BAFF Dialogue Funded Projects

Name of the project: Pre and post-operative OA rehabilitation Digitization
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: The Latvian Association of Physiotherapists, Musculoskeletal Subgroup

The event, organized by the Latvian Association of Physiotherapists (LAP), successfully advanced discussions on pre- and post-operative rehabilitation for osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions through digitalization and multidisciplinary collaboration. Held on September 6-7, 2024, in Valmiera, Latvia, at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (VUAS), the event focused on regional development and featured Professor Julia Chevan, a renowned expert in rehabilitation policies, digitalization, and the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health). The primary goal was to improve rehabilitation practices, share OA (osteoarthritis) and digitization-related knowledge, and promote collaboration between healthcare professionals from Latvia, the Baltic region, and the U.S. The event included a comprehensive program to expand the understanding and implementation of digitalized rehabilitation methods, particularly for pre-operative care in osteoarthritis and chronic conditions. Prof. Chevan participated in strategic discussions with Latvian health authorities to explore further collaboration and policy development. Discussions with health sector representatives and stakeholders contributed to shaping national strategies for digitalized rehabilitation in the Baltic region particularly in Latvia

Name of the project: Lectures, seminars and masterclasses by voice teachers and researchers Joanne and Kenneth Bozeman
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Latvian Association of Teachers of Singing

During an intensive two-week long program voice teachers and researchers Kenneth and Joanne Bozeman held 12 lectures, 3 workshops and numerous practical lessons in Riga and Liepāja for Latvian singers, teachers of singing, choral conductors, speech-language pathologists and other professionals working with speaking and singing voice. Professor Kenneth Bozeman spoke on his primary topic of expertise, vocal acoustics and kinesthetic vocal pedagogy, as well as subjects such as vocal expression, acoustic and functional recommendations for belting and choral singing. Joanne Bozeman informed about the impact of the hormonal seasons on the singing and speaking voice, especially in female voices during pregnancy and menopause, and talked about singing with hypermobility, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). A highlight of the project were the masterclasses and practical lessons led by both teachers, where they passed on their vast knowledge and skills to the singing students on stage and their teachers in the audience. All events of the program were available to any applicant without any attendance fee

Name of the project: Lectures, seminars and masterclasses by voice teachers and researchers Joanne and Kenneth Bozeman
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Latvian Association of Teachers of Singing

During an intensive two-week long program voice teachers and researchers Kenneth and Joanne Bozeman held 12 lectures, 3 workshops and numerous practical lessons in Riga and Liepāja for Latvian singers, teachers of singing, choral conductors, speech-language pathologists and other professionals working with speaking and singing voice. Professor Kenneth Bozeman spoke on his primary topic of expertise, vocal acoustics and kinesthetic vocal pedagogy, as well as subjects such as vocal expression, acoustic and functional recommendations for belting and choral singing. Joanne Bozeman informed about the impact of the hormonal seasons on the singing and speaking voice, especially in female voices during pregnancy and menopause, and talked about singing with hypermobility, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). A highlight of the project were the masterclasses and practical lessons led by both teachers, where they passed on their vast knowledge and skills to the singing students on stage and their teachers in the audience. All events of the program were available to any applicant without any attendance fee

Name of the project: National Culture Forum “Cultural Entrepreneurship
Location: Lithuania
Implementing organization: National Association of Creative and Cultural Industries

At the National Culture Forum “Cultural Entrepreneurship organized by National Association of Creative and Cultural Industries on June, 2024 in Kaunas, Lithuania, Jay H. Dick, Senior Director of State and Local Government Affairs at Americans for the Arts, was the keynote speaker. His presentation, titled "Unpacking how the CCI impacts our daily lives – the seen, the unseen, and the hidden," highlighted the cultural and creative industries' (CCI) contributions to the economy, innovation, and society. Drawing on his expertise in advocacy and policy, Dick provided data to show how CCI drives job creation, attracts investment, improves quality of life, and fosters inclusivity. His presentation was well-received by the diverse audience from many from Lithuanian regions. Additionally, prof. Dick met with Vilnius Municipality representatives and CCI professionals to discuss expanding CCI in Lithuania, creating a creative hub in Vilnius, and attracting investment to promote the city as a Creative City

FALL 2024

SPRING 2024

Name of the project: The future of Animation
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Daugavpils school of design Saules Skola

The project was organized mainly as training activities provided by the invited speaker, meetings with teachers and students, and cultural activities in Latvia. The  School invited Mr. Stephan Leeper, who is the founding professor of two university-level animation programs, most recently at Central Michigan University where he teaches classes in traditional animation, storytelling, and animated filmmaking. For participation at the Training course 18 students from audiovisual communication design and photo design were selected. Teachers, artists, and other students were invited to participate as spectators and supervisors. During the training course students explored narrative adaptation by navigating from the pages of a traditional sketchbook, to digital image editing. The presentation event welcomed not only school students and teachers but also representatives of City Council, artists and regional, and local mass media.

Name of the project: Hyper Weekend hip-hop and house dance workshops
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Latvian Association of Modern and Hip-Hop professional dance

Hyper weekend hip-hop and house dance workshops and lecture on February 10-11, 2024 in Riga, Latvia was a two-day event organized by Latvian Association of Modern and Hip-hop professional dance. Hyper weekend featured dance workshops and lectures on hip-hop culture and house dance with invited expert Caleaf Sellers from USA – one of the pioneers of the culture and true legend from the New York dance movement of the late 80’s, who keeps actively working in the dance scene, traveling around the world, sharing his knowledge and experience. The event consisted of a one-of-a-kind kids academy specifically dedicated to educating the young dancers as well as hip-hop and house dance workshops and laboratories for dancers of all ages and skill levels, jam session, lecture and a panel discussion – all for an audience from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania

Name of the project: Dynamic triage of Limited Public Health Resources: models as tools for making real-world decisions
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: University of Latvia

The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to research into how mathematical models could be used to improve public health that varied from groundbreaking to misleading and even dangerous. This variability in the quality of work highlighted the need for ongoing collaborations between scientists, mathematicians, and public health officials that start before the next pandemic takes hold. The objective of this visit was to deepen relationships between the relationships between the Medical and Mathematics faculty at the University of Latvia and public health officials. To that end, Dr. Romero-Severson presented a mini-symposium highlighting the use of mathematical models for the triage of limited public health resources. The symposium highlighted the need not only for technical expertise, and mathematical rigor, but also for a shared set of values that emphasize pragmatism and the need to focus on real public health questions. Dr. Romero-Severson also gave an open lecture covering how our perspectives on biotechnology may be affecting the trajectory of public health funding and argued for a vision of infectious disease surveillance that can be both adaptive to local conditions and provide feedback on the efficacy of intervention programs.

Name of the project: Novatore Impact Summit
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Riga Technical University

The third Novatore Impact Summit took place on March 7, 2024 in Riga, bringing together 300 senior and mid-level women executives from the Baltic states who want to develop their businesses and make new business contacts. The conference's main themes were financial well-being, women's leadership, and sustainable living. The event also included workshops to develop women's leadership skills. The summit aims to strengthen women's economic empowerment and prosperity by promoting women's leadership in senior business positions and entrepreneurship. Men equally are invited to attend to learn about the importance of equal opportunities for business and national economic development. The conference featured presentations by international and local leaders sharing their experiences, knowledge, and personal stories. The keynote speaker, brought to Latvia with the support of BAFF, was Linda Scott, Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Oxford University.

Name of the project: Gathering of Adventure Therapy Europe (GATE)
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Adventure Therapy Latvia

From 19-22 June Denise Mitten participated in the 4th Gathering of Adventure Therapy Europe (GATE) in Sigulda. About 180 participants from 23 countries (Europe, Canada, Australia, Israel, etc.) participated in this event. The participants represented such fields as social work, pedagogy, medicine, psychology, psychotherapy, experiential education, mentoring, nature and outdoor practitioners. Among the participants were the world's leading experts in the field of adventure and nature therapy, as well as those interested in expanding their knowledge in this field. This event included both theoretical presentations and workshops, as well as various cultural activities, such as a talent show, F*ck up nights, celebrating Solstice in Latvian traditions, etc. During this event Denise Mitten facilitated a key-note speech “Promise of adventure therapy 4.0: Gifts and reciprocal relationships” and a workshop “Language About the Natural Environment”, also participated in different presentations and workshops. Denise's participation in the GATE conference has made a significant contribution to the knowledge of specialists about examples of good practice, by asking provocative questions and challenging the existing theories.

Name of the project: Medical Library Advancement Initiative: Strengthening Latvian Research Capabilities through U.S. Expertise
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Riga Stradins University Library

The project aimed to enhance academic and medical libraries by leveraging expert knowledge. Academic and medical libraries play a crucial role in education and healthcare in Latvia, making initiatives to improve their services essential. Two days were dedicated to guest lectures at the Riga Stradins University by experts in the academic library field from the USA. Their topics were carefully selected to address key challenges and opportunities in academic libraries and the improvement of their services. The audience consisted of academic librarians, researchers, postgraduate students, and colleagues from RSU Research Department. The following organizations were represented: Riga Stradins University, University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, Latvian Academy of Sport Education, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, ARS Medicine Center. Experts shared their experiences on important topics such as the importance of systematic reviews and ways to improve them, aspects and importance of PRISMA-S, the importance of research data management and good practices, first-generation students and why librarians should care, and more.

Name of the project: Exchanging Ideas for the Economic Development: Formation of Business Communities and Clusters in Latgale as a Border Region
Location: Latvia
Implementing organization: Joint Municipal Institution Rezekne Special Economic Zone Authority

The project "Exchanging Ideas for the Economic Development: Formation of Business Clusters in Latgale as a Border Region" was held in Rezekne, Latvia, on August 22 - August 23, 2024. The issue of the business communities and clusters and their development in the region was chosen because they are not as developed and active in the Latgale region and there is a lack of common daily interaction and cooperation among the businesses in Latgale. developing a business community. Mr. Sipols provided valuable insight into the business community development policies in the Keweenaw region, which is also a border region and faces similar problems as Latgale. He also pointed out some business community support mechanisms that could also be applied in the Latgale region.