Scientists of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy visited University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro

On March 28th – April 1st associated professor Bernardas Vaznonis, associated professor Gintarė Vaznonienė from Faculty of Bioeconomy Development and associated professor Rytis Skominas from Faculty of Engineering visited University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) within the frame of a project “Development of a Comprehensive University in the Context of the University Network Reform”.

UTAD is situated in Vila Real, Portugal. The University is divided into five schools: School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, School of Human and Social Sciences, School of Science and Technology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and School of Nursing.

During the visit Bernardas Vaznonis, Gintarė Vaznonienė and Rytis Skominas had meetings with UTAD academic staff, where discussed about the possibilities to collaborate in study and research fields and looked for the prospects to strengthen research in the field of bioeconomy. Good practice on applied study methods and organized research activities for students was shared during the visit. Opportunities to encourage students to participate in mobility programs were also discussed.

Scientists of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy had a tour at the University, with the aim to get acquainted with the scientific infrastructure of different schools and their research. There were organized field visits to the bioeconomy business subjects, where good practice examples of sustainable development and circular economy were presented.

Apply now: Erasmus+ Traineeship Competition

A competition is open for Erasmus+ student or recent graduate traineeship grants. Application deadline is the 30th of April, 2022.

The placement period is from 2 to 6 months. Recent graduate traineeship must end – in a year after graduation.

Selection

All VMU fulltime degree students who have not used more than 10 months of their Erasmus mobility (study / traineeship) period are eligible for the Erasmus grant.

Selection documents

For student traineeship (traineeship during student’s year of studies)

Filled-in application form „Outgoing-Application for Erasmus Student Traineeship (EU countries)“
Confirmation by the company or organization (obligatory).

Documents must be submitted online.

For recent graduate traineeship (application must be submitted during the last year of studies)

Application form „Outgoing-Application for Erasmus Recent Graduate Traineeship (EU countries)“
Confirmation by the company or organization (obligatory);
Recommendation by a faculty member (obligatory).

The priority in the selection is given to

students whom traineeship is an obligatory part of their study programme;
students who have never been Erasmus traineeship students before.

Selection criteria

student’s motivation;
good knowledge of the language which will be used during the traineeship;
student’s work, study, traineeship, participation in the international / academic projects, social activities experience in Lithuania and abroad;
conformability between the chosen traineeship and student’s study programme;
study results (first year MA students should attach transcript of records of their BA/MA degree to the application form).

The competition results will be sent to every participant via e-mail.

Erasmus traineeship competitions will be organized each month until June 2022.

More information

Assistant K. Gesevičienė shared her scientific experience at the University of Agriculture in Kraków and discussed the possibilities of university cooperation

On March 22-25, Kristina Gesevičienė, an assistant at the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy went on a teaching visit to the University of Agriculture in Kraków, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, when participating at Erasmus+ Staff mobility for teaching program. The intended objectives were achieved during the mobility, i.e. shared the experience in the field of dissertation research – the impact assessment of the effectiveness of environmental subsidies – and during the meeting with researchers from the host university the possibilities of institutional cooperation between Vytautas Magnus University and the University of Agriculture in Kraków in the field of joint research and projects were discussed.

According to K. Gesevičienė, the teaching mobility helped me to acquire new competencies in international cooperation and improved professional teaching skills.

The Role of Digitalization in the Development of Bioeconomy Businesses

Prof. dr. Astrida Miceikienė, Chancellor of Agriculture Academy at Vytautas Magnus University

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterized by the rapid development of advanced digital technologies and the globalization of the economy. Today, developments in information technology play a significant role in the economy. New business models and innovative technologies in bioeconomy businesses, especially in agriculture and the food industry, are necessary to ensure that future challenges do not become a global social and political issue.

Bioeconomy businesses can significantly improve their competitiveness by introducing new technologies into their operations. The introduction of more efficient digital systems and other innovative technologies reduces operational time, improves product quality, attracts more consumers, and reaches new markets faster.

The use of innovative digital technologies is transforming the business models of the bioeconomy, generating additional income and value creation opportunities, and is at the heart of the transformation of industrial agriculture into a sustainable bioeconomy. The digitalization of business processes can impact the bioeconomy in several ways: by enabling more efficient cultivation, transport, and processing of biological resources and by better planning of investments for their optimal use. Several core digitalization trends in bioeconomy businesses, shaping new business models in the bioeconomy, are identified.

One of them is the Internet of Things and the use of sensors. Collecting information through the Internet of Things (IoT) – by sensors, machines, and drones capable of delivering information in real-time, which is then stored and processed in the cloud – makes it possible to increase the efficiency of bioeconomy businesses, for instance, by reducing labor cost, monitoring and preparing for adverse climatic conditions that interfere with the production process, tracking the spread of pests and diseases in plants and so on. Sensors strategically placed around crop fields, combined with image recognition technology, allow farmers to view their crops from anywhere in the world. Moreover, business forecasting models based on big data and artificial intelligence make it possible to predict outbreaks of pests and diseases, make recommendations on selecting the best plant varieties, and determine the most appropriate timing for placing products on the market. Sensors embedded in the equipment provide real-time information on yields.

The usage of drones is another trend. Drones are used to assess soil quality by creating 3D images for analyzing and planning sowing and planting techniques. Drones are already being used to spray crops in a way that prevents chemicals from reaching groundwater. The latest research has shown that drones can increase the speed of spraying five times compared to technologies.

Research shows that the introduction of robots in bioeconomy businesses, especially in agriculture, increases livestock productivity and crop yields. Spraying and hoeing robots can reduce the use of agrochemicals by up to 90%. Companies developing robotics technologies for agriculture are experimenting with lasers and cameras to detect and remove weeds without human intervention, developing transplanting robots that bring a new level of efficiency to traditional methods, and testing automation for fruit picking and nut harvesting.

The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning enhances the ability of bioeconomy businesses to run their businesses with the help of smartphone apps. For instance, the use of artificial intelligence in smart cameras installed in livestock barns makes it possible to identify and recognize each animal, determine whether the animal is eating enough or whether it is sick, and display the information on the phone.

Digitalization technologies are opening up new opportunities for the management of bioeconomy businesses at all stages of the agri-food value chain: automation of agricultural processes makes it possible to accurately adjust the quantities of raw materials and inputs used, to reduce the need for manual labor; satellite data and sensors improve the accuracy of monitoring the growth of crops, and the quality of the land or water, all of which reduce costs. Product traceability technologies and digital logistics services can simplify food supply chains while providing reliable information to consumers and boosting the competitiveness of entrepreneurs applying these technologies.

Finally, digital technologies facilitate new trade patterns in agri-food products, connecting sellers and buyers in new markets and enabling authorities to monitor and enforce quality standards and ensure faster and more efficient Border procedures, which are essential for perishable products, etc.

All these technological advances will contribute to achieving the goal of more resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural and food systems that better meet the needs of consumers.

3rd International Scientific Conference “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2022: Theory and Practice”

We are pleased to invite you to participate at the International Scientific Conference “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2022: Theory and Practice”. The conference will be held online on 4-5 May 2022.

The conference is organised by the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy and the Faculty of Economics and Social Development of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

The conference is dedicated to discuss research ideas related to the following topics:

Bioeconomy Contribution to the European Green Deal
Role of Innovative, Sustainable and Inclusive Bioeconomy in Development of Rural Areas
Logistics and Marketing of Biological Resources and Bioproducts
Innovative Business Solutions in the Bioeconomy

ONLINE REGISTRATION on the conference website:

Until 4 Aril 2022 – for oral and posters presentations

Until 11 April 2022 – for notification of presentation acceptance

Until 18 April 2022 – for poster submission

Until 2 May 2022 – for listeners

Conference e-mail: SBDconference@vdu.lt

Conference website: https://sbd.vdu.lt/

Please visit conference Facebook page!

VMU Extends a Helping Hand to Ukraine: Everyone is Welcome to Donate

FOR THOSE WHO SEEK HELP / ДЛЯ ТИХ, ХТОПОTPEБYЄ ДОПОМОГИ

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), continuing the initiative dedicated to the support of Eastern Partnership countries, has extended a helping hand to the Ukrainians. In 2020, VMU established a support fund dedicated to students who suffered from repression by the Belarusian government. Now, this fund will also support students who suffered from military operations in Ukraine. The university is also prepared to welcome students and lecturers who are fleeing from war in Ukraine. Like other higher education schools in Lithuania, VMU has terminated relations with higher education institutions of Russia and Belarus.

Everyone is welcome to donate to the support fund for the Ukrainians: businesses, the public and individual persons. The received funds are used for scholarships to the Ukrainians who come to study at VMU: the support covers their expenses on studies, accommodation, and settlement. If needed, these funds may also cover the students’ subsistence expenses.

“We must not stand on the sidelines as the horrors of war are taking place so close to us. We ask everyone who is not indifferent to human suffering and supports democratic and humanistic values to donate to this fund. Our support is very important to people who have been affected by war and the political situation. The donated money will reach the members of academic community in Ukraine and the incoming students who need it the most. We express strong support to communities of our partner universities in Ukraine”, VMU Vice-Rector for Communication, Assoc. Prof. Vilma Bijeikienė said.

As a way to show its support of the Ukrainian government and people, in response to the recent events, the university is also prepared welcome up to 400 students and up to 50 lecturers or researchers who are fleeing the war. The graduates of VMU also contribute to the support of the Ukrainian citizens in various ways.

Currently, 87 citizens of Ukraine are studying at VMU. Ukraine is an important partner of VMU: as part of the Erasmus+ program, VMU cooperates with 10 Ukrainian universities, while bilateral agreements have been signed with 30 other higher education schools.

Since 2013, in order to contribute to the consolidation of democracy, Vytautas Magnus Unviersity has been paying special attention to students of the Eastern Partnership countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Each year, 20–40 students from these countries receive scholarships.

We invite natural and legal persons to contribute to the fund’s activities by donating support. The donors may provide support to students from Ukraine in the form of money or their own products or services and provide the conditions to do paid internship at their companies or organizations, thus providing the students with possibilities to live independently during their studies in Lithuania.

The funds for this project can be transferred to the following account of AB SEB Bank:

LT41 7044 0600 0284 8638
Beneficiary’s name: Vytauto Didžiojo universitetas
Payment description: Support for students from Ukraine

JOB/INTERNSHIP OFFERS

We invite companies to present job or internship offers to the Ukrainian academic community by email: karjera@vdu.lt

More information: academic.support@vdu.lt

Study Exchange and Internship Opportunities for Students

International Cooperation Department invites all students of the VMU take advantage of an opportunity and apply for student exchange and internship abroad.

We offer even four different options for international mobilities:

Wondering where to go? On March 1–3 join Erasmus Days’22 during which you will be able to find out more about exchange opportunities. The events will allow you to get to learn more about the mobility opportunities, hear about experiences of other students, and join various interesting and meaningful initiatives. During these three days full of both online and on-site events, students will share their experiences, and will learn more about mobility.

More information

Competition for Traineeship at non-EU Countries

VMU students are invited to participate in competition for traineeship at non-EU countries with VMU Mobility scholarship.

Students have to submit completed online application form (Application form for traineeship in non-EU/EEE countries) until 30th of April 2022.

Selection criteria:

traineeship compatibility with Study programme at VMU;
confirmation from hosting organization for acceptance into traineeship programme;
motivation;
results of studies or research during the last two semesters (for VMU Mobility scholarship GPA should be no less than 8.0);
good knowledge of language in which traineeship will be commenced.

Traineeship period should end no later than 2022-08-31.

Students will be personally informed via e-mail about the results till 15^th of May.

Note, traineeships with VMU Mobility scholarship are only for students. Recent graduates can no longer participate in this programme.

Selected students will receive VMU Mobility scholarship. Eligible countries and number of scholarships:

VMU Mobilitity scholarship

Group of countries[1]	Duration of Traineeship	Number of scholarships	Scholarship
Countries of regions: South Asia, East Asia and Pacific; Middle East; North America; Latin America & the Caribbean	1 – 3 months	10	650 Eur/month
Countries of regions: Europe and Central Asia; North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa	1 – 3 months	10	550 Eur/month

More information about traineeship programme:

[1] https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups

Diplomas of the VMU Agriculture Academy Awarded to the Graduates from the Bioeconomy Development Faculty

At the graduation ceremony on 28 January, the graduates from the Bioeconomy Development Faculty at the VMU Agriculture Academy were awarded with the Bachelor and Master degree diplomas certifying successful completion of their studies. Despite the ongoing restrictions related to the pandemic management, such as maintaining safe distance, wearing the face masks, they did not spoil the sincere wishes expressed by the teachers or the sparkle in the graduates’ eyes upon successful achievement of another important milestone and result in their lives.

The event host and the coordinator for research and project activities of the Faculty, Assoc. Prof. Anastasija Novikova, passed the words of congratulations to the graduates from Prof. Dr Juozas Augutis, Rector of VMU to the graduates from the Bioeconomy Development Faculty who had successfully completed the first-cycle full- or part-time studies in Accounting and Finance, first-cycle full-time studies in Logistics and Trade, second-cycle full-time studies in Business Logistics: “The diploma award ceremony is a special event. This moment encompasses a lot of components: the determination and presistence throughout the years, occassional feeling of uncertainty or inconfidence and, finally, the victory accompanied by the excitement of the new milestone and new step.”

According to the Rector, the time span spent at the University made the young people stronger, more educated, provided more knowledge and colors to their lives. “As you are about to step into the new stage of life, taken a moment to look back at the path you’ve made and celebrate own persistence, determination, and patience. And then go further into the future with the new strength and enthusiasm. Today, I would like to wish you all to be brave and open with the strong foundation you have built. Always remember that the doors of Vytautas Magnus University are and always will be open to you”, – the Rector shared with the graduates.

According to Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikiene, Chancellor of the VMU Agriculture Academy, graduation from a University is one of the most exciting moments in one’s life. “A degree or diploma is not just a paper. It is the acknowledgement that hard work has brought the results, and you can head into the future on the wings of science. This is a great academic achievement! The diploma is your ticket to better opportunities in life, and you should cherish it”, – the Chancellor wished this to all the graduates and encouraged them to return to the University for Master, PhD studies and become active members of the Agriculture Academy Alumni club.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bernardas Vaznonis, Dean of the Bioeconomy Development Faculty, and Algirdas Grybauskas, Head of Transport Sector at Kesko Senukai Lithuania, UAB, wished the graduates courage in assuming responsibility and a successful career path.

Simona Domarkaitė, graduate from the fist-cycle, full-time studies in Logistics and Trade, expressed gratitude to all the former teachers, administrative staff, and peers on behalf of the graduates for the encouragement, support and time spent together meaningfully and amicably together. She noted that there were no such thing as former members of the academic community, as this was the life-time membership. Simona was awarded with the diploma Cum Laude for the remarkable learning outcomes issued by the Order of the VMU Rector.

#StudentsTalk: VMU AA Opened up Opportunities to Improve Myself in a Personal and Professional Way

Andrii Zabrodskyi, Environmental Engineering PhD student, Chief Specialist at International Cooperation Department at VMU

Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy is not only an institution of studies and research, but also a space where solutions are created, discussed, and sought after, where every innovative idea is extremely important. It is interesting to get to know our wonderful students, who enrich the Academy with its uniqueness, smartness, and openness to the world.

Andrii Zabrodskyi, Environmental Engineering PhD student from Ukraine and currently Chief Specialist at International Cooperation Department, working at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, shared his experience about choosing studies in Lithuania and his journey here at VMU Agriculture Academy.

– Why and how did you choose to study at VMU Agriculture Academy?

I already wanted to go to graduate school in Ukraine, but my scientific supervisor advised me to try my hand in Lithuania. He heard about this possibility discussing with his colleague from VMU Agriculture Academy. When I arrived at Lithuania for the first time, I really liked these places, especially Kaunas and its surroundings, so I decided to study PhD, as I always wanted, and fully enjoy the beauty of Lithuania.

– What did you know about Lithuania before coming here?

Not so much. Just short knowledge about history, geography, culture, mostly from school lessons. Even now I don’t know too much, but I am trying to discover more every weekend.

– What study program do you study? What research do you carry out?

I am PhD student in Environmental Engineering. My research topic is related to soil compaction and possible solution for minimizing its negative effects. Nowadays its very actual problem in Environmental Engineering. Together with Ukrainian colleagues we described theoretical model for support optimal tire inflation pressure for minimizing compaction risks and maximization tires service term. It may sound difficult, but when you are engaged in it, it founds really interesting.

– In what activities besides studies are you engaged at the University?

In 2020, I started as a volunteer helping foreign students in VMU International Cooperation Department (ICD). Since I really enjoy this activity, I decided to continue working at this field, so since September 2021, I have been working in the ICD, coordinating full-time foreign students at VMU Agriculture Academy. I would like to continue this even after my graduation.

– What study or practical activities at VMU Agriculture Academy are the most memorable for you?

There is no doubt it is working at the Agriculture Academy Experimental Station in Akademija together with my colleagues from Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Agronomy.

– What experience do you appreciate the most?

VMU Agriculture Academy opened up opportunities for me to improve myself in a personal and professional way. Coming here in Lithuania, even not knowing a lot about the country, lead me to the present, where I communicate in Lithuanian language, carry out highly important PhD research and realize myself in professional field working with VMU Agriculture Academy students. I appreciate it a lot and hope my journey at VMU Agriculture Academy could be an inspiration for students, that still have doubts about trying themselves in something new.

Andrii is open to answer the questions about studying at VMU Agriculture Academy – it is his work and his pleasure. If you are interested, feel free to contact Andrii on Facebook.