ERASMUS+ teaching visit to University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland

Assoc. prof. dr. Rasa Pranskuniene from Bioeconomy Development Faculty, Department of Business and Rural Development Management has visited University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland during the 24– 26 of May, 2022. Rasa. Pranskuniene was invited by prof. dr. Agnieszka Jaszczak, the Head of the Department of Landscape Architecture. During the visit R. Pranskuniene presented the lectures for the students in the field of Landscape Architecture and discussed together with students the challenging aspects of the interaction of public perceptions on changing landscape. As well, the possibilities for exchange studies at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy have been discussed. During the stay at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn the possible cooperation in research, the inter-university cooperation within the framework of the Erasmus+ program establish and strengthen the scientific cooperation were discussed as well.

ERASMUS+ teaching visit to the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

2022 Birželio 13

ON May 09-13 prof. dr. Algirdas Jasinskas from Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy Faculty of Engineering and prof. dr. Kęstutis Romaneckas from VMU Agriculture Academy Faculty of Agronomyvisited University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland) according to the programme ERASMUS+ Teaching.

The main tasks of this mobility was to increase the professional knowledge of objective skills while oral presentation of new technologies and technique for foreign students; to increase the usage of English language skills into practice; to improve the competencies exchange in the fields of agricultural engineering, agronomy and environment research; to grow up the relations with teachers and students in University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.

During this visit, professors presented lectures on such topics: Sustainable soil tillage and sowing systems; Multi-cropping and inter-cropping systems; Agricultural plant growing, harvesting and preparation for biofuel technological-technical and energy assessment; Energy plant biomass processing and pressed bio-fuel utilization for energy conversion in Lithuania; Complex evaluation of agricultural technologies.

Some time was spent for the meeting with the staff of Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture, and for discussions about the attending in the future scientific and study projects and conferences (Agroeco 2022; Rural Development 2023,), was organized the discussion on an ongoing joint international European project Horizon2020 – BRANCHES, and the discussions about the future ERASMUS+ activities.

The hosts organized a visit to the largest biogas plant in Poland, Biogal, where they got acquainted with the specifics of its work and technological processes, and in free time, professors made sightseeing in wonderful places of Olsztyn and region of Warmia and Mazury in Poland.

Prof. dr. Algirdas Jasinskas and prof. dr. Kęstutis Romaneckas

Assoc. prof. dr. Rasa Pranskuniene from Bioeconomy Development Faculty, Department of Business and Rural Development Management has visited University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland on 24–26 of May. R. Pranskuniene was invited by prof. dr. Agnieszka Jaszczak, the Head of the Department of Landscape Architecture. During the visit R. Pranskuniene presented the lectures for the students in the field of Landscape Architecture and discussed together with students the challenging aspects of the interaction of public perceptions on changing landscape. As well, the possibilities for exchange studies at VMU Agriculture Academy have been discussed. During the stay at University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn the possible cooperation in research, the inter-university cooperation within the framework of the ERASMUS+ programme establish and strengthen the scientific cooperation were discussed as well.

English Course at Executive Training Institute in Malta

On 30 May – 03 June, 2022 assoc. prof. dr. Jurgita Kulaitienė, lecturer dr. Nijolė Vaitkevičienė and lecturer dr. Dovilė Levickienė of the Department of Plant Biology and Food Sciences from Vytautas Magnus University (VDU) Agriculture Academy, Faculty of Agronomy, were participating at the English course “Fluency and Language Development for Education Staff” according to the ERASMUS+ programme. The course was held at the Executive Training Institute in Malta.

In these courses, teaching and administrative staff from different countries (France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Latvia, Poland and Austria) were attended.

With this training visit, teachers had the opportunity to work on language and fluency development. Sessions involved short lectures, specific learning tasks, group work, vocabulary building, grammar review and pronunciation exercises. Were placed with the right class and level to increase competence in the English language. As well as the visit has given an opportunity to get know their history, culture and people.

13th International Scientific Conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2022: Towards Sustainability”

The traditionally conference on accounting and finance is held biennially at the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development under the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA). We welcome you to join the 13th international scientific conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2022: Towards Sustainability” on 10-11 November 2022. The Conference will be held online.

Sustainability in business has been gaining momentum as a result of the increasing awareness about climate change and social inequality. The 13th conference on accounting and finance is dedicated to further exploration of this topic. Sustainability-oriented accounting and finance are the tools of measurement and analysis of the social and environmental effect of business. Researchers at the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development under the VMU AA consider the role of accounting and finance to play a significant role in business sustainability and the potential of these areas.

The main objective of the conference is to present and discuss innovative and sustainability-oriented accounting and finance trends, share new insights that are important for greater competitiveness, business performance, and promotion of partnership between the small and medium-sized business and the public sector. The 13th international scientific conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2022: Towards Sustainability” will bring together the leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars in accounting and finance to exchange and share their experiences and research results relevant to business, and the specialists in accounting and finance at the business and public sector organizations who are not indifferent to the changes aimed at sustainability in business.

The Conference will host panel discussion “What are the risks for a business importing or exporting goods if financial and accounting specialists do not have the necessary customs knowledge?” that will be moderated by the Association of Customs Partitioners, social partner of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development. Special session on the agenda is dedicated to the ongoing project “A Digital Learning Platform for Generation Z: Passport to IFRS” implemented by VMU together with its partners.

The EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION is open until 1 June 2022. Individuals intending to make an oral and/or poster presentation have the chance to pay a reduced participant fee during the early bird registration period. Regular registration of the speakers is open until 7 November 2022. The Conference is free for the audience.

For more information on key dates, fees, and other relevant details about the 13th international scientific conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2022: Towards Sustainability”, please visit the Conference website at https://afk.vdu.lt/en/.

VMU Agriculture Academy Community Gained Knowledge from Foreign Teachers During the International Staff Week of the ERASMUS+ exchange Programme

The International Staff Week under the ERASMUS+ programme took place on May 2-6 at the Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy. 15 scientists from 8 countries got acquainted with the Academy, gave lectures to the community of VMU Agriculture Academy and participated in various activities with the colleagues.

Two foreign lecturers visited the Department of Plant Biology and Food Sciences of the Faculty of Agronomy – assoc. prof. dr. Ajla Ališah from the university of Sarajevo and prof. dr. Ewa Czarniecka-Skubina from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. Visiting lecturers gave lectures and discussed topical issues to 2nd-4th year students of the first cycle study programme Food Quality and Safety. Scientist A. Ališah presented the results of her ongoing research during the presentation “Hygienic, health-technological and economic aspects for the quality prevention of broiler chicken”, and scientist E. Czarniecka-Skubina presented a lecture on the topic: “Development of new food packaging”.

“The researchers answered the questions of students and invited them to take the opportunity to come to the universities of life sciences in Sarajevo and Warsaw for study and practice under the ERASMUS+ programme. The guests were happy to communicate and share their scientific experience with the Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy, the staff of the Department and doctoral students. During the visit the possibilities of cooperation in scientific and project activities were discussed”, – prof. dr. Elvyra Jarienė and assoc. prof. dr. Judita Černiauskienė summed up the visit of foreign lecturers.

During The International Staff Week of the ERASMUS+ programme two foreign lecturers – prof. Romeo A. Gomez and assoc. dr. Olesea Cojocaru – visited the Department of Agroecosystems and Soil Sciences. Visiting scientists gave lectures to 2nd year students of the Agronomy programme and to the 1st year students of the Food Quality and Safety programme. The lecture on the topic “Biologically active soil health – the basis of organic farming” was given to the community of VMU Agriculture Academy by dr. O. Cojocaru Prof. dr. R. Gomez shared his knowledge on the topic “Traditional rice-based ecosystems (TRBEs) in Ifugao and Benguet, Philippines”. The lecturer from the State Agrarian University of Moldova dr. Mr Cojocaru gave a presentation on “Soil resources in the Republic of Moldova”, and prof. dr. R. A. Gomez from the Benguet State University in Philippines introduced the report on topic “Environmental and Sustainability Issues in Traditional Rice-Based Ecosystems (TRBEs)”.

“I am glad that in addition to lectures and other centrally organized activities of the university, the invited lecturers had the opportunity to have a warm and businesslike conversation with the Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy assoc. prof. dr. Aida Adamavičienė, as well as to discuss with many lecturers and researchers of the Department of Agroecosystems and Soil Sciences during the breaks between lectures. During these conversations, discussing the possibilities of future scientific cooperation, the idea to acquaint the guests with the possibilities of the VMU Agriculture Academy Test Station, with the research carried out here and the available equipment has arisen. This visit to VMU Agriculture Academy Test Station was organized and the guests were kindly supervised by assoc. prof. dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė”, – said assoc. dr. Rimantas Vaisvalavičius.

Two scientists from Egypt – Mansoura University dr. Mohamed M. Awad and Cairo University dr. Sheriff Mehanny – visited the Department of Mechanical Energy and Biotechnology of the Faculty of Engineering. Dr. M. M. Awad gave the lecture to the community of VMU Agriculture Academy on the topic “Modeling of Two-Phase Frictional Presure Gradient in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems”, and dr. Sh. Mehany introduced the lecture on topic “Biocomposites & Nanocellulose”.

The Faculty of Engineering, Department of Water Engineering was visited by two foreign lecturers – Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Director of the Water Center doc. dr. hab. Wojciech Sas and doctoral student Justyna Dzięcioł.

The invited teachers had the opportunity to participate in the opening event of ERASMUS+ International Staff Week and listened to the traditional national songs of all Lithuanian regions, learned the peculiarities of Lithuanian folk dances “Oira oira…”, tasted Lithuanian food and drinks.

Invited scientists gave lectures on “Problems of anthropogenic materials – soils in geoenvironmental engineering”, “Problems of waste management used in civil engineering in the aspect of product Life Cycle Monitoring”. W. Sas presented the scientific activities of SGGW Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Center to the staff of the Department of Water Engineering, and discussed the possibilities of cooperation. Doctoral student Justyna Dzięcioł went on a trip to Vilnius organized by VMU, both invited lecturers also visited cognitive objects in Kaunas.

Besnik Krasniqi, the researcher from the University of Pristina, visited the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development. The scientist gave the lecture on topic “Research Methodology” to the students of the Business Logistics programme. After the lecture, the members of the scientific community together with the Dean of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development doc. dr. Bernardas Vaznonis discussed general possibilities of cooperation in science and studies. The lecturer from the Palze Birzeit University in Mohabad Abu Rjailah also visited the Faculty of Bioeconomical Development.

Three researchers from Portugal visited the Faculty of Forests and Ecology during The International Staff Week of the ERASMUS+ programme. Jorge Manuel Rodrigues Tavares, the researcher from the Beja Polytechnic School of Agriculture, presented the report on topic “Sustainable animal production.” Scientist Flávia Matias Oliveira da Silva gave the lecture on topic “Use of phytoremediation to remove pharmaceutical compounds in constructed wetlands”. Researcher Maria Teresa Borralho Marques dos Carvalhos shared knowledge with the VMU Agriculture Academy community on the topic “Emergent organic contaminants in water: advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) treatments for recalcitrant compounds”.

VMU Agriculture Academy Community Gained Knowledge from Foreign Teachers During the International Staff Week of the ERASMUS+ exchange Programme

For students – an idea competition and a summer camp in Italy!

We invite students to take the opportunity to take part in a competition of ideas and, if successful, to take part in a summer camp in Italy with colleagues from all over Europe. More information.

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

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

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

The GreenCool project Kick-off meeting

Erasmus+ Strategic partnerships project “The GreenCool – ‘Let me influence your green self! – Skill development in the encouragement of mindset towards environmental awareness and sustainable development in the alliance of ECoC” funded by the European Union has been launched from 28^th of February 2022 will take place till 31^st October 2024.

The Partnership consisting of the University of Pannonia (coordinator), Hungary, Militos Consulting S.A., Greece, Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania, West University of Timisoara, Romania, University of Tartu, Estonia successfully started the project work in the Kick-off meeting.

As a first step to achieve the defined goals and harmonize the partnership, we held the first transnational project meeting on 3-4^th March 2022. The Kick-off meeting was organised in Veszprém by the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Pannonia with 5 Partners from 5 different countries who discussed besides financial, dissemination, QA and management issues the overall process and the main milestones of the project. Assoc. prof. dr. Rasa Pranskūnienė from Bioeconomy Development (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) has attended the face to face meeting. Prof. dr. Vilma Atkočiūnienė from Bioeconomy Development Faculty (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) has attended the meeting virtually.

The general goal of the project is to develop environmental awareness among university students and to spread the thought of sustainable development among the widest possible age groups at events that attract large audience. We committed to develop an innovative online course material and to mainstream sustainable development in all curricula for higher education students. Recognizing the convincing power of young influencers, the project aims to reach out to all age groups of audience at cultural events and festivals in the various European Capitals of Culture to encourage environmentally conscious activity and to be active members and beneficiaries of sustainable development. Furthermore, our goal is to equip students with communication tools and sustainable attitude to become effective advocates for advancing EU green economy and culture.

Lectures by Visiting Professor Ewa Czarniecka-Skubina

Ewa Czarniecka-Skubina is a scientific researcher at the Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW). She holds academic degrees and the title of professor of agricultural sciences in the discipline of food technology and nutrition. Her research area focuses on food production, new technologies, catering technology, food quality, food safety, human nutrition, food product development, as well as consumer behavior, especially in foodservice. She is the author of numerous articles in scientific journals and books.

At the Faculty of Agronomy in Vytautas Magnus University lectures will be held online, using “MS Teams” platform. Those who are intending to participate, with pleasure are inviting to joint here.

Course’s themes: “Novel plant food” and “Chemical safety of plant raw materials”

Date	Topics	Time
March 21 (Monday)	Trends in the development of new products on the food market (type of new products, innovative food products, pro-healthy and functional products)	11.55-13.25
March 22 (Tuesday)	Trends in the development of new products in foodservice (molecular cuisine, Note by Note). ”	11.55-13.25
March 24 (Thursday)	Plant substitute in food products (steviol glycosides, xylitol, amaranthus, ß-glucans, bioactive components, superfoods etc.) part 1.	8.45-10.20
April 04 (Monday)	Plant substitute in food products (steviol glycosides, xylitol, amaranthus, ß-glucans, bioactive components, superfoods etc. and vegan products) part 2.	11.55-13.25
April 05 (Tuesday)	The process of designing and implementing new food products	10.20-11.55
April 08 (Friday)	Development of new food packaging	13.10-14.40

For more information, please contact prof. dr. Elvyra Jariene e-mail: elvyra.jariene@vdu.lt