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

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, VMU AA central building room 237.

RESEARCH PAPER COMPETITION REGULATIONS

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, to contribute to the 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 (it is recommended that the number of authors of a submitted research paper should not exceed 4 and that each publication should 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, doctoral student, or their team (applicants must be aged 35 or younger, hold a PhD granted no earlier than 5 years ago, not including parental leave).

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 output, registered plant and animal varieties;
scientific publications;
oral presentations at plenary sessions of scientific international conferences.

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 authorized 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 output, indicating the title of the RP, the components of the submitted research paper or collection of the output, 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, date of birth, position, scientific title and degree, scientific achievements, list of major scientific outputs signed by a library staff member, contribution index, telephone number, email address).

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 VMU AA central building room 227.

THE SUBMISSION OF NOMINATIONS

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 Achievement 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 active project activities, the impact of the winning project on the region, country, and society at national and/or international level. One candidate is submitted by each academic and non-academic division.
Nomination “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 “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 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. 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.
Nomination “Researcher’s International Mobility of the Year” is awarded to researchers at the VMU Agriculture Academy with and without a doctoral degree, to teachers, scientific workers, and doctoral students for their activity within the framework of international visits. The Nomination may be awarded to the same researcher once every three calendar years. One candidate is submitted by each academic and non-academic division.
Nomination “Student’s International Mobility of the Year” is awarded to a first- or second-cycle student at the VMU Agriculture Academy for active participation in international exchange (internships, short-term courses, studies). The same student may be awarded the Nomination once during the entire study period. One candidate is submitted by each Faculty.
Nomination “Ambassador of the Year” is awarded to a member or group of members of the community of the VMU Agriculture Academy for active promotion of study and research activities, events at national and/or international level. One candidate is submitted by each academic and non-academic division

ADMISSION TO MASTER STUDIES IN AGRONOMY

Application opens on January 24, 2024.
You can apply on-line: DreamApply

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

May 1, 2024

For applicants from non EU/EFTA countries, except the countries listed below

July 1, 2024

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

More information about here.

All information about Master Studies in Agronomy here.

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.

Articles for the conference “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2024” are accepted until March 8, 2024. The articles must be prepared according to the recommendations for the authors of the articles (Annex 1_Article template, Annex 2_Authors guarantee letter).

First international partners’ meeting of the Erasmus+ project “The digital Blue Career to overcome the Carbon Crisis – Innovations in Aquaculture Curriculum” [DiBluCa] in Kaunas

The first partner meeting of the international Erasmus+ project “The digital Blue Career to overcome the Carbon Crisis – Innovations in Aquaculture Curriculum” [DiBluCa] (No. 2023-1-LT01-KA220-HED-000154247) took place on 23-24 January at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA). The project partners are Balikesir University (Turkey), University of Dubrovnik (Croatia), Odesa National University of Technology (Ukraine), University of Thessaly (Greece), coordinator – VMU AA.

COVID-19 and the crisis of the war in Ukraine have highlighted the value of digital education in Europe; the DiBluCa project will develop an innovative higher education curriculum on water sustainability, fisheries now and in the future, which will contribute to ensuring sustainable industry and long-term employment.

The project will be implemented in phases: identification of sector needs, development and/or updating of the curriculum and development of learning materials. The project includes international partner meetings, a digital portal with user-friendly e-learning and best practice modules. An innovative Aquaculture Higher Education Handbook on Tackling Global Warming will be published in English; the e-book will be available in all languages of the project partners.

Project outcomes: adapted higher education and training curricula for future aquaculture needs, long-term employment of aquaculture professionals, increased number of university students, changing attitudes and trends, improvement of the aquaculture sector, aquaculture training knowledge and skills, development of integrated training materials, interactive e-book, international conference and project dissemination events.

During the meeting the main guidelines for the implementation of the project activities were discussed. The timetable for the activities and the responsibilities of the partners were also discussed. The first result of the project was presented – experts from Balikesir University prepared questionnaires for students, teachers, and members of the target groups. These questionnaires will help to find out what the sector needs. On the second day of the meeting, cooperation opportunities were discussed with the specialists of the Lithuanian Zoo – Science Curator Kriste Stravinskaite, Head of Marketing and Education Department Aida Grockiene and Coordinator of Educational Programmes Rasa Kirkaite. Many points of contact were found, prospects for possible cooperation and plans future were discussed. The next meeting of foreign partners will take place in Volos, Greece, at the beginning of June.

The project will run from 01.11.2023 to 31.10.2025.

CONFERENCE “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2024”

There is no conference fee for students. Certificates of conference participants will be awarded to the speakers of the conference.

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.

Blended Intensive Programe for bachelor and master students „Sustainable agriculture for rural development“

Blended Intensive Programe (BIP) course for students „Sustainable agriculture for rural development“ organised by the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development on 20-24^th of November, 2023. The program aims to provide an immersive learning experience that combines face-to-face interaction with researchers and professionals with virtual learning activities.

26 students participated in this programme, including the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Estonian University of Life Sciences, the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, and the University of Palermo (Italy).

Students were introduced to the agricultural situation in the context of regional development, green accounting, potential business models for innovative ventures in the food sector, international marketing methods for agricultural food products, logistics, and supply chains during this BIP program. These and other topics were taken during the program’s discussions, and at the end of the intensive week, participants presented their ideas and projects for sustainable rural development in various thematic areas proposed by the program’s teachers.

The program was taught by 4 teachers from the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of VMU Agricultural Academy – Prof. Dr. Vilma Atkočiūnienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erika Besusparienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rasa Pranskūnienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anastasija Novikova, as well as 3 teachers from Erasmus+ partner universities – Prof. Dr. Andra Zvirbule and Prof. Dr. Gunta Grīnberga Zālīte (Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies), and Dr. Anne Poder (Estonian University of Life Sciences).

An important part of the BIP program was acquainting participants with examples of the best practices. An organized visit to the Training farm of VMU Agriculture Academy allowed BIP participants to become familiar with innovative dairy cow care methods used on the farm (such as the use of sprouted grains for feeding, the application of innovative pasture grass technology, and more), which enable achieving exceptional productivity and outstanding milk quality indicators (such as low-fat content, especially low somatic cell and bacterial counts, indicating excellent cow health).

During the BIP, participants also went on an educational excursion to a 700-hectare “Farmers Circle” farm. Here, BIP participants were introduced to the principles of circular economy practiced on the farm: the production grown at “Farmers Circle” is sold at local farmers’ markets, and the farm also operates a restaurant that serves seasonal dishes made from local products. During the farm tour and local tastings of the local products, students had the opportunity to get a closer look at examples of sustainable use of resources and the practical application of sustainability ideas.

This Erasmus+ BIP program was coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anastasija Novikova and the international coordinator of the VMU Agricultural Academy, Dr. Monika Medikienė.

Christmas Greetings

Holiday wishes

Invitation to participate in the 30th International Scientific-Practice Conference “HUMAN AND NATURE SAFETY 2024″

We are delighted to invite You to participate in the 30th International Scientific-Practice Conference “HUMAN AND NATURE SAFETY 2024″ organized by Vytautas Magnus University which will be held on 8–10 May, 2024. Conference “HUMAN AND NATURE SAFETY” is organized annually on occasion of the International Days of Health, Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety & Health and on the 100th Anniversary of Agriculture Academy in Lithuania and the Department of Medicinal Plants of the First Lithuanian University Botanical Garden (1924–2024)

The aim of the Conference is to discuss interrelated problems of human health & safety, the development of various technological innovations, environmental issues, to disseminate state-of-the-art research knowledge and to create opportunities for scientists and young researchers to share the research results not only among researchers and students, but also for professionals in agriculture and forestry, environmental and health sciences and other fields emphasizing the importance of human safety and environmental protection.

CONFERENCE SECTIONS:

Biosystem Engineering (9^th May, 2024):
– Technical and technological innovation for sustainable production;
– Precision engineering technologies and environmental protection;
– Technology safety, occupational risk, ergonomics;
– Water engineering.
Environment and Health (8^th May, 2024):
Dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Department of Medicinal Plants of the First Lithuanian University Botanical Garden (1924–2024)

– Research of risk factors in living environment and their effects on human health;
– Conservation, research, rational and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Ecology, Sustainable Forestry (9^th May, 2024):
– Environmental research of agro, hydro and forestry ecosystems;
– Sustainable development, protected areas, environmental impact of human activities;
– Silviculture, forest protection and multi-purpose use, recreational forestry;
– Hunting research, management of wild animal populations.

Conference seminars:

Medicinal, spice (aromatic) plants: current trends and future perspectives (8^th May, 2024);
The relationship between human and nature (10^th May, 2024).

Registration to the conference is active till 9^th, February, 2024.

The submission deadline for scientific articles is 4^th, March, 2024. Scientific articles will be published in the selected papers of the International Scientific-Practice Conference “HUMAN AND NATURE SAFETY”, indexed in the Central & Eastern European Academic Source (EBSCO) database.

CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT (*.pdf)

Contacts:

Vytautas Magnus University
Studentų g. 15a-204, LT-53362, Akademija, Kauno r.

Chairperson of the organizing committee – dr. Gediminas VASILIAUSKAS

Tel. +370 689 77015

Conference administrator – Nijolė POŠKIENĖ

Tel. +370 37 752357

Conference e-mail: zmogaus.sauga@vdu.lt

More information available on the conference website https://zgs.vdu.lt/

Conference events might be filmed and / or photographed and you can be seen in the photos or videos of the event, which can be posted on various media.