Announcement of the VMU Agriculture Academy Employees’ Teaching and Learning Materials and Research Works Competitions, and the Initiative for Submitting and Granting Nominations

We invite employees of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) to participate in the Teaching and Learning Materials and Research Works competitions, share their significant achievements with the community, and celebrate their accomplishments.

Awards for the competition winners will be presented during the ceremonial commemoration of the Day of the Restoration of the Independence of Lithuania, which will take place in the VMU AA Ceremonial Hall on March 10 at 13:00.

TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS COMPETITION

The Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) competition is organized to encourage VMU AA lecturers to share their experience in advanced teaching methods and the preparation and use of TLM, to accelerate the development and application of TLM and innovative teaching methodologies, and to motivate lecturers to create and improve TLM and apply them effectively in their pedagogical activities. VMU AA employees (authors) and their teams who have prepared new TLM and applied them in teaching VMU AA students are invited to participate.

The following may be submitted to the competition:

Methodological publications (textbooks, study books, lecture notes, laboratory and practical work descriptions, and other methodological publications exceeding 50 pages, published in print or electronic form);
Visual teaching aids (devices, tools, laboratory and demonstration stands, mock-ups, models, collections of studied objects, video recordings, poster sets, and other materials);
Study organization methods and other TLM (comprehensive methodological support for a course, implementation of distance learning, introduction of other innovative study methods, etc.).

Applications for the TLM competition may be submitted by VMU AA academic units or by the authors. Each application must include a recommendation from the academic unit, a copy of the TLM (or indication of its location), and a description including:

Title of the TLM;
Author information (name, faculty, institute, department, position, academic title and degree, phone number, email);
Purpose of the TLM (study programme, subject, subject topics);
Relevance (need, previous similar materials, etc.);
Methodological compatibility with independent studies (possibilities for active learning and innovative study methods using the TLM);
Innovation (novel ways of presenting study material) and scientific quality (use of the latest scientific information and tools, opportunities for student involvement in research);
Visual clarity of the knowledge presented and quality of the publication design;
Other advantages.

Documents for the competition must be submitted to the VMU AA Study Administration Coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rasa Čingienė (rasa.cingiene@vdu.lt or room 229, central building), by February 25.

No more than three prizes will be awarded in each group. First-place winners will receive monetary awards, while second- and third-place winners will receive letters of appreciation.

For more information, contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rasa Čingienė: rasa.cingiene@vdu.lt, +370 682 22874.

RESEARCH WORKS COMPETITION

The Research Works (RW) competition is organized to encourage VMU AA lecturers, researchers, and doctoral students to conduct research and disseminate results in high-level international scientific journals or other publications, increase international competitiveness, and contribute to improving the scientific, social, and economic environment of VMU and the country. VMU AA lecturers, researchers, and doctoral students are invited to participate.

Submissions are accepted in the following categories:

Research groups category (2–4 authors; each publication must include at least two authors from the participating research group);
International researcher category (researcher collaborating with foreign researchers);
Young researcher, doctoral student, or their team category (researchers with a doctoral degree aged up to 40 by the application deadline).

Research output from the last two calendar years may be submitted, including:

Scientific monographs, monograph chapters, or research studies;
Patented scientific output; registered plant or animal varieties;
Scientific articles;
Oral presentations in plenary sessions of international scientific conferences (with the conference programme attached).

The following must be submitted:

A short description (up to one page) of the research work or collection, indicating the title, components, and key aspects meeting the competition criteria;
Information about the author(s) (name, position, academic degree, scientific achievements) and their contribution, assessed proportionally to the number of authors or according to a joint signed declaration.

Winners of last year’s RW competition are not eligible to participate.

Submissions are evaluated according to:

Originality, novelty, significance for further research development, international scope, and leadership in international research teams;
Practical value (with preference given if accompanied by an evaluation or reference from a business or public-sector organization);
Scope of scientific output (calculated according to type and author contribution; if no declaration is provided, contributions are considered equal);
Dissemination of research results in the media.

Documents must be submitted to the VMU AA Research Activity Coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Algis Kvaraciejus (algis.kvaraciejus@vdu.lt or room 226, central building) by February 25.

Up to five prizes will be awarded: up to three in the research groups category, and one each in the international researcher and young researcher/doctoral student categories.

For more information, contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Algis Kvaraciejus: algis.kvaraciejus@vdu.lt, +370 37 752350.

NOMINATION PROCEDURE

To involve VMU AA employees (or groups), lecturers, scientists, researchers, doctoral students, and students in improving the quality of studies, research, and scientific services, creating a motivating work environment, and fostering culture and values, the following nominations will be awarded during the Independence Day commemoration:

Project of the Year – for a community member or team for a study, research, or science-communication project successfully implemented in the previous calendar year with significant regional, national, or international impact.
Ambitious Start of a Research Career – for students or academic community members without a doctoral degree for active research and achievements. May be awarded once every three years.
Employee of the Year – for a staff member not directly involved in studies or research, for significant initiatives, diligence, and loyalty. May be awarded once every three years.
Ambassador of the Year – National Partnership – for establishing and developing significant national cooperation with social or business partners. May be awarded once every three years.
Ambassador of the Year – International Partnership – for establishing and developing significant international cooperation. May be awarded once every three years.
Lecturer of the Year – for outstanding teaching results, including student satisfaction, innovative pedagogy, work with Erasmus+ students, development of teaching materials, partnerships, promotion of study programmes, and supervision of student research. May be awarded once every three years.
Student of the Year – for outstanding achievements in studies, research, organizational, or social activities. May be awarded once per study cycle.

Nominations must be submitted to the Deputy Chancellor of VMU AA, Dr. Laima Skauronė (laima.skaurone@vdu.lt or room 228, central building) by February 20.

Number of awards:

Project of the Year, Ambitious Career Start, Employee of the Year – one each;
Ambassador of the Year – two awards;
Lecturer of the Year, Student of the Year – four awards each.

For more information, contact Dr. Laima Skauronė: laima.skaurone@vdu.lt, +370 615 21559.

The Teaching and Learning Materials and Research Works competitions, as well as the nominations, are organized and awarded according to regulations approved by the VMU AA Chancellor’s orders of February 3, 2026 (No. ŽŪA-2026-8 and ŽŪA-2026-9) and February 5, 2026 (No. ŽŪA-2026-12).

“GreenEURproject” – A Targeted Step Toward More Sustainable European Projects

The objectives of the European Union’s Green Deal are shaping not only environmental or industrial policy, but also the implementation of international education, research, and cooperation projects. Increasingly, questions are being raised about how to realistically assess the environmental impact of projects and how to ensure that sustainability principles are not merely declarative. In response to these challenges, the Erasmus+ project “Assess and label the green sustainability of European projects” (GreenEURproject) is being implemented in 2024–2026. Its main objective is to develop a reliable and practically applicable system for assessing the environmental sustainability of European projects.

The project addresses a pressing issue: until now, there has been no unified and clearly structured tool at the European level that would allow for an objective assessment of the environmental impact of different projects. GreenEURproject aims to enable project developers and implementers to plan activities more consciously, apply solutions with lower environmental impact, use resources more efficiently, and contribute to long-term sustainability goals. The project is coordinated by the Université de Lorraine (France), and the partner consortium includes Vytautas Magnus University, Eskişehir Technical University (Turkey), the University of Vigo (Spain), and the European University Foundation.

A key project outcome is the Environmental Impact Calculator. This digital tool enables a structured and systematic assessment of projects’ environmental impact. The partners have agreed on the calculator’s architecture, which includes a general project description, qualitative and quantitative assessment components, and a final evaluation. Based on this evaluation, a project sustainability certificate is automatically generated. During the project’s implementation, solutions were aligned to ensure that the calculator is not only scientifically sound, but also user-friendly and adaptable to different types of projects.

The objectives of GreenEURproject go beyond the development of a technical tool alone. The project seeks to promote a broader change — fostering a culture of sustainability in project planning and implementation processes. By the end of the project, a publicly accessible Environmental Impact Calculator platform will be available, the GreenEUR Label — an environmental sustainability label — will be introduced, and methodological guidelines and recommendations will be prepared for project implementers and institutions. These outputs are expected to provide practical support to organizations striving not only to meet formal requirements, but also to make a genuine contribution to environmental objectives.

An important role in the project is played by the Agriculture Academy of Vytautas Magnus University, where the implementation of GreenEURproject activities is coordinated by the head of the VMU project component, Dr. Dainius Savickas. The team under his leadership actively contributes to the development and refinement of the environmental sustainability assessment methodology, ensuring that the proposed solutions are scientifically grounded and applicable to different types of European projects. The contribution of VMU Agriculture Academy is based on its long-standing scientific and applied experience in sustainable development, environmental protection, and natural resource management. Active participation in the development and testing of environmental sustainability assessment solutions ensures that GreenEURproject results are consistent, comparable, and applicable across diverse project contexts. These activities contribute to overall project quality assurance and strengthen the role of Lithuanian higher education institutions in shaping more sustainable European project implementation practices.

Diplomas Awarded to Graduates of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development at VMU Agriculture Academy: Entering a New Stage with Determination, Confidence, and Courage to Create Change

On January 30, the inspiring, growth-oriented, and effort-filled academic journey of graduates of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) was crowned with a diploma award ceremony. During the celebration, professionals in their respective fields were sent off into a new stage of life – mature, responsible, and full of opportunities. Graduates received uplifting congratulatory messages, encouragement to pursue their goals, to adopt and initiate sustainable solutions, and to become creators of change not only in Lithuania but also around the world. The festive atmosphere was filled with smiles, tears of emotion, and sincere moments of pride that testified to the path already traveled and the new perspectives opening ahead.

Human Connection, Respect and Trust – the Foundation of Meaningful Action

VMU Rector Prof. Dr. Ineta Dabašinskienė, who addressed the graduates of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, emphasized that the university experience helps develop the ability to live and act amid uncertainty, make decisions without having all the answers, remain open to differing opinions, and at the same time take responsibility for one’s choices.

“Today, when the world is marked by tension, uncertainty, and the temptation of quick answers, it is especially important to preserve the ability to think slowly, act responsibly, and remember that human connection, respect, and trust remain the foundation of any meaningful action. Therefore, this day invites us not to rush forward, but to pause for a moment, to celebrate the path already taken, to thank those who were by our side, and to allow ourselves to feel the weight of this moment, which often becomes clear only later. Vytautas Magnus University remains your community, with which your connection will continue through people, ideas, and, we hope, joint initiatives. The university doors will always be open to you, because academic community does not end with a diploma,” said the Rector, wishing the graduates fair winds on their journey, reliable companions, and a bright horizon.

VMU Agriculture Academy Vice-Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rytis Skominas congratulated the graduates, stating that they have proven that belief in oneself, consistent work, and collaboration lead to meaningful achievements.

“This special day marks a new beginning full of opportunities, choices, and lessons that foster growth. Dear graduates, walk through life guided by a compass of values. Respect for people, responsibility for the environment around us, honesty—let these become a strong and unshakable foundation in your personal and professional journey. Move forward with determination, confidence, and courage to create change! Lithuania and the world are waiting for creators of a sustainable future – share your knowledge and innovative ideas!” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. R. Skominas.

True Success is Accompanied by Effort

Celebrating this special day together with the graduates, VDU Agriculture Academy alumnus and Marketing Manager at “Scandagra,” Skomantas Rukuiža, encouraged them to take a breath and be proud of themselves.

“On my arm, I have a tattoo that says ‘This will not last forever.’ This phrase has two meanings. Joyful moments – like today– remind us that they will not last forever, so we must celebrate and appreciate what we have. On the other hand, when things do not go according to plan and difficulties arise – this will not last forever either,” said S. Rukuiža.

Addressing the graduates during the ceremony, Dean of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development Prof. Dr. Bernardas Vaznonis encouraged the younger generation to never stop learning and improving.

“Your diplomas confirm that from today you are professionals in your chosen fields. I hope that the diploma you have earned will open doors to careers and to better and more interesting lives, and that your education will become a key to success. On the other hand, this diploma is only one successfully completed stage of life. For many bachelor’s students, it will open pathways to further master’s studies. You do not need to be perfect to begin master’s or doctoral studies, but you must begin in order to become better. In closing, I would like to wish you success. True success comes only when you do what you love and put in a great deal of effort. Do not limit your dreams and be brave in striving for new heights. And never stop learning—because life never stops teaching,” said the Dean.

Acquired Knowledge – a Source of Inspiration

VMU Student Union Academic Affairs Coordinator Solvita Ausiukaitytė noted that this special day symbolizes the boundary between a long, sometimes challenging academic journey and new, yet undiscovered opportunities.

“You have proven that you can do more than you sometimes believed yourselves capable of. Do not forget to return to your Alma Mater. Let your knowledge become not only a tool for personal success, but also a source of inspiration for others,” said S. Ausiukaitytė.

On behalf of the graduates, Logistics and Trade study program graduates Raminta Eklerytė and Luka Beraia expressed gratitude to lecturers and the entire faculty community for the knowledge, experiences, friendships, and constant support gained during their studies. Words of thanks were also extended to graduates’ families and friends – their support and motivation throughout the academic journey were an invaluable source of strength and inspiration, helping to overcome challenges and confidently step into a new stage of life.

PHOTO GALLERY

Student Registration into Study Subjects for Spring Semester

The first stage of the spring semester 2025/2026 registration for lectures, seminars and laboratory works is on 26-30 January. At this stage, the registration is open:

For full-time and part-time students of bachelor and integrated studies
For full-time and part-time students of master studies
For full-time students of professional studies
For part-time free-movers
For part-time exchange students

Enrolment will be performed online only, having connected to VMU Students’ Portal.

A username is: name.surname (lowercase, Latin alphabet letters only) and a password.

If a student has forgotten the password, they can set up a new one here. Instructions are available here.

Enrolment into study subjects

Study schedules

The International Organisation Forest Stewardship Council Opens New Opportunities for Students of the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology at VMU Agriculture Academy – a Scholarship Initiative is Launched

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is launching an important initiative to support the development of future leaders in forestry and sustainability. On 20 January 2026, a meeting with FSC representatives took place at the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA), where a new scholarship initiative for students was introduced.

The meeting was attended by Aidas Pivoriūnas, FSC Project Manager for Lithuania and Latvia, and Agnese Pidrika, FSC representative in Latvia. During the discussion, the planned FSC scholarships, their objectives, and the opportunities they offer to students interested in sustainable forest management, sustainability innovation, and the development of the forestry sector were presented.

This initiative aims to promote students’ academic development, encourage interest in sustainable forestry practices, and strengthen cooperation between academic institutions and international organisations operating in the fields of forest protection and responsible forest management.

The Forest Stewardship Council is a globally recognised, independent, non-profit organisation that brings together environmental, social, and economic interests. The FSC is an international non-profit organisation that develops and implements standards for the management of forests and the certification of the chain of custody of timber. These standards aim to protect forests, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and ensure the responsible sourcing of raw materials.

The FSC label is one of the most widely recognised symbols of sustainability worldwide, with millions of products bearing this mark, thereby attesting to a responsible approach to nature. The FSC scholarship initiative constitutes an invitation to students to participate in this global mission and collaborate to create a sustainable future for forests.

The Kick-off meeting of BeeBridge project partners in Wrocław

On 16 January 2026, the Kick-Off Transnational Partner Meeting of the Erasmus+ KA220-VET project, entitled “Strengthening Beekeepers’ Intergenerational Connections” (BeeBridge), Grant Agreement No. 2025-1-PL01-KA220-VET-000350136, was convened in Wrocław, Poland.

The meeting was hosted by the project coordinator, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences.

The BeeBridge project is scheduled to be implemented from 1 December 2025 to 30 November 2028, spanning a duration of 36 months. The primary objective of the programme is to enhance intergenerational collaboration within the beekeeping sector. This is to be achieved by the development of innovative vocational education and training solutions, as well as the promotion of the transfer of contemporary technologies and specialist knowledge to the younger generation of beekeepers.

The project is being implemented by an international consortium of partners, which consists of the following entities:

The project is implemented by an international consortium of partners consisting of: ARID Association (Poland), Growth Coop Cooperative (Spain), Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (Czech Republic), Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Eesti EduHub Ltd. (Estonia), Akdeniz Naturel Yaşam Derneği (Türkiye).

At Vytautas Magnus University, the project is being implemented by researchers from the Department of Environment and Ecology, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology, who are contributing to content development, expert activities, and dissemination of project results.

During the course of the meeting, partners proceeded to present their respective institutions, competencies, and experience that was deemed to be relevant to the implementation of the project. The consortium engaged in deliberations concerning the conceptual framework of the project, its objectives, the constituent work packages, the anticipated outcomes, and the overarching implementation timeline. The distribution of partner responsibilities, decision-making structures, quality assurance mechanisms and risk management systems, as well as dissemination and visibility measures, were given due consideration.

A number of agenda sessions were dedicated to specific topics. Firstly, WP2 – the development of audiovisual training content. Secondly, WP3 – the implementation of expert activities, otherwise known as the ‘Voice of Experts’. Finally, WP4 – the development of an educational beekeeping apiary model. The discussions centred on aligning activity objectives, defining partner roles, and agreeing on the subsequent implementation steps.

In the second part of the meeting, partners reviewed the project’s dissemination and communication strategies, common visual identity principles, and the financial and contractual provisions of the project. It was mutually agreed upon that collaborative efforts would be facilitated by means of designated instruments, that procedural guidelines would be established for the documentation of relevant activities, that future transnational meetings would be convened, and that an immediate action plan would be initiated.

The Kick-off meeting in Wrocław established a robust foundation for the coherent and coordinated implementation of the BeeBridge project, thereby fostering collaboration among partners in pursuit of the project’s long-term objectives.

Graduation Ceremony of VMU Agriculture Academy

On January 30 at 11:00 a.m., Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) invites graduates, members of the Academy community, and guests to attend the diploma award ceremony of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development.

The ceremonial event will take place in the Ceremonial Hall of the Central Building of VMU Agriculture Academy (Studentų street 11, Akademija, Kaunas District).

We would like to inform you that the event may be filmed and/or photographed, and you may appear in event photos or videos that could be published across various media platforms.

The 32nd International Scientific-Practical Conference “Human and Nature Safety 2026”

May 6–8, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) will host the 32nd International Scientific-Practical Conference “Human and Nature Safety 2026”.

The annual conference “Human and Nature Safety” is organized on occasion of the International Days of Health, Environmental Protection and Occupational Safety & Health.

The aim of the Conference is to discuss interrelated human safety & health and environment protection problems, present the results of the newest research and to create opportunities for scientists and young researchers to share the research results not only among researchers and students, but also between farmers, agricultural experts, representatives from forestry and other sectors. Also, to promote a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Sections of the Conference:

Biosystem Engineering;
Environment and Health, dedicated to 140th anniversary of the prof. K. Grybauskas and prof. L. Vailionis;
Ecology, Nature-based Solutions, Sustainable Forestry.

Conference Seminars:

Medicinal Plants: Scientific Value, Practical Application, and Ethnopharmacognostical Heritage (6^th May 2026, VMU Botanical Garden, 12:00-16:00).
Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions (8^th May 2026).

Important dates:

until 6^th February 2026 – registration;
until 6^th March 2026 – publication submission;
until 20^th March 2026 – participation fee;
until 31^stMarch 2026 – editorial board decision on the suitability of the article for printing.

Scientific articles will be published in the selected papers of 32^st International Scientific-Practice Conference “Žmogaus ir gamtos sauga 2026 / Human and Nature Safety 2026”. Edition of the selected papers is indexed by Central & Eastern European Academic Source (EBSCO).

Contacts:

Chairperson of Organizing Committee – acad. prof. dr. Egidijus Šarauskis

Tel. +370 686 47539;

E-mail: egidijus.sarauskis@vdu.lt

Conference administrator – Nijolė Poškienė

Tel. +370 37 752357;

E-mail: nijole.poskiene@vdu.lt

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

Conference website: https://zgs.vdu.lt/en

Conference events will be organized in-person.

LETSGROW Cross Sectoral Training for University Staff, Scientists, and Researchers

Academic and non-academic staff, as well as scientists, researchers, and doctoral students are invited to participate in the LETSGROW cross-sectoral training taking place this January and February. The training session “Ethics and Research Data Use” will be held online on January 29. The training session “Unlocking AI – Introduction to Large Language Models and Personal Knowledge Assistants” will be held in a hybrid format on February 5–6. All training sessions will be conducted in English. Participants will receive certificates. The program times are provided in Central European Time (CET). You can convert the times for your location here.

Take advantage of this opportunity to further develop your competencies by registering for the training. An invitation will be sent to all registered participants 3–5 days before the event, including the MS Teams link or room details. The programs of the training courses and the registration links can be found below.

TRAINING PROGRAM:

Online training “Ethics and research data use”

Date: January 29, 9:00–11:30 CET, online, MS TEAMS. Registration

Lecturer: Associate Professor Saulė Milčiuvienė (Vytautas Magnus University, VMU).

Training content: High-quality, well-governed research data is essential for modern scientific work because it ensures reliability, enables collaboration, and accelerates innovation, and this training will guide participants through the key principles needed to achieve that standard. The session will examine the main elements of EU legal regulation on research data, highlighting both the responsibilities and opportunities it creates for researchers. It will also explore legal interoperability – including data licensing models that support responsible sharing and reuse of data – as well as data protection and research ethics.

Finally, the training will look ahead to future regulatory perspectives, including the European Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Science, the Data Union Strategy for unlocking data for AI, and the Digital Omnibus Regulation proposal, helping participants understand how these developments will shape the research landscape.

Hybrid training “Unlocking AI – Introduction to Large Language Models and Personal Knowledge Assistants”

Date: February 5, 9:00–13:30 CET and February 6, 9:30–12.00 CET. Registration

Location: Hybrid training: online, via MS TEAMS and in person at the University of Primorska, The Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies. Adress: Glagoljaška 8, 6000 Koper, Slovenia.

Lecturer: Domen Vake (University of Primorska).

Equipment: In-person participants will be provided with computers.

Pre-requisites: A Google Account (Gmail) is required to access the tools. Python Knowledge: Recommended but not required. All necessary codes will be provided; however, a basic understanding of programming syntax will help participants customize the tools further.

Project funding opportunities: travel and accommodation expenses for training participants may be available for consortium partners.Training content: While Large Language Models (like ChatGPT) possess vast general knowledge, they lack access to your private or institutional information. This workshop focuses on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), a technique that allows AI to answer questions based on your internal documents, research papers, or administrative guidelines.

What will you learn? By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

Understand how tools like ChatGPT actually work (and where they fail);
Use Google-Colab, a cloud-based Python environment, to run powerful software without installation;
Run a guided AI application to “chat” with their own PDF documents;
Apply these skills to real tasks: summarizing research articles, searching through institutional regulations, or preparing teaching materials.

Festive Greeting from the Chancellor of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy