VMU Agriculture Academy Autumn Intake 2025/2026 is open!

Would like to gain strong knowledge, solid skills, and invaluable international experience? Thinking about an unforgettable European student adventure and traveling the world?

Top-quality studies in a high-ranking university and living in Kaunas – located in the center of Europe – may be the perfect combination for You.

Your lifetime adventure can start now with Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy.

Application is open from December 1, 2024, for Autumn Intake 2025/2026 study programmes:

APPLY HERE -> vytautasmagnus.dreamapply.com

DEADLINES:

May 15, 2025
- For applicants from non EU/EFTA countries, except the countries listed below.
July 1, 2025
- For applicants from EU/EFTA countries
- For applicants and citizens of visa-free countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Georgia (Sakartvelo), Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
  Note: Please check if you need a visa to enter Lithuania here.

Note (!) Diplomas may be added after application deadline.

Note (!) Studies start on August 25, 2025.
Note (!) Due to limited admission places, applications for autumn intake for the academic year 2025-2026 might be closed earlier. Spring (February) intake is not offered.

Information about Application and Admission Procedures

Information about Scholarships

Contact person: VMU Agriculture Academy International Coordinator Ekaterina Makrickiene ekaterina.makrickiene@vdu.lt, +370 37 752 386.

More information about VMU Agriculture Academy study programmes.

Conference “AgroEco2024”: bringing scientists of the world together to celebrate 100 years of agricultural progress

The 5th international conference “AgroEco 2024“ marks a dual milestone: the 100th anniversary of the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) and a decade-long tradition of fostering international collaboration in sustainable agriculture. The conference embodies a global commitment to innovation in agriculture, addressing pressing issues like climate change and food security while fostering collaboration across nations.

Continuing a decade-long tradition

VMU Agriculture Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė noted that it is the fifth international “AgroEco2024“ conference, continuing a decade’s tradition of bringing together global experts to tackle challenges in sustainable agriculture. “Today is a momentous occasion, as we not only open our fifth international conference ‘AgroEco2024’, but also celebrate the 100th anniversary of Agriculture Academy. It’s our honor to share this milestone. This year’s conference brings over hundreds of participants from all around the world, representing countries such as Lithuania, Germany, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Poland, Belgium, Turkey, Latvia, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Estonia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Azerbaijan – more than 20 oral and over 40 poster presentations”, said scientist.

“These presentations delve into critical topics such as soil health, carbon sequestration and the shift toward pesticides-free agriculture. These discussions are essential as we navigate the challenges of climate change and global food security. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the organizing and scientific committees for their tireless work in making this event a success, and to our partners for their invaluable support“, said scientist.

Forefront of agriculture education and research

Representative of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences and Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Žydrė Kadžiulienė noted that throughout the 100 years the academy community has been at the forefront of agriculture education and research, creating opportunities for innovation and powerful ideas for generations. “You are successfully doing it today and you will do it in the future. Today’s conference, International Scientific Conference “AgroEco2024“, reflects your ability and disposition to be part of international science“, said Dr. Žydrė Kadžiulienė.

She paid attention that sustainability of agroecosystems, soil health, climate change are key questions that concern scientists, farmers and society in Lithuania, in Europe as well as in the world. “Diversification of agricultural systems and the regeneration of soil functions are crucial importance for many farming systems and this is very related to agroecosystems. Agroecosystems involve all the interactions between biotic and antibiotic features in an agriculture area. Understanding how agroecosystems work is very important to better understanding and to better solutions for sustainable agriculture. Moreover, well-managed agroecosystems can help mitigate the challenges of climate change. Therefore, scientific insights, scientific results, and new proposals are very necessary“ said Dr. Žydrė Kadžiulienė.

A great step forward in finding the best methods

Representative from the Ministry of Agriculture Saulius Jasius noted that there could not be recipes or magic formulas on most effective initiatives for development of sustainable agriculture, however, serious discussions during this conference may be a great step forward in finding the best answers on what sustainable production methods should be promoted for farmers. “I believe that the conference will help to open eyes not only for the government, but to all of us, and particularly to farmers, explaining to them what are the benefits of sustainable agribusiness. It is a great pleasure to welcome to this conference, “AgroEco2024“, the scholars and research people from a variety of countries.

Your experience, expertise, and readiness to share your knowledge and ideas are highly valuable and needed“, said Saulius Jasius.

Main focus on sustainability, ecology, soil health, and food safety

Assoc. prof. dr. Rytis Skominas, Director of the Bioeconomy Research Institute at the VMU Agriculture Academy, emphasized the significant transformations in Lithuania and its agricultural sector over the past century. “Over the last 100 years, we have witnessed numerous changes, including major geopolitical developments and, more recently, the challenges posed by global warming. In response, the Agriculture Academy has charted its own path, prioritizing sustainability, ecology, soil health, and food safety. Today, we are proud to celebrate the Academy’s centennial anniversary and inaugurate the 5th International Conference“, said scientist Rytis Skominas. The scientist concluded his speech with gratitude and a wish that the conference would leave everyone with great impressions, new ideas, and valuable connections.

CONFERENCE “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2025”

The 22nd annual conference of young scientists “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2025” organized by the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) will be held on April 10 2025 remotely. The conference is intended for the first, second and third degree students. The purpose of the conference is to involve students in scientific activities, develop the ability to publicize scientific research results, present their scientific research achievements and discuss topical issues of bioeconomy, green course, climate change, ecosystem sustainability, rational use and protection of natural resources.

There is no conference fee for students. Certificates of conference participants will be awarded to the speakers of the conference.

Speakers will be able to publish articles in the collection of articles of the conference “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2025”.

Conference topics	Subtopics
Bioeconomy	Accounting and finance: challenges and opportunities
	Bioeconomy, sustainability of agriculture and food sector
	Innovations and solutions in business logistics
	Management of agri-business and other bioeconomy business organizations
	Sustainable development of rural areas
Biosystems engineering	Energy engineering
	Land management
	Mechanical engineering
	Technology engineering
	Transport engineering
	Water engineering
Sustainability of agricultural, forest, and water ecosystems	Agronomy
	Food quality and safety
	Sustainability of agricultural ecosystems
	Ecosystem services
	Sustainable forestry
	Wildlife population management

Pre-registration for the conference until February 15, 2025.

Articles for the conference “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2025” are accepted until March 14, 2025 (the link to upload the article). The articles must be prepared according to the recommendations for the authors of the articles (Annex 1 – Article template, Annex 2 – Authors guarantee letter).

Erasmus+ BIP “Sustainable Use of Natural Resources: autumn course 2024” implemented at the Faculty of Agronomy

The Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Sustainable use of natural resources: 2024 autumn course” has been implemented at the Faculty of Agronomy of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy. The aim of the programme is to develop students’ competences in solving complex natural resource management problems in order to achieve sustainable development goals.

The programme was attended by 20 international students from the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technology, the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the University of Life Sciences in Lublin (Poland). The programme consisted of 2 parts: a virtual component and a physical mobility part. During the virtual component, the students participated in a virtual meeting, during which the theme of the course were developmed and the following topics were revealed: “Main interactions in agroecosystems”, “Transforming global sustainable development goals into national, regional and local community goals”, “A balance between ecosystems and the societal necessity for clean water sources”, “Water in daily life and as an element of the landscape”, “Surface water resources in your country/region: their state, and solutions to improve the situation”, “The state of biodiversity in your country/region: major threats and mitigation strategies”.

The physical mobility part took place from 21^th to 25^th of October. During the physical mobility week students increased their knowledge on soil-crop-environment interactions and green infrastructure, developed their ability to critically assess the situation of natural resource use, and discussed ways to prevent climate change, diseases of civilisation and public health problems.

During the program students went to a study tour, which tool place at the 700 hectare farm „Farmers Circle“. Students had an opportunity to have a closer look on how the organic farm is operated. Students were presented the sustainable principles of resource use through the production of organic beef from the farm’s Angus cows and organic products made from the farm’s organically grown vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs.

The programme was conducted by 8 lecturers of the VMU Agriculture Academy: prof. dr. Vilma Atkočiūnienė, assoc. prof. dr. Ekaterina Makrickienė, prof. dr. Živilė Tarasevičienė, assoc. prof. dr. Povilas Mulerčikas, assoc. prof. dr. Daiva Šileikienė, assoc. prof. dr. Anželika Dautartė, prof. dr. Elvyra Jarienė, lect. Otilija Miseckaitė and 2 lecturers from partner universities – Assoc. prof. Dr. Raimonds Kasparinksis from the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technology and Prof. dr. Agnieszka Jaszczak from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland). The programme was supervised by Assoc. prof. dr. Aida Adamavičienė and Dr. Monika Medikienė. The coordinator of the programme – VMU AA International Coordinator dr. Monika Medikienė.

Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Visit of VMU AA researcher at the “OpenLivingLab Days” event

Jovita Balandaitė, Junior researcher at the Bioeconomy Research Centre of Excellence (BioTec), participated in the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL) “OpenLivingLab Days” in Timișoara, Romania, on September 24th to 27th.

The event highlighted the benefits of developing living labs, their relevance for addressing pressing societal challenges, the importance of such labs for policy making and the management of innovative ecosystems. It focused on how living labs help business and society to adapt to new technologies, discussing possible business models, operational aspects, etc.

We discussed how living labs and society can work together to achieve meaningful systemic change. During the event, speakers and participants shared best practices, explored opportunities for collaboration, and held interactive and research sessions and workshops.

#100 5th International Scientific Conference AgroEco2024: Agroecosystem Sustainability: Links between Carbon Sequestration in Soils, Food Security and Climate Change

We kindly invite You to participate in the 5th International Scientific Conference AgroEco2024: Agroecosystem Sustainability: Links between Carbon Sequestration in Soils, Food Security and Climate Change which will be held at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, Lithuania, October 16–18th, 2024.

Registration deadline is extended until October 10.

The main scientific themes of AgroEco2024 include:

Soil health and carbon sequestration for sustainability;
Soil and crop management towards a chemical pesticide-free agriculture;
Biodiversity, crop and production diversification;
Precision farming and digital technologies;
Food quality and safety;
Climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The conference is organised to celebrate 100 years of Agriculture Academy in Lithuania (1924–2024).

More information at conference website.

AgroEco2024 PROGRAMME

AgroEco2024 ABSTRACTS

Admission to PhD studies at VMU Agriculture Academy

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	Will be available later
Technological sciences	Environmental Engineering	01 05 2024 – 15 05 2024 (no later than 5 p.m.)* 05 06 2024 – 20 06 2024 (no later than 5 p.m.)
	Mechanical Engineering	01 05 2024 – 15 05 2024 (no later than 5 p.m.)* 05 06 2024 – 20 06 2024 (no later than 5 p.m.)
	Transport Engineering	Will be available later
Agricultural sciences	Agronomy	24 04 2024 – 26 08 2024
Agricultural sciences	Forestry	03 06 2024 – 23 08 2024
Social sciences	Economy	03 06 2024 – 29 08 2024
Social sciences	Management	03 06 2024 – 29 08 2024

*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:

Research and Innovation department Doctoral School
Universiteto str. 8A-202, 53341 Akademija, Kaunas distr.
+ 370 37 752 254, +370 672 63856
monika.brimaite@vdu.lt

+ 370 37 209 815
doktorantura@vdu.lt

Postdoctoral internships at VMU AA. Extended application deadline

The Lithuanian Research Council, 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 Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) 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 Lithuanian. Applications for postdoctoral internships are submitted until June 16, 16.00 p.m. (Lithianian time).

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 5 years have passed from the date of the award of the PhD degree to the date of submission of applications specified in the invitation (this period does not include pregnancy and maternity leave, paternity leave or leave to take care of the child until the child turns 3 years old) 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.

Contact at VMU Agriculture Academy:

Ingrida Ignotaitė
Tel. (8 37) 752 377
E-mail ingrida.ignotaite@vdu.lt
Universiteto str. 8A, Akademija, LT-53341, Kaunas distr.

SEMINAR Innovative research in agriculture and environmental engineering for the bioeconomy development

The Bioeconomy Research Center of Excellence (BioTEC) of the Academy of Agriculture of the Vytautas Magnus University invites teachers, researchers, doctoral students and students to participate in the seminar: Innovative research in agriculture and environmental engineering for the bioeconomy development.

Date: 2024 May 9 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION

THE PROGRAM

Join the pre-seminar remotely HERE

VMU Agriculture Academy 100 years anniversary celebration. You are welcome to one day festival!

This year, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy is celebrating its 100 years anniversary. We kindly invite all members, alumni, and friends on May 18 to participate in the 100th years anniversary celebration. It is a one day festival that will take place in nature, in the VMU Agriculture Academy park in front of the Central building. There will be plenty of dancing, music and laughter!

We aim to create a celebration where every participant will find a place. The guests of the event will be delighted by the performances of children’s, students’ and senior national dance groups, the “Subtilus” group, and the whole day’s festival will be crowned by the festive concert of the famous lithuanian singer Mantas Jankavičiaus! In addition to amazing performances on stage, festival participants will also have other entertainment – the celebration will start with the 100th anniversary run-walk, there will be an area for children’s entertainment, a rest area for students, alumni and graduates of the Academy are invited to register for the Green Dinner. Event participants will also be invited to visit the representative area of VMU Agriculture Academy faculties and the sports /entertainment area, where one can get a prize!

Registration for the festive VMU Agriculture Academy 100th anniversary walk-run

A 1,924-meter-long walking-running track on the academic campus is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the VMU Agriculture Academy. The first 100 registered participants will receive a historic running shirt!

Registration for the Green Dinner

We invite you to meet your group / coursemates and register for the Green Dinner, where participants will have the opportunity to share memories and chat. In the registration form, please indicate your contacts and how many people from your group plan to come, and the event organizers will take care of ordering a table where you will have the opportunity to bring food, communicate and listen to the concert. Registration is open until May 10.

Registration for the excursions

We invite you to visit the premises of VDU ŽŪA and take part in a tour of the most interesting places of VDU ŽŪA! In the registration form, please indicate your contacts and which faculties and auditoriums you would like to visit during the event. The program and time of the VDU ŽŪA excursion will be indicated in the near future. All information will be provided by e-mail to those who have registered. by post Registration is open until May 10.

THE EVENT PROGRAM