3rd International Scientific Conference “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2022: Theory and Practice”
We are pleased to invite you to participate at the International Scientific Conference “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2022: Theory and Practice”. The conference will be held online on 4-5 May 2022.
The conference is organised by the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy and the Faculty of Economics and Social Development of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.
The conference is dedicated to discuss research ideas related to the following topics:
- Bioeconomy Contribution to the European Green Deal
- Role of Innovative, Sustainable and Inclusive Bioeconomy in Development of Rural Areas
- Logistics and Marketing of Biological Resources and Bioproducts
- Innovative Business Solutions in the Bioeconomy
ONLINE REGISTRATION on the conference website:
Until 4 Aril 2022 – for oral and posters presentations
Until 11 April 2022 – for notification of presentation acceptance
Until 18 April 2022 – for poster submission
Until 2 May 2022 – for listeners
Conference e-mail: SBDconference@vdu.lt
Conference website: https://sbd.vdu.lt/
Please visit conference Facebook page!


FOR THOSE WHO SEEK HELP / ДЛЯ ТИХ, ХТОПОTPEБYЄ ДОПОМОГИ
🇺🇸Vytautas Magnus University is lending a helping hand to Ukrainians. In 2020, a support fund was established at VMU for the students who suffered from state repression in Belarus. From now on, this fund will also support the students who have suffered from military operations in Ukraine.The university may:
- Provide scholarships (payments, Eur)
- Accommodate at the university’s dormitory (with the option to also provide accommodation to family members)
- Offer tuition fee deduction or exemption
- Provide deduction or exemption from accommodation fee at VMU dormitory
- Postpone the deadline of payment for tuition and accommodation fee or make it possible to pay in instalments
- Help find work in Lithuania
- Provide psychological support
- Provide other support
In order to be eligible for the support, students have to fill in the application form and send it:
PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT
The VMU Psychology Clinic is organizing emotional support groups for Ukrainian students. More information about these groups is provided directly to Ukrainian students by the International Cooperation Department.
The VMU Psychology Clinic has also published a list of psychologists in Lithuania who provide free-of-charge consultations to Ukrainians.
The Global Initiative on Psychiatry (FGIP) and partners have prepared a psychological support platform for Ukrainians. The platform aims to provide guidelines to mental health professionals and the public on how to deal with the psychological consequences of war. The program has a Facebook page, a Telegram channel and a website, www.samopomo.ch.
JOIN ACTIVITIES AT VMU SPORTS CENTRE
Vytautas Magnus University invites the Ukrainian academic community to join the activities at VMU Sports Centre. Sports helps people calm down, focus and gain positive emotions during this difficult time, so Ukrainians are welcome to join the training sessions offered by VMU Sports Centre. More information and registration to the activities: https://sportas.vdu.lt/en/registration/
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BoulderHouse Climbing Center invites students and academic staff from Ukraine to free climbing training in Kaunas. During the training, you will reduce the level of anxiety and stress, regain a sense of control and get positive emotions. Nowadays like never before it’s really important to stay strong mentally and physically to keep our fighting spirit high. More information and registration.
VISIT THE VMU BOTANICAL GARDEN
The Ukrainian academic community is invited to visit the VMU Botanical Garden free-of-charge. Being in nature has a positive effect on one’s mental state. It allows one to experience positive emotions and feel at peace. More information: https://botanika.vdu.lt/en/
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE ARRIVING AT LITHUANIA
We are sharing useful information for those who are arriving at Lithuania: frequently asked questions. The information is available here
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More information for current and future VMU students and lecturers: academic.support@vdu.lt
FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO SUPPORT UKRAINE’S ACADEMIC COMMUNITY
🇺🇦
ДЛЯ ТИХ, ХТОПОTPEБYЄ ДОПОМОГИ
Університет Вітовта Великого (VDU) готовий допомагати українцям. Ще у 2020 році VDU створив фонд допомоги для підтримки студентів, що стали жертвами репресій уряду Білорусі. Тепер фонд також підтримує студентів, які постраждали від війни Росії в Україні.
Як університет може допомогти:
- Надати стипендії (виплати, в євро)
- Забезпечити проживання в університетському гуртожитку (також для членів сім’ї студентів)
- Надати знижки або звільнити студентів від плати за навчання
- Надати знижки або звільнити від плати за проживання в гуртожитку VDU
- Відкласти на певний термін оплату за навчання та проживання або створити умови для оплати частинами
- Допомогти влаштуватися на роботу в Литві
- Надати психологічну допомогу
- Надати іншу допомогу
Щоб отримати підтримку, студенти повинні заповнити форму заявки та подати її за адресою:
Ті, хто зараз навчається у VDU : srd@vdu.lt
Ti, хто хоче навчатися у VDU: academic.support@vdu.lt
ПСИХОЛОГІЧНА ДОПОМОГА
Групи підтримки для українських студентів організовує Психологічна клініка VDU. Більш детальну інформацію про ці групи надає безпосередньо українським студентам Департамент міжнародних відносин.
Психологічна клініка університету також опублікувала список литовських психологів, які безкоштовно консультують українців.
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„Глобальна ініціатива з психіатрії“ (FGIP) та її партнери розробили платформу психологічної підтримки українців. Платформа надає рекомендації із психічного здоров’я щодо того, як боротися з психологічними наслідками війни. Незабаром будуть доступні сторінки програми в соціальних мережах Facebook і Telegram, а також сайт програми https://www.samopomo.ch/
МОЖЛИВІСТЬ ЗАЙМАТИСЯ СПОРТОМ У СПОРТИВНОМУ ЦЕНТРІ VDU
Університет запрошує українську академічну спільноту записатися та відвідати спортивні заняття. Спорт допомагає заспокоїтися, зосередитися, отримати позитивні емоції в цей непростий час, тому запрошуємо українців приєднатися до тренувань. Більше інформації та реєстрація на заняття: https://sportas.vdu.lt/en/registration/
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Скеледром «BoulderHouse» запрошує українських студентів та викладачів на безкоштовні тренування зі скелелазіння в Каунасі. Під час тренування ви зменшите рівень тривоги і стресу, відновите відчуття контролю, отримаєте позитивні емоції. Сьогодні, як ніколи, дуже важливо залишатися сильним морально та фізично, щоб підтримувати бойовий дух.
Деталі про захід та реєстрація.
ЗАПРОШУЄМО ВІДВІДАТИ БОТАНІЧНИЙ САД УНІВЕРСИТЕТУ
Ботанічний сад VDU пропонує безкоштовні відвідування для української академічної спільноти. Прогулянка на природі позитивно впливає на психологічний стан, дозволяє отримати позитивні емоції та заспокоїтися. Більше інформації: https://botanika.vdu.lt/en/
КОРИСНА ІНФОРМАЦІЯ ДЛЯ ТИХ, ЩО ПРИЇЗДИТЬ ДО ЛИТВИ
Ділимося корисною інформацією для тих, хто наразі прибуває до Литви – відповіді на найпоширеніші запитання читайте тут.
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Більше інформації для теперішніх та майбутніх студентів та викладачів VDU: academic.support@vdu.lt
ДЛЯ ТИХ, ХТО ХОЧЕ ПІДТРИМУВАТИ УКРАЇНСЬКУ АКАДЕМІЧНУ СПІЛЬНОТУ
VMU Extends a Helping Hand to Ukraine: Everyone is Welcome to Donate
Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), continuing the initiative dedicated to the support of Eastern Partnership countries, has extended a helping hand to the Ukrainians. In 2020, VMU established a support fund dedicated to students who suffered from repression by the Belarusian government. Now, this fund will also support students who suffered from military operations in Ukraine. The university is also prepared to welcome students and lecturers who are fleeing from war in Ukraine. Like other higher education schools in Lithuania, VMU has terminated relations with higher education institutions of Russia and Belarus.
Everyone is welcome to donate to the support fund for the Ukrainians: businesses, the public and individual persons. The received funds are used for scholarships to the Ukrainians who come to study at VMU: the support covers their expenses on studies, accommodation, and settlement. If needed, these funds may also cover the students’ subsistence expenses.
“We must not stand on the sidelines as the horrors of war are taking place so close to us. We ask everyone who is not indifferent to human suffering and supports democratic and humanistic values to donate to this fund. Our support is very important to people who have been affected by war and the political situation. The donated money will reach the members of academic community in Ukraine and the incoming students who need it the most. We express strong support to communities of our partner universities in Ukraine”, VMU Vice-Rector for Communication, Assoc. Prof. Vilma Bijeikienė said.
As a way to show its support of the Ukrainian government and people, in response to the recent events, the university is also prepared welcome up to 400 students and up to 50 lecturers or researchers who are fleeing the war. The graduates of VMU also contribute to the support of the Ukrainian citizens in various ways.
Currently, 87 citizens of Ukraine are studying at VMU. Ukraine is an important partner of VMU: as part of the Erasmus+ program, VMU cooperates with 10 Ukrainian universities, while bilateral agreements have been signed with 30 other higher education schools.
Since 2013, in order to contribute to the consolidation of democracy, Vytautas Magnus Unviersity has been paying special attention to students of the Eastern Partnership countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Each year, 20–40 students from these countries receive scholarships.
We invite natural and legal persons to contribute to the fund’s activities by donating support. The donors may provide support to students from Ukraine in the form of money or their own products or services and provide the conditions to do paid internship at their companies or organizations, thus providing the students with possibilities to live independently during their studies in Lithuania.
The funds for this project can be transferred to the following account of AB SEB Bank:
LT41 7044 0600 0284 8638
Beneficiary’s name: Vytauto Didžiojo universitetas
Payment description: Support for students from Ukraine
JOB/INTERNSHIP OFFERS
We invite companies to present job or internship offers to the Ukrainian academic community by email: karjera@vdu.lt
More information: academic.support@vdu.lt
Study Exchange and Internship Opportunities for Students
International Cooperation Department invites all students of the VMU take advantage of an opportunity and apply for student exchange and internship abroad.
We offer even four different options for international mobilities:
Wondering where to go? On March 1–3 join Erasmus Days’22 during which you will be able to find out more about exchange opportunities. The events will allow you to get to learn more about the mobility opportunities, hear about experiences of other students, and join various interesting and meaningful initiatives. During these three days full of both online and on-site events, students will share their experiences, and will learn more about mobility.
More information
Competition for Traineeship at non-EU Countries
VMU students are invited to participate in competition for traineeship at non-EU countries with VMU Mobility scholarship.
Students have to submit completed online application form (Application form for traineeship in non-EU/EEE countries) until 30th of April 2022.
Selection criteria:
- traineeship compatibility with Study programme at VMU;
- confirmation from hosting organization for acceptance into traineeship programme;
- motivation;
- results of studies or research during the last two semesters (for VMU Mobility scholarship GPA should be no less than 8.0);
- good knowledge of language in which traineeship will be commenced.
Traineeship period should end no later than 2022-08-31.
Students will be personally informed via e-mail about the results till 15th of May.
Note, traineeships with VMU Mobility scholarship are only for students. Recent graduates can no longer participate in this programme.
Selected students will receive VMU Mobility scholarship. Eligible countries and number of scholarships:
VMU Mobilitity scholarship
| Group of countries[1] |
Duration of Traineeship |
Number of scholarships |
Scholarship |
| Countries of regions: South Asia, East Asia and Pacific; Middle East; North America; Latin America & the Caribbean |
1 – 3 months |
10 |
650 Eur/month |
| Countries of regions: Europe and Central Asia; North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa |
1 – 3 months |
550 Eur/month |
More information about traineeship programme:
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|
[1] https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups
Diplomas of the VMU Agriculture Academy Awarded to the Graduates from the Bioeconomy Development Faculty
At the graduation ceremony on 28 January, the graduates from the Bioeconomy Development Faculty at the VMU Agriculture Academy were awarded with the Bachelor and Master degree diplomas certifying successful completion of their studies. Despite the ongoing restrictions related to the pandemic management, such as maintaining safe distance, wearing the face masks, they did not spoil the sincere wishes expressed by the teachers or the sparkle in the graduates’ eyes upon successful achievement of another important milestone and result in their lives.
The event host and the coordinator for research and project activities of the Faculty, Assoc. Prof. Anastasija Novikova, passed the words of congratulations to the graduates from Prof. Dr Juozas Augutis, Rector of VMU to the graduates from the Bioeconomy Development Faculty who had successfully completed the first-cycle full- or part-time studies in Accounting and Finance, first-cycle full-time studies in Logistics and Trade, second-cycle full-time studies in Business Logistics: “The diploma award ceremony is a special event. This moment encompasses a lot of components: the determination and presistence throughout the years, occassional feeling of uncertainty or inconfidence and, finally, the victory accompanied by the excitement of the new milestone and new step.”
According to the Rector, the time span spent at the University made the young people stronger, more educated, provided more knowledge and colors to their lives. “As you are about to step into the new stage of life, taken a moment to look back at the path you’ve made and celebrate own persistence, determination, and patience. And then go further into the future with the new strength and enthusiasm. Today, I would like to wish you all to be brave and open with the strong foundation you have built. Always remember that the doors of Vytautas Magnus University are and always will be open to you”, – the Rector shared with the graduates.
According to Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikiene, Chancellor of the VMU Agriculture Academy, graduation from a University is one of the most exciting moments in one’s life. “A degree or diploma is not just a paper. It is the acknowledgement that hard work has brought the results, and you can head into the future on the wings of science. This is a great academic achievement! The diploma is your ticket to better opportunities in life, and you should cherish it”, – the Chancellor wished this to all the graduates and encouraged them to return to the University for Master, PhD studies and become active members of the Agriculture Academy Alumni club.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bernardas Vaznonis, Dean of the Bioeconomy Development Faculty, and Algirdas Grybauskas, Head of Transport Sector at Kesko Senukai Lithuania, UAB, wished the graduates courage in assuming responsibility and a successful career path.
Simona Domarkaitė, graduate from the fist-cycle, full-time studies in Logistics and Trade, expressed gratitude to all the former teachers, administrative staff, and peers on behalf of the graduates for the encouragement, support and time spent together meaningfully and amicably together. She noted that there were no such thing as former members of the academic community, as this was the life-time membership. Simona was awarded with the diploma Cum Laude for the remarkable learning outcomes issued by the Order of the VMU Rector.
#StudentsTalk: VMU AA Opened up Opportunities to Improve Myself in a Personal and Professional Way
Andrii Zabrodskyi, Environmental Engineering PhD student, Chief Specialist at International Cooperation Department at VMU
Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy is not only an institution of studies and research, but also a space where solutions are created, discussed, and sought after, where every innovative idea is extremely important. It is interesting to get to know our wonderful students, who enrich the Academy with its uniqueness, smartness, and openness to the world.
Andrii Zabrodskyi, Environmental Engineering PhD student from Ukraine and currently Chief Specialist at International Cooperation Department, working at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, shared his experience about choosing studies in Lithuania and his journey here at VMU Agriculture Academy.
– Why and how did you choose to study at VMU Agriculture Academy?
I already wanted to go to graduate school in Ukraine, but my scientific supervisor advised me to try my hand in Lithuania. He heard about this possibility discussing with his colleague from VMU Agriculture Academy. When I arrived at Lithuania for the first time, I really liked these places, especially Kaunas and its surroundings, so I decided to study PhD, as I always wanted, and fully enjoy the beauty of Lithuania.
– What did you know about Lithuania before coming here?
Not so much. Just short knowledge about history, geography, culture, mostly from school lessons. Even now I don’t know too much, but I am trying to discover more every weekend.
– What study program do you study? What research do you carry out?
I am PhD student in Environmental Engineering. My research topic is related to soil compaction and possible solution for minimizing its negative effects. Nowadays its very actual problem in Environmental Engineering. Together with Ukrainian colleagues we described theoretical model for support optimal tire inflation pressure for minimizing compaction risks and maximization tires service term. It may sound difficult, but when you are engaged in it, it founds really interesting.
– In what activities besides studies are you engaged at the University?
In 2020, I started as a volunteer helping foreign students in VMU International Cooperation Department (ICD). Since I really enjoy this activity, I decided to continue working at this field, so since September 2021, I have been working in the ICD, coordinating full-time foreign students at VMU Agriculture Academy. I would like to continue this even after my graduation.
– What study or practical activities at VMU Agriculture Academy are the most memorable for you?
There is no doubt it is working at the Agriculture Academy Experimental Station in Akademija together with my colleagues from Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Agronomy.
– What experience do you appreciate the most?
VMU Agriculture Academy opened up opportunities for me to improve myself in a personal and professional way. Coming here in Lithuania, even not knowing a lot about the country, lead me to the present, where I communicate in Lithuanian language, carry out highly important PhD research and realize myself in professional field working with VMU Agriculture Academy students. I appreciate it a lot and hope my journey at VMU Agriculture Academy could be an inspiration for students, that still have doubts about trying themselves in something new.
Andrii is open to answer the questions about studying at VMU Agriculture Academy – it is his work and his pleasure. If you are interested, feel free to contact Andrii on Facebook.

VMU AA Autumn Intake 2022/2023 is open. Apply now!
Would like to gain strong knowledge, solid skills, and invaluable international experience? Thinking about an unforgettable European student adventure and traveling the world?
Top-quality studies in a high-ranking university and living in a European Capital of Culture 2022 – Kaunas – located in the center of Europe may be the perfect combination for You.
Your lifetime adventure can start now. With VMU Agriculture Academy.
Autumn Intake 2022/2023 study programmes:
Application deadlines:
June 1st – for Applicants from non-EU/EFTA Countries
July 1st – for Applicants from EU Countries and for non-EU/EFTA Countries with Lithuanian Embassies
Information about Application and Admission Procedures: Admission to Degree Studies | VMU
Information about Scholarships: Scholarships | VMU
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
Conference “Young Scientist 2022”
The 19th Conference of Young Scientists YOUNG SCIENTIST 2022 will be held on 21 April 2022 (remote). The Conference is intended for the first- and second-cycle students representing all the universities. Its goal is to engage the students in research activities, cultivate the skills of public presentation of the research findings, present the research achievements, and hold discussions on the relevant issues of bioeconomy, Green Deal, climate change, ecosystem sustainability, rational use and protection of natural resources. Participants of the conference will be awarded with the participation certificates. The presenters will be eligible to publish their papers in the conference proceedings or another science publication, e.g. science journals “Žemės ūkio mokslai” (Agricultural Sciences), “Agricultural Engineering”.
Participation is free of charge.
CONFERENCE TOPICS
Bioeconomy
- Accounting and finance: challenges and opportunities
- Innovations and solutions in business logistics
- Sustainable development of rural areas
- Management of agri-business and other bioeconomy business organizations
- Bioeconomy, sustainability of agriculture and food sector
Biosystems engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Real estate cadastre
- Power engineering
- Transport engineering
- Technology engineering
- Water engineering
- Land management
Sustainability of agricultural, forest, and water ecosystems
- Agronomy
- Sustainability of agricultural ecosystems
- Sustainable food production chains
- Mitigation of the climate change effects on ecosystems and adaptation
- Ecosystem services
- Sustainable forestry
- Wildlife population management
PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION
Participant registration deadline: 15 February 2022
PAPER SUBMISSION
Recomendations for article authors
Papers shall be uploaded through the electronic submission system from 1 February to 15 March 2022.
The papers will be subject to review.
Contacts:
Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy
Studentų Str. 11, 53361 Akademija, Kaunas district.
Email: martynas.narmontas@vdu.lt
UNeECC Annual Conference will take place at VMU Agriculture Academy: 5-7 October 2022. Save the date!
Photo: visit.kaunas.lt
With Kaunas becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2022, the role of universities in the development of the cultural and scientific program is extremely important. Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) became the new member of University Network of the European Capitals of Culture (UNeECC). With the initiative of UNeECC, the annual conferences at the universities of European Capitals of Culture is organised each year. In 2022 the annual conference will be organized by VMU and will take place at VMU Agriculture Academy.
Conference Title: Culture and Nature – Partners in Dialogue
Conference Date: 5-7 October 2022
Conference Place: Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania
More information regarding registration, call for abstracts, and more will be updated soon at the websites of VMU Agriculture Academy and UNeECC.
We look forward to connecting with you for the UNeECC Annual Conference!
More information about VMU engagement in European Capitals of Culture environment.
UNeECC is a network that aims to ensure the recognition of the role and contribution of universities to the success of the cities conferred the title “European Capital of Culture”, to provide the member universities with a possibility of continuous and full participation in the European Capitals of Culture movement, and to foster inter-university cooperation to develop and reshape the universities’ regional position to create new activities for cities and universities.