Visit of teachers of VMU Agriculture Academy to Chulalongkorn University (Thailand)

The teachers of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy assoc. prof. dr. Midona Dapkienė (Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Engineering) and prof. dr. Laima Česonienė (Department of Environment and Ecology, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology) visited Chulalongkorn University (Bangkok, Thailand) according to Erasmus+ Mobility agreement on June 10th to 14th 2024.

Founded in 1917, Chulalongkorn University (Chula) is Thailand’s first institution of higher education. For the 14th consecutive year Chulalongkorn University is ranked the first in Thailand according to the QS World University Rankings and is placed 224th in the world. The University consists of 26 faculties, schools, colleges and institutes, with a range of 447 degree programmes on offer. More than 37 thousand students study in this institution and about 8 thousand teachers and other staff work in it.

The representatives of VMU Agriculture Academy presented their University, shared knowledge in the field of their research and teaching, and got acquainted with the study process and research carried out in the Department of Environmental Engineering of Faculty of Engineering of Chula. They discussed the possibilities of the joint projects and cooperation in teacher’s and student’s exchange under Erasmus+ programme.

The teachers of Agriculture Academy had an opportunity to participate in the Cula International Staff Exchange Week ,,Connecting Through Differences“. Representatives from universities in China, Indonesia, Germany and other countries took part in this event. The participants of the International Week were introduced to the University’s international aspirations, innovations, student activities, as well as the Thai language and traditions. Excursions to famous historical and cultural objects were organized during this event.

Second Transnational Partners Meeting of the Erasmus+ project “The digital Blue Career to overcome the Carbon Crisis – Innovations in Aquaculture Curriculum” [DiBluCa] at the University of Thessaly

The second partners’ meeting of the Erasmus+ international project “The Digital Blue Career to overcome the Carbon Crisis – Innovations in Aquaculture Curriculum” [DiBluCa] (No. 2023-1-LT01-KA220-HED-000154247) took place at the University of Thessaly in Volos, Greece, from 11 to 12 June.

The meeting provided an overview of the first results of the project – an analysis of the current situation of aquaculture education in the project partner countries. Questionnaires developed by researchers from Balikesir University were distributed to students and teachers in the project partner countries as well as to representatives of the target groups. The survey was completed by 261 participants, a total of 110 academics/teachers and 151 students.

There was unanimous agreement among the survey participants on the need to increase knowledge and skills related to climate change, the implications of the future post-carbon crisis and new topics in aquaculture education to mitigate the effects of climate change. The environmental impact of aquaculture, particularly in relation to global warming, emerged as the most pressing issue, alongside issues such as fish farming, biotechnology and disease management.

Surveys have shown the need for a forward-looking approach to aquaculture education. Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of climate change is critical to the long-term sustainability of the aquaculture industry.

It is notable that most participants were not familiar with the term ‘blue career’, although many were aware of concepts such as global warming and a post-carbon future.

The results of the surveys show that students are open to innovative ways of learning and see the potential for this knowledge to benefit their careers. In terms of preferred learning environments, students prefer blended learning, which combines face-to-face interaction with online or flexible learning methods.

During the meeting the working document of the second project outcome – pedagogical methodology – prepared by the researchers of the National Technical University of Odessa was presented. This result is of particular importance as it will help the project participants in the preparation of the e-learning platform, e-book, lecture slides and lecture notes. After consolidation of the partners’ suggestions and comments, this document will be finalised at the end of July.

The second day of the meeting was dedicated to a technical visit to BioMar, one of the world’s largest producers of high-quality sustainable feeds for the global aquaculture industry. The company operates a total of 17 feed production sites in Norway, Chile, Denmark, Scotland, Spain, France, Vietnam, Greece, Turkey, China, Ecuador, Australia and Costa Rica, serving more than 90 countries worldwide. The company is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and GLOBALG.A.P. standards.

The participants discussed the dissemination of information, the preparation of the interim project report and other organisational and operational issues.

The project partners are Balikesir University (Turkey), University of Dubrovnik (Croatia), Odesa National University of Technology (Ukraine), University of Thessaly (Greece), coordinator Vytautas Magnus University (VMU).

The next meeting will be held at the University of Dubrovnik (Croatia) in January 2025.

The project will run from 01.11.2023 to 31.10.2025.

#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

VMU AA Autumn Intake 2024/2025 (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 deadline July 1, 2024: 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

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.

We invite YOU to online webinar. Future of Customs: Reform and Efficient Duties Administration

Join us for a webinar that explores the future of customs reform and efficient customs administration. We’ll explore the regulatory changes, technological advances and best practices that are shaping customs processes.

This webinar will provide an exclusive insight into the benefits of an MBA in Customs Process Management. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how advanced study can enhance their career prospects and prepare them for the challenges of navigating international trade regulations.

Applications for foreign students to study the MBA Customs Process are open by 1 July 2024 via vytautasmagnus.dreamapply.com

Applications for Lithuanian students to study the MBA Customs Process for main competition are open until 26 June 2024 via https://epasirasymas.vdu.lt/

Webinar Topics:

Customs Reform 2040: Shaping the Future of Cross-Border Trade

Dr. Ilona Mishchenko, Member of programme committee and lecturer of MBA study programme

The Vital Role of Customs Duties and its Efficient Administration

Dr. Karlis Ketners, Lecturer of MBA study programme and Director of Budget Policy Development Department at Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Latvia

MBA Studies: Innovating Customs Process Management for Future Trade

Dr. Erika Besusparienė, Head of programme commitee and lecturer of programme

Time:

12 June 2024 3 p.m. (EEST)

The planned duration of the webinar will be approximately one hour.

Registration:

https://forms.office.com/e/X6cQ37MVE9?origin=lprLink

The link to join the TEAMS platform before the webinar will be sent to the email address provided during registration.

Towards a circular economy society

Professor dr. Vilma Atkočiūnienė and dr. Ingrida Kazlauskienė, junior researcher and lecturer at the Department of Business and Rural Development Management, Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, Vytautas Magnus University, took part in the international meeting of the partners of the project “SKILLS – Strengthening Key Competencies in Agriculture for Value Chain Knowledge”. The aim of the final phase of the project is to develop teaching materials to complement various study programmes on the theoretical and practical aspects of the circular economy and circular agriculture, enabling students to acquire the green skills needed to implement circular economy principles.

The April meeting of the project partners took place in the mountain town of Miercurea Ciuc, Romania. At the meeting, the project partners discussed the phases of the project that have already been implemented and the results achieved, and set out the roadmap for the implementation of the activities and objectives of the fifth and final phase. The project partners exchanged views and experiences, discussed ways to involve students in circular economy and agriculture lectures, and innovative methods to impart the most important knowledge and skills. Two days of intensive work, sharing good practices, smiles and emotions passed quickly and fruitfully.

The project partners also had the opportunity to get acquainted with the activities of the HARGITA Hargita Közösségi Fejlesztési Társulás, http://www.visitharghita.comTourism Association, the research activities of the SAPIENTIA University, the activities of the laboratory for the fermentation of plant products, the activities of the specialists of the Rural Development Engineering in the protected areas of the Lake Saint-Anne and the Mohos Peat Bog, and the vegetation and fauna of the MOHA Peat Bog. The exposure to the activities of these organisations has broadened the researchers’ horizons and the circle of known good examples of circular economy, which will provide inspiration for new ideas and the development of educational material.

A visit to a family-run, high quality chocolate manufactory in a remote mountain village in Romania, which is becoming increasingly popular in the countryside, provided a particularly rich source of ideas on how to promote entrepreneurship in rural Lithuania. The growing network of rural gastronomic hotspots, thanks to Romania’s rural development strategy, provided opportunities not only to taste local products, but also to get to know the concept: a farmer cooks on his homestead, provides catering services, organises and runs educational programmes, under simplified tax and documentation conditions. In this way, he has the opportunity to process his crops, generate income, and introduce local and foreign tourists to Romania’s culinary heritage. This could be a new idea for the integration of agriculture and tourism in rural areas of Lithuania and their active inhabitants.

There was also a try at making a “Chimney Cake”, Hungarian and Romanian dishes, testing spring water… The knowledge and energy to continue the work were gained. The experience gained will not only be used for the implementation of the project, but also for the improvement of the Master’s degree programme in Rural Development Administration.

More information about the project can be found at: https://www.euskills.info/

You are also welcome to follow: https://www.facebook.com/people/Skills-Erasmus/100094589176839

Exploring the Bioeconomy Landscape: Insights from the Conference “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2024: Theory and Practice”

On May 8, the fourth online conference “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2024: Theory and Practice” took place at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU). It was the 4th conference, held biannually by the VMU Faculty of Bioeconomy Development. This time, it was organized in cooperation with the Bioeconomy Research Institute of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy. This year’s conference brought together experts in social sciences from a number of different countries: Lithuania, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Norway, India, Greece, Israel, Finland, Estonia, and Belgium. In their welcome address to the participants of the conference, Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikienė, Chancellor of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, and Prof. Dr. Bernardas Vaznonis, Dean of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, highlighted the importance of research for Sustainable Bioeconomy Development.

Prof. Dr. Lene Lange from the LL-BioEconomy in Denmark, who is the expert in Bioeconomy, underscored the importance of knowledge and skill sharing to preserve recourses and boost transition to a circular economy. ” By conducting research in the field of bioeconomy, researchers can accelerate the transition from the linear to circular bioeconomy. So far, these processes are niche processes, with many experiments being conducted in practice, but they are rarely described and analyzed”. Prof. Dr. Lene Lange called for a more rapid implementation of alternative supply chains, forms of farming, and management systems, greater attention to social innovations, integration and amendment of political documents for them to turn into decisions at the regional, local, and organizational levels.

Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Jaszczak, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland), who also holds a position at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, spoke about the R(evolution) of Sustainable Design and highlighted that today’s education is the key vector guiding us towards greening the economy.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sandija Zeverte-Rivza from Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies presented the results of research on transformative digitalisation in the bioeconomy: Unleashing Innovation and Sustainability. She focused on the integration of digital technologies in production, new business models, education, etc. She explained the risk related to energy demand, use and recycling of resources, and security aspects for sustainability.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patrik Rovný, a researcher from Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (Slovakia) delivered the plenary presentation on the Alternative Agricultural Systems and Their Impact on Consumers. The researcher shared insights into today’s issue of fruit, vegetables, and other foods having lower content of protein, minerals, and vitamins. He presented the research results on sustainable agriculture and customer opinions on alternative farming systems. Regrettably, the results show that only 33% of respondents disagree with the idea that the benefits of pesticide use in the EU outweigh its risks.

Wim Haentjens, representative of the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation – ‘Bioeconomy & Food Systems’ Unit, European Commission (Belgium), discussed the EU bioeconomy strategy as a key policy. He presented the timeline of the bioeconomy strategy in the EU and the support to change markers.

Plenary Session

Keynote Speaker Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Jaszczak

Keynote Speaker Prof. Dr. Lene Lange

Keynote Speaker Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patrik Rovný

Keynote Speaker Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sandija Zeverte-Rivza

Keynote Speaker Wim Haentjens

The Theory and Practice Synergy Session on “Territorial Circular Systemic Solutions for Sustainable Bioeconomy Development”, hosted by the Agro2Circular and funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme, brought together experts to discuss innovative approaches to residue upcycling into high-value products. This special session was organised by the VMU Agriculture Academy Bioeconomy Research Institute and moderated by Virginija Kargytė. Presentations from Spain, Italy, Finland and Lithuania explored the implementation and replication of solutions, alongside the discussions on circularity impact assessment and business model development. Led by organisations such as CETEC Research Centre, Tecnoalimenti, Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and GREEN – Bocconi University, the session aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange to advance sustainable bioeconomy initiatives in Europe.

Discussions on the Theory and Practice Synergy Session

The conference featured around 30 oral presentations and 35 poster presentations by researchers from countries including Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Norway, Kazakhstan, Romania, Latvia, Poland, and Lithuania.

The first session of the most recent conference on “Bioeconomy Contribution to the European Green Deal” offered a rich tapestry of insights and discussions, shedding light on various facets of this critical issue. Led by moderators Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jurgita Baranauskienė and PhD student Kristina Gesevičienė, the session brought together experts and researchers to explore the challenges and opportunities in the field of bioeconomy. The first session drew attention to society’s growing concern for environmental safety and sustainability, highlighted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Novikova from Lithuania. The need for increased awareness of environmental threats and ways to achieve a greener future was eloquently articulated by researcher Steliana Rodino from Romania. While showing promising progress in its bio-economy efforts, Romania still lags behind the EU’s average and has been encountering significant hurdles along the way. A key point underlined by Lect. Dr Joanna Storie from Estonia was the need to promote bioeconomy products without compromising biodiversity, emphasising principles such as avoidance, minimisation, restoration, and compensation.

Moments of the first session

Moving to the second session “Role of Innovative, Sustainable and Inclusive Bioeconomy in Development of Rural Areas”, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anne Poder and lect. Dr. Algirdas Justinas Staugaitis, the focus shifted to the key role of an innovative, sustainable, and inclusive bioeconomy in rural development. Presentations revolved around the promotion of bioeconomy-centred entrepreneurship, strategic planning, and the infusion of innovation for circular transitions. Notable discussions included the integration of culinary tourism in rural landscapes and the facilitation of bioeconomy entrepreneurship through collaborative models such as hackathons involving industry stakeholders. The interactive nature of the session allowed presenters to explain their ideas, synthesise observations, and engage in robust discussions with participants.

After a break, the second session continued with contributions by moderators Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gintarė Vaznonienė and lect. Dr. Ingrida Kazlauskienė, which were characterised by a scientific perspective, focusing on empirical research results rather than theoretical reflections. This session provided a platform for the speakers to share their findings and raise scientific and practical questions. Moreover, the session served as a fertile ground for fostering international collaborations, as researchers found resonance with peers from different backgrounds, paving the way for potential joint ventures and collaborations in the future.

Moments of the second session

The third session, “Logistics and Marketing of Biological Resources and Bioproducts”, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milita Vienažindienė and Dr. Elena Plotnikova, focused on the logistics and marketing intricacies surrounding biological resources and bioproducts. Drawing on the global pool of expertise, presentations by researchers from Romania, Lithuania, Slovakia and beyond addressed pertinent issues such as green marketing, sustainable logistics, and the need to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application. The discussion on sustainable consumption patterns and the imperative of aligning academic knowledge with tangible market needs was particularly important.

Moments of the third session

The fourth session was dedicated to research on “Innovative Business Solutions in the Bioeconomy”. It was moderated by Dr. Lina Lauraitienė and PhD student Silva Katutytė. Researchers from five countries (Greece, India, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania) shared their insights, focusing on innovations in the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly products. The session also covered the topic of the assessment of the challenges faced by companies and governments in implementing policies that lead to sustainable business and economy. Finally, the possibilities of using artificial intelligence and taxation methods to promote green innovation were discussed.

Moments of the fourth session

The conference essentially served as a platform for the exchange of ideas, fostering interdisciplinary dialogues, and exploring pathways towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and robust bioeconomy—a testament to the collective commitment towards realizing the goals outlined in the European Green Deal.

Teachers from the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development visited the University of Warmia and Mazury in Poland.

In May 2024, from the 13th to the 18th, Associate Professors Dr. Anastasija Novikova and Dr. Erika Besusparienė had a unique opportunity to visit the University of Warmia and Mazury, carrying out an Erasmus+ teaching visit. During this visit, the teachers had the chance to share their knowledge and experience with the university students and academic staff.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anastasija Novikova delivered lectures on the fundamentals and benefits of bioeconomy for society, focusing on environmental issues. She first overviewed the history of environmental action programs from their inception to the implementation of the European Green Deal, discussing the main objectives. She also explained the Bioeconomy Strategy to the students, revealing the importance of bioeconomy development, key concepts from different perspectives, and discussed the main principles of bioeconomy. Finally, students actively participated in an interactive knowledge assessment game about bioeconomy and environmental issues, which they successfully completed.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erika Besusparienė delivered lectures on Green Accounting. She emphasized the concept of Green Accounting and its integration into traditional financial and management accounting systems. Dr. E. Besusparienė highlighted the problem of environmental costs and investments often being hidden within general costs, stressing the need for companies to separate these environmental costs for more accurate reporting to stakeholders. During the lectures, Dr. E. Besusparienė engaged students in a discussion about internal and external environmental costs, using practical examples. Students, utilizing interactive tools, shared various examples of environmental costs and provided observations.

The lecturers also had an excellent opportunity to familiarize themselves with the university campus and visit a business exhibition organized for students to engage with businesses.

Furthermore, the teachers had discussions with the head of Department of Economic Policy and dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences. The possibilities for collaboration in preparations of common proposals and publications between Lithuanian and Polish scientists were discussed. This visit provided an opportunity not only to share knowledge with the university community but also to promote international cooperation and partnership in this important field.