75th Anniversary of the Faculties of Engineering Sciences at VMU Agriculture Academy

This year is marked by the 75th anniversary of the Faculties of Engineering Sciences at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU Agriculture Academy) counting over 20 thousand of alumni. The celebrated period saw the evolution of the science areas at the Faculties in response to the relevant priorities and technological advancement. At present, the Faculties represent the science field that address the most recent global and national challenges such as environmentally friendly construction; technologies of renewable energy resources and biomass engineering; innovative aquaculture technologies; smart soil and water engineering; smart agricultural and mobile machine systems; tribological processes in mechanical and biological systems; sustainable engineering systems, and mitigation of the effect on climate change.

The Faculty of Engineering Sciences was founded at the VMU Agriculture Academy on 25 June 1946. In autumn of the same year, 50 students were admitted to study under the specialities of hydromelioration, land management, and agricultural mechanization each.

Four Departments were established along with the Faculty of Engineering Sciences: Geodesy, Physics, Hydromelioration and Agricultural Mechanization. In 1947, the Department of Engineering Structures and Department of Tractors and Automobiles were established.

On 1 May 1948, the Faculty of Engineering Sciences was reorganised into individual Faculties of Hydromelioration, Land Management and Agricultural Mechanization.

In 1949, the Departments of Hydraulic Structures and Mathematics and Mechanics were established at the Faculty of Hydromelioration and the Department of Land Use Planning was established at the Faculty of Land Management. In 1950, the Faculty of Hydromelioration and Faculty of Land Management were merged into a single Faculty. In 1961, the Department of Land Use Planning and Department of Geodesy were merged. In 1967, the Department of Descriptive Geometry and Graphics was established at the Faculty, and the Department of Mathematics was transferred to the Faculty of Agricultural Mechanization. In 1977, the Department of Operation of Hydromelioration Systems (subsequently renamed into the Department of Water Management) was established.

In the early periods of restored independence, the scope of competence of hydraulic engineering specialists was expanding and covering more water engineering related areas. In response to the developments, in 1990, the Faculty was renamed into the Faculty of Water and Land Management. In 1996, the Faculty had 6 departments: the Department of Physics, Hydraulic Engineering, Land Reclamation, Building Structures, Water Management and Land Management. As a result of national reorganization of the research and education institutions, the Lithuanian Water Management Institute (former Lithuanian Research Institute for Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation) in Vilainiai, Kėdainiai district was integrated into the faculty structure in 2010. In 2012, following the structural reorganisation of Aleksandras Stulginskis University, three institutes were established at the faculty: the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering, Water Resource Engineering, and Land Management and Geomatics. In 2014, the Aquaculture Centre was established at the Faculty.

In 1949, the Department of Machinery Servicing and Department of Thermal Equipment and Agricultural Electrification, in 1961 – the Department of Machinery Operation were established at the Faculty of Agricultural Mechanization. The period 1966–1976 gave rise to the Departments

of Occupational Safety and Practical Training, Animal Husbandry Mechanization and Thermal Technology, Machine Parts, and Department of Electrical Machines, and the Department of Mathematics was assigned to the Faculty. In response to the growing number of students, the Faculty of Agricultural Electrification was established in 1976. In 1985, the Department of Education and Teaching Methodology was opened at the Faculty. In 1994, after the reduction in the number of students, the Faculty of Agricultural Electrification was reunited with the Faculty of Agricultural Mechanization, and the Faculty was renamed into the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering. In 1996, the Faculty had 6 departments: the Department of Energy in Agriculture, Department of Mechanics, Department of Occupational Safety and Engineering Management, Department of Thermal and Biotechnology Engineering, Department of Transport and Power Machinery, Department of Agricultural Machinery. In 2010, the Institute of Agricultural Engineering became an individual unit of the Faculty. In 2012, the former 6 departments and the Institute of Agricultural Engineering were merged to form 3 Institutes: the Institute of Energy and Biotechnologies, the Institute of Power and Transport Machinery, and the Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Safety.

Within the 75-year period, the both Faculties had more than 20,000 alumni. At present, the engineering faculties have 55 teacher and researcher positions, of which 11 are the professors. There are three doctorship schools in the science area of Technologies: Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Transport Engineering, with 30 PhD students in total. High school graduates are invited to pursue the Bachelor degree in Smart Engineering, Agricultural Mechanical Engineering, Water and Land Engineering (offering three specializations: Aquaculture Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Land Use Planning). Graduates of the Bachelor study programmes are offered to choose one of the 6 Master degree programmes: Hydraulic Engineering, Transport Engineering, Sustainable Energy, Agricultural Engineering and Management, Agricultural Mechanical Engineering, and Land Use Planning.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2021: Business and Science Forum for Implementing and Developing the Green Deal

Business and society face a variety of challenges while the European Green Deal strategy promises a bright future. In order to find the right solutions to implement the Green Deal strategy, we invite you to business and science forum “Green Deal: the Way improving the Well-being of Society and Business”, which will take place in 21^th September, 2021. The business and science forum will take place during the 10^th International Scientific Conference “Rural Development 2021: Challenges for Sustainable Bioeconomy and Climate Change”.

Solutions and direction for developing the sustainable EU’s economy will be discussed. The business initiative for efficient resources moves to a green and circular economy to ensure biodiversity and reduce pollution, effecting local and global decisions to achieve goals regarding well-being of people and business.

Business and science forum will start with good practices from business representatives in developing organic products and technological innovations for agriculture. After the business of good practice dissemination, we invite to participate in the panel discussion “Farm to Fork Strategy – for a Fair, Healthy and Environmentally-Friendly Food System”. Scientists, business representatives and policy makers will discuss and look for a compromise on these issues – effective implementation farm to fork strategy; how to ensure healthy and environmentally friendly food; how to deal with food loss and waste. In the last part of the scientists and business will present presentations on the topic “Business Incentives to Address European Green Deal Challenges”. Scientists, business representatives and policy makers’ discussion will crown the summary of discussions and presentations.

You are welcome to register and participate in business and science forum “Green Deal: The Way improving the Well-being of Society and Business”. Please find more information here.

International conference for discovering links between the bioeconomy development and climate change mitigation

Dear colleagues and friends, we are happy to invite you to the 2^nd International Scientific Conference “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2021: Adaptation to Climate Change”, which will be held online on 20-21 May 2021. The conference is dedicated to discussion of the relevant topics of sustainable bioeconomy in the context of climate change. The conference will have the plenary session, panel discussion, parallel sessions, and workshop.

Implementation of the European Green Deal strategy in the EU and Lithuania is highly important, in particular, in terms of reduction of the effects of climate change. The development of the bioeconomy is expected to contribute significantly to combating climate change, and we invite international experts and scientists to share their experience during the plenary session, which will be held on the 20^th of May during the morning session. It will gather the researchers, policy-makers and entrepreneurs to discuss the key issues of bioeconomy. You will have the opportunity to hear the keynote speakers from Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Dr. Lucia Rocchi, an Italian scientist conducting research in the fields of economics, sustainability, biodiversity, ecosystem, and circular economy, will introduce the participants to the circular economy and SDGs, their connections for a more sustainable development model. Dr. Martin C. Th. Scholten, an advisor for science diplomacy to future food and nature policies from the Netherlands, will focus on climate-resilient food production in a sustainable bioeconomy and adaptive agricultural practices based on circular resource management. Dr. Gerald Schwarz, who has 15-year background in agri-environmental and rural policy analysis, will introduce the participants to the governance and sustainability implications of agroecological transitions. The presentations will be complemented with valuable discussion on sustainable bioeconomy development.

On the 21^st of May, the conference will begin with the panel discussion, which focuses on the potential scenarios of the development and market uptake of biofuels, biofertilizers, and bioplastics. Environmental, technological and economic factors will be discussed with the leading researchers and bio-based industry representatives from Lithuania, Estonia, Norway, and Sweden.

Perspectives of biofuels will be explored with Dr. Vincent Eijsink, Professor of the Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, and Ahto Oja, Member of the Board of “Balti Biometaan” that was founded with the aim to develop the production of biomethane as a motor fuel in Estonia and the Baltics. Adoption of innovative and sustainable bio-based solutions in agriculture will be discussed with Dr. Audrius Gegeckas, Head of R&D Department at Lithuanian company “Bioenergy LT” that provides innovative and sustainable high-biotech solutions improving crop productivity and maintaining soil biological activity, and Dr. Gustaf Forsberg, Senior Specialist of Swedish company “ThermoSeed Global” that offers innovative, highly efficient and environmentally friendly seed treatment technology. Meanwhile, Dr. Inga Matijošytė, Senior Researcher and Head of Applied Biocatalysis Sector at the Institute of Biotechnology of Vilnius University Life Sciences Centre, and Dr. Irena Vitkauskienė, Business Development Consultant at Lithuanian company “Plastiksė” that manufactures plastic packaging products for beverage, food, cosmetic, chemical and medical industries, will share their insights about the future of plastics.

As the transition towards more circular economy requires not only new technologies, processes, but also new business models that change the way the enterprises conduct their business, the second part of the panel discussion will be dedicated to the discussion on good practice business models for sustainable bioeconomy development. Dr. Ants-Hannes Viira, Senior Researcher and Director of the Institute of Economics and Social Sciences at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, will present results of the recent study on such business models conducted by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme’s project “Unlocking the Potential of Bio-based Value Chains in the Baltic Sea Region” (BalticBiomass4Value).

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VDŪ ŽŪA starts the cooperation with Tashkent State Agrarian University

On March 17th 2021 took place an online meeting between the representatives from VMU Agriculture Academy (VDU ŽŪA) and Tashkent State Agrarian University. VMŪ ŽŪA was represented by the Chancellor prof. dr. Astrida Miceikienė, Vice-Chancellor prof. dr. Aušra Blinstrubienė, international coordinator lect. dr. Ekaterina Makrickienė and deans of faculties: doc. dr. Bernardas Vaznonis, prof. dr. Edmundas Bartkevičius, doc. dr. Algis Kvaraciejus and doc. dr. Roandas Domeika. Tashkent State Agrarian University was represented by Vice-Rectors dr. Abduaziz Abduvasikov, dr. Sohib Islamov, dr. Komolitdin Sultonov and deans of faculties. During the meeting, it was decided to develop cooperation in the preparation of double diploma programs, organization of internships for students and lecturers, student exchanges, organization of joint seminars, scientific conferences and projects. It was decided in the nearest future the sides will sign the Memorandum of Understanding, and begin the cooperation in the development of double diploma programs with the faculties of Bioeconomy Development, Forest Sciences and Ecology and Agronomy.

A list of science events taking part in 2021 at VDU AGRICULTURAL ACADEMY: from international conferences to creative workshops

The list of scientific events to be held at the VMU Agriculture Academy in 2021: international conferences, creative workshops, and many more

The VMU Agriculture Academy has published the list of scientific events planned for this year. The topics of seven important international scientific conferences listed reflect the most sensitive recent issues, such as adaptation to climate change, sustainable bioeconomy development, human and nature safety, the Green Deal guidelines, etc.

The list also includes two scientific events for the university and high school students, in particular, students’ scientific conference “The Young Scientist” and national conference for high school students dedicated to the environmental issues.

Two traditional exhibitions are coming back to the VMU Agriculture Academy this year: international agricultural exhibition “Ką pasėsi…2021”, and fibre cannabis business exhibition and pre-deal fair CANNABIS HUB.LT 2021.

The researchers at the VMU Agriculture Academy are planning to hold twenty practical seminars and creative workshops on a wide range of topics intended for the country’s farmers and public sector representatives engaged in rural development.

VDU ŽŪA konferencijos, renginiai 2021 EN (1)

VMU Is Among the 350 Best in Agriculture in the World University Rankings by Subject

For the first time, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) was included in QS World University Rankings by Subject, where the world’s best universities are evaluated according to individual subject areas. VMU’s results in the field of Agriculture and Forestry were ranked the best; namely, in this subject category, the University was awarded a high 301–350 position among the world’s universities.

According to Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikienė, Chancellor of Agriculture Academy at Vytautas Magnus University, such a high ranking confirms that the Academy researchers’ scientific competencies are at the international level. Their research significantly contributes to scientific progress, agricultural and forestry business development both in Lithuania and globally.

“Assuredly, scientists in the fields of agriculture and forestry are leaders in Lithuania and equal partners in the international research area. The science-based knowledge and skills imparted to the students by this Academy’s researchers demonstrate the modernity, quality, and viability of the ongoing studies in Agronomy, Forestry, Ecology, Engineering, and other studies important for Agriculture and Forestry. A high ranking in the field of Agriculture and Forestry is a reasonable basis for presenting these study programs to Lithuanian and foreign schoolchildren and students seeking to become the creators of the future agricultural and forestry business,” said the Chancellor of VMU Agriculture Academy.

In total, the QS rating evaluated as many as 23 subject areas in which VMU conducts scientific and study activities. The vast majority of the assessed areas offered by the University received a rating of more than 40 points. In addition to the mentioned Agriculture and Forestry (53.5 points), the VMU activities in Performing Arts (60.8 points), Environmental Science (57.2 points), Social Sciences and Management (55.3 points), and Educology (52.6 points), and Arts and Humanities (52.1 points) were evaluated exceptionally well.

In the QS ranking by subject, universities were rated in 51 individual subject areas this year. Each area’s ranking is based on the following four criteria: academic reputation, employer reputation, citation, and h-index.

Academic reputation was estimated based on a survey in which 100,000 academics from all over the world expressed their opinion about universities’ performance in a particular field. Estimation of employer reputation also relied on the survey of more than 500,000 employers from various sectors. The citation criterion was applied to determine the average number of times the University publications were cited. The last criterion, the h-index, assessed the institution’s scientific level according to the citation of the most frequently cited research papers in other publications.

In total, 1.4 thousand institutions worldwide were evaluated in the ranking by subject this year. The highest-ranked institutions – as many as 508 – are in the United States, 200 in China, 197 in France, 177 in India, and 172 in the United Kingdom.

Vytautas Magnus University consistently receives a high score in international rankings, especially in the areas of internationality and entrepreneurship. In the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) ranking of innovative universities, published at the end of last year, VMU was awarded a high 41^st place in the category of entrepreneurship.

Greetings to VMU Graduates

Due to the global situation of COVID-19, the annual VMU diploma award ceremony has been moved to June 2021 hoping that the new graduates will be able to share the joy of this special occasion lively with all participants of the celebration and warmly say goodbye to their Alma Mater.

VMU Rector Prof. Juozas Augutis congratulates and sends sincere wishes to all graduates who have completed a very important and significant stage of their lives in such a difficult and unusual time for all of us.

Greetings to the graduates from Prof. Astrida Miceikienė, the Chancellor of VMU Agriculture Academy

2nd International Scientific Conference “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2021: Adaptation to Climate Change”

We are pleased to invite you to the International Scientific Conference “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2021: Adaptation to Climate Change”, which will be held online on 20-21 May 2021.

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 representatives of social sciences, who are invited to make presentation under following topics:

Policy and Public Investments in Bioeconomy Research
Consumer and Producer Behaviour in the Context of Climate Change
Business and Place Models for a Circular Bioeconomy
Accelerating Bioeconomy Through Investment and Financing Decisions

The conference will bring together the European and national experts as well as policy makers, researches and stakeholders to discuss about opportunities related to sustainable bioeconomy development.

Online registration for presentations is open until 19 April 2021.

More information

10th International Scientific Conference “RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2021: Challenges for Sustainable Bioeconomy and Climate Change”

We kindly invite You to the 10^th International Scientific Conference “RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2021: Challenges for Sustainable Bioeconomy and Climate Change”, which will take place in Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (Lithuania), 21-23 September, 2021.

This conference is aimed at providing interdisciplinary scientific discussion, presenting new ideas for rural development processes in the context of Bioeconomy, Climate Change, Innovations and Social Progress.

The main topics of parallel sessions:

Agro-innovations and Food Technologies;
Biosystems Engineering and Environmental Integrity (Dedicated to the 75th Anniversary of Engineering Sciences in University);
Multifunctional Approach for Sustainable Use of Bio-Resources;
Social Research for Sustainable Bioeconomy and Climate Change.

Business and Science Forum “Green deal: the way improving the well-being of people and business” will be held during the Conference.

Keywords: Innovations, Integrity, Bio-resources, Well-being.

Online Registration on the conference website.

Information for authors.

More information about conference is in attached Announcement, also at: https://www.ruraldevelopment.lt/

Happy Holidays

Our Dearest,

On the eve of the great holidays of the year, we all remember what the most important happened. The greatest miracles are in our hearts, heads, and hands.

In the New Year I wish You to find hope, believe in Your abilities, achieve Your goals and keep interested!

Astrida Miceikienė
Chancellor of Academy of Agriculture Vytautas Magnus University