Ilja Afanasjevs, Higher Education and Science Information Technology Shared Service Centre, Latvia

Short bio

I started his career in higher education in 2015 at Riga Business School, where I was involved in several major transformation initiatives. During COVID-19, I led rapid digital changes, including implementing the DigiExam platform in just two months to ensure secure examinations and remote proctoring. I also contributed to the successful adoption of the Harvard CS50 computer science course for Latvian students, enabling around 750 non-IT students to complete the programme, and participated in a collaboration project with the University at Buffalo.

Since 2023, I have been part of VPC, Latvia’s NREN, initially as CTO. As the organisation evolved, my role expanded, and since June 2025 I have been leading VPC. I am currently responsible for coordinating several large-scale national initiatives, including the Study Process Digitalisation project, the EOSC national node development, Data Stewards programme, and the development of shared digital services and infrastructure across the Latvian higher education ecosystem. LinkedIn profile.

Motivations:

  1. Why do you want to join the EUNIS Board?
    I want to join the EUNIS Board because I believe that when we work together, technology works better for everyone in higher education. I am fully committed to EUNIS’s aim of strengthening the role of technology professionals, positioning them as key drivers of innovation and digital transformation across Europe.
    As the leader of VPC Latvia, I am currently guiding a four-year journey to modernize higher education in my country. This role gives me a clear view of the everyday “pains” we face—like navigating complex policy frameworks and the weight of managing large-scale change. I am ready to help EUNIS support its members in leveraging technology and data for effective change management while building long-term institutional resilience. My work as a Latvian delegate in GEANT has shown me the immense added value of international cooperation. I want to help EUNIS thrive as a “trusted voice” and community where members share real-world solutions and support each other’s growth. By connecting our national efforts with European partners, we can ensure technology serves the “broader good” for students and teachers across the continent.
  2. How will you contribute to EUNIS and its strategic priorities?
    I bring a combination of long-term sector experience and active leadership in systemic transformation. Since 2015, I have worked in higher education, contributing to international projects with Harvard University, the University at Buffalo, and other global partners. These collaborations have given me a strong understanding of how to align institutional needs with international standards, directly supporting EUNIS’s mission to foster collaborative networks that drive innovation.
    My primary contribution is the practical expertise gained from leading VPC Latvia through a nationwide higher education transformation. Over the coming years, I am coordinating the migration of institutions to shared systems and infrastructure—work that directly reflects EUNIS’s priority to shape the European digital higher education landscape through policy engagement and advocacy. Our involvement in initiatives such as the European Student Card will provide valuable “lessons from the field” on aligning institutional, national, and European frameworks.
    I will contribute by sharing practical insights on leveraging technology and data for effective change management. My goal is to support EUNIS in empowering digitalization professionals as strategic enablers, strengthening institutional resilience, and ensuring that digital transformation delivers meaningful value across European higher education.