liquid biopsy" enabling patient stratification and monitoring of treatment response. In addition, molecular analysis of cancer-derived EVs may provide novel insights into how cancer cells and tumour-host communicate and drive cancer progression. Importantly, this may lead to the discovery of novel targets for therapeutic intervention, The overall objective of this project is to delineate the role of cancer-derived EVs in the progression of prostate cancer (PC) and to identify EV-enclosed small RNAs associated with cancer aggressiveness that can serve as potential therapeutic targets and/or prognostic biomarkers of prostate cancer. The specific aims are: (1) To characterize (size, marker profile, RNA content) and compare EV subpopulations released by highly aggressive and indolent PC cells, using various PC cell models; (2) To gain insight into EV tropism and functional effects in the tumour microenvironment and metastatic niche; (3) To explore EV biodistribution and impact on survival and anti-tumour immune response in a mouse model of PC; (4) To establish a repository of standardised and well-documented clinical material collected from PC and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients that will serve as a resource for testing and validating RNA biomarker candidates and for studying the uptake of EVs by recipient cells; (5) To establish methods for testing RNA biomarker candidates in EVs isolated from biofuids of PC and BPH patients and to evaluate their prognostic relevance.

The Strategic Plan of the University of Latvia (UL) 2010-2020 appreciates an active involvement of students in mobility schemes, as this contributes to the excellence of student training and improves subsequently their employability. Mobility is also regarded as an utmost important tool for raising staff Academic qualification in the strategic policy documents of the University. According to the Development Strategy of UL the research is focused on multidisciplinarity and creation of synergy between both Latvian and foreign research institutions. Multilateral collaboration between UL, LBMC and UO will ensure knowledge transfer through a cooperation of groups with complementary expertise and implementation of internationally competitive research resulting in high-quality publications. Therefore this cooperation has a clear potential to provide new carrier opportunities for the involved young scientists. Both, the student and the academic staff mobility are foreseen within the project.

The overall objective of the project is to strengthen research cooperation between Latvia and Norway in the area of child language studies through collaborative and comprehensive investigation of monolingual and bilingual acquisition of the Latvian language. The proposed synergetic donor partnership project represents a systematic and comprehensive investigation of monolingual and bilingual acquisition of the Latvian language, unprecedented in theoretical and empirical scope. Project activities fall into five major inter-related categories: 1. Developing tools: Two language assessment tools will be created and normed: Latvian adaptation of CDI-WG (ages 8-16 months) and CDI-WS (ages 16-36 months). Latvian Phoneme Accuracy Test (Kušķe 2013 a, b, ages 3;0-6;0 years) will be expanded, adapted for use with Russian-dominant children and normed for both languages. For each tool, a detailed user manual will be provided. 2. Developing Research Resources: The following research resources will be created and made available: a. Longitudinal recorded corpora of child language of two Latvian monolingual and two Latvian-Russian bilingual children: transcribed, coded and annotated; b. Normative dataset of phoneme accuracy of Latvian- and Russian-speaking children; c. Normative dataset of CDI-WG and CDI-WS for Latvian monolinguals; d. Experimental data on phonological and morphosyntactic development for mono- and bilinguals. 3. Developing knowledge: Targeted experiments involving mono- and bilingual children will be carried out to generate new knowledge on early language development of Latvian-speaking children and increase understanding of factors involved in language acquisition in general. 4. Developing expertise: New expertise will be developed through methodological and theoretical exchange within the cross-disciplinary research team, and through involving students into research activities (via the synergy with the Scholarship Activity). 5. Sharing research results & increasing awareness: Dissemination and information measures targeting different groups are planned to attract attention of researchers, practitioners, parents and the wider community to the importance of child language studies and recent developments in this area.

The project aims to strengthen bilateral relations between research institutions in Norway and Latvia working in social and health care sector. The researchers will develop and implement innovative interdisciplinary education approach addressing challenges of health related participation in education process for children with disability. While the advances in medicine enable more children with disabilities to participate in the inclusive learning environment, there is evidence that these children have deficiency in daily physical activities. It increases the risk to develop secondary health conditions including heart disease, respiratory problems and emotional disorders that result in deterioration of health status, functional capacity and quality of life. Therefore, this project will focus on exploring the health behavior of children with disabilities including physical skills and psychological, and social correlates. The set of qualitative and quantitative indicators will be developed at the national level, yet applicable at the international level, to identify areas in which health promotion interventions should be implemented.The innovative technologies will be utilized to provide an objective measures of daily physical activity behaviors, thereby avoiding common sources of error in subjective measurement. The project outcomes will provide significant positive contribution to children with disabilities wellbeing and overall