12th International Scientific Conference “RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2025: Resilience to Global Challenges”

We kindly invite You to the 12th International Scientific Conference “RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2025: Resilience to Global Challenges”, which will take place in Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (Lithuania), 1-3 October 2025.

This conference is aimed at fostering interdisciplinary scientific discussions by presenting new ideas for agricultural development, rural development, and resilience in the context of global challenges.

The main topics of Conference sessions:

Biosystems Engineering for Sustainability;
Climate Smart Agriculture and Food Technologies; 
Multifunctional Approach for Sustainable use of Bioresources;  
Social Research and Innovations for Strengthening Rural Areas.

Keywords: Agriculture, Bioeconomy, Biosystems, Global Challenges, Resilience, Rural development.

Political, Business and Science panel discussion “Adopting to Global Change and Building a Resilient Bioeconomy” will be held during the Conference.

Important dates and deadlines:

Until June 30th, 2025 – early bird registration 
Until July 7th, 2025 – payment of early bird participation fee  
Until August 31st, 2025 – late bird registration
Until September 5th, 2025 – payment of late bird participation fee  
Until September 19th, 2025 – article submission
January 2026 – publishing of the Conference proceedings

Participation fee	In person (EUR)	Online (EUR)
Early bird authors and co-authors until July 7th	300	170
Late bird authors and co-authors until September 5th	400	220
Students	150	100
Participants	150	Free of charge
For Ukrainian authors and co-authors (if all authors are from Ukraine)	150	100

Participation fee in person covers not only the Conference proceedings, but also coffee breaks, lunches and gala dinner. The costs of accommodation, cultural (social) programme and transport should be covered by the participants of the Conference.

Speakers of the conference pay the participation fee after receiving information about the confirmation of the abstract of the presentation, but no later than deadlines. Confirmation will be sent to the participants during the five workdays after filling in the registration form.

More information about the Conference.

Online Registration on the Conference website.

Information for authors.

Conference website: https://www.ruraldevelopment.lt/

Conference e-mail: rural.development@vdu.lt

Key Insights from Accounting and Finance Experts on Driving Sustainability Forward

There is no doubt that the 14th International Conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2024: Towards Sustainability”, held on 14-15 November 2024, touched on critical aspects of sustainability in accounting and finance from various perspectives.

The plenary session began with a presentation by Nora Marija Laurinaitytė from Lithuania, titled “Unlocking the Potential of Green Finance.” She emphasized the importance of green investments not only for the future but also today. According to her, any business seeking funding must demonstrate its adherence to sustainability criteria. In the discussion, she also noted that smaller companies often have the advantage of adapting more quickly to these requirements and implementing the necessary changes.

Next, Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Galloppo from Italy spoke at the conference, presenting “Green Initiatives and Stock Market Reaction of Italian SMEs.” His research focused on how investors react to companies’ announcements regarding sustainability. Prof. Galloppo provided a detailed explanation of his research methodology, underscoring the importance of these announcements for investors as they directly impact their investment decisions.

The third plenary presentation, by Prof. Dr. Nadia Albu from Romania, complemented the previous two well, with her topic titled “Professionalization of Accountants in a Post-Communist Setting.” Prof. Dr. Nadia Albu discussed the differences in accounting practices between post-communist countries and Western nations. She highlighted that in Eastern Europe, accountants often limit their role to meeting institutional requirements, such as tax declarations or financial reporting, while in Western countries, there is a greater focus on data collection that supports companies’ own sustainability strategies. She noted that, because of these differences, sustainability reports are often prepared by managers or marketing teams based on narratives rather than accounting metrics or financial indicators. According to professor, this issue can be addressed by transforming accountants’ roles and revising accounting systems to ensure that the necessary sustainability metrics are collected.

Assistant Professor Zhelyo Zhelev from Bulgaria concluded the plenary session with his presentation, “Taxpayer Behavior in the Context of Digital Business Processes.” He analyzed how digitalization in business and tax reporting processes is changing taxpayer behavior. Zhelyo Zhelev emphasized that digital technologies not only transform tax processes but also reshape broader aspects of business management and relationships with government institutions. He shared insights from best practices in various countries, illustrating how these changes contribute to sustainability. Smart tax platforms often implemented at the initiative of tax administrations are pushing taxpayers towards greater transparency, increased sustainability, and, in some cases, moving out of the shadow economy.

On the second conference day (15th November 2024), interesting discussions moved to Panel Presentations and discussion on the topic “Linking sustainability policy to future finance and accounting”. The discussion was moderated by prof. dr. Vilija Aleknevičienė. It was attended by dr. Bart Henssen (Belgium), Head of the Center for Sustainable Entrepreneurship; Giedrė Padaigienė (Lithuania), Head of Swedbank AB’s business clients’ sustainability in Lithuania; Ronaldas Kubilius (Lithuania), Leader of ESG team and member of Tax and Legal Services Team at PwC Lithuania; Silva Katutytė (Lietuva), Managing director at UAB Randers Reb International.

Before the discussion began, its participants made presentations on green financing and the impact of sustainability requirements on the possibility of obtaining bank loans; challenges arising in the process of business sustainability disclosure; the impact of corporate social responsibility on the cost of debt capital in Scandinavian companies. Dr. Bart Henssen presented the experience of Belgian and other European universities in promoting the transition to sustainable business models through the university-business interface, discussed the challenges arising in implementing sustainable business models in practice and carrying out a systematic transformation of higher education institutions towards sustainability. Giedrė Padaigienė expressed her view on the role of the Bank of Lithuania in helping the country’s banks assess the sustainability of their clients and incorporating environmental risk into the assessment of clients’ creditworthiness. She discussed the role of stakeholders and cooperation between banks in assessing the sustainability of clients. Ronaldas Kubilius spoke about the role of accountants and accounting services companies in the team preparing corporate sustainability reports, and presented the services provided by PwC in the field of corporate sustainability assessment and disclosure. Silva Katutytė emphasized that although for the company is not mandatory to submit sustainability reports, some clients already request certain information related to sustainability. Therefore, the company’s management decided not to wait and to prepare the information in advance by forming the team and sharing the responsibilities. The panel discussion provided fruitful insights for scientists, business, and policymakers and implementers.

During both days of the conference, scientific discussions were held in various sessions. The first session, Business Finance, was notable for its high attendance and engaging discussions on pressing accounting and financial issues in a volatile economic and geopolitical environment. Here, the L. Sinevičienė (Lithuania) examined corporate investment in environmental protection, focusing on the factors driving this investment amid economic volatility and shedding light on how sustainability efforts adapt to uncertainty. Then A. Lakštutienė with co-authors (Lithuania) examined the risks posed by COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukrainian war to the performance of pension funds in Lithuania. Their case study highlighted the vulnerability of such funds in turbulent times and emphasised the need for strategic risk management. V. Aleknevičienė and co-authors (Lithuania) analysed the impact of uncertainty on the interconnectivity between green bonds and conventional markets, with a particular focus on the period before and during the war in Ukraine. Their research provided insights into how green finance responds to global instability and highlighted its potential role in addressing such challenges. Researcher from Latvia K. Ketners and A. Jarockis (Latvia) presented insights into performance budgeting in Latvia. Their research highlighted its potential as a tool for informed decision making, aligning fiscal policy with sustainability goals.

Other presentations addressed critical issues such as stock market reactions to green bond announcements in Nordic countries, innovative approaches to financial services, evaluation of public-private partnership projects through a sustainability lens, and models for diagnosing financial distress in trading companies. This lively session highlighted the critical role of business finance in addressing complex global challenges, and emphasised innovation and sustainability in financial practices.

The second session of the conference, Accounting and Finance, featured diverse research contributions, focusing on the integration of innovative approaches and sustainable practices in accounting and auditing. R. Klimaitienė with co-authors (Lithuania) explored the potential of the Time-Driven Activity-Based (TDABC) costing system in accounting service companies. Their research highlighted the system’s ability to improve cost accuracy, streamline processes and increase decision-making efficiency in professional accounting environments. S. Kostova (Bulgaria) gave an insightful presentation on the role of auditing in promoting sustainability in business processes. She highlighted how robust audit frameworks can strengthen transparency, governance and long-term organisational sustainability. E. Besusparienė and M. Bielskienė (Lithuania) examined how the accounting and tax environment influences Lithuania’s international trade. Their findings emphasised the importance of adapting the regulatory framework to enhance trade competitiveness and promote cross-border economic cooperation.

Other presentations in the session covered a wide range of topics, from the evolving challenges of e-commerce accounting and digital transformation in the profession, to trends in public finance and sustainability in agribusinesses. Taken together, these discussions reflected the dynamic landscape of accounting and auditing and underscored the profession’s critical role in addressing today’s challenges and advancing sustainability goals.

The third session of the conference, Corporate Governance, presented a variety of research on sustainability and financial practices. Š. Leitonienė and A. Vaivadienė (Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania) analysed Lithuanian NGO websites, highlighting strengths in accessibility but gaps in financial transparency. Authors develop the digital accountability index, offering a systematic way to evaluate NGO’s digital accountability level. D. Juočiūnienė, V. Aleknevičienė and D. Zinkevičienė (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) examined CSR reporting in Baltic public companies and found that only half disclose standards, with GRI being the most popular. Larger companies in heavy industries align their reporting with the expectations of investors and society. S. Petrova (D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Bulgaria) examined the role of retail marketing in promoting sustainable consumption, showing that increased purchases of fruit and vegetables are driven by consumer engagement. M. Nurmet, P. Sander and M. Kantšukov (University of Tartu, Estonia) evaluated Estonia’s 2018 tax reform. While the reduced tax rate on profit distributions affected the dividend policy of some companies, the overall impact was modest.

In summary, the conference highlighted pressing topics in sustainability and digitalization, confirming the increasing importance of these areas for both the business and academic communities. We sincerely thank all participants for their valuable contributions to the discussions and look forward to exploring these essential topics further at our next conference in 2026.

VMU AA and the Lithuanian Association of Apitherapists signed a cooperation agreement

On 7 December 2024, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) and the Lithuanian Association of Apitherapists during a scientific conference organised by the latter in Kaunas. The agreement was formalised through the signatures of Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikienė, Chancellor of the VMU AA, and Mr. Povilas Rimkus, President of the Lithuanian Apitherapy Association.

This collaboration paves the way for novel avenues in the domain of complementary and alternative medicine, with a specific emphasis on the utilisation of apitherapy – a therapeutic modality based on the administration of bee-derived products. Apitherapy is a field of complementary and alternative medicine that employs the use of bee products, including honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom, with the aim of improving health. Despite the lack of definitive proof regarding the efficacy of apitherapy in traditional medicine, this partnership seeks to advance research and develop safe and effective methods of apitherapy. It is noteworthy that the Law on Complementary and Alternative Medicine has been in force in Lithuania since 2021. This legislation regulates the use of these methods and ensures that complementary therapies are employed in a responsible manner and in accordance with high-quality and safety standards.

The VMU AA, with its commitment to community, partnership and long-standing traditions, aims to create and disseminate knowledge for the sustainable development of the bioeconomy. The collaboration with the Lithuanian Apitherapy Association will facilitate the integration of scientific research with the practical application of apitherapy, thereby contributing to the creation of a healthy and fulfilling living environment.

It is anticipated that this partnership will stimulate new research, educational initiatives and practical solutions to integrate apitherapy into modern medicine and healthcare, ensuring high standards of safety and efficiency.

The application for accommodation for new incoming international students

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) announces that applications for accommodation in VMU dormitories for new incoming international students will be started from December 15, 2024.

Please note that this application is open exclusively to incoming Erasmus+, Bilateral or other international exchange students and newly enrolled full-time students, starting the studies at VMU from Spring semester (1st February 2025) for accommodation in the Spring semester. Other VMU senior students, who are not currently residing in VMU dormitories or residents wishing to change their current room will be allowed to reserve one of the available rooms only after January 20, 2025.

IMPORTANT: The application is open only to students who have already signed their Learning Agreements (Erasmus+, Bilateral Exchange, or Visiting Students) and Agreement of Studies (newly enrolled full-time students). For more information about signing this agreement, please contact the International Cooperation Department.

To reserve a place in one of the VMU dormitories, all exchange and newly enrolled full-time students, starting the studies at VMU from Spring semester, must follow this procedure:

VMU DORMITORY ACCOMMODATION PROCEDURE FOR NEW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Get to know about VMU dormitories (No. 2 “Baltija” in Kaunas, No. 5 in Akademija, Kaunas District, and No. 6 “Vivulskis” in Vilnius), including accommodation prices, living conditions, and more.
Log in to the online accommodation system (Accommodation for others) and look for ‘Accommodation in Student Rooms’ using the username and password with the same credentials which students created when they apply for exchange studies at VMU.
Reserve a place from the provided list of Accommodation in Student Rooms (please note that the number of available spots in the dormitories is very limited, however, the list will be updated constantly at 2 PM by the UTC +2 Eastern European Time (EET) zone:

- on Mondays (December 16, 23, and 30, 2024 as well as January 6, and 13, 2025).
- From January 20, 2025 onwards, it will be updated regularly, so it is recommended to check it frequently).

Receive an email confirming your reservation. This email means that the room of your choice will be reserved for your arrival until January 31, 2025.
Receive a second email in mid-January with instructions on how to sign your electronic Agreement for Accommodation, and sign it.
Move into the dormitory (no earlier than January 15 and after signing your Agreement for Accommodation) by January 31, 2025. (IMPORTANT: If you are unable to move in by January 31, you can arrange with the dormitory administration to move in later; however, starting February 1, you will be charged the room fee. In other cases, if you do not move to the dormitory by January 31, 2025, your room reservation will be cancelled. “

ALTERNATIVE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR NEW VMU INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

FOR NON-VMU STUDENTS

Please be informed that, due to high demand from Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) students for accommodation in VMU dormitories in Kaunas, Akademija (Kaunas district), and Vilnius, it will not be possible to reserve a vacant room for non-VMU students until further notice. All existing reservations will be cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please follow the information in the ‘News’ section at http://accommodation.vdu.lt.

For more information please contact:

Student Centre (Student Affairs Department)

Phone +370 37 751 175
E-mail studentas[eta]vdu.lt
Address K. Donelaičio str. 52-111, Kaunas

VMU Agriculture Academy Autumn Intake 2025/2026 is open!

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 Kaunas – located in the center of Europe – may be the perfect combination for You.

Your lifetime adventure can start now with Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy.

Application is open from December 1, 2024, for Autumn Intake 2025/2026 study programmes:

APPLY HERE -> vytautasmagnus.dreamapply.com

DEADLINES:

May 15, 2025
- For applicants from non EU/EFTA countries, except the countries listed below.
July 1, 2025
- For applicants from EU/EFTA countries
- For applicants and citizens of visa-free countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Georgia (Sakartvelo), Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
  Note: Please check if you need a visa to enter Lithuania here.

Note (!) Diplomas may be added after application deadline.

Note (!) Studies start on August 25, 2025.
Note (!) Due to limited admission places, applications for autumn intake for the academic year 2025-2026 might be closed earlier. Spring (February) intake is not offered.

Information about Application and Admission Procedures

Information about Scholarships

Contact person: VMU Agriculture Academy International Coordinator Ekaterina Makrickiene ekaterina.makrickiene@vdu.lt, +370 37 752 386.

More information about VMU Agriculture Academy study programmes.

A New Project LUMA Seeks to Develop Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Measures at Vytautas Magnus University

From November 2024, a new project focusing on gender equality and equal opportunities has started at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) and will last for 18 months, until April 2026. The project team – project leader Laura Lapinskė, VMU Equal Opportunities Coordinator, and Natalija Mažeikienė, Professor at the Department of Social Work and Senior researcher at V. Kavolis Transdisciplinary Research Institute, will implement activities and various measures to help create a safe, healthy, inclusive, respectful, considerate and tolerant environment and to ensure equal opportunities for all members of the university community.

One clear priority is gender equality. Following the recommendations of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), a team of researchers and experts from the University has developed a Gender Equality Plan for 2021-2025. The participation of VMU in the Horizon project SPEAR (“Supporting and Implementing Plans for Gender Equality in Academia and Research”, Horizon H2020) in 2019-2023 has strongly contributed to the development of the institutional gender equality policy.

The new VMU project LUMA is a national continuation of the international SPEAR project, which will ensure coherent institutional change in the field of gender equality and equal opportunities. The implementation of the project will contribute to facilitating the whole university’s participation in EU Horizon Programme projects by implementation of various measures, the development of necessary documents, cultivation of soft competences.

According to the project leader, VMU Equal Opportunities Coordinator Laura Lapinskė, the new Gender Equality Project LUMA will continue to focus on ensuring gender balance, fostering equal opportunities policy, reducing vertical and horizontal gender segregation, promoting gender mainstreaming in studies, and implementing measures to prevent discrimination, mobbing and sexual harassment.

According to prof. dr. Natalia Mažeikienė, Senior researcher at the V. Kavolis Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies and Professor at the Social Work Department, the implementation of equal opportunities and gender equality is a cultural phenomenon, whereas change is a time-consuming and demanding process.

„Changing organisational culture is based on changing behavioural norms, values and cultural attitudes. Therefore, institutional change requires a strong focus on educating staff (both academic and non-academic), promoting cultural attitudinal change through awareness-raising and the development of generic competences in the field of gender equality and equal opportunities”, says prof. Mažeikienė.

These changes will be achieved not only through the development and implementation of competence development programmes, but also through the development and implementation of strategic documents and guidelines; conduction of organisational research; the organisation of seminars, conferences, forums and other experience-sharing events; the implementation and coordination of internal and external communication on gender equality issues; the development of national partnerships.

The project will also include a series of training sessions on inclusive language and communication, inclusive conferences and scientific events, and the promotion of gender equality and equal opportunities in science policy and research team building. The LUMA project will develop a new Gender Equality Plan 2026-2030 and implement the measures of the existing VMU Gender Equality Plan 2021-2025.

The project “Developing Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Measures at Vytautas Magnus University (LUMA)” (10-040-T-0028) is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU (Acceleration of the “European Horizon” Programme). The project is coordinated and implemented by Laura Lapinskė, VMU Equal Opportunities Coordinator and lecturer at the Department of Social Work (laura.lapinske[eta]vdu.lt).

The student survey Teaching and learning evaluation has been launched

At the end of each semester, all students of bachelor, master, integrated and professional studies as well as free movers are invited to share their opinion about teachers’ and their own work during the study courses. The Autumn semester survey has started at University, and it will be open until the 23 of December.

The link to the survey Teaching and learning evaluation can be found on the main window of the Student Portal, the survey is anonymous. Students have a possibility to follow the data on the participation in the survey as they can see the number and percentage of questionnaires received for each study course on the Student Portal.

The survey is of a summative nature, so teachers will be able to respond to students’ suggestions while preparing for the study courses of the next semesters. While the survey is ongoing, teachers can monitor the information about student participation on the Teacher Portal, and they will be able to get acquainted with students’ responses from the middle of June.

We kindly ask teachers to encourage students to take part in the survey Teaching and learning evaluation.

More information:

VMU Study Quality Unit

E-mail: kokybe[eta]vdu.lt

Higher education didactics for sustainability

Inland Norway University is offering an international course in: Higher education didactics for sustainability. The course is online and available for free.
The target group is educators within higher education.

Registration deadline: 8 December
Course start: 20 January

The course offers:

9 webinars of ca. 1 hour each
4 discussion seminars
Participants are organised in project-based learning groups that will have their own collaboration meetings.

Higher education didactics for sustainability (HEDS251)

ONLINE Internationally PBL – Project-based learning in groups,
20^th of January to 29^th of April of 2024., (Hours of commitment: 80)
sola.kau.se
Content
- The course advances understanding of pedagogical frameworks like Education for Sustainability (EFS) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), by fostering a collaborative and collective learning environment that combines theoretical knowledge with practical examples. Through literature, discussions, and group work, you’ll explore how these frameworks can be effectively implemented in your educational settings.
- The course contains four modules:
  - Making Sense of Sustainability: Explores foundational questions about sustainability, including underpinning principles and paradigms, aiming to deepen understanding of why the incorporation of sustainability is crucial in higher education curriculum.
  - Competencies, Frameworks, and Curriculum: Introduces key sustainability competencies such as systems thinking, values thinking, and problem-solving, which can be integrated into existing course or programme curriculum.
  - Didactical Models for Teaching and Learning Sustainability: Considers various didactic models – like holism, pluralism, and transdisciplinarity – relating these approaches to teaching and learning for sustainability in various disciplines.
  - The Future Role of the University: Prompts learners to reflect on the evolving role of universities in relation to future scenarios and grand challenges. Discussions will focus on how universities can prepare students to meet the needs of the future, while considering our ethical responsibilities as educators and academics.

For more information about the course and to register: HEDS kurs.

Contact person about the course: Arna Björg Àrnadòttir (arna.arnadottir@inn.no)

Conference “AgroEco2024”: bringing scientists of the world together to celebrate 100 years of agricultural progress

The 5th international conference “AgroEco 2024“ marks a dual milestone: the 100th anniversary of the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) and a decade-long tradition of fostering international collaboration in sustainable agriculture. The conference embodies a global commitment to innovation in agriculture, addressing pressing issues like climate change and food security while fostering collaboration across nations.

Continuing a decade-long tradition

VMU Agriculture Prof. Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė noted that it is the fifth international “AgroEco2024“ conference, continuing a decade’s tradition of bringing together global experts to tackle challenges in sustainable agriculture. “Today is a momentous occasion, as we not only open our fifth international conference ‘AgroEco2024’, but also celebrate the 100th anniversary of Agriculture Academy. It’s our honor to share this milestone. This year’s conference brings over hundreds of participants from all around the world, representing countries such as Lithuania, Germany, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Poland, Belgium, Turkey, Latvia, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Estonia, Brazil, Afghanistan and Azerbaijan – more than 20 oral and over 40 poster presentations”, said scientist.

“These presentations delve into critical topics such as soil health, carbon sequestration and the shift toward pesticides-free agriculture. These discussions are essential as we navigate the challenges of climate change and global food security. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the organizing and scientific committees for their tireless work in making this event a success, and to our partners for their invaluable support“, said scientist.

Forefront of agriculture education and research

Representative of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences and Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Žydrė Kadžiulienė noted that throughout the 100 years the academy community has been at the forefront of agriculture education and research, creating opportunities for innovation and powerful ideas for generations. “You are successfully doing it today and you will do it in the future. Today’s conference, International Scientific Conference “AgroEco2024“, reflects your ability and disposition to be part of international science“, said Dr. Žydrė Kadžiulienė.

She paid attention that sustainability of agroecosystems, soil health, climate change are key questions that concern scientists, farmers and society in Lithuania, in Europe as well as in the world. “Diversification of agricultural systems and the regeneration of soil functions are crucial importance for many farming systems and this is very related to agroecosystems. Agroecosystems involve all the interactions between biotic and antibiotic features in an agriculture area. Understanding how agroecosystems work is very important to better understanding and to better solutions for sustainable agriculture. Moreover, well-managed agroecosystems can help mitigate the challenges of climate change. Therefore, scientific insights, scientific results, and new proposals are very necessary“ said Dr. Žydrė Kadžiulienė.

A great step forward in finding the best methods

Representative from the Ministry of Agriculture Saulius Jasius noted that there could not be recipes or magic formulas on most effective initiatives for development of sustainable agriculture, however, serious discussions during this conference may be a great step forward in finding the best answers on what sustainable production methods should be promoted for farmers. “I believe that the conference will help to open eyes not only for the government, but to all of us, and particularly to farmers, explaining to them what are the benefits of sustainable agribusiness. It is a great pleasure to welcome to this conference, “AgroEco2024“, the scholars and research people from a variety of countries.

Your experience, expertise, and readiness to share your knowledge and ideas are highly valuable and needed“, said Saulius Jasius.

Main focus on sustainability, ecology, soil health, and food safety

Assoc. prof. dr. Rytis Skominas, Director of the Bioeconomy Research Institute at the VMU Agriculture Academy, emphasized the significant transformations in Lithuania and its agricultural sector over the past century. “Over the last 100 years, we have witnessed numerous changes, including major geopolitical developments and, more recently, the challenges posed by global warming. In response, the Agriculture Academy has charted its own path, prioritizing sustainability, ecology, soil health, and food safety. Today, we are proud to celebrate the Academy’s centennial anniversary and inaugurate the 5th International Conference“, said scientist Rytis Skominas. The scientist concluded his speech with gratitude and a wish that the conference would leave everyone with great impressions, new ideas, and valuable connections.

VMU Agriculture Academy is launching a new MA program, Aquamatics

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy is launching Aquamatics, a new double-diploma master’s program in Environmental Engineering (E03), within the broader field of Engineering Sciences (E). This forward-thinking program addresses the growing global demand for experts in sustainable water management and environmental protection. Aquamatics provides students with interdisciplinary knowledge and hands-on skills, empowering them to tackle complex challenges in water-related environmental issues.

The aim of the study program Aquamatics is to prepare highly qualified environmental engineering specialists who are able to solve theoretical and practical problems of water management, analyse and model natural water phenomena and engineering processes using the latest information technologies by integrating knowledge from different fields. The graduate will not only understand the problems of threats arising from climate change and related hydrological and hydrobiological changes, but will be ready to search for solutions by determining the causes of environmental changes and rationally evaluating/predicting their ecological effects and changes as well. The Master will be able to offer practical solutions to eliminate/limit the impact of such activities by performing: an inventory of surface and underground water and water-related environment; implementing effective monitoring methods for these areas, proposing and checking the effectiveness of corrective actions using statistical and mathematical modelling methods, design activities related to water environment protection and melioration, implement modern, proven solutions related for water protection. Upon successful completion of these studies, the degree of Master of Science in Engineering will be awarded.

The program is carried out in collaboration with University of Silesia in Katowice. The admission is planned for 2025 autumn (opening from December 1, 2024).