Riga Aeronautical Institute Scientific Research Center (RAI SRC) was founded on May 25, 2009. It is a structural unit of the institute, the aim of which is to ensure the link between education and science: to conduct high-quality scientific research that meets the needs of the Latvian and international economy, to participate widely in international, national and sectoral research programs and to integrate them into the study process. RAI SRC operates in accordance with its regulations, decisions of the Senate of the Institute and the Satversme, laws and legal acts of the Republic of Latvia. RAI SRC has been registered in the Register of Latvian Scientific Institutions since 19.07.2010. No. 321149. The Scientific Research Center of the Riga Aeronautical Institute has its own management structure, which consists of: the SRC service unit, the SRC research unit and the Material Base.
RAI SRC staff consists of scientific staff, technical staff, service staff. The scientific staff consists of: leading researchers, researchers and research assistants..
The following composition of scientific staff has been approved since 2020:
The scientific staff is elected by the Senate of the Institute for five years through a competition. RAI SRC is responsible for conducting theoretical and practical research, creating and managing scientific programs and projects, forming working groups for the development of scientific programs and projects, publishing scientific research, organizing congresses, conferences, seminars, public readings, symposia, exhibitions, etc. c. to cooperate with natural and legal persons and to provide scientific research services.
From September 29, 2020, the Riga Aeronautical Institute approved the Student Scientific Research Group (SSRG). Riga Aeronautical Institute provides excellent opportunities for the most diligent students from SSRG to show their creative abilities in the acquisition of advanced educational programs, work of the scientific group and participation in international projects within RAI SRC
RAI SRC Research directions:
Based on the above activities, RAI SRC works and promotes the following projects:
1. “Smart laboratory structure and technology research, creation and development for Green energy and modern technologies exploration in aviation and logistics spheres in Higher Education Establishment on the base of digital ICTs”. Project acronym: SMARTLABGREEN;
2. Smarthub creation and development for Green energy generation technologies experimental research and implementation in Higher Education Establishment on the base of digital ICTs”;
3. “Smarthub for marine monitoring and bioresources supply using UAS, CALS and Blockchain technologies” Project acronym: SmartHubMarBioSup.
The development of science and research is closely linked to the country's innovation policy. The aim of innovation policy is to increase the level of innovation and competitiveness of a country or region, and thus economic growth.
According to the documents developed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia (MES), the goal of creating a stable human capital for research and development has been set in Latvia by 2030. Latvia's goal is to increase innovation capacity, as well as to create an innovation system that promotes and supports technological progress in the national economy.
Horizontal priorities: strengthening cooperation with foreign partners in scientific research, strengthening scientific research:
- participation in international competitions and research grant acquisition processes,
- implementation of commercial business projects,
- participation in scientific conferences and other events,
- more active involvement of students in research work;
Tasks of horizontal priorities:
- Internationalization: At the international level, the Institute's competitive activities in the fields of science, innovation and studies;
- Interdisciplinarity: Cooperation between different industries and specializations as a basis for the creation of new and innovative products and modern study content;
The sub-goal of RAI SRC strategy in the development of science and research is to increase the competitiveness of institute by creating a stable science infrastructure and human resources base, strengthening cooperation between science and business sector, developing the implementation of research results in business, thus contributing to the goals of Latvia's national development strategy.