Registration for the 5th International Scientific Conference “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2026: Theory and Practice” is now open

We are very pleased to invite you to the 5th International Scientific Conference “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2026: Theory and Practice”. The conference will take place online on 14 May 2026.

The conference is organised by the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development at the Agriculture Academy of Vytautas Magnus University. The conference will bring together researchers, practitioners and policymakers to discuss the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in the development of a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. In 2026, discussions at the conference will focus on key themes such as:

Policy, Governance and Investments for Sustainable Bioeconomy Development.
Innovations for Enhancing the Competitiveness and Circularity of Bioeconomy Sectors.
Growth Strategies and Circular Business Models in the Bioeconomy.
Sustainable Supply Chains in the Bioeconomy.
Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy in Rural and Regional Contexts.

Through these perspectives, the conference seeks to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue and inspire new insights for advancing a more sustainable and inclusive bioeconomy. The conference is dedicated to the social sciences in the field of bioeconomy.

Main deadlines:

31 March 2026 – registration deadline for oral and poster presentations (short description of the presentation required in registration, up to 100 words)

10 April 2026 – notification of presentation acceptance

22 April 2026 – poster presentations submission deadline

12 May 2026 – registration deadline for listeners

14 May 2026 – online conference date

More information

Online registration for the conference is open until 31 March 2026.

Free Online Webinar to Find Out How Businesses Can Prepare for the EU Deforestation Regulation

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is transforming global supply chains by reshaping responsibility for product origin and setting new sustainability and transparency expectations. As businesses navigate these emerging obligations, the demand for reliable information and strategic planning is greater than ever.

The Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA), Faculty of Bioeconomy Development keeps up to date with the latest sustainability and regulatory trends, including the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation. Recognising the significant impact this regulation will have on global value chains, the VMU Agriculture Academy, Faculty of Bioeconomy Development aims to raise awareness and encourage informed discussion among businesses, students and the academic community.

The VMU Agriculture Academy, Faculty of Bioeconomy Development invited Mindaugas Ganusauskas, Business Development Manager at BM Certification Lietuva UAB, to share his insights and answer questions at an online webinar, helping participants to better understand how to prepare for the upcoming changes.

Date: 4 December 2025

Time: 15:30 (EET, Lithuania time zone)

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

Format: Online Webinar via TEAMS, free of charge.

Language: The webinar is held in English.

REGISTRATION

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

During the webinar, Mindaugas Ganusauskas (BM Certification Lietuva UAB) will explain what the EUDR will require from businesses, the main risks involved, and the practical tools and certification schemes needed to ensure compliance.

In the second part of the webinar, assoc. prof. dr. Erika Besusparienė will share how the MBA “Customs Process Management” offers a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge and develop the skills required in today’s international trade environment. The MBA “Customs Process Management” brings together experts from academia and business to ensure learning is relevant, up to date and practical.

Admission is now open for international candidates for the 2026/27 academic year via the VMU DreamApply.

Join the online webinar, explore the MBA community, and become part of it!

Invitation to Join the VMU Mentor’s Community

Students of Vytautas Magnus University are cordially invited to join the VMU Mentor’s community! As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of international students while enhancing your own skills and experiences.

VMU Mentor’s community plays a crucial role in welcoming and supporting international students, ensuring they have a smooth transition into university life and the vibrant community of Vytautas Magnus University.

By becoming a mentor, you will:

Make a positive difference in the lives of international students by providing guidance, support, and assistance.
Develop leadership, communication, and cross-cultural skills through mentorship opportunities.
Build lasting connections and friendships with students from diverse backgrounds.
Enhance your own personal and professional development.

The application to join the VMU Mentor’s community is now open and will remain available until November 24th. To apply, please fill out the application form here.

Selection Process of VMU Mentors:

VMU students selected based on their applications will be informed personally via email and invited to a motivational interview conducted online.
Following the interviews, successful candidates will be notified personally and invited to the first meeting.

Don’t miss this chance to become a part of a vibrant community dedicated to fostering inclusivity, support, and friendship at Vytautas Magnus University.

For any inquiries, please contact monika.utyriene@vdu.lt You can find out more about the international student mentoring programme here.

We look forward to welcoming you to the VMU Mentor’s community!

Erasmus BIP Courses at VMU Agriculture Academy, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology: International Experience in Wildlife Management through Closer-to-Nature Forestry Principles

From October 13–17, the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) hosted the Erasmus+ blended intensive programme (BIP) “Wildlife in Closer-to-Nature Forest Management.”
This international initiative brought together 31 students from eight foreign universities – the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Poznań University of Life Sciences (Poland), South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk), Transilvania University of Brașov (Romania), University of Helsinki (Finland), University of Milan (Italy), and Gifu University (Japan).

Topical Issues and a Modern Approach to Wildlife Management

The aim of the programme was to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge on the protection and management of wildlife in forest and agricultural ecosystems, balancing human activity with natural processes.
The course covered current topics – from the management of large carnivore populations and human–wildlife conflicts to invasive species control and the implementation of nature-based solutions.

On the first day, participants were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rytis Skominas, Director of the Bioeconomy Research Institute, and Prof. Dr. Vitas Marozas, Dean of the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology.
Lectures were delivered by both VMU AA and partner university lecturers, including Dr. Edgars Dubrovskis (Latvia), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivana Tomášková (Czech Republic), Prof. Dr. Ovidiu Ionescu and Dr. Darius Hardalau (Romania), as well as Dr. Michael Manton, Prof. Dr. Gediminas Brazaitis, Lect. Mindaugas Bakševičius, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anželika Dautartė, and others.

Learning in Nature – from Punia Forest to Educational Hunting Grounds

During the course, three educational field trips were organized – to the Punia Forest and the Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve, to the LSMU Wildlife Rescue Centre, and to the VMU AA educational hunting grounds in Bargailiai, where students learned about Lithuanian hunting traditions and wildlife protection practices.
According to participants, these experiences were not only informative but also emotionally impactful – many described them as the most memorable and meaningful part of the entire course.

Student Insights: Intensive but Valuable Experience

According to the student feedback survey, most participants highly evaluated the quality of lectures, the lecturers’ expertise, and the overall course organization.
While some students mentioned that the programme was very intensive, the majority acknowledged that the time allocated for lectures, group, and individual work was well balanced.
Participants also emphasized that the course helped them understand differences in wildlife management across European countries, broadened their perspectives on the social and ecological aspects of nature conservation, and encouraged cultural exchange and collaboration.

“It was an exceptional experience – both in terms of learning and interacting with students from across Europe. Exploring Lithuania’s environment, listening to lecturers’ insights, and engaging in practical activities left a lasting impression,” wrote one student in the anonymous survey.

Final Projects and Results

During the course, students presented group projects on wildlife management systems in their respective countries and on pre-assigned topics related to human–nature interactions.
These presentations demonstrated how various countries apply innovative approaches to maintaining a balance between human activities and biodiversity conservation.

The programme was implemented according to the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) model, combining an online introductory session with a week of on-site lectures and practical activities.
The course was organized by Asst. Dr. Jolanta Stankevičiūtė from the Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology, and coordinated by Dr. Monika Medikienė, International Coordinator at the VMU Agriculture Academy.

Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

The New Generation of Sensemakers: Alumni Discussion

On Friday, November 14th, from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m., a hybrid discussion titled VMU Alumni – The New Generation of Sensemakers will be held online (via MS Teams) and on-site at VMU Senate Hall (28 S. Daukanto g., Kaunas). The discussion will take place on Vytautas Magnus University’s traditional Alumni Day, hosted as part of the VMU Connections Event. Registration is required.

This event brings together international alumni, current students, and the entire VMU community to explore the core question: What’s the point of it all? The discussion will delve into finding meaning and purpose – in studies, internships, career uncertainty, and life after graduation. International alumni from countries including Ukraine, Nigeria, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Mongolia will share authentic stories about the challenges and successes they faced while building their paths.

For current students, this is a fantastic opportunity to network, meet alumni working and studying in diverse fields in Lithuania and globally, and gain direct insights into today’s job market. There are many different paths after graduation, and this event is a chance to explore them with people who have walked them.

For International Alumni, this is a chance not only to return to the university, but also to share their journey, be heard, and stay connected with the VMU community that supported them.

The preliminary lineup of speakers for “VMU Alumni – The New Generation of Sensemakers” includes inspiring individuals navigating unique career trajectories.

Yesui Bayar from Mongolia, who graduated with a BA in International Politics and Development Studies in 2023, is now a Coordinator of Training Operations at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Geneva. Her topic, presented online, is “Sensemaking Through Action: From VMU to International Geneva.”

Oleksii Minenko from Ukraine, an alumnus of MA in Diplomacy and International Relations (2019), is currently a Dispute Administrator at Phoenix and a freelance career consultant. On-site, he will share “Inner Balance as Sensemaking: Aikido, Crisis, and the Quiet Return to Self,” reflecting on how Aikido principles and inner balance helped him overcome career burnout.

Tamta Kakauridze from Georgia, who holds an MA in International Economics (2017) and manages the Economics Olympiad in Georgia, will speak online on “From Ideas to Impact: Making Sense of Change through Purposeful Action,” focusing on purpose, curiosity, and resilience.

Gulkhanim Dunyamaliyeva from Azerbaijan, an MA in Applied English Linguistics (2022) alumna currently pursuing a second Master’s in Business Logistics, will be on-site to discuss “From Linguistics to Logistics: Sensemaking Through Change and New Beginnings,” exploring adaptability and growth through career changes.

Olumide Felix Owajoba from Nigeria, who holds an MA in Social Anthropology (2023) and is a Programme Support Officer at the Lithuanian Samaritan Association, will present online on “Beyond ‘You Can’: Building the Strategy that Unlocks Your Future.”

Mostapha Alahiane from Morocco, who is graduating with an MA in Educational Management (2025) and is now an English teacher in Kaunas, will be on-site to share “From Campus to Career: How Being an Active Student Shapes Your Future,” offering practical advice on leveraging student involvement for professional success.

Finally, Azzam Ahmad, a Jordanian–Bahraini lawyer and PhD candidate, will join online from his diplomatic mission in South Africa to explore “Building a Career Between Systems and Realities,” discussing the realities of navigating diverse international legal systems.

Let’s meet for a meaningful discussion.

The event is part of the VMU Connections Day. Check out the full programme here.

VMU Introduces an Online Student Consultation Registration System

A new electronic system for booking student consultations has been launched at the university. It was created to make it easier and more convenient for students to quickly register for various consultations offered by the university.

Using this system, students can now register for:

Career consultations
Disability-related consultations
Student well-being consultations

The system is designed to be user-friendly – it allows students to easily find the necessary information, choose a suitable time and specialist, and register for a consultation with just a few clicks. This will help students plan their appointments more efficiently and receive the support they need more quickly.

In the future, the system’s functionality will be expanded – students will be able to choose from a wider range of consultation types across the university, making it easier to access assistance in various areas, from academic to personal matters, and to conveniently schedule appointments.

How to register for a consultation?

Log in to the Student Self-Service Portal and select Registration → Consultations from the menu. Choose the desired consultation area, topic, and consultant, as well as the consultation time, then click Register. In the comment field, answer any required questions and click Register again.

We invite all students to try out the new system and conveniently book their consultation times.

VMU Connections Opens the Way for Studies, Career and Mentorship

On November 14th, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) will host a unique event, VMU Connections, bringing together high school students from across Lithuania, VMU students, lecturers, alumni, and the university’s partners – companies and organizations. The university will provide a space for everyone to meet, communicate, share knowledge, experiences, and professional opportunities.

Inspiration from Success Stories

During the event, high school students will be able to explore study programmes, students can participate in a job fair, and alumni will share their stories and inspire others. For businesses, VMU Connections is a platform for direct communication with talented young VMU students, company presentations, and a chance to network with future colleagues and create opportunities for the future. Meetings, discussions, presentations, and a special evening programme will take place throughout the day in the university spaces. The event will be opened by a stand-up performance by the well-known comedian and VMU alumnus, Justinas Visickas.

High school students will participate in a special programme titled Try on a Profession, where they will meet the university community and alumni. Former students will share their experience, professional paths, and useful advice on how to discover one’s future career.

VMU Connections 2024

High school students will meet and hear success stories from: teacher and guide Arnas Zmitra, founder of a bilingual kindergarten and school Asta Jagelo, space, politics, technology, and innovation expert Eigirdas Sarkanas, marketing specialist Skomantas Rukuiža, lawyer Reda Molienė, Contempo festival producer Eglė Nevedomskė, sports news presenter and basketball commentator Vilius Stalgaitis, internal communication specialist Erika Abarienė, and advertising project manager Agnė Blažienė.

Career Opportunities for Students

The Career Day dedicated to students will provide an opportunity to meet nearly 30 companies and organizations, including Citco, Evolution, Lytagra, Allianz, the Lithuanian Energy Institute, Kaunas Police, the Environmental Protection Department, Renkuosi Mokyti! (I Choose to Teach!), and many others.

VMU Connections 2024

At the career fair, students will be able to learn about the latest labour market trends, establish important connections, and even participate in live job interviews.

This year’s Career Day will also feature an event for career specialists: Back In Our Time, Things Were Different: Career Change Day. Participants will discuss how to help students navigate the constantly changing labour market, identify their strengths, and foster collaboration between schools and universities in creating success stories.

Auction to Establish the VMU Alumni Scholarship

The Alumni Day for graduates is returning to VMU: it will feature a discussion, a concert, an auction, and an evening get-together.

The English-language discussion “VMU Alumni – The New Generation of Sensemakers” will feature international alumni from Ukraine, Nigeria, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Sakartvelo, Mongolia, and other countries. They will share honest stories about the challenges and successes they faced while finding their path after graduation.

VMU Connections 2024

The evening programme of the Alumni Day includes a festive concert for the entire university community by the VMU Chamber Orchestra and VMU Music Academy lecturer and performer Mantas Jankavičius as well as the soloists of his mentored class, featuring the most popular songs from the beginning of VMU’s reestablishment until today.

After the concert, alumni, students, and university staff are invited to an auction dedicated to establishing the VMU ALUMNI Scholarship. Various items and services donated by community members will be available for purchase, and the funds raised will be allocated to the establishment of the scholarship.

VMU Connections 2024

Culture of Quality at the University

During the events of November 14th, World Quality Day will also be celebrated. This occasion will give the university community a chance to evaluate the achieved results, promote continuous improvement, share best practices, and discuss quality standards and their implementation in the study process.

VMU will host a discussion titled What is the Culture of Quality for Different Generations?, which will focus on what quality means to today’s student, lecturer, experienced scientist, alumnus, and administration, and how different generations view the culture of quality, responsibility, improvement, and cooperation.

The discussion will feature Member of the European Parliament Prof. Dr. Liudas Mažylis, VMU Vice-Rector for Studies Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rytis Pakrosnis, Head of Academic and Social Affairs of the Lithuanian Student Union Smiltė Kiaunytė, and VMU alumna and Customer Service Manager Evelina Čėsnaitė. The discussion will be moderated by VMU Education Academy Vice-Chancellor, lecturer, and scientific journal editor Dr. Mindaugas Nefas.

The event will culminate with the awards for the most innovative VMU employees, honouring those who contribute to the advancement of university studies with their ideas, courage, and initiatives.

More information and the full programme

VMU to Hold Online Language Tasters

Have you been looking forward to the language tasters? As every semester, the Institute of Foreign Languages invites you to ‘taste’ lesser-known languages by taking part in online events, finding out new things about languages and cultures and maybe even learning new words or phrases.

This time, we will learn more about Welsh, Maltese and Estonian.
The events, which will be held in English, are open to anyone interested in languages and cultures; therefore, feel free to share the event link with colleagues, friends and acquaintances.

Link to language tasters

“Erasmus+” competition for PhD students

VMU International Cooperation Department invites all VMU PhD students to participate in the “Erasmus+” competition for PhD students and go abroad for short-term or long-term studies in non-EU/EEA countries.

Studying abroad is enriching possibility that strengthens self-improvement while expanding study knowledge, research area, and skills of foreign languages, facing the differences in the study systems, improving professional skills, exploring new cultures, finding new interests, making new friends and bringing unforgettable memories that build the foundation for the outstandinig future career.

Applications can be submitted until November 14, 2025.

More information

Kaunas Hosts the Third Erasmus+ “Bumblebees for Natural Pollination” Project Meeting

The third international meeting of the Erasmus+ project “Bumblebees for Natural Pollination” (BUMBLE-NAP) took place on 4–5 November 2025 at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy. The event brought together project partners from Turkey, Italy, Bulgaria and Lithuania. The meeting was hosted by the Department of Environmental Sciences and Ecology at VMU Agriculture Academy.

The project aims to promote the use of bumblebees in greenhouse farming as a sustainable alternative to artificial pollination, thereby helping to reduce chemical use and strengthen vocational education in the agricultural sector. The project is coordinated by the Municipality of Serik (Antalya, Turkey), with partners including Aydin Adnan Menderes University (Turkey), the Confederation of Farmers of the Umbria Region (Italy), the Institute of Agriculture in Stara Zagora (Bulgaria), and Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania). The project runs for two years, with completion scheduled for November 30, 2026.

The first day of the meeting focused on reviewing project results and planning the final stages of implementation. Partners discussed the development of the e-learning platform, the structure of the training modules, the content and format of the methodological handbook, and the production of educational videos. The schedule for completing the remaining activities and reporting procedures was confirmed.

The second day was dedicated to a practical field visit to UAB “Kietaviškių gausa”, the largest year-round greenhouse complex in the Baltic States, where vegetables are grown using hydroponic systems, LED lighting and bumblebee colonies for natural pollination. Alongside the project partners, first-cycle students of the Applied Ecology study programme at Vytautas Magnus University also took part in the visit. For the students, this field experience formed part of the study process and offered a unique opportunity to observe sustainable agricultural technologies in real-life conditions.

Participants were introduced to the closed-loop nutrient circulation system, automated climate control technologies, biological pest management solutions, and the industrial-scale application of bumblebee pollination. The students had the opportunity to ask questions directly to the company’s technology specialists and assess how ecological, productivity and energy-efficiency principles taught in class are implemented in modern horticultural production.

The visit further strengthened the project’s mission to link science, education and practical application – both at the international cooperation level and within university teaching practice.

The meeting in Kaunas marked the transition into the final phase of the project. Work is now underway to complete the training modules, prepare the methodological publication, and finalise educational video materials. Partners also agreed on the timing of the fourth and final transnational meeting.