Riga Technical University (RTU) and the company “Kinetics Nail Systems” are launching a new initiative – a scholarship programme for bachelor’s and master’s students in the “Materials Engineering” and “Materials Science and Nanotechnology” study programmes at RTU’s Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology (DTF), with the aim of establishing their connection with industry during their studies and promoting the training of specialists in the field of chemistry. Scholarship candidates will be selected through a competition, and applications for the scholarship are open until 20 September.
Closer ties with the labour market
The aim of the industrial scholarship is to strengthen the link between studies and the actual needs of industry, helping talented students realise the potential of their knowledge and develop their practical skills. The company has established two monthly scholarships – EUR 500 for a bachelor’s student and EUR 750 for a master’s student – to be awarded from September this year until June next year. It also plans to build an even closer connection between students and the labour market by providing them with mentors, internships at the company, support in preparing course papers and final theses on topics relevant to the company, as well as opportunities to participate in research projects.
“We are pleased to become the first company to participate in RTU’s industrial scholarship initiative in the field of materials science. Modern materials science companies need specialists who are able to combine knowledge of materials science with modern technologies in order to create sustainable and competitive products. We therefore see significant added value in closer cooperation with the university, providing students with the opportunity to work with the company’s specialists, become involved in the research and development process, and gain practical experience while still studying,” emphasises Dr. sc. ing. Zane Grigale-Soročina, Head of the Kinetics Nail Systems Science Foundation.
The Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology (DTF) has maintained close cooperation with the company “Kinetics Nail Systems” for several years in the fields of product development, materials research, and innovation. The company has organised hackathons, inviting students to develop innovative solutions in one of the research areas important to the company.
“The development of materials science and materials engineering is possible only through close cooperation between the university and industry. Our aim is to create an environment in which students address real challenges faced by companies while still studying, develop professional skills, and gain experience that enables them to successfully begin careers in high-technology industries,” says Professor Māris Turks, Dean of RTU’s Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology.
Study programmes – in line with modern requirements
Modern materials science and materials engineering companies need specialists who are able to combine knowledge of materials science with digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovation management. In order to prepare such professionals, RTU has purposefully improved its study programmes in recent years.
In 2024, in cooperation with the RTU Riga Business School, the master’s study programme “Materials Science and Nanotechnology” was significantly improved by integrating innovation management, entrepreneurship, and digital competences into the study content – essentially, study content at the MBA (Master of Business Administration) level. This year, in turn, the bachelor’s study programme “Materials Engineering” was completely redesigned, with digital technologies, artificial intelligence, innovation, and entrepreneurship given a significant place alongside materials science.
Together, the two programmes form a unified development pathway – from bachelor’s to master’s level – preparing the next generation of materials engineers and materials scientists for work in high-technology industry, research, and innovation development.
Building the future materials innovation ecosystem
The Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology’s industrial scholarship initiative is being implemented with the support of the RTU Development Fund and the RTU Alumni Association. The involvement of both organisations provides a platform for long-term cooperation between the university, alumni, and companies, promoting support for talented students, industry involvement in the study process, and targeted investment in the training of future specialists. In this way, a foundation is being created for an industrial bachelor’s and industrial master’s study model in which studies, research, and professional activity are integrated into a unified development pathway.
The shared goal of RTU, the RTU Alumni Association, the RTU Development Fund, and industry partners is to create a sustainable cooperation model in which students, researchers, alumni, and companies jointly and purposefully develop new technologies, products, and companies.
Industrial scholarships are an important step towards a modern materials science education model that combines academic excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and close cooperation with industry. They provide students with the opportunity to become part of the innovation ecosystem while still studying, where knowledge is transformed into technologies and technologies into competitive products and companies.
