The second meeting of the Erasmus+ project MEDIBEEB in Perugia

Honey, propolis, pollen, royal jelly, beeswax, venom, and other bee products are extremely beneficial to human health. These products, however, must be produced in a safe and proper manner. The Erasmus+ project “Medical beekeeping – for beekeepers” (MEDI-BEEB) addresses these issues. Adnan Menderes University (Turkey) is the project coordinator; project partners include the Confederation of Italian Farmers of Umbria, Onsekiz Mart University of Cenakale, Wroclaw University of Environment and Life Sciences, Aydin Province Beekeepers’ Association, and Vytautas Magnus University. On December 5-6, the project “Medical beekeeping – for beekeepers” held its second meeting in Perugia, Italy. Prof. dr. Virginija Dulskienė and assoc. dr. Anželika Dautartė of the Department of Environment and Ecology participated in the meeting, discussed the importance of training activities that help beekeepers diversify their operations, improve their techniques, and increase the market value of their products to meet growing apitherapy demands. Within the framework of the project, it is planned to create virtual training materials, a video of best practise examples, meetings with the target group in each country to present the project’s results, and other relevant activities. The next project meeting will take place in Wroclaw in May.

More information about the project can be found at https://www.medibeeb.eu/

Conference “Young scientist 2023”

The 20th annual conference of young scientists “Young scientist 2023” organized by the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) will be held on March 29 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 2023” or in another scientific publication, for example, in the scientific journals “Agricultural Sciences”, “Agricultural Engineering” or another, after submitting articles that meet the requirements for articles in a scientific publication.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

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
	Power 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 January 31, 2023.

Articles for the conference “Young scientist 2023” are accepted until March 1, 2023. The articles must be prepared according to the recommendations for the authors of the articles.

Scientific papers online submission: Conference Proceedings YOUNG SCIENTIST 2023

Dissemination event of project FARM

Researchers from the Department of Business and Rural Development Management of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of the of the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) together with other partner universities are implementing the international ERASMUS+ project “Fostering Agriculture Rural Development and Land Management” (FARM) coordinated by the Harz University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

Project researchers would like to invite you to the dissemination event of the project. Together with four European partners from Northern Macedonia, Spain, Lithuania and Cyprus, a holistic approach to promote knowledge and technology transfer in the agricultural sector was developed over the last two years. The project focused on innovative technologies, especially decision support systems (DSS) and their usage in agriculture. The event will showcase all project outputs, which include an interactive map and dashboard, an online catalogue, two DSS prototypes, and learning materials. There will also be an opportunity for networking and exchange.

REGISTRATION:

Laura Gorzitze

lgorzitze@hs-harz.de

+49 3943 659 828

More information about the project

The event will be photographed and/or filmed; therefore, please note that you might be featured in photos or videos which can be published in various media.

“ERASMUS+” training visit to Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar

On November 7–11 Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) representatives – dean of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development assoc. prof. dr. Bernardas Vaznonis and director of Bioeconomy Research Institute, assoc.prof. at the Faculty of Engineering dr. Rytis Skominas visited Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar under the “ERASMUS+” programme.

Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar is an integrated,
accredited higher education institution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, consisting of the eight faculties: Agromediterranean Faculty, Faculty of Economy, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Information Technologies, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Education and Faculty of Law. Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar is aiming to be a flexible, functional and socially responsible higher education institution, recognized in the region for its modern study programmes of all cycles, and oriented towards cooperation, internationalization and high quality.

During the visit VMU AA representatives had meetings with Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar International relation office and academic staff. There were discussed possibilities to collaborate in study and research fields. A visit was complemented by the tour at the Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar with the aim to get acquainted with the scientific infrastructure.

“ERASMUS+” training visit to Dzemal Bijedic University of Mostar

Innovative ideas and solutions at the conference “AgroEco2022: Agroecosystem Sustainability: Links between Carbon Sequestration in Soils, Food Security and Climate Change”

On October 26-27, the 4th international scientific conference “AgroEco2022: Agroecosystem Sustainability: Links between Carbon Sequestration in Soils, Food Security and Climate Change” was held at the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA). The participants of the conference shared knowledge on topics relevant to the agro-sector – the focus was on the 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 mitigation.

Seeks to focus efforts on finding ways to reduce pesticide use

Welcoming the participants, the chairman of the conference organizing committee, researcher of the Faculty of Agronomy of VMU Agriculture Academy, assoc. prof. dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė was happy that this time the conference was held not online, but in a regular format. “This year, about a hundred participants from different countries: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Poland, Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, Turkey, Moldova, Brazil and others can meet and communicate in person. For researchers, this is a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, make connections, and for our students – to learn from the leaders in the field”, – said dr. Z. Kriaučiūnienė.

Head of the Department of Agroecosystems and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy at VMU Agriculture Academy, prof. dr. Vaclovas Bogužas noticed that the conference, which is being organized for the fourth time, is characterized by an abundance of exceptional presentations and a great interest of scientists and students. “Sustainability of agroecosystems is a very relevant topic in today’s context, because, taking into account the Green Deal of the European Union (EU) and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, agriculture aims to reduce the use of pesticides and mineral fertilizers and maintain healthy soil. Many challenges arise in the implementation of these goals, scientists conduct research and look for the new solutions. This conference is a great opportunity to share research results and insights, to spread innovative ideas and to find solutions by pooling our strengths”, – dr. V. Bogužas emphasized the importance of the international conference.

The importance of research in finding relevant solutions

Emphasizing the relevance of the conference topics in the context of the EU Green Deal, chancellor of VMU Agriculture Academy prof. dr. Astrida Miceikienė pointed out that the topics are important for all states. “I am glad that scientists from different countries, institutions and different fields, who want to share knowledge, experience and cooperate in finding new solutions to global challenges, are participating in the conference. It is important to find the ways to achieve your goals with as little negative impact on the environment as possible. To illustrate this aspiration, it is worth sharing the idea of John Stalk, who states that if insects disappeared from the earth, the life of all the planet would disappear after the five decades, while if people disappeared, living nature would flourish just after the fifty years”, – said prof. dr. A. Miceikienė.

Kristina Simonaitytė, advisor to the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, speaking on behalf of the minister, drew attention to the issue of ensuring food supply, which has gained special importance on the political agenda due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and its impact on agricultural supply chains. According to the representative of the ministry, it is very important not to forget the continuing trends of climate change and biodiversity loss, which pose an increasing threat to the security of global food supply chains.

According to the vice-president of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences academician prof. habil. dr. Zenonas Dabkevičius, although much attention is now being paid to the issue of climate change, the agricultural sector faces not only the problem of climate change, but also the equally challenging rise in the prices of all resources. “We can abandon some elements of agrotechnology, but we need to know to what and how to replace them. Modern agriculture requires modern knowledge and abilities, and for this it is necessary to have recommendations and solutions based on scientific research”, – said prof. habil. dr. Z. Dabkevičius, pointing to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and the expected recommendations of the scientists.

A unique opportunity to get acquainted with innovative scientific research

Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy at VMU Agriculture Academy, assoc. prof. dr. Aida Adamavičienė emphasized that this international conference is an exceptional opportunity for the academic community to get acquainted with the innovative research and results of the scientists looking for solutions to the challenges of the agro-ecosector.

“We are the ones who have to take care that the soil be healthy, and that people eat healthy food, that there is no hunger, that we ensure the smooth functioning of important areas, that is why this conference is especially important. We are glad that many high-level scientists, who are conducting research related to the globally relevant topics of the organic agro-sector, have arrived from various countries. Scientists, presenting reports and participating in discussions, openly shared their experience and research. They are the leaders, who can contribute to the initiation of the adoption of laws that are extremely important for agriculture and to the attraction and retention of the young generation of scientists in the field of scientific research”, – assoc. prof. dr. A. Adamavičienė summed up.

VMU AA scientist visited the Polytechnic Institute of Beja

On November 8-11 Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) assoc. prof. dr. Anželika Dautartė from department of Environment and Ecology at Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology, visited the Polytechnic Institute of Beja (Portugal), as part of the “Erasmus+” teaching programme. The impact of agricultural activity on the environment, eutrophication of water bodies, changes in biodiversity, and prospects were discussed with students and faculty representatives. The possibilities for exchanges, studies, double diploma degrees, and internships at VMU AA were discussed with interested students and professors. Prospective research collaborations and ways to improve scientific collaborations with staff members of the Department of Technologies and Applied Sciences at the Polytechnic Institute of Beja were explored on behalf of the International Responsible for Bachelor and Master of Environment Engineering, dr Jorge M. R. Tavares.

“Erasmus+” teaching mobility visit in the University of Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat

Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) professor dr. Eglė Jotautienė and assoc. professor dr. Antanas Juostas from Department of Agricultural Engineering and Safety at the Faculty of Engineering visited the University of Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat (ALKU).

ALKU aims to provide qualified higher education in an international learning environment. ALKU has eight faculties (Business, Engineering, Medicine, Education, Tourism, Sport Sciences, Health Sciences, Dentistry), three graduate schools (Sciences, Social Sciences, Health Sciences) and five vocational schools. The University offers variety of associate degree, undergraduate and graduate programs. With approximately 8000 students, the University has been growing rapidly since its establishment.

Professor dr. E. Jotautienė and assoc. professor dr. A. Juostas presented study programs and possibilities of “Erasmus+” mobility in VMU, and lectures on topic “Innovative technologies in agrimachinery”. During visiting ALKU time were taken to participate in International Congress on Sustainable Devopment in the Human Enviroment-Current and Future Challenges, where two presentations were presented: “Innovative technologies for safe food production and costs saving” in the plenery section and “Data Analysis of the Grain Harvester Remote Monitoring System Towards the Sustainable Development of Agriculture”. Professor Eglė Jotautienė was chairmen of the section in the Congress.

Prof. dr. Eglė Jotautienė

Invitation to participate in online lectures of Visiting Professor Irina Pilvere

We kindly invite you to participate in the lectures of the visiting lecturer prof. dr. habil. Irina Pilvere. The topic is “Bioeconomy Development: Challenges and Possibilities”. The lectures will be held online on November 21 – December 2, 2022.

Registration and detailed lecture schedule here.

We sincerely invite you to participate in the lectures to expand your field of knowledge!

Mienat project: Short-term joint staff training events

Assoc. prof. dr. Rasa Pranskūnienė from the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) has attended short-term joint staff training events for the Erasmus + KA203 project – Erasmus+ MIENAT Strategic Partnership in Higher Education project “Methodology of Interpretation of European Nature Heritage in Tourism”.

In 2022 two joint staff training events were held at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands, Germany and at the Munster Technological University, Ireland. Short-term joint staff training event 2 was held during 28th June – 1st July at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands, Rostock, Germany. Short-term joint staff training event 3 was held during 5th – 9 September 2022 at the Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland. During short-term joint staff trainings project partners had possibility not only to discuss natural heritage and methodology of its interpretation and to make the evaluation of text of the e-book, case studies, but as well to have training for didactical production of audio-video digital materials (podcasts, presentations, videos). During the learning workshops there were held presentations, piloting, evaluation of prepared didactic materials. Each partner presented the draft of his input of the e-book chapters, as well as shared the idea development of chosen case studies, discussed the didactical concepts.

Mienat project has a 36-month implementation period. The main objectives of the project are to prepare materials for innovations in the field of education on the topic of “Experiencing Nature Tourism” and to create new, modern, didactic materials.

Mienat project coordinator: Prague University of Economics and Business (Czech Republic), project partners: Porto University (Portugal), Universidad Europea, Madrid (Spain), Munster Technological University (Ireland), Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (Romania), Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (Germany) and FH Burgenland (Austria).