VMU to hold Conference on Education in Turbulent Times

Vytautas Magnus University, The Lithuanian President Office and The Embassy of Ukraine in Lithuania cordially invites you to participate in the international conference “Education in Turbulent Times: towards European networking and integration”. The conference will be organized on 16 November 2023 in a hybrid way and devoted to the field of Education:

New opportunities for higher education institutions in co-creating the European Education and Research Area
New Higher Education Curriculum
Innovative and Inclusive Pedagogies

The overall aim of the conference is to share and discuss opportunities for higher education institutions from Ukraine and the EU member states how European networks and programmes could support a smoother integration of Ukrainian higher education institutions into the European Education and Research Area.

Target groups: Higher education institutions from Ukraine, Lithuania and EU member states, policy makers, representatives of Diplomatic missions, Institutes of Culture and Youth organisations

Venue: The conference would take place in a hybrid mode. The onsite sessions will take place at VMU Education Academy, Ševčenkos str. 31.

Programme

Online link will be provided for participants upon registration

Working language: English

VMU commended by the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson

In October 2023, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) received the highest evaluation – three Equal Opportunity Wings – from the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson for its achievements in mainstreaming equal opportunities at the University. This means that the University is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all members of the community, aiming to enhance not only the quality and outcomes of research and studies but also the conditions of study and work.

“Being a part of the ‘Equal Opportunity Wings’ signifies that the University integrates and implements equal opportunities policies in its activities and is committed to following the principles of equal opportunities. The three wings symbolise that the organisation nurtures a culture that supports and actively promotes equal opportunities,” says Laura Lapinskė, Equal Opportunities Coordinator at VMU.

Laura Lapinskė (Photo by Jonas Petronis)

According to the specialist, this evaluation also indicates that the organisation meets all four criteria in the three-wing category, including priorities in the field of equal opportunities (e.g., reducing the pay gap, inclusion of employees with disabilities, etc.), an Equality Plan with measures to promote equal opportunities, a transparent and publicly accessible pay system, and the involvement of employees and managers in initiatives for equal opportunities implementation.

A team of University researchers and experts has also prepared a Gender Equality Plan (2021-2025), following the recommendations of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). This plan places a strong focus on gender balance, anti-discriminatory equal opportunities policies, reducing vertical and horizontal gender segregation, and integrating gender equality into studies and scientific research.

“In addition to gender equality, VMU also has disability policy formulation and implementation as one of its key priorities in the field of equal opportunities. In 2021, VMU Senate approved a disability policy document ‘University of Inclusive Opportunities’, which aims to ensure a culture of equality and non-discrimination at the University by making appropriate adjustments to study and working conditions and increasing accessibility to study/work. In 2015, the Lithuanian Association of People with Disabilities awarded VMU a certificate confirming the University’s accessible infrastructure and disability-friendly services,” says Lapinskė.

VMU Library workspace adapted for people with disabilities

According to the VMU Equal Opportunities Coordinator, the University strives to create a safe and tolerant environment and an organisational culture based on trust and dignity. “To ensure this and to prevent discrimination, a Trust Line has been set up, which can be contacted in the event of experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment, psychological abuse, oppression, mobbing, other offensive behaviour, or discrimination. Each case is investigated by experts in the relevant field, who guarantee complete confidentiality,” says Lapinskė, describing the equal opportunities policy.

In order to educate the community, the University annually participates in public events on human rights, inclusion, and diversity. From 2019 to 2023, it participated in the Supporting and Implementing Plans for Gender Equality in Academia and Research (SPEAR) project that focused on implementing gender equality policies within the institution. Additionally, the University carries out inclusive international projects such as Be Hate Free, Unidiversity, Religion and Gender Equality, The Generations and Gender, and more.

In order to disseminate best practices and promote equal opportunities in other organisations, the equal opportunities activities implemented in VMU are presented on the website of the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson. More information about the Equal Opportunity Wings and the participating organisations can be found here.

Exclusive Opportunity for Exchange Studies in non EU/EEA Countries

VMU students are invited to participate in a competition for exchange studies in spring semester, 2024 in non-EU/EEA countries with Erasmus+ scholarship.

Application deadline – November 3rd, 2023.

VMU offers one semester studies in one of the regions:

For more information please contact VMU ICD coordinators Eglė Daukilaitė (egle.daukilaite@vdu.lt) and Raimundas Rukuiža (raimundas.rukuiža@vdu.lt).

International seminar “Adaptation to Climate Change: Strategies and approaches for enhancing the quality of natural components via the use of natural processes in a long-term context”

We are inviting you to participate at the international seminar “Adaptation to Climate Change: Strategies and approaches for enhancing the quality of natural components via the use of natural processes in a long-term context”, which is dedicated to climate week. Seminar will be held on October 25 at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) 503 auditorium (Studentų str. 11, Akademija, Kaunas distr.).

Presenters and topics:

ARAÚJO AIMEIDA MARIA ADEIAIDE from Polytechnic Institute of Beja, Portugalija. “Removal of nitrogen compound and biomass valorization in constructed wetland”
RIBEIRO CARLOS from Polytechnic Institute of Beja, Portugalija. “Characterization of the drying processes of several aromatic and medicinal plants produced in Portugal“
LAIMA CESONIENE from Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, Lithuania. „Influence of climate change on the surface water status“

Date: 25 October 2023
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: VMU Agriculture Academy 503 auditorium (Studentų str. 11, Akademija, Kaunas distr.).

Erasmus Teaching Visit in Bulgaria

Associated professors dr. Erika Besusparienė and dr. Anastasija Novikova from the Faculty of Bioeconomic Development at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) successfully completed a teaching visit in Bulgaria at the D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, located in Svishtov on the right bank of the Danube River from October 2 to 6, 2023. During this visit, they had the opportunity to collaborate with local colleagues, participate in lectures, and share their knowledge on the importance of bioeconomic development and international trade tax policy.

Assoc. prof. dr. A. Novikova had lectures in the Department of Agricultural Economics, actively sharing her expertise on the significance of bioeconomic development. Her lectures were not only for students but also for teachers of department. She discussed how the bioeconomy sector is becoming increasingly vital and its potential contribution to sustainable economic development. Assoc. prof. dr. A. Novikova engaged with students in discussions on ways to enhance Bulgaria’s agriculture sector for greater economic efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Assoc. prof. dr. E. Besusparienė, who lectured in the Department of Control and Analysis of Economic Activities, focused on international trade tax policy. Her lectures were tailored to help students understand how tax policies impact international trade. She provided a comprehensive overview of different tax measures and their application in international trade. Furthermore, she discussed current issues and recent changes in international trade tax policies, ensuring that students could easily grasp and absorb the information.

Both associated professors also had the opportunity to explore the Customs laboratory class at D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, where special software allows students to submit customs declarations in real-time and simulate real-world business scenarios. This practical experience was invaluable for students, offering them insights into customs procedures.

Additionally, during this teaching visit, detailed discussions took place regarding further collaboration opportunities between institutions that can benefit students, faculty, and researchers from both universities. These discussions laid the foundation for strengthening ties between the two academic institutions.

One of the significant opportunities discussed is student exchanges through the Erasmus program. This presents an excellent opportunity for students from VMU AA Faculty of Bioeconomic Development, particularly those studying Accounting and Finance, Agricultural Economics, or Customs Process Management. These exchanges enable students to experience a different country’s higher education system, gain exposure to different cultures, and acquire valuable international perspectives.

Faculty members can also take advantage of this Erasmus collaboration opportunity. They can exchange knowledge, experience, and teaching methods, contributing to the quality of higher education and fostering international academic cooperation. This allows professors to offer new perspectives and knowledge to their students.

The collaboration can also expand research opportunities for researchers and academics to participate in international projects, conduct scientific research, and contribute to the growth of the international scientific community.

This teaching visit to Bulgaria has opened a remarkable opportunity to strengthen relationships and develop cooperation between the two institutions. It promises to benefit students, faculty, and researchers from both universities. It serves as an excellent example of how international collaboration can promote education and scientific development, helping shape the future vision of higher education.

Visit of teachers of VMU AA to University of Trieste in Italy

The teachers of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMY AA) assoc. prof. dr. Midona Dapkienė (Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Engineering), prof. dr. Laima Česonienė and assoc. prof. dr. Daiva Šileikienė (Department of Environment and Ecology, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology) visited University of Trieste according to Erasmus+ Mobility agreement on October 9th to 12th 2023.

The University of Trieste is a public research university in Trieste in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in northeast Italy. The University consists of 10 departments, has a wide and almost complete range of university courses and has about 15,000 students and 1,000 professors.

The teachers of VMU Agriculture Academy presented their University and gave the lectures for students of the master degree programmes in Global Change Ecology and Sustainability as well as in Management of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science. The students of the Environmental and Resource Economics (a master degree programme in Economy) and the PhD students in Circular Economy (a PhD programme in Economy) were invited to some lectures. The topics of lectures were as follows: influence of climate change on surface water status, agricultural activity impact on water quality, wastewater treatment and reuse for soil irrigation, water management in Lithuania, organic agriculture, environmental policy and Green Deal. Masters as well as PhD students also were given a possibility to connect to seminars online. All lectures were recorded and will be used in various training courses.

The representatives of VMU Agriculture Academy had an opportunity to meet the professors Giovanni Bacaro (a coordinator of the master degree programme), Chiara Manfrin, Stefano Martellos, Giuseppe Borruso and Matteo Carzedda and to discuss the possibilities of the joint projects as well as to familiarize with the study process and reasearch at the Department of Life Sciences.

VMU AA Spring Intake 2024. Apply Online Now!

Considering studying abroad? Would like to gain strong knowledge, solid skills, and invaluable international experience? Thinking about an unforgettable European student adventure studying in Lithuania, located in the center of Europe? Would like to live in Kaunas – a city of European Capital of Culture 2022?

Choosing studies at VMU Agriculture Academy You can take both – an Adventure of a Lifetime and an Invaluable Experience.

Spring Intake Application: October 2 – November 10, 2023.

Spring intake study programmes:

Logistics and Commerce (BA)
Business Logistics (MA)

Information about Application and Admission Procedures: Admission to Degree Studies | VDU

Information about Scholarships: Scholarships | VDU

APPLY HERE

Contact person: VMU Agriculture Academy International Coordinator Ekaterina Makrickiene ekaterina.makrickiene@vdu.lt +370 37 752 200

More Information about VMU Agriculture Academy study programmes: Study programmes for international students | VDU Žemės ūkio akademija

GFarm project: Transforming Tomorrow

GFarm project is an initiative aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) sector. There are two goals: to develop a model for more efficient GHG assessment and registration and to create a framework for a national carbon sink certification and monitoring system. Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) is one of the project partners. Rytis Skominas, Vilma Naujokienė, Gintautas Mozgeris, Zita Kriaučiūnienė, Egidijus Šarauskis, Rolandas Bleizgys, Rita Čepulienė are the main representatives of the project from the VMU.

Project summary

The land use, land-use change and forestry sector (LULUCF) cover the entire territory of Lithuania and all agricultural land. It contributes to implementing climate change mitigation goals by absorbing GHGs in soil, living biomass, wood, etc. The EC proposes to expand this sector’s scope and include all agriculture in LULUCF from 2031.

European strategic alignment:

Green Deal
Farm to Fork Strategy
Carbon Farming
Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe”
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
The new EU forest strategy for 2030

Achieving emission reduction targets requires a careful assessment of GHG calculation methodologies and a closer look at soils high in organic carbon. Even a tiny change to one side or the other can significantly change the balance.

Challenges

Strategic Challenge: Achieving national and EU climate change mitigation and adaptation targets by enabling systemic change in part of Lithuania’s AFOLU sector and governance regarding GHG emission reduction and implementing carbon farming initiatives.

Lack of common procedures and holistic approaches for AFOLU sectors’ climate impact assessment at scale.
Underdeveloped technological ecosystem for GHG emission and sequestration monitoring, accounting and informed decision-making with the AFOLU sector.
Insufficient positive incentives to promote behavioural change with the AFOLU sector and support the transition towards carbon farming practices.

Objectives

Holistic Methodology
GHG monitoring database and carbon register
Data calculation and measuring technological infrastructure
Recommendations for promoting a carbon farming system

Project team:

AgriFood Lithuania DIH LT (coordinator)
UAB ART21 (partner)
UAB DOJUS AGRO LT (partner)
UAB LITAGRA LT (partner)
NATIONAL PAYING AGENCY (partner)
VALSTYBINE MISKU TARNYBA (partner)
VYTAUTO DIDZIOJO UNIVERSITETAS (partner)
LIETUVOS MISKO IR ZEMES SAVININKU ASOCIACIJA (partner)
UAB MELDA (partner)
UAB STRATEGY LABS (partner)

Winners of T4EU Innovative Teaching Award Announced

Transform4Europe Alliance has announced the winners of Innovative Teaching Award: five lecturers including VMU Assoc. Prof. Evelina Bendoraitienė.

The purpose of this award was to identify, acknowledge and recognize innovative teaching practices and to provide opportunities not only for sharing and exchanging best examples but also to encourage cooperation between the Higher Education Institutions of the Transform4Europe alliance. The awards consist of 2500 € each for the realization of innovative or creative teaching projects (4 awards).

The T4EU selected the following lecturers as this year’s winners: Assoc. Prof. Evelina Bendoraitienė (VMU Faculty of Economics and Management, Lithuania), Dr. Magdalena Christ (University of Silesia, Poland), Jun.-Prof. Dr. Benedikt Schnellbächer and Alexander Schöneseiffen (Saarland University, Germany) and Assoc. Prof. Giovanni Bacaro (University of Trieste, Italy).

The Selection Committee was composed of representatives of students, academic staff and social partners nominated by the alliance.

Best-rated Innovative Teaching ideas

1) Creation of Life Escape room

Dr. Evelina Bendoraitienė, Vytautas Magnus University

The good practice involves assigning a group homework task to students in a financial calculations course to create a life escape room. Working collaboratively, students design puzzles, challenges, and a narrative that incorporate course content and require the application of financial calculation skills. This hands-on approach enhances understanding, promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity, and provides a practical context for learning.

2) ABC of Visual Thinking and Sketchnoting

Magdalena Christ, University of Silesia in Katowice

The classes aim to familiarize participants with the theories underlying visual thinking, as well as the representatives of sketchnoting and their work as inspiration for their development in this area. During the course, students acquire skills in creating visual notes as a form of organisation and presentation of thoughts, ideas, which can be used to improve the learning process and in various branches of professional life.

3) Digital entrepreneurship: Digital-enhanced and international teaching of digital entrepreneurship

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Benedikt Schnellbächer and Alexander Schöneseiffen, Saarland University

DIGEN-DIT is a digital-enhanced, international module. Students from all Transform4Europe and Ukrainian partner universities can participate due to its hybrid format, supported by digital tools (e.g. mentimeter). The course encompasses a lecture and a tutorial. The lecture provides students with digital entrepreneurship content from strategy to operational level. In the tutorial student teams develop a startup concept and present it in a pitch event. Lastly, students visit another T4E university to work on an entrepreneurship challenge.

4) Universal Game Design for Learning and Game Co-design for student-centered learning

Assoc. Prof. Giovanni Bacaro, University of Trieste

Novel educational technologies and methodologies that create enthusiasm among students and promote learner engagement are becoming instructional priorities across all disciplines of STEM. Game-Based Learning has established itself as a methodology that addresses students engagement at different levels (student-centered learning, constructivist approach, shared social experience, systems thinking and so on). A generalized Game Design Methodology (GDM), which includes the basic principles of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework is here proposed. Each phase is designed to allow students and teaching staff to develop the game and assess its progress throughout the entire process.

Conference on Contemporary Studies of Family and Calendar Holidays

The Department of Cultural Studies at Vytautas Magnus University is pleased to announce an international conference on “Contemporary Studies of Family and Calendar Holidays: Challenges and Perspectives”, to be held on 14th October 2023 at Vytautas Magnus University, Faculty of Humanities, V. Putvinskio st. 23, Kaunas, Lithuania. The conference celebrates the 30th anniversary of ethnological studies at Vytautas Magnus University. The conference is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of ethnological research at Vytautas Magnus University.

In the contemporary world, we face constant challenges and changes in daily life, difficulties and restrictions caused by pandemics and wars, economic and political instability, and the crisis of climate change.

The main issue of the conference is to uncover what challenges family and calendar holiday researchers have identified in their research over the last three decades. What have been the main developments in these studies, and what research directions have evolved in the last thirty years? What challenges have scholars faced while conducting their research during the pandemic in different environments? What new research methods or research approaches have been applied over the last three decades? How do new social challenges reflect family and calendar holidays, family and reproduction, gender and the body, family and kinship and how are they changing them? What issues of reproduction, family and kinship have emerged in recent years with the increase in war and the threats from pandemics?

The conference will be held both offline and on the conferencing platform MS Teams.

More information and program