Dr. Andris Vaivads has been a space researcher for 30 years. The research interests include the physics of aurora, the Earth's bow shock and solar wind. At the core of that science is the physics of plasma - a gas of charged particles together with electric and magnetic fields filling the space. The research has been mainly based on the data from the space missions of Sweden, ESA, NASA and others. Has been responsible for the development of the electronics to measure electric field by ESA Solar Orbiter mission. Has been involved in the preparation of future ESA science mission concepts. Has been teaching undergraduate and graduate students everything from basic physics to advanced plasma physics courses. Currently the rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences - a Latvian regional university that is strongly involved in space related research and teaching. Within the University is also Ventspils International Radioastronomy Centre with three radio telescopes two of which are being adopted for satellite communication. Part-time professor in experimental space physics at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.