ENABLS project partners gathered in Wageningen university to advance sustainable change through co-creation and living labs

On 7–8 May 2025, the third plenary meeting of the ENABLS project (Education and Nature-Based Solutions: enable society to bend the curve for biodiversity) took place at one of Europe’s greenest and most forward-thinking universities – Wageningen University & Research (WUR, the Netherlands). The event brought together project partners from all eleven participating countries, including representatives from universities, research institutes, consultancy organisations, and professional networks.

Wageningen University is globally recognised for its leadership in environmental protection, sustainable agriculture, food systems, and climate change research. It is also a pioneer in the practical implementation of nature-based solutions (NBS) and the living lab methodology, which fosters dialogue between science, policy, and society to co-create meaningful, real-world solutions. From urban gardens to experimental food forests, WUR offers outstanding examples of how sustainability can be implemented in practice.

We are pleased to share that Vytautas Magnus University was represented by experts from the Faculty of Forestry and Ecology, who are actively engaged in integrating nature-based solutions into both education systems and community-driven initiatives.

The two-day meeting featured a dynamic format, combining in-depth discussions with outdoor activities. The first day focused on the development of vocational education (TVET) modules, the integration of NBS into higher education curricula, and methods for assessing the project’s impact. Participants also exchanged experiences related to communication strategies, dissemination of results, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of project outcomes.

The second day was dedicated to hands-on sessions exploring the application of living labs in different contexts. Project partners and coaches shared their approaches to strengthening community involvement, fostering a culture of reflection, and tracking progress. A variety of practical tools were presented, including participant reflection journals, observation templates, and co-creation session records. The day concluded with an inspiring visit to the Wageningen Food Forest, where participants engaged in field-based learning and reflective dialogue.

The plenary meeting reaffirmed the importance of the ENABLS project not only as a platform for sharing theoretical knowledge but as a driver of real, tangible change. Through partnerships between academic institutions and communities, and through collaborative learning in real-life environments, the living lab methodology is helping to develop the skills and mindsets needed to address complex environmental challenges.

Sustainability and customs: how international trade rules are changing and why it matters for Your career

International trade today faces new challenges, from geopolitical tensions to climate change. Decisions implemented by the European Union (EU), such as the creation of the EU Customs Data Hub, the application of a carbon border adjustment mechanism, the application of the forestry regulation to international trade, the digital product passport, etc., are not only changing the conditions for the international trade but also call for a new approach to managing supply chains. However, it is important to underline that the EU customs reform, which affects all EU countries, is also changing the role of customs and requires an increasing number of highly skilled specialists and managers.

Customs Process Management – for the next generation of customs and international trade managers

The Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA), together with the Customs Practitioners’ Association, started discussing these changes five years ago and jointly developed the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme Customs Process Management. From 2023, the MBA prepares the next generation of customs and international trade managers who understand law, economics, sustainability, and international agreements.

Enrika Naujokė, Director of the Association of Customs Practitioners, co-founder and Director of “CustomsClear”, points out that the EU this year started to tackle over-regulation in order to make the business environment easier and better. At the same time, it has recognised that the administrative burden of compliance has become too high, if not unbearable, for businesses, especially those operating internationally, in more than one jurisdiction. “This is not the only challenge for business, but also for institutions – the shift from a linear to a circular economy, high sustainability requirements, rapid technological developments, and other changes are transforming the way we work and the knowledge and skills we need to have. In this complex, ever-changing environment, those who not only keep up with the changes, but are also involved in their creation and one step ahead, win. The role of highly skilled managers in such an environment is beyond question. Do we have enough of them in Lithuania, in the EU, in the world? I believe that if we had enough, we would first of all have quality regulation, i.e., regulation that does not need to be created first, then interpreted by additional regulation, and then simplified. The role of the education system, the role of universities, is an essential component in meeting today’s challenges”, – says E. Naujokė.

Director of the Association of Customs Practitioners, co-founder and director of “CustomsClear” Enrika Naujokė

A modern approach to new sustainability requirements

EU customs reform has become one of the EU’s top priorities. In 2020, discussions started on the digitalisation of customs processes and the implementation of sustainability objectives in international trade. The EU customs reform was formally launched in 2023 and includes very far-reaching changes. Already from 2028, major changes are underway with the launch of the digital EU’s Customs Hub, but the transformation will continue until 2038. These changes will require customs and international trade managers and specialists to become much more skilled and capable of dealing with complex processes and regulations. This is important to ensure that goods meet all legal, environmental, and sustainability requirements. In addition to the control of goods, customs also have an important tax administration function, ensuring the collection of customs duties, VAT, and excise duties. Efficient tax administration is vital for the revenue of national and EU budgets, for ensuring fair competition, and for protecting the internal market. In today’s world of changing international trade patterns and new sustainability requirements, the ability to understand both tax and customs processes is essential for a career at national and international level.

Dr. Karlis Ketners, MBA Customs Process Management partnership professor and member of the programme committee, who also works for the Latvian Ministry of Finance, notes that customs management (management of customs offices) is one of the most relevant aspects of the qualification in the context of the constant change in management models, methodological and information support. Over the last decades, public administration management has moved from a functional model to a process and service model. There is now a shift towards a cognitive model based on knowledge, using artificial intelligence, neural network models, and hybrid forms of management.

MBA Customs Process Management partnership professor and member of the programme committee Dr. Karlis Ketners

The labour market requires a wide range of customs expertise

A wide range of professionals, from customs brokers and logisticians to future entrepreneurs, choose the MBA Customs Process Management. This highlights the wide and varied need for different skills in today’s labour market. Job advertisements in Lithuania and the EU show that an understanding of customs processes is not only needed for lawyers or economists, but also for managers and specialists working in finance, IT, supply chain, or warehousing.

In the MBA Customs Process Management, K. Ketners teaches students the course “Customs Tax Administration and Management” and highlights the strategic and operational reasons why highly skilled customs managers – both in the public and private sectors – should acquire knowledge and skills in tax administration.

Augustė Karpavičiūtė graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting but has now decided to study a new field and has chosen the MBA Customs Process Management. She is happy with her choice, but notes that the study programme is only one year, the pace is really intense, but it is also a very interesting challenge. “What I appreciate most is that the lecturers are not only professionals in their fields, but at the same time, they are very human, often it seems as if we are talking to friends. It is particularly enjoyable to learn from lecturers from different countries, as we learn not only about customs but also about cultural differences. I would recommend this study programme to those who want to acquire/improve their knowledge and “travel around Europe” in one year”, – says A. Karpavičiūtė.

MBA Customs Process Management student Augustė Karpavičiūtė

New career opportunities in a dynamic labour market

Rytis Andriukaitis, who is currently studying an MBA Customs Process Management, is working as a Senior Specialist in Transport Registration at AB “Regitra” and is delighted with his choice of studies. R. Andriukaitis emphasises that the latest knowledge acquired is not only applicable to his current job but also opens up opportunities to enter the labour market. “I chose to study here because of the opportunity to combine my studies with work. I appreciate the fact that the programme is also taught by academics from different countries, which gives a broader perspective on sustainable management, communication, social responsibility, ethics, and international practice, as well as helping me to improve my English language skills”, – says R. Andriukaitis.

New careers and career changes are becoming commonplace in an ever-changing environment. That’s why the MBA Customs Process Management is chosen not only by those working in the customs field, but also by future managers in other fields who are still looking for their own path.

AB “Regitra” transport registration senior specialist, MBA Customs Process Management student Rytis Andriukaitis

Jonas Aleksonis, a graduate of MBA Customs Process Management, representing UAB “Durga”, recalls that he entered the customs field in 1997, when Lithuania was just developing its modern logistics and trade infrastructure. At that time, the legal and practical environment of customs was still emerging, and new professionals were growing up alongside it. “Although my background was in IT, working in customs quickly became not only a career path but also a personal challenge. Customs were constantly changing and evolving. Lithuania was striving for European standards, which for me meant continuous development and learning new aspects of customs. Over almost three decades, my responsibilities have evolved step by step, from technical support to working with clients, managing processes, and finally securing AEO status in the company”, – says the study programme graduate.

Study – an investment in your future

J. Aleksonis says that his entire career has been driven by a desire to acquire a high level of knowledge that would help him not only to understand processes better, but also to manage them in a targeted way. The MBA Customs Process Management was a unique opportunity to achieve this. J. Aleksonis notes that the studies were of practical value, the lecturers were professionals in their field and provided not only theoretical knowledge but also real business experience. “I appreciate the emphasis on contemporary topics such as sustainability, environmental impact, risk management, and digitalisation. These are all integral to responsible and competitive business today. For me, it was not only a consolidation of my professional career, but also an investment in the future. These are studies that really change the way you think and open up new opportunities in an international context”, – he says.

Representative of UAB “Durga”, MBA Customs Process Management graduate Jonas Aleksonis

Gertrūda Bakšienė, a graduate of the MBA Customs Process Management, who works as a coordinator of the customs brokerage group at UAB “Skubios siuntos” (UPS authorised representative in Lithuania), is happy about her decision to complete her master’s studies. Although she once studied marketing, she became fascinated with customs, where she still works today. G. Bakšienė notes that in the customs environment, it is extremely important to keep up to date with changing legislation and to have a strong knowledge base. “Every company that has trade relations with third countries should work with as many specialists as possible in this field, and the need for such specialists will only grow as the upcoming changes to the Union Customs Code will be of great importance to exporters and importers. These studies are an excellent tool to broaden your knowledge, to go deeper into the topics of most interest and to discuss with experienced lecturers – professionals in their field from different countries”, – says G. Bakšienė.

UAB “Skubios siuntos” (UPS authorized representative in Lithuania) coordinator of the customs brokerage group, MBA Customs Process Management graduate Gertrūda Bakšienė

Knowledge gained is internationally relevant

The MBA Customs Process Management is open internationally, with lectures delivered remotely and in English. It should be noted that the studies offer the opportunity to gain knowledge from a team of international lecturers (Ireland, Belgium, Latvia, Ukraine, Finland, Lithuania). Although the MBA Customs Process Management is open to undergraduates in accounting, finance, economics, business, management and law, the MBA Customs Process Management is open to undergraduates in a wide range of fields: you will be required to complete additional studies, but this is an excellent opportunity for retraining in the customs field, where the demand for staff is growing.

Partnership Professor Dr. K. Ketners notes that the knowledge acquired in the MBA Customs Process Management at the EU level is important for graduates’ professional careers. He notes that by acquiring revenue administration skills at the EU level, customs managers can ensure compliance with legislation, mitigate risk, contribute to EU objectives, and enhance their strategic value in a changing trade and regulatory environment.

The quality of the MBA Customs Process Management is underlined by the decision to award the EU Customs Recognition Certificate, which demonstrates that the programme meets the EU quality requirements for customs degree programmes. Graduates of the study programme have career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Free Online Webinar “Customs knowledge today – why is it not just for customs officers?”

Customs has long gone beyond filing declarations. Today, knowledge of customs, trade rules, and regulations is required by IT professionals, logistics, businesspeople, financiers, and even lawyers. Customs knowledge can be acquired at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy Faculty of Bioeconomy Development by choosing the MBA programme Customs Process Management, which meets the requirements of the EU customs competences.

Vytautas Magnus University Faculty of Bioeconomy Development invites you to join a free online webinar on 22 May 2025, at 15:30 (EET, Lithuania time zone) to explore the importance of customs knowledge.

What will be discussed in the webinar?

The importance of customs today.
Labour market needs for customs knowledge.
MBA Customs Process Management.

The webinar will be presented by dr. Erika Besusparienė, Chair of the MBA Customs Process Management Committee.

Information of webinar:

Date: 22 May 2025

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

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

Format: Online Webinar via MS TEAMS

Language: The webinar is held in English.

REGISTRATION

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

VMU Staff Teaching Week 2025

Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy invites students and staff to participate in the VMU Staff Teaching Week 2025, which will take place from May 5th to 9th.

During this week, international teachers from partner universities across Europe and beyond will deliver lectures on a wide range of topics, including:

Modern agriculture and regenerative farming;
Bioeconomy and sustainable development;
Soil health and environmental management;
Food quality, safety, and waste reduction;
Energy efficiency, climate policy, and digital innovations in agriculture.

Lectures will be held at the VMU Agriculture Academy campus:

Central Building (Studentų str. 11);
II Building (Studentų str. 15);
III Building (Studentų str. 10).

The full lecture schedule, including topics, lecturers, times, and locations

This is an excellent opportunity to:

Broaden your academic knowledge;
Hear from international experts;
Engage in discussions on current issues and global perspectives.

Don’t miss out on this inspiring academic event!
We encourage all students and staff to join the lectures and be part of this international learning experience.

Organized by: VMU Agriculture Academy Faculty of Agronomy, Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology and Bioeconomy Research Centre of Excellence.

Postdoctoral internships at VMU AA: Call for applications for funding

The Research Council of Lithuania, promoting the development of the system of internships for young scientists after doctoral studies and raising the scientific qualifications of interns, announces a call for proposals for the projects of posdoctoral studies.

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy invites applications for postdoctoral internships and do an internship at VMU AA in the fields of agriculture, life sciences, business and public management or engineering sciences. Applications for postdoctoral internships are submitted to the Research Council of Lithuania. Applications for postdoctoral internships are submitted until June 6, 4 p.m.

The purpose of postdoctoral fellowships is to promote the development of the system of postdoctoral internships for young scientists and to raise the scientific qualifications of interns (these projects must not aim to create specific products for the market and increase the scale of commercial and technology transfer).

According to this activity, a postdoctoral trainee is understood as a researcher who has a PhD degree awarded by a Lithuanian or foreign research and study institution, and for whom no more than 7 years have passed from the date of the award of the PhD degree to the date of submission of applications specified in the invitation and carrying out scientific research work provided for in the project. The intern must go to a foreign science and study institution or research center, laboratory, company, institution, library, archive, expedition, etc. for internship.

Online consultations

Research Council of Lithuania invites applicants to remote consultations by this schedule:

April 16th at 10:00 a.m. (Lithuanian) and 2:00 p.m. (English)
May 23rd at 10:00 a.m. (Lithuanian) and 2:00 p.m. (English)

Connection link is here. No advance registration required.

More information about postdoctoral fellowships at Research Council of Lithuania website.

Contact at Research Council of Lithuania:
Program co-ordinator Jogaila Mackevičius
jogaila.mackevicius@lmt.lt
+370 676 41 216

Contact at VMU Agriculture Academy:
Ingrida Ignotaitė
Tel. +370 37 752 377
E-mail ingrida.ignotaite@vdu.lt
Universiteto str. 8A, Akademija, LT-53341, Kaunas distr.

Information prepared based on: Postdoctoral Fellowships – Research Council of Lithuania.

Admission to PhD studies at VMU Agriculture Academy 2025

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy offers doctoral studies in 8 fields of research in natural, social, technological and agricultural sciences.

Application for admission to doctoral studies is carried online.

Research Area	Research field	Dates of receipt of documents
Natural sciences	Ecology and Environmental Science	03 06 2025 – 22 08 2025
Technological sciences	Environmental Engineering	05 06 2025 – 20 06 2025 (no later than 5 p.m.) 01 04 2025 – 15 04 2025 (no later than 5 p.m.)*
	Mechanical Engineering	05 06 2025 – 20 06 2025 (no later than 5 p.m.) 01 04 2025 – 15 04 2025 (no later than 5 p.m.)*
	Transport Engineering	–
Agricultural sciences	Agronomy	05 06 2025 – 31 07 2025
Agricultural sciences	Forestry	05 06 2025 – 31 07 2025
Social sciences	Economy	–
Social sciences	Management	–

*Submission of documents for the recognition of qualification obtained abroad in Lithuania (for those applicants who have obtained their education at a foreign higher education institution and do not have a document confirming the recognition of their diploma in Lithuania).

The application for participation in the admission to doctoral studies and scanned copies of the necessary documents are provided online online registration.

The application will be registered, when will be filled all necessary parts of Admission to doctoral studies online system epasirasymas.vdu.lt.

The application is considered not to be registered if all the necessary documents or information is not provided.

More information about the admission, dissertation topics, candidates for scientific supervisors and document forms.

More information:

Universiteto st. 8A – 202, LT-53341 Akademija, Kaunas district.
Phone +370 37 752 254
E-mail: monika.brimaite@vdu.lt
Web-page: https://zua.vdu.lt/en/

Universiteto st. 8A – 219, LT-53341 Akademija, Kaunas district.
Phone +370 37 209 815
E-mail: doktorantura@vdu.lt
Web-page: vdu.lt/phd

Free Online Webinar “Sustainability & Careers in Customs and Trade”

Vytautas Magnus University Faculty of Bioeconomy Development invites you to join a free webinar on 8 April 2025, at 15:30 (EET, Lithuania time zone) to explore the importance of sustainability in international trade, focusing on the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), customs process management and career development in the field.

You will also find out why it is worth joining the MBA programme “Customs Process Management”. The application for foreign candidates is already open at vytautasmagnus.dreamapply.com. MBA “Customs Process Management” has received a positive decision for the EU Customs Recognition Certificate and is awaiting the official certificate. This means that you will be able to hold a Master’s degree from an EU-certified MBA programme, which will have a positive impact on your career.

What to expect in a webinar?

THE EU CBAM: DRIVING SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING GLOBALLY (presenter Dr. Erika Besusparienė)
MBA ALUMNI: ON STUDIES AND MORE (presenter Gertrūda Bakšienė)
MBA CUSTOMS PROCESS MANAGEMENT (presenter Dr. Erika Besusparienė)

Moderator of the webinar Lecturer Kristina Gesevičienė.

Date: 8 April 2025

Time: 15:30 (EET, Lithuania time zone) The planned duration of the webinar will be approximately one hour.

Format: Online Webinar via TEAMS

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.

Join, explore, and become part of the MBA community!

A dynamic Erasmus+ learning experience in Münster: artificial intelligence in everyday office life

From February 22–28, Dr. Laima Skauronė, Head of the Administration Group at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA), and Dr. Monika Medikienė, International Coordinator at VMU AA, participated in an Erasmus+ training visit at the European Institute for Academic and Professional Development (EIAPD) in Münster, Germany. Both representatives actively engaged in the training course titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Everyday Office Life,” led by dr. Jan Schmidt, an AI professional with extensive experience in academic training and professional development. During the training, participants acquired a comprehensive and practical understanding of how AI transforms modern workplace processes.

The training course was meticulously designed to introduce participants to both foundational AI concepts and advanced applications in office environments. The structured sessions combined theoretical discussions with interactive, practical exercises, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.

One of the key takeaways was the emphasis on learning new AI-related vocabulary, which set the stage for understanding complex concepts such as machine learning, neural networks, generative models, and large language models (LLMs). By defining these terms early in the program, we were able to engage with the material more effectively throughout the course.

A significant portion of the training focused on Generative AI, particularly text-to-text and text-to-image models. We explored how large language models (LLMs) function by predicting the likelihood of word sequences, ultimately enabling coherent and contextually relevant text generation. Similarly, text-to-image models leverage probabilistic algorithms to create high-quality visuals based on user prompts.

We discussed the evolution of LLMs, from early, rigid models to modern reasoning-based AI systems, which incorporate logical assessment before generating responses. This capability is crucial for ensuring accuracy and reducing AI-generated “hallucinations.”

AI Tools and Office Applications

One of the most exciting course components was an in-depth analysis of AI tools and their applications for automating office tasks. Various categories of AI tools were introduced and practically explored:

Multifunctional LLMs: Tools like ChatGPT (GPT-4, GPT-o1, GPT-o3 mini), Google Gemini, and Qwen 2.5 offer comprehensive text and image generation functionalities.

Basic Chatbots: AI models like Claude, LeChat, and DeepSeek provide efficient conversational interfaces with privacy-focused features.
Reasoning Models: AI tools designed for logic-based problem-solving, including ChatGPT-o1 and DeepSeek r.1.
Research-Oriented Models: Platforms such as Perplexity and Storm.ai, which enhance information retrieval and knowledge synthesis.
Text-to-Image and Text-to-Video Tools: DALL-E, Midjourney, Imagine (Google’s tool), Sora, and Qwen 2.5.
AI-integrated Office Solutions: Microsoft Copilot and Canva AI, which seamlessly integrate generative AI into productivity software.

These tools are reshaping workflows by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing decision-making, and improving content creation across various industries.

Mastering AI Prompting Techniques

Another core aspect of the training was AI prompting, which is essential for optimizing AI-generated responses. We practiced different prompting techniques, including:

Zero-shot, one-shot, and few-shot prompting – guiding AI with varying levels of example-based learning.
Chain-of-thought prompting – encouraging step-by-step reasoning in AI responses.
Instruction-based prompting – refining AI outputs through structured and precise instructions.
Role-prompting – directing AI to adopt specific personas for tailored outputs.
Meta-prompting – using AI to generate better AI prompts, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Understanding these techniques was invaluable in improving the accuracy, coherence, and usability of AI-generated content.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While AI provides remarkable benefits, the course also addressed its limitations and ethical challenges. Concerns such as bias in AI models, data privacy, and over-reliance on automation were discussed. Dr. Schmidt emphasized the importance of critically evaluating AI outputs to avoid misinformation and ethical pitfalls. This balanced approach reinforced the need for human oversight in AI applications.

Key Takeaways and Future Perspectives

The training experience was highly enriching and practical, equipping us with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI efficiently into office environments. As AI continues to evolve, professionals across various fields must adapt to emerging technologies to enhance productivity and decision-making processes.

One of the most valuable aspects of this Erasmus+ experience was the diverse perspectives of participants from various EU countries. Engaging in discussions, sharing insights, and collaborating on AI-related tasks fostered an interdisciplinary learning environment that extended beyond the classroom.

The “AI in Everyday Office Life” course was a transformative experience, shedding light on the numerous possibilities AI presents for office professionals. By understanding and applying AI strategically, organizations can streamline operations, enhance communication, and foster innovation.

Laima Skauronė and Monika Medikienė expressed their satisfaction with deepening their AI knowledge and their enthusiasm for applying it to future academic and professional projects. The Erasmus+ training visit to Münster reaffirmed that continuous learning is essential in the digital age.

Despite an intensive training schedule, participants also enjoyed discovering the charming city of Münster and its rich German cultural history. After training sessions, they explored the cozy old town, visited the city park by Lake Aa, St. Paul’s Cathedral, several impressive churches, the Bible Museum, and Münster University, located in a historic castle. The ongoing carnival celebrations, with vibrant masks and festivities, provided a unique and memorable atmosphere, allowing participants to experience authentic German traditions and spirit firsthand. This opportunity offered a deeper understanding of local history and integration into Münster’s cultural traditions.

International Expert Advisory Board Visits the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

On March 6-7, the International Expert Advisory Board visited the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) to learn about the university’s latest developments and provide insights on past achievements and future initiatives. The board comprises representatives from various European universities with extensive experience and qualifications who are keenly interested in LBTU’s development.

LBTU rector Irina Arhipova emphasized: “The opportunity to present LBTU’s scientific work and infrastructure to the International Expert Advisory Board is part of the effective implementation of our research program, which contributes to achieving the university’s strategic goals. Scientific activity is an integral part of LBTU’s operations, and the evaluation and recommendations from international experts help elevate our research ambitions while opening new opportunities at the international level. Every such exchange of experience is valuable, as it allows us to introduce international experts to Latvia’s experience, achievements, and future research directions.”

As part of the visit, a panel discussion titled “Development Strategy and Possibilities of LBTU as a University of Sciences” was held. It focused on the progress of LBTU’s 2023–2027 development strategy implementation and provided recommendations on how the university can best present its achievements in the upcoming international evaluation of scientific institutes scheduled for this year.

Participants in the discussion included members of the International Expert Advisory Board, representatives of the LBTU Council, university administration and faculty members. The discussions explored ways to enhance LBTU’s competitiveness in the international arena, strengthen scientific capacity, and foster collaboration both within the university and with international partners.

Later in the day, the advisory board members engaged in discussions with faculty representatives on their development priorities and visited LBTU’s key scientific laboratories. During these visits, significant research achievements, development projects, and innovative solutions promoting science-industry collaboration were presented.

At the conclusion of the visit, experts summarized the discussions and provided key conclusions on LBTU’s development prospects, along with strategic recommendations for the university’s future growth. The experts highly appreciated LBTU’s progress in science and education and underscored the importance of continued international collaboration. Additionally, the board members learned about the history of Jelgava Palace, a significant cultural heritage site and LBTU’s central complex.

The International Expert Advisory Board is an independent body aimed at advising on LBTU’s research and development strategy. It enhances understanding of global research trends and provides guidance on attracting new partners for LBTU’s research projects and innovations.

The advisory board consists of 14 members from various countries, all highly qualified experts in their respective fields. Appointed for a three-year term, the current board includes experts from Lithuania, Germany, Finland, Estonia, Spain, Norway, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Serbia, and Poland.

LBTU’s administration highly values the board’s expertise and looks forward to continued productive collaboration in strengthening the university’s development and international competitiveness.

Source of information

High Scientific Competence Centers Launched at Vytautas Magnus University for Bioeconomy Development and GDP Growth

Creating economic prosperity without compromising future generations is only achievable by developing bioeconomy based on sustainability and circular economy principles. In Lithuania, Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA), which holds extensive experience and scientific potential in bioeconomy research, has taken the leadership role in promoting efficient use of biological resources. A significant new step in this direction is the establishment of two centers of high scientific competence: the Bioeconomy Excellence Centre (BioTec) and the Smart Forestry Excellence Centre. These centers aim to foster innovation, develop science-business partnerships, educate young scientists, enhance the university’s visibility, and strive for leadership in the Baltic region and across Europe.

Creating Added Value for Both the State and the Academy

The quality of research at VMU and other Lithuanian public universities is being enhanced through the “University Excellence Initiative” launched by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport in 2023. In 2023, €4 million was allocated, last year more than €13 million, and by 2027, a total of €57.5 million is planned.

“Universities themselves, knowing best their strengths and priorities, could decide where to invest these state-provided funds. VMU has decided to divide these funds to strengthen social sciences and bioeconomy,” said VMU AA Chancellor Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikienė.

According to Prof. Miceikienė, identifying priority areas was straightforward for an institution celebrating 100 years of scientific tradition. Agronomy and environmental engineering emerged as critical for both international leadership and domestic bioeconomy stimulation, prompting the establishment of the Bioeconomy Research Centre of Excellence at VMU Agriculture Academy.

“VMU AA researchers have also achieved remarkable success in forestry research, collaborating with leading European science centers. Hence, we are establishing another center—the Smart Forestry Excellence Centre—funded not by the ministry’s initiative but by winning international competition through the HORIZON-WIDERA-2022 program, dedicated to creating and developing the ‘FOREST 4.0’ excellence center,” Prof. Miceikienė explained.

According to Prof. Miceikienė, these centers attract top scientists capable of innovative research. Modern infrastructure, equipment acquisition, and research funding are essential to these goals.

Chancellor of VMU Agriculture Academy, Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikienė

“The centers aim to attract young researchers focused long-term on bioeconomy and forestry, alongside international experts, since Lithuania, being a small country, cannot maintain top experts in all fields,” she stated. These excellence centers generate value for both the state and VMU AA by enhancing researchers’ capabilities, promoting innovation, increasing academic publications, and training more graduate students. Innovations created by researchers can be commercialized, ultimately boosting GDP through increased tax revenues.

Positive Social and Economic Impact

According to Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė, head of VMU AA’s Bioeconomy Research Centre of Excellence, the center has already yielded results by acquiring advanced scientific equipment and software. Tools like “SimaPro” software enable comprehensive lifecycle assessments for agricultural systems, aiding sustainable agricultural decisions. Other innovations, like “LI-COR” portable gas analyzers and precision nitrogen fertilizer application technologies, significantly improve research quality in agronomy and environmental engineering.

Research topics include soil and plant health, climate change mitigation, and sustainable agrotechnologies. These studies aim to positively impact society and the economy by promoting agricultural sustainability and resilience against climate change.

Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė, head of VMU AA’s Bioeconomy Research Centre of Excellence

Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė highlighted numerous publications in prestigious scientific journals, active international conference participation, and collaborative projects, including “Holistic Assessment of Agroecological Measures” (2025-2028) and innovations for sustainable wheat production using advanced sensors and spectroscopy.

“VMU AA Bioeconomy Research Centre of Excellence actively promotes technology commercialization. The next step involves encouraging innovative bioeconomy ventures capable of creating high-value products,” summarized Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė.

Smart Forestry Excellence Centre – For a Data-Driven Future of the Forestry Sector

Smart Forestry Excellence Centre for Innovative Bioeconomy Under the HORIZON-WIDERA-2022 program, VMU AA, alongside European partners, is developing the “FOREST 4.0” project—a competence center applying AI and IoT in forestry. The project aims to enhance Lithuania’s bioeconomy leadership in Europe by digitalizing forestry operations and supporting informed decision-making.

Prof. Dr. Gintautas Mozgeris from the Department of Forestry and Ecology emphasizes that tools developed will provide comprehensive data on forest ecosystems, enable risk forecasting, and promote balanced resource management. The project also plans to implement greenhouse gas emission monitoring technologies to support carbon farming practices, ensuring effective management and carbon credit verification.

Head of the Department of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Forestry and Ecology, VMU Agriculture Academy, Prof. Dr. Gintautas Mozgeris

“It is particularly important to avoid practices where greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters purchase carbon credits that do not actually result in emission reductions or increased absorption. Through the ‘Forest 4.0’ project, it is planned to establish a GHG emission monitoring tower capable of capturing real-time data on greenhouse gas emissions within a radius of over 100 kilometers. Additionally, mobile equipment will be utilized to monitor long-term GHG balances, enabling analysis of how GHG balances change in different conditions such as clear-cut areas, restored forest wetlands, and more. Expanded scientific research will validate effective carbon farming methods, simultaneously reducing the risks and societal impacts associated with the increasingly prevalent practice of ‘greenwashing,’” summarized Prof. Dr. G. Mozgeris.

Ultimately, VMU AA’s advanced research initiatives in bioeconomy and forestry promise significant social and economic benefits, including increased national GDP and sustainable growth.