20.01.2025. Study visit – thematic master class has been held in Latvia for the academic staff of Central Asia universities

A study visit - thematic master class for the academic staff of Central Asia universities was held in Latvia in the time period 8-17 January 2025. 18 universities’ teachers from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan participated in the visit to enhance their expertise in the field of food technology and innovation, as well to acquire knowledge and skills to apply novel teaching methods necessary to organise studies within an open university.

Thematic master class included theoretical part, multidisciplinary practical and laboratory works, aimed to enhance skills on innovative food product development and food products’ quality evaluation. Thanks to the efforts of the LBTU content team - academic staff, led by Dace Klava, six study modules (out of total seven) were covered. During the workshop several novel food products were prepared, such as the production of a dietary "meat" cutlet without using meat, as well as the production of ice cream for pets (dogs) in a study laboratory. This created significant impression on the guests.

In order to increase impact of the study visit, participants had opportunity to visit thematically relevant food processing companies.  Visited enterprises, responding by group of products to new modules, are: JSC “Tukuma piens” (dairy products), JSC “Ķekavas putnu fabrika” (meat products), JSC “CIDO grupa” (fruit and vegetable products) and JSC “Dobeles dzirnavnieks” (cereal-based products). Entrepreneurs shared also their knowledge and experience on development of new products, introduction innovation, measures aimed to ensure food safety in all steps of the food chain.

Besides the core activities of the study visit, face-to-face training sessions on teaching methodologies were organised. Iluta Krumina, the experienced expert, presented and together with participants practiced new teaching methods, such as the Delphi method, blitz, "role-playing" and other. Directions of the teaching method: perception, attention, "cave of memories", thinking, emotions were innovative for the most of participants.

The study visit was concluded with evaluation and analysis of the contents, process, and foreseen impact. Participants emphasised high qualification of the LBTU academic staff, well established, long lasting and efficiently functioning partnership with enterprises, good balance of theory, laboratory works and practice, involvement of the university in creation of real technologies, products, being transferred to the industry.

Upon return at home universities, participants will organise knowledge and experience dissemination events for other academic staff.

The study visit visual impressions can be found in the section “Gallery” - January 2025  Study visit LV.