Erasmus+ visit of French rural development practitioners

A visit by professional practitioners from France under the Erasmus+ programme, which supported a full week (06 03 2024 to 09 03 2024) of lectures at the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, Department of Business and Rural Development Management, field research and workshops in Valkininkai, Varėna district.

6 of March was dedicated to lectures. Jocya Bade, from the youth and adult vocational training institution MFR Richerenches, and Thierry Leroux, a resident of the village of Saint Marguerit Lafigere and vice-mayor of the local municipality, shared with the large gathering of undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, as well as with the researchers, their practical experience of developing a micro-area by means of experimenting with the participatory learning approach, an innovative way of transferring knowledge and competences. The detailed and visual presentation, open and interactive communication showed the participants the implementation and development side of the three-year rural change management and locality project, the development side, the impact on territorial development, and the possibilities of continuity.

On 7 of March, field research and workshops were held in and around Valkininkai small town.

Three groups of researchers carried out historical, socio-economic and natural heritage exploratory research on the town of Valkininkai and its surroundings, forming a team of creative researchers looking for territorial solutions.

Since early morning, the first group of the project researchers, led by Valdas Kavaliauskas, together with the guests from France Jocya Bade, an expert in environmental protection and biodiversity, and Thierry Leroux, the vice-mayor of the Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère municipality, travelled around collecting data, trying to speak to the people of Valkininkai, to answer the question – “What are the Valkininkai forests, rivers and lakes telling us”.

The second group of researchers, consisting of MSc students in Rural Development Administration and participants of the Horizont program ENABLES project and local community leaders, carried out a field study on social infrastructure facilities and economic actors. The researchers were assisted by Danutė Blažiulionienė, the chairperson of the community organisation, and Jolanta Molienė, the manager of the cultural centre, to get to know Valkininkai. Collecting data, they visited the Valkininkai Cultural Centre, the library, the church, the community centre and the small town square.

During lunch, the two research groups discussed their findings and shared their impressions in the open air, at the White Mountain campsite in Užuperkasy. After lunch, the two research groups joined together for group work. They visited the social infrastructure and economy of Valkininkai, looking for signs of sustainability, social, economic and environmental links, elements of rural development, interacted with business representatives, listened to their experiences and challenges.

In the afternoon, the third research group “History of Valkininkai”, led by historian dr. Žygimantas Buržinskas, started.

In the evening, all three research groups and the local community met at the Valkininkai Cultural Centre for a workshop: to discuss the data collected, and to look for ways and means to strengthen the vitality of the area. Prof. Dr. Vilma Atkočiūnienė shared her experience on how she managed to “speak” Valkininkai, gave her insights on the observed spaces, social infrastructure objects, and offered suggestions on how to solve social, marketing and economic issues, as well as on how to meet the challenges of development of the area.

The historian dr. Žygimantas Buržinskas spoke about the historical significance of the region and looked for possible links with the present.

Jocya Bade, together with the research group “What Valkininkai forests, rivers, lakes are telling us”, presented their insights into the strengths and weaknesses in the fields of environment, biodiversity, and the opportunities and threats of the current situation. Jocya stressed the importance of integrating natural sciences into the education system and shared her experience from France.

During the discussion, dr. Audronė Ispiryan highlighted the common challenges in biodiversity and the ways to address them through ongoing projects. Using the Horizon ENABLES (Education and Nature Based Solutions) project as an example, she discussed with researchers and local community members the current challenges in Europe in these areas. All participants actively participated in the discussions, offered their insights and observations, and consulted foreign practitioners, professionals and scientists on the development of the Valkininkai region, tasting local traditional cuisine.

8 and 9 of March were devoted to the territorial analysis of Norvydiškės village and discussion of the results of the visit.

The steering group of the ” Pameistrių namai” place making project, together with its French partners, discussed the project’s prerequisites and possibilities, as well as the experience of building wood-burning stoves and managing the forest with horses. These experiences are relevant in the forested and mountainous area of Saint Marguerite Lafigere.

Valdas Kavaliauskas, a Master’s student in the Rural Development Administration programme, was one of the most active in initiating and organising the visit of the internship professionals to Lithuania. We would also like to share his reflections. “After our experiential visit to Saint Marguerit in November 2023 and the material presented by Jocy and Thierry during their visit on 6-9 March 2024, the relationship between people (permanent residents, migrants and tourists) and the territory, through a sense of ‘attachment’ and ownership of cultural and natural heritage, seemed to me is of particular importance for micro territorial development. And how does this lead to mobilisation or passivity, or complete indifference to the development of a place?” – Valdas Kavaliauskas said.

V. Kavaliauskas also noted that “there is a deep-seated desire on Thierry’s part to change this relationship and to re-establish (or create) a mutually mobilising relationship. He sees in this the meaningfulness of the participation of the students of the J. Bade School and of us, future professionals of Rural Development in Lithuania, to positively “destabilise” the negative atmosphere from the outside and to find a common point de passage to create a meaningful future. Very similar issues are present in the villages and small towns of our country, and during the workshop in Valkininkai (Varėnos district) this was very evident in the interactions with the local population. J. Bade, as a particularly talented and sensitive educator, shows us the development of the transfer of knowledge, understanding and practical application of competences and the development of personal-value education of young people. She gives meaning to this process”.

Through workshops, discussions with the local community and foreign practitioners, directions for further and more detailed research of the local area were identified. During the discussion of the visit, the following directions for further possible cooperation emerged: to build on the experience of French colleagues to develop the theme of practical transfer of skills and competences; to participate in the Erasmus programme. Erasmus mobility visits are foreseen: a visit of postgraduate students and researchers from the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of the Academy of Agriculture, VMU in Saint Marguerite Lafiger (autumn 2025); a visit of the MFR youth group in Valkininki (2024); a visit of the MFR youth group in Valkininkai (2024). Autumn); cooperation in the study of micro-territorial development experience – Master’s thesis research in the areas of Valkininkai and Saint Marguerit Lafigere (Erasmus learning and postgraduate practice) (2024–2025–2026); development of a technological heritage exchange programme between the two areas (Erasmus internships, mobility projects 2025–2026).

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

Postdoctoral internships at VMU AA: Call for applications for funding

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 May 31.

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.

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

Logistics and Commerce students visited UAB “Tomegris”

The students of the Logistics and Commerce study program of the Bioeconomy Development Faculty of the Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy visited UAB “Tomegris”. The main specialization of the company is the organization and implementation of oversized cargo transportation. Students were introduced to the challenges and opportunities of logistics activities, modern trends and company changes during the company’s lifetime.

Students were also presented with opportunities to apply for internships and work positions.

The meeting and tour of the company was led by Inga Sušinskienė, UAB “Tomegris” personnel manager. It was organized by the lecturers of the Bioeconomy Development Faculty of VMU Agriculture Academy Lect. Dr. Mindaugas Samuolaitis and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milita Vienažindienė.

VMU AA Autumn Intake 2024/2025 is open (extended application deadline). Apply now!

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 VMU Agriculture Academy.

Autumn Intake 2024/2025 study programmes:

Semester starts: September 1, 2024

Application deadlines:

June 1: For applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries (excluding countries listed below)

July 1: For applicants from EU/EFTA countries and citizens of visa-free countries including Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Sakartvelo, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine, Venezuela.

Information about Application and Admission Procedures

Information about Scholarships

APPLY HERE

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

THE 3RD MEETING OF SAFEHABITUS PROJECT PARTNERS AND PARTICIPATION IN THE SAFEHABITUS POLICY SEMINAR – “SEASONAL AND MIGRANT WORKERS IN AGRI-FOOD VALUE CHAINS”

Researchers Dr. Laura Girdžiūtė, Dr. Anastasija Novikova and Dr. Gediminas Vasiliauskas from Vytautas Magnus University’s Agriculture Academy participated in the third SafeHabitus project’s meeting and SafeHabitus Policy Seminar – “Seasonal and migrant workers in agri-food value chains” from April 9 to 11, 2024.

Safehabitus seminar gathered more than 50 representatives from different European Union countries and institutions who shared their experience and knowledge about the relevant questions regarding the work in agriculture.

The aim of this seminar was to develop a strategic approach to address these challenges in a systematic and forward-looking way involving both policymakers and stakeholders at the EU level and to share the outcomes of the seminar with the EU agri-food Strategic Dialogue.

This Policy Workshop also was dedicated to synthesize the latest and most relevant scientific research and practical insights from a wide variety of stakeholders. It facilitated debate and sharing of perspectives among those actors and European policymakers directly involved on issues related to labour standards and living and working conditions of migrant and seasonal workers. By gathering the latest evidence, we seek to provide policymakers with the knowledge and evidence needed to drive positive change.

The policy seminar was part of a series of policy seminars designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among policy makers, stakeholders, practitioners, and researchers. It has been organised by SafeHabitus consortium members IAMZ CIHEAM, TEAGASC, GEOPA, CEJA and AEIDL.

SILVA Network Annual Conference. 16 – 18 April 2024 in Kaunas, Lithuania.

SILVA Network Annual Conference program.

CONFERENCE “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2024”

The 21st annual conference of young scientists “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2024” organized by the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) will be held on April 11 2024 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 2024” or in another scientific publication, for example, in the scientific journal „Agricultural engineering“ or another, after submitting articles that meet the requirements for articles in a scientific publication.

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, 2024.

PROGRAM

Articles for the conference “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2024” are accepted until March 8, 2024. (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).

VMU Staff Teaching week’24

We invite you to attend lectures on April 22nd , 23rd and 25th held by international teachers, coming to the VMU International Teaching week 2024 (International Staff Week 2024 | VDU) from all over the world.