European Space Agency education office ESERO Latvia to open in Latvia

The University of Latvia (UL), together with its partners Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and the Cēsis Space Education Centre, has concluded an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) on the establishment and implementation of the European Space Education Resource Office (ESERO) in Latvia. ESERO Latvia will be the 23rd office of its kind in Europe and will provide Latvian teachers and students with access to STEM education resources in Latvian that use space-related themes. The official opening of ESERO Latvia will take place on 21 October 2026 at 9.30 at the University of Latvia House of Nature in Riga.

ESERO is an initiative of the European Space Agency aimed at promoting interest in natural sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM fields, using space as an engaging and practical learning context. The ESERO network operates in several European countries, cooperating with educational institutions, science centres, teachers and other STEM education partners.

At the opening event, teachers, representatives of the education sector and other interested participants will be able to learn more about ESERO and the new office’s priorities in Latvia, as well as discuss the development of STEM education, future skills and ways to encourage students’ interest in science, technology and the space sector. The event will also present educational opportunities available to teachers and students, professional development activities and ESA education projects. More information and registration for the event are available here.

“The goal of the University of Latvia is to inspire and develop the next generation of leaders in science, technology and innovation. Through the ESERO Latvia programme, young people gain a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice, become familiar with the research process and develop the skills needed to build a modern knowledge economy. By creating a link between school, university and future professional activity, we strengthen Latvia’s human capital and create the conditions for new innovations that contribute to the sustainable development of society,” says Enno Ence, Vice-Rector for Development at the University of Latvia.

The main tasks of ESERO Latvia will be to implement professional development activities for teachers, provide access to high-quality educational resources, and involve children and young people aged 3 to 18 in practical ESA education projects. The office will build links between schools, higher education and the STEM sector by organising inspiration and career activities throughout Latvia.

The project will begin with a study of the situation and needs of STEM education in Latvia. The results of the study will be used to develop professional development programmes for teachers, create and adapt teaching materials, and develop inspiration and career activities for students.

A significant advantage of ESERO Latvia will be the opportunity for Latvian educators to use educational resources developed by the European ESERO network that are specifically adapted to the needs of Latvia’s education system. All materials developed by ESERO Latvia will be freely available to educators on the ESERO Latvia platform after publication.

The ESERO Latvia office will be based at the University of Latvia and will work in close cooperation with national education partners and the European ESERO network. The expertise and experience of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and the Cēsis Space Education Centre in the fields of space, technology and STEM education will also play an important role in the implementation of the office.

The long-term goal of ESERO Latvia is to promote young people’s interest in STEM fields and help build a future generation that is prepared for studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and other fields related to the space sector.