Strengthening the Partnership between VMU Agriculture Academy, Estonian University of Life Sciences, and Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies – Shared Visions for the Future

A delegation of leaders from the Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy, led by Chancellor Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikienė, along with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Aušra Blinstrubienė, Head of the Administrative Group Dr. Laima Skauronė, Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aida Adamavičienė, Dean of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development Prof. Dr. Bernardas Vaznonis, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rolandas Domeika, and Dean of the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology Prof. Dr. Vitas Marozas, visited two strategic partner universities in June – the Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMÜ) in Tartu and the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) in Jelgava.

The aim of this visit was to strengthen the partnership between the three Baltic life sciences institutions by discussing the expansion of joint projects, enhancing the international dimension of studies, developing academic and student exchange programs, and participating in international academic initiatives. Throughout the visit, intensive discussions were held on double degree opportunities, collaborative research initiatives, and inter-institutional cooperation.

At the Estonian University of Life Sciences, particular attention was given to science policy and strengthening project-based activities. The open, professional, and warm communication with EMÜ representatives not only encouraged new ideas but also reaffirmed the importance of shared values in shaping long-term collaboration. Meanwhile, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies left a strong impression with its state-of-the-art research infrastructure – ranging from plant protection and forestry to alternative fuels and interdisciplinary science laboratories. During the visit, significant personal contacts were established with LBTU researchers and administrators, and further cooperation within the BOVA network, blended intensive programs (BIP), and academic conferences was discussed.

The VMU Agriculture Academy sincerely thanks Rector Ülle Jaakma of EMÜ and Rector Irina Arhipova of LBTU and their teams for their warm hospitality, professional dialogue, and genuine openness to collaboration. This visit further strengthened the commitment of all three institutions to shaping a sustainable and innovative future in the field of life sciences across the Baltic region.

During the visit, the delegation also had the opportunity to explore the historic Old Town of Tallinn, while free time in Tartu and Jelgava offered a chance to experience the unique cultural and historical atmosphere of both cities.

The VMU Agriculture Academy is pleased with this new stage of strengthened cooperation and eagerly awaits the arrival of its international colleagues in Lithuania for the international conference “Rural Development 2025,” which will take place on October 1–3 at the VMU Agriculture Academy. More information about the conference is available at https://ruraldevelopment.lt

For more information about our partner universities:
Estonian University of Life Sciences – https://www.emu.ee/en
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies – https://www.lbtu.lv

Master’s Studies in English – Made in Lithuania

Have you completed your Bachelor’s degree in Lithuania? Take the next step with a Master’s programme in English at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy.

Available programmes:

Study in Kaunas at a high-ranking university and gain a future-oriented qualification in a globally relevant field.

Start: Autumn 2025.
Apply now: https://vytautasmagnus.dreamapply.com.

More information about admission: Admission to Degree Studies | VDU.

Exceptional Opportunities for Ukrainian Citizens at VMU Agriculture Academy

Academic Year 2025/2026 | Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy, located in the vibrant city of Kaunas, Lithuania, invites ambitious Ukrainian citizens to join its diverse academic community. Offering high-quality European education in a supportive and inclusive environment, VMU is proud to stand with Ukraine by providing accessible education opportunities during challenging times.

Why Choose VMU Agriculture Academy?

No Application Fee. All Ukrainian applicants are exempt from the application fee.
50% Tuition Fee Waiver. Every Ukrainian student automatically receives a 50% discount on tuition for the entire duration of their studies, regardless of academic performance.
Scholarships up to 90%. Top-performing students with outstanding academic achievements and active civic engagement may receive scholarships covering up to 90% of tuition costs.
English-Taught Programmes. VMU offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes in English, designed to equip students with internationally competitive skills and knowledge.

Featured Study Programmes:

Accounting and Finance. Start your journey with the first year taught in Russian and continue the remaining years in English. Learn more & apply.
Sustainable Engineering. A forward-thinking programme aimed at those passionate about environmental responsibility and innovation. Learn more & apply.

Apply Today

Take the first step toward a brighter academic future at VMU Agriculture Academy. Join a university that values excellence, community, and your potential.
For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact VMU admissions team at studies@vdu.lt.

Postdoctoral internships at VMU AA: Call for applications for funding

The Research Council of Lithuania, promoting the development of the system of internships for young scientists after doctoral studies and raising the scientific qualifications of interns, announces a call for proposals for the projects of posdoctoral studies.

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy invites applications for postdoctoral internships and do an internship at VMU AA in the fields of agriculture, life sciences, business and public management or engineering sciences. Applications for postdoctoral internships are submitted to the Research Council of Lithuania. Applications for postdoctoral internships are submitted until June 6, 4 p.m.

The purpose of postdoctoral fellowships is to promote the development of the system of postdoctoral internships for young scientists and to raise the scientific qualifications of interns (these projects must not aim to create specific products for the market and increase the scale of commercial and technology transfer).

According to this activity, a postdoctoral trainee is understood as a researcher who has a PhD degree awarded by a Lithuanian or foreign research and study institution, and for whom no more than 7 years have passed from the date of the award of the PhD degree to the date of submission of applications specified in the invitation and carrying out scientific research work provided for in the project. The intern must go to a foreign science and study institution or research center, laboratory, company, institution, library, archive, expedition, etc. for internship.

Online consultations

Research Council of Lithuania invites applicants to remote consultations by this schedule:

April 16th at 10:00 a.m. (Lithuanian) and 2:00 p.m. (English)
May 23rd at 10:00 a.m. (Lithuanian) and 2:00 p.m. (English)

Connection link is here. No advance registration required.

More information about postdoctoral fellowships at Research Council of Lithuania website.

Contact at Research Council of Lithuania:
Program co-ordinator Jogaila Mackevičius
jogaila.mackevicius@lmt.lt
+370 676 41 216

Contact at VMU Agriculture Academy:
Ingrida Ignotaitė
Tel. +370 37 752 377
E-mail ingrida.ignotaite@vdu.lt
Universiteto str. 8A, Akademija, LT-53341, Kaunas distr.

Information prepared based on: Postdoctoral Fellowships – Research Council of Lithuania.

Admission to PhD studies at VMU Agriculture Academy 2025

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy offers doctoral studies in 8 fields of research in natural, social, technological and agricultural sciences.

Application for admission to doctoral studies is carried online.

Research Area	Research field	Dates of receipt of documents
Natural sciences	Ecology and Environmental Science	03 06 2025 – 22 08 2025
Technological sciences	Environmental Engineering	05 06 2025 – 20 06 2025 (no later than 5 p.m.) 01 04 2025 – 15 04 2025 (no later than 5 p.m.)*
	Mechanical Engineering	05 06 2025 – 20 06 2025 (no later than 5 p.m.) 01 04 2025 – 15 04 2025 (no later than 5 p.m.)*
	Transport Engineering	–
Agricultural sciences	Agronomy	05 06 2025 – 31 07 2025
Agricultural sciences	Forestry	05 06 2025 – 31 07 2025
Social sciences	Economy	–
Social sciences	Management	–

*Submission of documents for the recognition of qualification obtained abroad in Lithuania (for those applicants who have obtained their education at a foreign higher education institution and do not have a document confirming the recognition of their diploma in Lithuania).

The application for participation in the admission to doctoral studies and scanned copies of the necessary documents are provided online online registration.

The application will be registered, when will be filled all necessary parts of Admission to doctoral studies online system epasirasymas.vdu.lt.

The application is considered not to be registered if all the necessary documents or information is not provided.

More information about the admission, dissertation topics, candidates for scientific supervisors and document forms.

More information:

Universiteto st. 8A – 202, LT-53341 Akademija, Kaunas district.
Phone +370 37 752 254
E-mail: monika.brimaite@vdu.lt
Web-page: https://zua.vdu.lt/en/

Universiteto st. 8A – 219, LT-53341 Akademija, Kaunas district.
Phone +370 37 209 815
E-mail: doktorantura@vdu.lt
Web-page: vdu.lt/phd

The Commemoration of the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence Day at VMU Agriculture Academy in 2025

On March 12th, the annual and increasingly traditional event organized by Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy will commemorate the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence Day. During the event, members of VMU Agriculture Academy community will be honored with awards for their achievements in 2024, and live music performances will be presented.

Event date and time: March 12th at 13:00
Event location: the Hall of VMU Agriculture Academy central building (Studentų str. 11, Akademija, Kaunas distr.)
Expected event duration: ~2 hours.

REGISTRATION FOR EVENT PARTICIPANTS IS REQUIRED

During the event, awardees of the nominations and the winners of the Methodological Tools for Studies and Scientific Works competitions will be honored.

MORE INFORMATION

Please note that photographs will be taken during the event, and you may appear in event photos or videos that could be published in various media outlets.

Teaching aid, research paper competitions and awarding nominations of VMU AA employees are announced

We invite the employees of the VMU Agriculture Agriculture to participate in the competition of teaching aid and research papers, sharing with the community the significant work done and celebrating the achievements.

The winners will be awarded at the festive commemoration of the Day of the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence, which will take place in the Hall of VMU Agriculture Academy central building (Studentų str. 11, Akademija, Kaunas distr.) on March 12. 1 p.m.

TEACHING AID COMPETITION REGULATIONS

Follow the approved regulations: REGULATIONS.

Teaching aid (TA) competition is organized to initiate the sharing of experience in the development and use of advanced teaching methods and TAs among the teachers among the teachers at the VMU Agriculture Academy; to accelerate the development and use of TAs and innovative teaching techniques; to encourage the teachers to develop and improve TAs and apply them effectively in their teaching activities.

The competition is open to employees at the VMU Agriculture Academy and their teams who have developed new TAs and applied them in teaching the students at the VMU Agriculture Academy.

Entries can be submitted under the following headings:

Teaching publications (textbooks, course books, lecture notes, descriptions of laboratory work and exercises, other teaching publications (> 50 pages), published in print or electronic form);
Visual aids (instruments, tools, laboratory and display benches, mockups, models,
collections of objects studied, videos, poster sets, and other tools);
Methods of organizing studies and other TAs (integrated provision of supporting teaching aids for the study subject, implementation of distance learning, implementation of other innovative study methods, etc.).

The application shall be accompanied by an extract of the minutes of the academic unit Council or a committee authorized by it, along with a recommendation, and a copy of the TA (or its location) and a description of it.

The TA description shall specify the following:

Name of TA;
Author(s)’ details (name, surname, faculty, institute, department, position, title, academic title and scientific degree, telephone number, email address);
Purpose of the TA (study programme, study subject, topics within the study subject structure);
Relevance (need, previous development of similar tools, etc.);
Methodological compatibility with independent studies (possibilities for active learning and innovative study methods using the TA);
Innovation (innovation in the presentation of course material) and scientific approach (use of the latest scientific information and tools, possibilities for student involvement in research);
Visual quality of the knowledge presented and quality of the publication design (intensity of use of visual elements, strong aspects of the publication design);
Other benefits.

Candidates’ documents for the competition shall be submitted to the coordinator for the administration of studies in the Administrative Group of the VMU Agriculture Academy dr. Rasa Čingienė (by email rasa.cingiene@vdu.lt or at VMU AA central building room 237) by 15 February.

A maximum of 3 prizes will be awarded per heading. Prizes are awarded to first-place winners, and certificates of appreciation are awarded to second and third-place winners. The prize fund shall be allocated by the Chancellor of the VMU Agriculture Academy.

Contact for more information: dr. Rasa Čingienė rasa.cingiene@vdu.lt, +370 682 22874, +370 37 752107, VMU AA central building room 237.

RESEARCH PAPER COMPETITION REGULATIONS

Follow the approved regulations: REGULATIONS.

Research paper (RP) competition is organized to encourage the teachers, researchers, and PhD students at the VMU Agriculture Academy to conduct research and disseminate the results thereof in the scientific journals of the international level or other publications, to contribute to a higher international competitiveness, enhancement of the scientific, social and economic environment of Vytautas Magnus University and of the whole country; to select, promote, and reward the best researchers and research groups at the VMU Agriculture Academy.

The competition is open to teachers, researchers, and PhD students of the VMU Agriculture Academy.

Entries can be submitted under the following headings:

research group category (the number of authors of a submitted research paper shall be between 2 to 4, and each publication shall be authored by at least two authors from the research group participating in the competition);
international researcher’s category (a researcher working on a research project in collaboration with researchers from other countries);
category of the young researcher (researchers with a doctoral degree, no older than 40 years old by the application deadline), doctoral student or their team.

The RP competition is open to collections of scientific output on a common topic for the last 2 calendar years, which may include:

scientific monographs, parts of scientific monographs, scientific studies;
patented scientific production, registered plant and animal varieties;
scientific articles;
oral presentations at plenary sessions of international scientific conferences (the conference program shall be presented).

The RP shall be submitted to the competition together with the following:

Extract from the minutes of the Council of the academic unit or a committee authorised by it, with a recommendation, which shall include the title of the submitted RP, the author(s) and the creative contribution that shall be assessed in proportion to the number of authors or on the basis of a joint declaration signed by the authors.
A brief description (up to 1 page) of the research paper or collection of the scientific production, indicating the title of the RP, the components of the submitted scientific paper or parts of the collection of the scientific output, the coefficient of contribution, and highlighting the most important aspects of the RP that are relevant to the competition.
Information about the author(s) of the RP (name, surname, position, scientific degree, scientific achievements).

The competition is not open to winners of the previous year’s RP competition.

Candidates’ documents for the competition shall be submitted to the Scientific Activity Coordinator dr. Algis Kvaraciejus (by email algis.kvaraciejus@vdu.lt or at VMU AA central building room 227) at the VMU Agriculture Academy by 15 February.

A maximum of 5 prizes will be awarded to the winners of the RP competition: a maximum of 3 prizes shall be awarded in the 1st category and 1 prize in the 2nd and 3rd categories each.

Contact for more information: dr. Algis Kvaraciejus, algis.kvaraciejus@vdu.lt, +370 37 752350, VMU AA central building room 227.

THE SUBMISSION OF NOMINATIONS

Follow the approved regulations: REGULATIONS.

The Nominations are an incentive tool to encourage the involvement of the employees and students of the VMU Agriculture Academy in further development of the quality of studies, research and scientific services, the creation of a motivating working environment, and fostering of culture and values.

Nominations are open to employees (or a group of employees) and students of the VMU Agriculture Academy who have an impeccable reputation. The employee or student who has violated the VMU Code of Academic Ethics and/or work discipline shall not be eligible for the Nomination.

Types of the VMU Agriculture Academy Nominations and the Nomination criteria:

Nomination “Scientific Recognition of the Year” is awarded to a member or group of members of the community of the VMU Agriculture Academy for receiving significant national and/or international awards for research and experimental development (R&D) activities. One candidate is submitted by each academic and non-academic division.
Nomination “Project of the Year” is awarded to a member or group of members of the community of the VMU Agriculture Academy for a study/research/science dissemination project that was successfully implemented in the previous calendar year and a significant impact on the region, country, or society on a national and/or international scale. One candidate is submitted by each academic and non-academic division.
Nomination “Starting Researcher of the Year” is awarded to students and other members of the academic community at all levels of the VMU Agriculture Academy, except those holding a doctoral degree, for their active scientific research activities and results of scientific achievements. The Nomination may be awarded to the same member of the academic community once every three calendar years. One candidate is submitted by each academic division.
Nomination “Employee of the Year” is awarded to an employee of the community of the VMU Agriculture Academy who is indirectly involved in activities related to studies and research, for significant initiatives for the development of the VMU Agriculture Academy, outstanding diligence and loyalty to the VMU Agriculture Academy. The Nomination may be awarded to the same member of the community of the VMU Agriculture Academy once every three calendar years. The candidates are submitted by the administration, academic, and non-academic divisions of the VMU Agriculture Academy.
Nomination “National Partnership of the Year” is awarded to a member of the community of the VMU Agriculture Academy for the establishment, development, and expansion of close and significant national cooperation with social and business partners, taking into account the importance of the cooperation, the support provided by the partner, or any other significant achievements at the VMU Agriculture Academy. The Nomination may be awarded to the same member of the community of the VMU Agriculture Academy once every three calendar years. The candidates are submitted by the administration, academic, and non-academic divisions of the VMU Agriculture Academy.
Nomination “International Partnership of the Year” is awarded to a member of the community of the VMU Agriculture Academy for the establishment, development, and expansion of close and significant international cooperation with social and business partners, taking into account the importance of the cooperation, the support provided by the partner, or any other significant achievements at the VMU Agriculture Academy. The Nomination may be awarded to the same member of the community of the VMU Agriculture Academy once every three calendar years. The candidates are submitted by the administration, academic, and non-academic divisions of the VMU Agriculture Academy.
Nomination “Teacher of the Year” is awarded to a member of the academic community of the VMU Agriculture Academy whose main job functions are related to the VMU Agriculture Academy, for the following results: students’ objective satisfaction with the taught subject, advanced pedagogical activity, work with the Erasmus+ students, resources used for the taught subjects, innovative approach in teaching, teacher’s activity and partnership with other study and research institutions, promotion of study programmes at the VMU Agriculture Academy among pupils and the public, and supervision of students’ research papers. The Nomination may be awarded to the same teacher once every three calendar years. The Nomination may be awarded to the same teacher once every three calendar years. One candidate is submitted by each Faculty.
Nomination “Student of the Year” is awarded to a first-, second- or third-cycle student at the VMU Agriculture Academy for significant achievements in learning, research, organizational or social activities. The same student may be nominated once during the entire study period. One candidate is submitted by each Faculty, taking into account the opinion of student representatives.

Divisions submit candidates for nominations to the head of the VMU Agriculture Academy Administrative Group dr. Laima Skauronė (by email at laima.skaurone@vdu.lt or at VMU AA central building room 237) by 15 February.

The number of nomination winners is fixed: Scientific Recognition of the Year, Project of the Year, Starting Researcher of the Year, Employee of the Year, National Partnership of the Year, International Partnership of the Year – one winner in each category. Teacher of the Year, Student of the Year – four winners in each category.

Contact for more information: dr. Laima Skauronė, laima.skaurone@vdu.lt, +370 615 21559, +370 37 752278.

The VMU Agriculture Academy Teaching aid competition is organized according to the regulations approved by the VMU Agriculture Academy Chancellor’s order on January 26, 2024.

The VMU Agriculture Academy Research paper competition and the VDU ŽŪA Nomination Submission and Awarding Process are organized according to the regulations approved by the VMU Agriculture Academy Chancellor’s order on January 30, 2025.

Apply Now: Arts Festival for Students in France

Jean Monnet University, partner of the Transform4Europe (T4EU) Alliance, invites students of VMU and other T4EU universities to take the stage at Fest’U 2025, an arts festival held in Saint-Etienne, France on 21-23 May. Registration deadline is 8 January.

The festival invites students with a passion for performing: musicians, actors, comedians, dancers, or emerging artists. Fest’U provides a unique opportunity for the students to appear in front of a large audience: it brings together nearly 3,200 spectators and 300 artists.

Fest’U is an annual celebration of the arts in all their forms. From music bands to acoustic duos, stand-up comedy to cinema-themed activities, and a freestyle space, the festival is brimming with creative energy. This year, special spots are reserved for international T4EU students who wish to showcase their talent on stage.

According to the organisers, participation in the event is a great opportunity to perform in front of an enthusiastic and welcoming audience. Moreover, the performance can be combined with the T4EU course offer, and benefit from a Erasmus+ BIP financial support. Finally, it is an unforgettable experience, which allows students to collaborate with artists, enrich their artistic journey, and enjoy a unique cultural immersion.

Funding

Limited scholarships are available to cover travel and accommodation expenses.

More information is provided by email at Transform4Europe@vdu.lt.

Fest’U Photos

Fest’U Aftermovie

Registration

31st International Scientific-Practice Conference “HUMAN AND NATURE SAFETY 2025”

It gives us immense pleasure to invite You to the 31^st International Scientific-Practice Conference “HUMAN AND NATURE SAFETY 2025”, which will take place in Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania, 7–9 May, 2025. The annual conference “HUMAN AND NATURE SAFETY” is organized on occasion of the International Days of Health, Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety & Health.

The aim of the Conference is to discuss interrelated human safety & health and environment protection problems, present the results of the newest research and to create opportunities for scientists and young researchers to share the research results not only among researchers and students, but also between farmers, agricultural experts, representatives from forestry and other sectors. Also, to promote a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Sections of the Conference:

Biosystem Engineering;
Environment and Health;
Ecology, Nature-based Solutions, Sustainable Forestry.

Conference Seminars:

Medicinal (Aromatic) Plants (MAP’s) Research Traditions, Contemporary Trends, Innovations and their Rational Use (7^th May 2025, VMU Botanical Garden, 12:00-16:00).
Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions (9^th May 2025).

Important dates:

until 10^th February 2025 – registration;
until 7^th March 2025 – publication submission;
until 21^st March 2025 – participation fee;
until 31^stMarch 2025 – editorial board decision on the suitability of the article for printing.

Scientific articles will be published in the selected papers of 31^st International Scientific-Practice Conference “ŽMOGAUS IR GAMTOS SAUGA 2025 / HUMAN AND NATURE SAFETY 2025”. Edition of the selected papers is indexed by Central & Eastern European Academic Source (EBSCO).

Contacts:
Chairperson of Organizing Committee – acad. prof. dr. Egidijus Šarauskis
Tel. +370 686 47539;
E-mail: egidijus.sarauskis@vdu.lt
Conference administrator – Nijolė POŠKIENĖ
Tel. +370 37 752357;
E-mail: nijole.poskiene@vdu.lt

Conference e-mail: zmogaus.sauga@vdu.lt

Conference website: https://zgs.vdu.lt/en

Conference events will be organized in-person.

12th International Scientific Conference “RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2025: Resilience to Global Change”

We kindly invite You to the 12th International Scientific Conference “RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2025: Resilience to Global Change”, which will take place in Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (Lithuania), 1-3 October 2025.

This conference is aimed at fostering interdisciplinary scientific discussions by presenting new ideas for agricultural development, rural development, and resilience in the context of global change.

The main topics of Conference sessions:

Biosystems Engineering for Sustainability;
Climate Smart Agriculture and Food Technologies; 
Multifunctional Approach for Sustainable use of Bioresources;  
Social Research and Innovations for Strengthening Rural Areas.

Keywords: Agriculture, Bioeconomy, Biosystems, Global Change, Resilience, Rural development.

Political, Business and Science panel discussion “Adopting to Global Change and Building a Resilient Bioeconomy” will be held during the Conference.

Important dates and deadlines:

Until June 30th, 2025 – early bird registration 
Until July 7th, 2025 – payment of early bird participation fee  
Until August 31st, 2025 – late bird registration
Until September 5th, 2025 – payment of late bird participation fee  
Until September 19th, 2025 – article submission
January 2026 – publishing of the Conference proceedings

Participation fee	In person (EUR)	Online (EUR)
Early bird authors and co-authors until July 7th	300	170
Late bird authors and co-authors until September 5th	400	220
Students	150	100
Participants	150	Free of charge
For Ukrainian authors and co-authors (if all authors are from Ukraine)	150	100

Participation fee in person covers not only the Conference proceedings, but also coffee breaks, lunches and gala dinner. The costs of accommodation, cultural (social) programme and transport should be covered by the participants of the Conference.

Speakers of the conference pay the participation fee after receiving information about the confirmation of the abstract of the presentation, but no later than deadlines. Confirmation will be sent to the participants during the five workdays after filling in the registration form.

More information about the Conference.

Online Registration on the Conference website.

Information for authors.

Conference website: https://www.ruraldevelopment.lt/

Conference e-mail: rural.development@vdu.lt