Natural Meadow Restoration Initiative at the Arboretum of VMU Agriculture Academy: Living Lab Contribution to Nature-Based Solutions

On June 27, 2025, a natural meadow restoration initiative was implemented at the Arboretum of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy. The aim of this initiative was to promote biodiversity and integrate nature-based solutions (NBS) into education and environmental practice.

As part of the activity, Arboretum staff prepared an experimental plot for natural meadow establishment: the existing vegetation was mowed, biomass removed, and soil scarification carried out to create suitable conditions for new plant establishment. A meadow restoration expert developed a native seed mix tailored to local conditions, distinguished by high species diversity and ecological value. The seeds were sown in designated plots within the Arboretum territory.

The activity involved the VMU Agriculture Academy Living Lab team and students from the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology. It provided a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in natural meadow restoration, learn about the role of native plant species in ecosystem stability, and explore the application of nature-based solutions in modern agriculture.

The restored meadows will serve as a demonstration site for the Living Lab, used in study programs, educational activities, community cooperation, and international exchanges. These natural spaces will contribute to the development of environmental competences and the integration of NBS principles into higher education.

This initiative was implemented within the framework of the international project “Education and Nature-Based Solutions: enable society to bend the curve for biodiversity” (ENABLS). The project aims to strengthen the role of education in biodiversity conservation through local initiatives, experiential learning, and collaboration between science and society.

Moments from the VMU Agriculture Academy Graduation Ceremony (photo gallery)

On June 19, a special chapter was written in the life book of graduates from Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy – on this day, diplomas were awarded to the young creators of a sustainable future, conferring Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Access to the photo galleries is granted only to users with a VMU email address.

The Second Erasmus+ “Bumble-NAP” Project Meeting in Italy

On June 26–27, 2025, the second international meeting of the Erasmus+ project “Bumblebees for Natural Pollination” (BUMBLE-NAP, No. 2024-1-TR01-KA220-VET-000254015) was held in Perugia, Italy. The meeting brought together representatives from Turkey, Italy, Bulgaria, and Lithuania. Vytautas Magnus University was represented by the team from the Department of Environmental Sciences and Ecology at the Agriculture Academy.

As part of the project’s activities, the aim is to promote the use of bumblebees in greenhouse farming as a natural alternative for pollination, reducing the use of chemical substances and hormones in agriculture. The project is coordinated by the Municipality of Serik in Antalya (Turkey), with partners including Aydin Adnan Menderes University (Turkey), the Farmers’ Confederation of the Umbria Region (Italy), the Institute of Agriculture of Stara Zagora (Bulgaria), and Vytautas Magnus University (Department of Environmental Sciences and Ecology, Agriculture Academy, Lithuania). The project runs for two years, with completion scheduled for November 30, 2026.

The main objective of the project is not only to support environmentally friendly pollinators like bumblebees in greenhouse agriculture but also to strengthen the vocational education and training (VET) system in the agricultural sector by developing practical learning tools and methodological materials.

On the first day of the meeting, held at the CIA Umbria office in Perugia, partners presented project coordination and management progress and discussed national research results from Turkey, Bulgaria, Italy, and Lithuania. The VMU Agriculture Academy team shared the outcomes of the Lithuanian study, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement in the practical use of bumblebees in agriculture.

Additionally, the development of an e-learning platform and the structure of upcoming interactive training modules were presented. Partners discussed future dissemination tools, including educational videos, a methodological handbook, and a practical training course aimed at greenhouse workers and VET institutions. The meeting concluded with a discussion on financial and management issues, as well as planning for the third partner meeting.

The second day was dedicated to an educational visit to the Augusto Ciuffelli Agricultural College – the oldest agricultural education institution in Italy, operating since 1864. The college is located in Todi, within the historic 12th-century Montecristo Monastery complex, and is recognized for its strong infrastructure for practical training.

Partners visited modern hydroponic cultivation systems – highly relevant to the topic of greenhouse pollination – and explored the college’s educational farm, which includes olive groves, vineyards, and precision agriculture experiments.

A highlight of the visit was the ceroplastic collection of wax fruit models, reflecting ancient fruit varieties. These meticulously crafted models are used for educational purposes and help foster understanding of regional plant diversity and its conservation.

Participation in this meeting strengthened international collaboration, encouraged the exchange of knowledge on bumblebees as a sustainable pollination method, and supported further development of the project’s educational tools. The contribution of the VMU Agriculture Academy team to research analysis and learning content development is a vital part of the project’s overall progress.

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.

ENABLS project partners gathered in Wageningen university to advance sustainable change through co-creation and living labs

On 7–8 May 2025, the third plenary meeting of the ENABLS project (Education and Nature-Based Solutions: enable society to bend the curve for biodiversity) took place at one of Europe’s greenest and most forward-thinking universities – Wageningen University & Research (WUR, the Netherlands). The event brought together project partners from all eleven participating countries, including representatives from universities, research institutes, consultancy organisations, and professional networks.

Wageningen University is globally recognised for its leadership in environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, food systems, and climate change research. It is also a pioneer in the practical implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS) and the living lab methodology, which fosters dialogue between science, policy, and society to co-create meaningful, real-world solutions. From urban gardens to experimental food forests, WUR offers outstanding examples of how sustainability can be implemented in practice.

We are pleased to share that Vytautas Magnus University was represented by experts from the Faculty of Forestry and Ecology, who are actively engaged in integrating nature-based solutions into both education systems and community-driven initiatives.

The two-day meeting featured a dynamic format, combining in-depth discussions with outdoor activities. The first day focused on the development of vocational education (TVET) modules, the integration of NBS into higher education curricula, and methods for assessing the project’s impact. Participants also exchanged experiences related to communication strategies, dissemination of results, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of project outcomes.

The second day was dedicated to hands-on sessions exploring the application of living labs in different contexts. Project partners and coaches shared their approaches to strengthening community involvement, fostering a culture of reflection, and tracking progress. A variety of practical tools were presented, including participant reflection journals, observation templates, and co-creation session records. The day concluded with an inspiring visit to the Wageningen Food Forest, where participants engaged in field-based learning and reflective dialogue.

The plenary meeting reaffirmed the importance of the ENABLS project not only as a platform for sharing theoretical knowledge but as a driver of real, tangible change. Through partnerships between academic institutions and communities, and through collaborative learning in real-life environments, the living lab methodology is helping to develop the skills and mindsets needed to address complex environmental challenges.

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.

VMU Agriculture Academy Career Day 2025 “A Career That Changes the World is in Your Hands”

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy invites students, high school seniors, graduates, and other interested parties to participate in the VMU Agriculture Academy Career Day 2025 “A Career That Changes the World is in Your Hands” on February 26, from 13:00 to 15:00.

Event participants will be invited to a fair/live meetings and discussions with leaders in the agro-sector about progress and innovation, challenges and opportunities, the competencies needed by professionals, and future perspectives.

Innovations drive progress and inspire the creation of an ecological, green, and sustainable future for our children. Smart technologies, innovations, robotics, artificial intelligence, and intelligent solutions in the agro-sector are no longer the future, but the present. The creation of advanced solutions and process management requires highly skilled professionals who are experts in their field. Leaders in the agricultural sector will share their experiences at the fair, discussing progress, innovation, challenges, opportunities, competencies for professionals, and future perspectives. Representatives from companies will attend the event in person to meet with VMU Agriculture Academy students.

During VDU ŽŪA Career Day’25, there will be a game called “Meetings That Pay Off,” where participants will have the opportunity to win exciting prizes.

Professionals from fields such as agribusiness, engineering, agronomy, forestry, food industry, finance, and smart technologies, who need representatives from various VMU Agriculture Academy study programs, will provide valuable advice and insights to students aiming to realize themselves professionally, high school students making decisions about their career paths, and other interested parties who wish to learn about the progress in the agro-sector and the unlimited opportunities it offers.

The event will be beneficial for students looking to understand which competencies are most important in today’s and the future job market, seeking internships or job offers, looking for new ideas for their final thesis topics, familiarizing themselves with the progress, innovations, and work culture of agro-sector companies and institutions, as well as high school students interested in future job market trends, the demand for specialists, promising VDU Agricultural Academy study programs and specialties, and career opportunities in the modern agro-sector, as well as other interested parties wanting to learn about the agro-sector’s progress, job market trends, and limitless career opportunities.

The event will take place at VMU Agriculture Academy Central Building, 5th floor (Studentų St. 11, Akademija, Kaunas District).

Please be informed that the event may be filmed and/or photographed, and you may be visible 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.