News

Changes at the Entrance to VU Saulėtekio al. 9 Car Park to Prevent Traffic Congestion

2025-09-05T05:44:00+03:00

To prevent traffic congestion, a semicircular detour and temporary road sign have been installed at the entrance to the 911�� (VU) car park at Saulėtekio al. 9, directing vehicles to alternative parking areas.

If you cannot enter the Saulėtekio al. 9 car park due to its full capacity, please avoid blocking traffic – exit through the left side of the semicircular detour and use alternative parking at the VU Business School (Saulėtekio al. 22) or the Health and Sport Center (Saulėtekio al. 26).

Those who fail to follow these rules will face a one-month restriction from accessing the VU car parks; repeat offenders will have restrictions extended to one year.

We also kindly remind VU students, staff, and other community members that vehicles can be registered through the Property Management and Service Centre helpdesk by selecting the parking (‘Parkingas’) option.

Representatives of Taiwan’s Fu Jen Catholic University Visit 911��

2025-09-04T10:30:00+03:00

On 3 September, 911�� (VU) welcomed Prof. Francis Yi-Chen Lan, President of Taiwan’s Fu Jen Catholic University, and Dr Yaonan Lin, Dean of the Office of International Education. During the visit, VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas and the President of Fu Jen Catholic University signed a cooperation agreement.

The agreement foresees the promotion of academic exchanges, collaboration in sharing materials of importance to both universities, and the organisation of academic conferences. It also seeks to establish exchanges of lecturers, students, and researchers for the purposes of teaching, study, and academic research. The agreement will be valid for five years.

“VU has been strengthening cooperation with Taiwanese universities in various fields for several years already. These are sustainable and meaningful partnerships, whose value is further enhanced by Taiwan’s consistent and targeted education and research policy pursued for several decades, one of whose goals is the creation of a functional research and business ecosystem – an example we ourselves can follow. The partnership with Taiwan’s Fu Jen Catholic University will allow us to further develop various forms of scientific cooperation and student exchange,” said the VU Rector.

The guests from Taiwan also visited the VU Faculty of Communication, where they met with Dean Prof. Renata Matkevičienė and other representatives of the Faculty. Their program further includes a meeting with representatives of the VU Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies as well as tours of the VU Library, the Old Astronomical Observatory, and the Taiwan Resource Centre for Chinese Studies.

To Mark the 60th Anniversary, the Faculty of Physics at VU Will Broadcast the Message to the Whole World via Radio Waves

2025-09-03T05:30:50+03:00

On September 5–6, radio signals will be broadcast from the Faculty of Physics at 911�� (VU) and audible on various continents. Short radio waves will be transmitted from the roof of the faculty, spreading the news about the 60th anniversary.

For several days, radio enthusiasts, faculty alumni, organisers of Physicist's Day (FiDi) and other student organisations will be broadcasting under the special call sign LY60VUFF. To establish as many radio connections as possible, faculty colleagues will begin working in a temporary tent, where the VU community, Vilnius citizens, and visitors to Saulėtekis are invited to stop by and learn about this technology and the equipment used for it.

“Imagine if the Earth's atmosphere were like a silver egg, and a person looking up at the sky would see their reflection in it. This is exactly how short radio waves are affected by the ionosphere, a part of the atmosphere located approximately 50 to several hundred kilometres above the Earth`s surface. We transmit a signal via radio waves into the sky, and it is reflected off the ionosphere, so it can be heard by a radio receiver in another country or continent,” explains Dr Simonas Kareiva, inventor, member of the Lithuanian Amateur Radio Society and founder of the 911�� Radio Club.

He also explains that radio signals flicker, change, and depend on the time of day, solar activity, and other factors. “Imagine that this silver shell also ripples, moves, and flutters like a large soap bubble blown by a strong solar wind, or like the ocean. By the way, salt water also reflects radio waves. This rippling is where the interesting aspects of radio communication begin. It's like a lottery – you never know which corner of the world you might be able to talk to via radio waves. Today it could be Germany, and tomorrow it could be Indonesia,” he explains.

The frequency of waves determines how much information they can transmit – the higher the frequency, the more data can be transmitted in the same amount of time. “All electromagnetic waves are invisible, but they help convey messages every day – from a simple phone call to a message sent from the roof of a university to the other side of the world. Local communications use very high frequency or ultra-high frequency waves, which travel directly and are usually limited only by the distance at which the transmitter and receiver can see each other without obstruction. Even higher frequencies – super high frequency waves – allow large data flows to be transmitted and are used, for example, by Starlink satellite internet. High-frequency waves (from 3 to 30 megahertz) are most commonly used for radio communication around the world,” notes Andrius Puzas, an alumnus of the VU Faculty of Physics and a researcher at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology.

Radio enthusiasts traditionally send QSL cards by post to confirm where the connection was established. This commemorative card is decorated with the anniversary symbols of the VU Faculty of Physics and representative stickers. Usually, the cards indicate when and at what frequency the conversation took place, what the signal quality was, and other technical data.

“QSL cards are like postcards from the world of radio, which radio enthusiasts exchange after establishing contact with a colleague from another city or even another continent. They are not only a confirmation of contact and a friendly gesture that connects people across distances. They often feature fun designs, photos, and symbols, which is why they are collected as souvenirs,” explains Rolandas Mikalauskas, QSL administrator of the Lithuanian Amateur Radio Society.

According to Dean Prof. Aidas Matijošius, this marks the beginning of a series of events celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Faculty of Physics, with various events scheduled to continue until winter.

The event organisers emphasise that no connections will be established with terrorist states, as establishing a connection requires exchanging radio call signs, which can be used to identify the country and sometimes even the region.

From Discussions to a Concert – VU Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Celebrates its 85th Anniversary

2025-09-02T11:50:51+03:00

On 2 September, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at 911�� (VU FEBA) is celebrating its 85th anniversary and invites the community to a festive event in the courtyard between the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration and the Faculty of Physics.

The celebration features official greetings, discussions about study experiences and career opportunities, the sharing of inspiring alumni stories, and a birthday concert scheduled for the evening. Community members are coming together to share memories, reflect on the faculty’s role in their personal and professional lives, and enjoy a festive atmosphere.

For 85 years, VU FEBA has been shaping leaders in economics, business, and public policy, fostering critical thinking and innovation, and building strong ties with both academia and society. Today’s celebration highlights not only the faculty’s history, but also its vibrant community and future ambitions.

911�� Starts the New Academic Year with a Flag-Raising Ceremony

2025-09-02T10:56:04+03:00

On 1 September, 911�� (VU) officially launched the new academic year with a solemn flag-raising ceremony. Festivities continued throughout the day, highlighted by the traditional VU community procession from the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania to the VU Grand Courtyard.

In his address, VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas wished the University community patience, perseverance, inspiration, and creativity.

‘Today, at 14:45, we will gather at Independence Square and, with our traditional and vibrant procession, remind the city and the world of who we are. At the same time, we will remind ourselves that for 35 years we have lived in an independent Lithuania and, for just as long, have enjoyed the freedom and autonomy of our University. These are values that, as it turns out, cannot be taken for granted in today’s world. That is why we must protect and nurture them,’ said the Rector.

After the flag-raising ceremony, first-year students gathered at their faculties. Later in the afternoon, VU staff, students, and alumni joined the vibrant parade from the Seimas to the Grand Courtyard, which was watched by Vilnius residents and visitors. This procession is a lively display of students carrying their faculty symbols, chanting slogans, and showing off their creative attire.

The celebration concluded with a solemn ceremony in the Grand Courtyard, featuring greetings from the heads of the University and its guests, the freshers’ oath, and the official opening of the new academic year.

To help students settle in, VU has prepared a series of integration activities. On 2–4 September, freshers will be able to attend the events for getting to know their fellow students, programme mentors, faculty’s (unit’s) administration, and opportunities and services provided by VU.

On 5 September, the Orientation Week will end with the ‘Ad astra’ event organised by VU Students’ Representation. This year, new students will be able to participate in discussions on relevant topics, learn about student initiatives, and participate in a concert closing the events.

VU freshers will also have an opportunity to learn about the history of VU buildings: two dedicated tours will be held on 8–10 September. Students will get to know the Saulėtekis campus complex on the ‘Saulėtekis Campus of 911�� – For Science and the World’ tour, while the tour of the Central Architectural Ensemble of VU will let them discover the impressive historical part of the University.

Speech by Prof. Eglė Lastauskienė, Chairperson of 911�� Senate, Marking the Start of the Academic Year

2025-09-01T14:29:14+03:00

Your Magnificence Rector, esteemed members of the Council, beloved Senators, cherished colleagues, and dear students,

We begin another academic year—grown, matured, and enriched with new knowledge and experiences. Did you feel the miracle today? Do you see how many of us are here? Do you see how bright and beautiful we are? Do you see the great concentration of knowledge and competence gathered in this place? So many minds in one space. This is truly an inspiring and enlightening moment, being here together in the heart of 911��. This miracle happens only once a year— only on the first of September.

Dear freshmen, you have entered the best university in Lithuania. Education is what brought you here, but the University is also the place where friendships are born, families are created, and lifelong connections are formed. So, take advantage of all the opportunities that Alma Mater offers you. From today onward, your path will be marked with the seal “approved by VU.” Along with this gift, you also take on the responsibility to cherish and honor 911��.

Today, when both in Lithuania and across the world, common sense and fundamental values are often treated as unnecessary or inconvenient, it is only the walls of the University that shield us from ignorance and indifference. How wonderful it would be to remain here forever. Yet we cannot close ourselves off in a bubble. By receiving an education, we also take on the mission of enlightening our nation. So carry your knowledge, experiences, and the wisdom of Alma Mater into your families and communities.

And now, let us dive into the miracle: look around you—perhaps in this crowd stands a professor who will inspire you to great achievements, or a future best friend, or someone in whose arms you will feel the safest in the world, and on whose shoulder you will one day cry without fear. Perhaps here is your first love, or the person with whom you will build a family and, ten years from now, return together with your own children to the alumni festival.

So I wish you to find all of this here, at 911��. Perhaps not all at once, but you have time for it.

With joy and pride, I say—welcome and welcome back to 911��!

Speech by Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, Rector of 911��, Marking the Start of the Academic Year

2025-09-01T14:22:24+03:00

Dear Community of 911��,

By covering the short but historic distance from our Parliament to the University, we have not only continued the tradition of greeting the city and each other, but have also had the opportunity to remember that we are beginning the 35th academic year in independent Lithuania at our University that has regained its freedom and autonomy. Much has changed during this time. We have learned lessons and gained experience; we now recognise opportunities and broaden our horizons. The University has grown quantitatively, with new programmes and faculties, students and staff, and qualitatively – confidently keeping pace with the best, forging global partnerships, and competing internationally. Yet, some fundamental things remain and even acquire new value and relevance.

In the face of the devaluation of critical thought and the erosion of decision-making, universities must, more than ever, remember and confirm in their daily activities that the fundamental principle of free thought and speech, emphasised in statutes and mission statements, is not empty rhetoric. It is both the right and duty of universities to combat the spread of false information and disinformation, to debunk fake news, combat falsehoods, and expose charlatans – doing so on the basis of expertise and through open debate. Universities are becoming outposts of democracy and assume responsibility for maintaining and nurturing it at a time when it comes under threat in various parts of the world, sometimes quite unexpectedly. Universities are capable of acting in a changing world, as they have done many times throughout history. Resilience and creativity – the defining keywords of university life today – are both our response and our guiding coordinates for action.

First and foremost, today we welcome more than four thousand first-year students who are beginning a new stage in their lives, studies, and exploration. We wish that you make the most of the best years of your lives, and we commit ourselves to being your supporters and guides along the way. We also welcome international students who have chosen our University to nurture and reveal their talents. During these years, you will not only meet and connect with peers who share your interests, but also acquire new knowledge and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Although at first glance, time at the University seems to be measured in the same way as at school, the hours tick by differently here. To paraphrase the American philosopher and psychologist John Dewey, university education is not preparation for life; it is life itself.

And be hungry, to quote Winston Churchill’s speech at the University of Bristol: ‘The most important thing about education is appetite’. It is important to use your time at the University not only to learn, but even more so to get into the habit of learning. To acquire an appetite for knowledge that will be maintained throughout your life. We do not need the extra ten points. Let’s always strive for ten extra pages, ten extra questions in a seminar, ten extra minutes for discussion.

The new 911�� Strategic Plan for the next five years is currently being prepared. A university firmly established in the global field of research and studies, nationally unifying, and attractive to staff and students – this is the vision we want to achieve for the 450th anniversary of our University. I wish you all a smooth and inspiring start to the semester and a rich and fruitful academic year!

‘Enjoy Your Studies at VU’: Incoming International Students Attending an ‘Orientation Day’ and Other Integration Events

2025-08-29T06:55:45+03:00

With the new academic year approaching, 911�� (VU) has opened its doors to welcome international students. On 27 August, students from around the world who have come to Vilnius attended a dedicated ‘Orientation Day’ event at ‘Compensa’ Concert Hall, where they were introduced to representatives and organisations, as well as activities and opportunities at VU.

A warm welcome was given to the freshers by Dr Artūras Vasiliauskas, the Pro-Rector for Partnerships at VU: ‘Welcome to VU. Three things are important today and during your studies. First, explore: VU is a large university offering a variety of study programmes, courses, and modules. Engage in cultural activities: here, at VU, we offer a wide range of activities – from dance to photography. I encourage you to find friends and befriend Lithuanians. Enjoy life in Lithuania and your studies at VU,’ he encouraged.

Assoc. Prof. Loreta Skurvydaitė, the Dean of the Faculty of History, delivered a lecture to international students on the history of Lithuania. Information on life in Lithuania was shared by representatives from the VU Students’ Representation, VU Culture Centre, VU Health and Sport Center, VU Community Well-Being Division, VU Student Affairs and Career Office, and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), as well as guests from JUDU (public transport services), ‘International House Vilnius’, and the Emergency Response Centre.

International students who came to Lithuania expressed their joy about the event, adding that they are excited to start their studies at VU.

‘I like Vilnius and 911�� very much. I want to meet new people, and I’m looking forward to my lectures. I would like to learn about VU and its history,’ said Igor Andropov from Ukraine, who will begin his studies in Management at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.

Halley Titla from the USA, who will study Nursing at the Faculty of Medicine, says that she expects practical tasks during her studies, while Eyzul Ozan from Turkey was pleased that she received useful advice about life in Lithuania during the event.

‘Lithuania seems to be a beautiful country, I’m excited to see the Old Town, chat with locals and other international students, and start with my studies,’ explained Eyzul, who has enrolled to study International Business at the Business School.

Maksym Hudym, who came to Vilnius from Ukraine as an exchange student, said that the information provided at the event about the study process and assessment system was helpful. This is his second time coming to VU through an exchange programme.

‘I’m happy that I can continue to learn Lithuanian. I’ve already reached level B2 in the Lithuanian language. I also want to get to know Lithuania better – not only Vilnius, but beyond; I’d like to see Kaunas and Klaipėda. There are so many things to see here, exclaimed Maksym, who will study at the Faculty of Philology.

International students have been admitted to VU under the following programmes: the Erasmus+ exchange programme, bilateral agreements with universities, the ISEP exchange programme, the Fulbright programme, the international exchange programme of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, and study agreements for unclassified students.

International students will be introduced to VU during the dedicated events that will take place during the whole week of activities:

On 29 August at 10:00, international students are invited to a remote lecture on the most important VU e-services. A remote meeting on the services relevant to international Master’s students will be held at 11:30.

On 1 September, when the new academic year begins, international students are invited to attend the traditional RENOVATIO STUDIORUM ceremony, which will start at 9:30 with the raising of the VU flag in the Library Courtyard (Universiteto g. 3). After visiting their faculties, VU staff, students, and alumni will gather at 14:45 for the tradition vibrant celebratory parade from the Seimas Palace to VU’s Grand Courtyard, where greetings by the heads of VU and guests will be delivered, freshers will take their oath, and the new academic year will officially be declared open.

On 5 September, the VU Students’ Representation will organise the ‘Ad Astra’ event. New students can attend discussions on relevant topics, learn about student initiatives, and enjoy the closing concerts.

VU freshers will also have the opportunity to learn about the history of VU buildings: two dedicated tours will be held on 8–10 September. Get to know the Saulėtekis campus complex on the ‘Saulėtekis Campus of 911�� – For Science and the World’ tour, while the tour of the Central Architectural Ensemble of VU will reveal impressive places full of history.

Enhance Your Language Skills with the Arqus Plurilingualism Module

2025-08-28T13:49:49+03:00

In the 2025–2026 academic year, 911�� students are invited to take part in the Arqus Plurilingualism Module, which offers the opportunity to begin learning Lithuanian, Norwegian or French at A1 level. Alongside this, participants are encouraged to continue practising a foreign language they already know through informal activities such as the Arqus Café. The module brings together formal courses, informal learning opportunities and theoretical perspectives on language and culture, enabling students to reflect critically on their own learning strategies and cultural experiences.

The programme runs from September 2025 to January 2026 and is delivered online via Microsoft Teams and MOODLE. It comprises 150 academic hours (50 contact hours and 100 hours of independent work) and is free of charge. Students will receive 5 ECTS credits, participants from other Arqus universities will be awarded a certificate of participation. Registration is open from 1 to 16 September.

This year’s module builds on the pilot organised in 2024–2025, which focused on Lithuanian language and culture. Participants of the pilot combined A1 Lithuanian courses with lectures on Lithuania’s culture, language and politics. As one student reflected: “Overall, the multilingual module has provided me with valuable insights into language acquisition, cultural adaptation, and literary representation. Understanding different learning styles has allowed me to reflect on my own approach to language learning. Exploring Lithuania’s sociolinguistic landscape has deepened my awareness of historical influences on multilingualism. Finally, learning about women’s literature in Lithuania added to my cultural knowledge of the country I am now living in. This module has not only enhanced my academic knowledge but also enriched my personal perspective on language and communication in diverse contexts.”

By joining the 2025–2026 module, students will not only gain new language skills but also broaden their cultural horizons and take part in a wider European dialogue on multilingualism. For registration, click here.

Nobel Prize Winner Richard J. Roberts at VU to Discuss His Childhood Dream of Becoming a Detective and the Breakthrough in Genetics

2025-08-28T11:24:38+03:00

On 1–3 September, Sir Richard John Roberts – Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, molecular biologist, and pioneer of bioinformatics – will visit 911�� (VU). His visit is part of a series of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of modern biotechnology in Lithuania.

During the visit, the renowned scientist will meet the Rector of VU Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, Pro-Rector for Research Prof. Gintaras Valušis, and researchers and students of the Life Sciences Center. The guest will also participate in several public events.

Richard J. Roberts will give a public lecture titled ‘The Path to a Nobel Prize’ on 3 September at 11:00 at the VU Life Sciences Center (Saulėtekio al. 7, Room 106). This is a rare opportunity to hear his inspiring story of how he chose his professional and scientific path. At school, he dreamed of becoming a professional detective; he was interested in mathematics, but after reading John Kendrew’s book ‘The Thread of Life’ while studying chemistry, he decided to pursue molecular biology.

According to the Nobel Prize winner, scientific success goes hand in hand with failure, and true innovation arises when scientists dare to question established knowledge. During the lecture, he will discuss his most important and recent discoveries, the beginning of bioinformatics, and why fundamental science is essential to commercial research.

After the lecture, a public discussion will follow at 12:00 on ‘Breakthroughs in Biotechnology: How They Emerge and How They Change Our Lives’. Prof. Virginijus Šikšnys, one of the pioneers of the CRISPR gene editing technology, Dr Linas Mažutis, a developer of advanced microfluidic technologies, Prof. Arvydas Janulaitis, the founder of the Future Biomedicine Foundation, and Daniel Naumovas, Vice-Minister of Health, will join the Nobel Prize Laureate to discuss global trends in biotechnology.

The discussion will focus on trends in global biotechnologies, the reasons for Lithuania’s breakthrough in this field, and the way gene editing tools will change the treatment of cancer, as well as genetic, immune, infectious, and other diseases in the near future. Edmundas Jakilaitis, a journalist and TV presenter, will moderate the discussion.

R. J. Roberts’ discovery, which has radically changed our understanding of genes and genetic information, has inscribed his name in scientific history. His 1977 study showed that the genes of eukaryotic cells (human, animal, plant, etc.) contain the so-called ‘introns’ (DNA sequences that do not encode proteins) and that their removal (the splicing process) is an essential part of gene expression. As a result, a single gene can produce several different proteins, and gene expression is much more complex than previously thought. In 1993, Richard J. Roberts and his colleague Phillip A. Sharp were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this revolutionary discovery.

Another important branch of R. J. Roberts’ work at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (USA) is related to the study of restriction-modification enzymes – the proteins that became key tools in early genetic engineering. These enzymes have led to the rapid development of recombinant DNA technology and the emergence of biotechnology companies such as ‘Fermentas’ or ‘New England Biolabs’. This field of research in Lithuania is being advanced further by Professor Saulius Klimašauskas at VU Life Sciences Center, who attended training at R. J. Roberts’ Laboratory and contributed to discoveries of global significance in the field of DNA modification enzymes.

R. J. Roberts currently works for ‘New England Biolabs’, a US company that produces and supplies reagents for life science research and offers products and services that support genome editing, synthetic biology, and next-generation sequencing.

Hidden Patterns in Geological Time Revealed: Earth's Variability Saturates at Half a Billion Years

2025-08-25T08:20:54+03:00

A new international study published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters reveals that the boundaries between geological epochs and periods even though randomly distributed, but follow a hidden, hierarchical pattern. Co-authored by Prof. Andrej Spiridonov from 911�� (VU) Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, the research shows that these time boundaries cluster in a way that reflects the Earth system’s deepest fluctuations. This finding could reshape how we understand our planet’s past and its possible futures.

“Geological time scales may look like tidy timelines in textbooks, but their boundaries tell a much more chaotic story. Our findings show that what seemed like uneven noise is actually a key to understanding how our planet changes, and how far that change can go,” says Prof. Spiridonov, geologist and paleontologist a co-author of the study.

A global team decoding planetary rhythms

The study was carried out by an international group of researchers: Prof. Shaun Lovejoy and Rhisiart Davies from McGill University (Canada), Assoc. Prof. Fabrice Lambert from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Raphael Hebert from the Alfred Wegener Institute (Germany), and Prof. Spiridonov from VU (Lithuania).

Their research focused on the distribution of boundaries that define epochs, periods and eras in geological time. These include the official International Geochronological Chart as well as biozone-based time scales used temporal ranges of extinct species such as conodonts, graptolites and ammonoids. Across all of these timelines, from local to global, a striking pattern emerged: the time-unit boundaries are not evenly spaced.

Instead, the boundaries appear in clusters, separated by long intervals of relative quiet. This extreme unevenness was described using the concept of multifractals – mathematical patterns that repeat at different scales.

“The intervals between key events in Earth's history, from mass extinctions to evolutionary explosions, are not scattered completely evenly. They follow a multifractal logic that reveals how variability cascades through time,” explains Prof. Spiridonov.

How much time does it take to reveal Earth's true face?

This analysis allowed the researchers to estimate the "outer time scale" of Earth's system – the time span needed to reveal the full extent of its natural variability. That limit, they found, is approximately 500 million years or even longer.

“If we want to understand the full range of Earth's behaviours, whether periods of calm or sudden global upheaval, we need geological records that cover at least half a billion years. And ideally, a billion,” notes Prof. Spiridonov.

According to authors of the study, this insight helps explain why shorter timescales often fail to capture the extremes – both stable and chaotic – that define planetary evolution.

Events within events: hidden patterns behind the chaos

The study also introduces a new theoretical model to describe how these geological boundaries are distributed: the Compound Multifractal-Poisson Process. This model suggests geological events are nested within one another, forming a cascading pattern where clusters appear within clusters, all governed by a single statistical process.

“We now have mathematical evidence that Earth system changes are not just irregular. They are deeply structured and hierarchical. This has huge implications not only for understanding Earth’s past but also for how we model future planetary change,” concludes Prof. Spiridonov.

Arqus Hosts a Screening of the “Refugee Girls” Documentary

2025-08-21T10:06:34+03:00

The universities of the Arqus Alliance, together with the “Scholars at Risk” network, invite you to the screening and discussion of the “Refugee Girls” documentary (2023), which will take place on 23 September at 16:30 at the Small Hall of the ”Pasaka” Cinema Theatre (Šv. Ignoto g. 4/3).

The “Refugee Girls” documentary talks about the lives of young refugee girls in Europe. One story follows Afghan student Robina, who is studying at Rome’s La Sapienza University, where she and other refugees are trying to adapt to university life and the new reality of Italy. Another story tells of Sofiia and Bozhena, two Ukrainian girls who integrate at the University of Barcelona while continuing their distance studies in Ukraine. Despite the difficult challenges of forced migration, these young women look to the future with hope.

The film screening will be attended remotely by director Leonardo Cinieri Lombroso and human rights researcher Dr Elisa Gamba, who analyses the inclusion of refugees in university communities. After a brief introduction to the topic, a screening of the film will take place, followed by a discussion that will also present a range of initiatives to support refugee students.

This initiative is being implemented by the University of Padova together with Arqus partners – 911��, the University of Leipzig, the University of Graz, Maynooth University, the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, and members of the “Scholars at Risk” network.

Please register here.

Invitation for International Students at 911�� to the New Academic Year Events

2025-08-21T05:33:00+03:00

As autumn draws near, 911�� (VU) cordially invites international students to join the Orientation Events of the new academic year. VU has prepared a diverse programme, from a solemn ceremony to mark the start of the new academic year to educational tours and insightful training, that will facilitate students’ involvement in the University’s community.

International students will start getting to know VU on the Orientation Day that will take place on 27 August at 9:00 at the ‘Compensa’ Concert Hall (Kernavės g. 84, Vilnius). During the event, students will meet representatives of VU Students’ Representation, ESN 911��, VU Culture Centre, VU Health and Sport Center, and other guests. International students will get useful information about life in Lithuania, opportunities at the University, and will get to know other students. More information on the event is available here.

On 29 August at 10:00, international students are invited to a training on the most relevant VU e-services to make the beginning of their studies easier. During the training, the information on logging in to all required information systems of VU will be provided, and any questions will be answered. The training will be held in the form of a remote lecture.

A remote lecture for Master’s students on the relevant services will be held at 11:30. The link is available here.

The RENOVATIO STUDORIUM ceremony on 1 September at 9:30 will traditionally start with VU’s flag-hoisting in the Library Courtyard (Universiteto g. 3), and, after visiting their faculties, VU staff, students, and alumni will gather at 14:45 for an impressive procession from the Seimas Palace to VU’s Grand Courtyard where the participants will be greeted by heads of VU and guests, freshers will make their oath, and the launch of the new academic year will be officially announced.

The annual procession organised since 1994 is the only event of such scale drawing together VU students, staff, and alumni, and available for viewing to Vilnius residents and guests. During the procession, students wear representational items of their faculties, chant slogans, and showcase their unique style of clothes.

On 2–4 September, freshers will be able to attend the events for getting to know their fellow students, programme mentors, faculty’s (unit’s) administration, and opportunities and services provided by VU.

More information on the Orientation Events’ programme is available on the special website. The link to the event on the social network Facebook is available here.

Future Master’s Student at VU Faculty of Physics: “CERN Has Become an Important Part of My Academic Journey”

2025-08-19T06:17:38+03:00

Margarita Biveinytė, a graduate of 911��’s (VU) Bachelor’s programme in High-Tech Physics and Business, has just returned from a summer internship in Geneva at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research – CERN. This was her fourth visit and second internship at the world’s largest nuclear and particle physics laboratory.

This time, the visit was special – for the first time, she directly contributed to one of the four main experiments at CERN’s LHC (Large Hadron Collider). Dr Mindaugas Šarpis, a researcher at the Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology of the VU Faculty of Physics and head of the CERN “LHCb Vilnius” group, is pleased that this internship is one of the examples how, with VU accepted as a new institute for this experiment, talented students now have the opportunity to be directly involved in CERN activities and to acquire top-level competences.

The young researcher worked in the VELO (Vertex Locator) detector group of the CERN LHCb (Large Hadron Collider beauty) experiment for several months. According to Margarita, the VELO detector in the LHCb experiment precisely records particle trajectories – its sensors are located just a few millimetres from the point where protons collide.

An invaluable experience for professional and personal growth

“The summer internship in the CERN LHCb VELO R&D (Research and Development) group, specifically focused on the scientific research and experimental development of silicon-based particle detectors, was truly an interesting and meaningful experience for me,” she says with satisfaction, adding that each time at CERN, she discovers something new.

According to the physicist, this experience gave her a special sense of responsibility and pride, and deepened her understanding of how fundamental research aligns with technological advancement. “Working in this group means not only delving into the most advanced detector technologies, but also being in constant dialogue between theory, engineering, and experiment. Most impressive was that, even as an intern, I felt like an equal team member – my observations, analysis results, and proposed hypotheses were heard and valued. Such an environment encouraged me to learn, grow, and set high standards for myself,” says the student.

Although Margarita’s work this summer involves silicon-based particle detectors, it differs from her previous experience at CERN, where she mainly investigated the effect of high-energy radiation on the electrical characteristics of these detectors.

“This work was more focused on electronics and experimental equipment aspects, which made it a new and interesting challenge for me. I had the opportunity to work on improving the detector element characterisation setup. Specifically, I carried out focusing and surface-scanning measurements for different silicon detector structures – from planar detector elements to new detector architectures such as LGAD and SiEM sensors – which are essential for ensuring the precise alignment of the laser beam with the sensor surface,” the physicist explains.

The young researcher emphasises that this method enables high-quality measurements of time resolution and charge collection efficiency, creating pixel maps, and contributes to a better understanding of sensor structures. “All of this data is essential for accurately assessing the properties of the sensors and their suitability for use in the upcoming LHCb VELO upgrade. This major upgrade will ensure even greater spatial and temporal resolution, improved radiation hardness, and higher data transfer rates. These improvements are necessary for the detector to operate effectively under the conditions of increased particle collision intensity,” notes Margarita.

This internship allowed the future Master’s student to better understand silicon sensors’ operating principles, contribute practically to an important project, and learn how to work with complex experimental equipment. “It was both a challenge and an invaluable experience for my professional and personal growth,” she reflects.

CERN has accompanied her since the second year of her Bachelor’s studies

“CERN has become an important part of my academic journey – both during my Bachelor’s studies and now, as I prepare for my Master’s degree. In my second year, I joined the Photoelectric Phenomena Research Group at the Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology (IPN) of the VU Faculty of Physics. There, I began to delve into silicon detectors and research related to the CERN DRD3 Solid State Detectors programme, which is based on semiconductors – particularly silicon detectors – used in almost all particle physics experiments,” the physicist recounts.

One of the programme’s objectives is to determine the effects of high-energy radiation on the functional characteristics of particle detectors. According to the student, this experience was the starting point that opened the door for her to engage in international collaboration. Last year, she participated in the CERN Summer Student Programme, in which she was the only participant from Lithuania.

The young researcher emphasises that CERN is a place where the everyday becomes extraordinary. “Here mornings begin among powerful particle accelerators, where just a few meters away, phenomena unfold that recreate the very first moments of the Universe. We watch screens filled with data that could one day transform our understanding of the world. Between team meetings, experiments, and in-depth discussions with scientists from around the globe, discoveries are born – and it feels less like work and more like being part of a scientific revolution,” she says.

“This has been not only a professional but also a personal turning point – in the best sense of the word: I had the chance to live and work alongside world-class scientists and to become familiar with various CERN activities. This summer’s internship gave me the invaluable opportunity to present my research to the CERN community at two conferences and become a co-author of a scientific publication,” notes M. Biveinytė.

Although her experience at CERN opened up the possibility of continuing with a long-term internship this autumn, she has decided for now to focus on her Master’s studies at the VU Faculty of Physics and to continue working at the Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology. “It is important for me to make the most of this period by deepening my knowledge and continuing research related to the characterisation of particle detectors. CERN is a place that shapes you not only as a scientist but also as a person. I believe this topic will continue to accompany me throughout my Master’s studies – both in conducting research and, perhaps, in developing scientific collaborations or even returning to CERN soon,” the physicist concludes.

Honorary Doctor of 911��, Professor Hans Kjeldsen: “Astrophysics Is an Actual Way to Attract the Next Generation Into Science Questions”

2025-08-14T05:59:58+03:00

For almost three decades, Professor Hans Kjeldsen from Aarhus University (Denmark) has been working closely with scientists from the Faculty of Physics at 911�� (VU), studying the composition of stars. In 2024, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from VU for his outstanding scientific achievements and long-standing partnership with Lithuanian astronomers. The asteroseismology methods he has developed allow us to look into the depths of stars through their vibrations and have been implemented even in NASA’s Kepler space mission, opening up new opportunities to understand the evolution of stars and detect exoplanets (planets orbiting other stars outside the solar system).

Asteroseismology: what the vibrations of stars reveal

Prof. H. Kjeldsen is not only one of the world’s most renowned asteroseismologists. He is well known in the scientific community as an expert with a warm and open communication style, an ability to clarify complex issues, and a sincere dedication to both research and teaching.

Asteroseismology is similar to seismology on Earth, except that instead of earthquakes, oscillations and vibrations in stars are observed. According to the astrophysicist, a telescope may show what happens in a star, and then one gets a very long extended series of data, but the whole excitement is – what does one learns and how the information is extracted.

“I have, over the years, together with a group in Aarhus and here in Lithuania, built techniques to extract that information to learn really deep things about stars. I still remember the first time I even saw these vibrations in my data. This is such an inspiring thing – you see things that no one else has seen before. The universe showing things that we need to measure and then extract the information is an enormous inspiration – you can sit there and try to make the next puzzle in the whole landscape of science,” the professor described the information hidden in the depths of stars, which cannot be seen from the outside. This includes, for example, their internal structure, physical processes and evolution.

From Molėtai telescopes to NASA missions

The scientist has fond memories of his first visit to the VU Molėtai Astronomical Observatory, surrounded by nature. At that time, he participated in one of the first international summer schools for students.

“It was actually a Norwegian professor, Jan-Erik Solheim, who invited me. Professor Gražina Tautvaišienė also have known him for many years. When I came there, I really liked the whole environment, having all the students using all the facilities and also having an extremely high level of ambition. Not necessarily academically, but we wanted to push the students to the limit of what we could also do. Then I met the staff here. Young and older. They were all really dedicated. As teachers, we were so close to the students and their projects that we supervised them in small groups. Because we were here in Molėtai, there was no way of escaping. In those days, you were away, you were sitting, concentrating or focusing on the whole thing. I was super inspired by this. I didn’t know how to do it in Denmark, but here it worked,” jokes the professor, recalling a time when there were no smart devices and a constant flow of information.

Prof. H. Kjeldsen recalls that soon not only the telescopes of the VU Molėtai Astronomical Observatory were put into use, but also remote observations with the Nordic Optical Telescope and telescopes from other observatories. A group of scientists in Lithuania analysed stars, their atmospheres, and properties, using a lot of spectroscopy.

“In those days, I actually didn’t work a lot on exoplanets, but that came along with our collaboration with the USA and the Kepler NASA space telescope group. We also brought all of that data from the space mission into the summer schools. We developed research activities that are very aligned with other summer school activities. Research grew out of the schools, and then we figured out that if we developed a project together, the way we organise a space mission was also an open thing. We decided to have a completely open environment in the space mission so that every student and researcher could join the teams. You didn’t have to contribute financially to anything; you had to use your brain and work on the data because there was so much data. No one could cope with all that,” says the professor.

According to the researcher, measurements of individual stars, such as determining their chemical composition, age, and evolution, are carried out at the VU Molėtai Astronomical Observatory and are very useful when linked to other data.

“The things were aligned, but it was not that we, with VU astrophysicists, tried to do it in parallel; we had to work together. And this is what astrophysics is so strong about,” emphasises the researcher. He greatly appreciates the expertise of the scientists working at the VU Molėtai Astronomical Observatory and the equipment available there.

“This telescope is really great, and the science that comes out of Molėtai is really producing the data that you don’t get anywhere else. Specifically because the group here also analysed the data and knew what to do. So, one thing is to get data in the beginning, but how do you understand that, and how are you sure that you understand that correctly? They have developed that for 20 years here in Vilnius, so this is also what I find fascinating – we can come here and collaborate on the data to make sure that the future space missions understand data in the correct way,” says the professor.

Collaboration in science strengthens our understanding of the universe

Prof. H. Kjeldsen mentions several reasons why international cooperation in astronomy is essential.

“One is that objects in the universe are like anything emitting electromagnetic radiation in the full spectrum, from x-rays, visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, to radio waves. To understand any object fully, you need the whole spectrum. No one has access to all instrumentation, so if you don’t collaborate, you’ll be studying only a part of the system.

It is not like in different types of physics experiments, where you have one main instrument and you work on that. We use space missions, ground-based, and the Molėtai is a great example of this. You actually can’t do what you do in Molėtai in a space mission. There is no way of doing that with any space mission. You would ask why not? Because those kinds of instruments are huge and heavy, you can’t fly them and get them to work,” the scientist highlights the importance of local resources in the context of global research.

Another important reason is that the research area is quite small. According to the honorary doctor of VU, even with all the data available, its analysis requires joint knowledge and efforts. “There are too few people; we are not the department that could do it internally. This is, of course, no problem if you establish these collaborations. It is not only Lithuania that I collaborate with; there are many other groups, although this is one of the closest connections I have because we built it up this way – the collaboration, which is essential for me to answer the questions.“

The researcher also identifies collaboration as a valuable stimulus for student improvement. The international environment encourages young people to develop their own ideas and broaden their horizons, while getting to know their colleagues and their methods becomes an integral part of their professional growth. “Of course, you can do that by knocking on the doors of my colleagues, but it is much more natural to send students here to the summer schools,” tells Prof. H. Kjeldsen.

Science – part of culture and a value-based activity

The professor sees science as a cultural thing. “Science is one thing where we could have really good discussions across cultures and languages. I think that a super important thing is to try to understand other societies, cultures, and ways of working. Through this, of course, you end up thinking, “Okay, not everything is like at my home. Science is a common interest,” and the astrophysicist emphasises the importance of openly sharing knowledge around the world.

According to him, this kind of culture of openness is particularly strong in astrophysics, which requires international infrastructure and cooperation between many countries: “It is not only about the small countries. If you go to even NASA, it’s a huge, inspiring organisation. They have worked for complete openness. Thanks to some of these big missions and big organisations – that is actually why we get all these things [data] for free. The idea that all the data should, in principle, be open for all of us.”

He also emphasises that science should not be viewed solely through an economic lens – it is, above all, a value-based activity founded on a culture of cooperation. According to him, this culture is essential in both Lithuania and Denmark if we want to maintain an open and sustainable science system.

Explanations are understandable for both a primary school student and a PhD student

Prof. H. Kjeldsen is actively involved in popularising science among the general public and strives to speak simply when teaching, applying various teaching methods. According to him, one of the most important aspects is to link what you want to teach to your own culture and language.

According to the professor, although access to information is no longer difficult today, other challenges arise that require more responsibility and critical thinking in the process of evaluating it.

“We educate teachers and researchers, and this idea is important for both. For example, like in Lithuania, we don’t speak English in daily life, and when you go to the internet, you get all these words in English. I see this in my students and the students I supervise. When they’re writing reports, they get these words, and I don’t actually know their meaning. Although it’s a simple word in a way, they try to make a Danish version of it, and sometimes I’m reading that text and say, “I’m not sure you mean what you say because this word actually has a different meaning,” the professor says.

An astrophysicist aims to communicate science as clearly as possible and “translate” specific scientific language for different audiences: “Astrophysics is an actual way to attract the next generation into science questions. I often try to simplify things, and I realise that many of the things that I use at 1st year of university I can bring into the classroom of a primary school. Of course, they’re not exactly the same, and I’m not talking about technical mathematical things. And this is why astrophysics is so good about – you can describe things. For example, the surface of another planet is easily understood; you can talk about mountains, stones, and galaxies. Often, when you have worked a lot on your own research, you tend to forget what can be understood and what cannot.” – he is convinced that this is an area where it is particularly easy to arouse curiosity and help people understand the world. His experience is no different – just before 1st grade, he found out about the first rockets being launched and people landing on the moon, and became fascinated by the sky, the stars, and the planets.

“Although I could be teaching less, I really continue with that for both because I really like it and, when I present things, I know better what I understand and what I don’t understand, and I have to explain it. And if the students in the classroom or children in primary school don’t understand what I am talking about, then it is of course me doing things incorrectly,” concludes astrophysicist, emphasising that education is an integral part of research.

The Results of the Arqus Twinning 2.0 Projects Have Been Published

2025-08-13T09:03:14+03:00

The Arqus Alliance is proud to share the results of its internal call for short-term mobility programmes designed to foster long-term and collaborative activities among its members. This second call marks the willingness of the academic staff to carry out joint learning and teaching activities and strengthen the subject-related collaboration.

This initiative is foreseen as a first step to develop further interactions between Arqus staff and students and to build a strong basis for developing future programmes, activities and mobilities. The selected projects will be carried out through the academic year 2025-2026, enabling about 60 students and 12 lecturers to benefit from the mobility programme.

The response to the call was positive, with 24 proposals submitted from across the Alliance. This enthusiastic participation highlights the strong interest in building cross-institutional collaborations. While many proposals demonstrated excellent quality and high potential, only a small number could be funded.

This is the list of the six projects selected for funding thanks to the Innovation Fund and partners’ resources:

“Sustainable leadership and innovation: empowering future changemakers”. 911�� and the University of Minho.
“Urban green transition pathways”. 911�� and the University of Granada.
“Smart Finance for a greener future: ESG investing and digital-era risk management”. 911�� and Durham University.
“Greening transitions with AI: Climate, employment and sustainability in action”. The University of Minho and The University of Graz.
“Energy Network for Advanced Conversion Technologies (ENACT)”. The University of Wrocław and The University of Padua.
“The controversy over the orthodox concept of God in the late 18th century. Philosophical debates: investigations for a critical genealogy of contemporary secular and post-secular thought”. The University of Padua and Leipzig University.

Learning About Plants and Enjoying Live Music: ‘Žolinėk ’25’ at the VU Botanical Garden

2025-08-13T06:58:08+03:00

On 15 August, the Botanical Garden of 911�� (VU) in Kairėnai invites everyone to celebrate Žolinė (the Assumption of Mary), one of the oldest summer festivities in Lithuania. The programme of the ‘Žolinėk ’25’ event includes educational meetings with herbalists, lectures by scientists, live music concerts, and nature therapy sessions.

The festival also features meetings with artisans and sauna masters, specialists’ lectures, educational activities, workshops, various exhibitions, artists’ plein-air, and entertainment for the youngest visitors at the Children’s Meadow. Participants are invited to attend live music performances by Monos, Baltasis Kiras, and Antikvariniai Kašpirovskio Dantys. Nature therapy and breathwork practice sessions are open to those seeking peace or a deeper connection with nature.

This year’s Children’s Meadow presents an outstanding family programme packed with surprises. Educators at the Botanical Garden’s pavilion invite everyone to solve botanical puzzles, learn about plants, and create portraits of herbaceous plants together, with prizes available for the smartest and most curious participants. The Children’s Meadow is the place to meet beloved children’s characters, play table games, stop by the glitter booth of the Fairy Valley, play with soap bubbles, and try your hand at the herb-themed colouring station. Entertainment and surprises await the whole family.

The programme of lectures at the museum is designed to deepen the knowledge of the importance that plants hold in our lives. Ethnologist, Professor Libertas Klimka will deliver a presentation about the role of medicinal herbs in ancient Lithuanian traditions. He maintains that a close bond with the nature of one’s homeland is a traditional trait of Lithuanian ethnic culture. In his lecture, the Professor invites participants to rediscover this connection with nature.

Academic Jonas R. Naujalis will present his new book ‘Nuodingieji augalai šalia mūsų’ (‘Poisonous Plants Near Us’), offering valuable knowledge about poisonous plants in Lithuania. The lecture will be complemented by the exhibition ‘Purposeful or Poisonous? Posters from the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries’, highlighting 11 original and authentic posters holding educational and artistic value.

Mycologist Dr Jonas Kasparavičius will introduce the medicinal properties of mushrooms, which are still shrouded in a number of myths. In a detailed presentation, the researcher will spotlight the invisible, yet vital world, which will also be featured in another Museum’s exhibition ‘The Magic of Microorganisms’. Birutė Masiliauskienė, a sauna master, will deliver a lecture on the links between Lithuanian saunas and plants. The Sauna Laboratory will also wait for those willing to learn more secrets about sauna rituals. The crown jewel of the programme is the lecture by herbalist Vilma Petreikienė about Calendula officinalis, the star of this year’s festivities.

Visitors are also invited to immerse themselves in artistic experiences, providing another point of view on nature. Artists’ plein-air ‘Ant žolės’ (‘On the Grass’) and an art fair are envisioned to connect nature, creativity, and people, allowing everyone to experience how ties between art and the environment emerge.

At the meadow of ‘Žolinėk ’25’, a plant-themed creative space invites visitors to participate in various activities. ‘Švenčionių vaistažolės’ factory, celebrating authentic traditions, is going to present the plant world from up close. The fair of herbaceous plants and delicacies is going to entice visitors with summer aromas, from dried herbs to therapeutic propolis. Workshops are planned for making wreaths, grass bouquets, flower postcards, herbaceous souvenirs, and culinary herb mixes.

The festivities intertwine knowledge, creativity, and leisure, from practical skills to deeper knowledge of nature. When in need of a short break, take a stroll to the leisure oases offering food trucks, gourmet ice cream, and summer drinks.
The ‘Žolinėk ’25’ event is organised in collaboration with the Lithuanian Phytotherapy Association and ‘Švenčionių vaistažolės’.

Where History Meets Innovation: the VU Konstantinas Sirvydas Courtyard Reopens to the University Community and the People of Vilnius

2025-08-13T05:33:08+03:00

Following extensive restoration, the historic courtyard named after Konstantinas Sirvydas, a pioneer of Lithuanian written tradition, has reopened to the 911�� (VU) community, city residents, and visitors. Located next to St Johns’ Church, it is one of 13 historic courtyards within VU’s central architectural ensemble, now all open to the public.

Research unveils historical beauty

The VU courtyards are an integral part of the University and Vilnius Old Town, making their regular upkeep and renovation essential. Maintenance projects are therefore carried out on a consistent basis. The Sirvydas Courtyard is a particularly cherished gathering space for the St Johns’ Church (the Church of St John the Baptist and St John the Apostle and Evangelist) community and a popular spot for newlyweds after their wedding ceremonies. Thus, preserving both its authenticity and aesthetic value was one of the key priorities during the restoration process.

The works in the Sirvydas Courtyard included heritage conservation, construction, detailed archaeological research, and the restoration of masonry and plaster on all courtyard facades.

‘Our research revealed that the walls of Building No. 12 (formerly the Carriage House, now home to the Department of Lithuanian Studies in the Faculty of Philology) remained unplastered until the mid-20th century. We decided to showcase the original masonry, thereby preserving the building’s appearance from the time it was constructed. The building’s evolution is clearly reflected in surviving details: fragments of wall paintings reveal that these walls once formed the interior, while the staircase retains marble-imitating decorative elements. Meticulously preserved, all these details are now ready to be admired. The roof tiles were also replaced, a new granite-paved surface was laid in the courtyard, and lighting, along with small architectural features, such as benches and tables, was added. At night, the courtyard is imbued with an especially romantic atmosphere,’ said VU project administrator Rasa Rožanskienė.

Innovative solutions helped preserve historical and natural value

Given the courtyard’s historical significance, the valuable features uncovered during the restoration, unexpected engineering finds, and the presence of historic gates, the choice of construction equipment was very limited. This called for innovative technological solutions to protect the site’s heritage: for instance, replacing traditional concrete with self-compacting concrete – a much more sustainable option.

Special attention was also given to the oak trees growing in the courtyard, under the care of Dr Audrius Skridaila, Head of the VU Botanical Garden. To protect the exposed roots during the restoration works, they were covered with regularly moistened felt, while the trunks were shielded from physical damage with special wooden supports.

The restoration of the Sirvydas Courtyard was carried out by a dedicated and extensive group of experts: archaeologist Kęstutis Peseckas and his team, researchers Robertas Žilinskas, Indrė Valkiūnienė, and Jakovas Mendelevičius, architect and project manager Rūta Irena Klimavičienė, as well as the restorers and heritage specialists from ‘Virmalda’, MB. In time for VU’s 450th anniversary celebrations, the University also plans to renovate other courtyards within the complex. Preparations are already underway for works in the Library, Motiejus Kazimieras Sarbievijus, and Mikalojus Daukša courtyards. Archaeological, architectural, and polychromatic studies of these courtyards have already been completed, and a tree protection plan is currently being prepared. Additionally, consultations are planned with the University community to discuss the courtyards’ functions, as well as with the Vilnius Chief Architect’s Office and the Department of Cultural Heritage to address their aesthetic aspects.

The Sirvydas Courtyard stands on the site of the former churchyard of St John’s Church, once a cemetery. According to Dr Inga Leonavičiūtė, a historian at the VU Faculty of History, the courtyard had no official name until 1976, when the University formalised the names of its courtyards in preparation for its 400th anniversary.

‘We can say that, among all the new personal names assigned during that reform, this courtyard’s name is the most closely tied to the figure it honours. Konstantinas Sirvydas – an alumnus and Professor of the Jesuit Academy of Vilnius – was one of the first prominent Lithuanians at this institution. He authored ‘Punktai sakymų’ – the first original collection of sermons in Lithuanian – compiled the first Lithuanian–Polish–Latin dictionary, and wrote the grammar of the Lithuanian language. Sirvydas not only taught at the University as one of its principal theology professors but also preached at St Johns’ Church for ten years, delivering sermons in both Lithuanian and Polish,’ listed the historian.

General Admission Results at VU: More Students Enrolled, Growing Interest in Education and Physical Sciences

2025-08-12T11:40:27+03:00

The results of the general admission to first cycle studies at 911�� (VU) have been announced. Invitations to study at VU were extended to almost 4,500 entrants, more than 3,600 of whom received invitations for State-funded student places. This year, social sciences, health sciences, and business and public administration retain their top positions, with education and physical sciences also attracting increased interest.

In this year’s general admission stage, more future students chose first cycle studies at VU than last year. This year, the most popular study programmes among entrants at VU were Psychology, Medicine, Law, Creative Communication, Economics and Finance, Criminology, Political Sciences, Management, Physical Therapy, and Global Marketing.

Compared to last year, an increased interest is observed in Medicine, Law, Physical Therapy, Dentistry, Political Sciences, Special Education and Speech Therapy, Criminology, Psychology, Pharmacy, and Molecular Biology studies.
According to the data of the Association of Lithuanian Higher Education Institutions for Joint Admissions (LAMA BPO), this year, 19.1 thousand entrants are eligible for State-funded student places and study scholarships at first cycle and integrated study programmes, compared to 17.2 thousand eligible entrants in 2024. 11.4 thousand of them are this year’s school graduates.

The general admission results are now available to entrants via the information system and by email. The conclusion of study agreements will take place from 15:00 on 11 August to 12:00 on 14 August.

From 15:00 on 15 August to 15:00 on 19 August, entrants are invited to submit their applications and participate in additional admission. During the additional admission, applications for State-funded student places are also accepted.

Starting from 13 August, direct admission to two study programmes will be carried out: Law (for persons with a university or college higher education) and Public Health (for persons holding a higher education degree acquired at a college (in health science field), a university (only in biology and educology fields) or a medicine school).

What Does It Mean to Learn Autonomously?

2025-08-12T09:00:00+03:00

Is learner autonomy just about studying alone, or is it something much deeper, more collaborative and more critical? How do we help students become truly autonomous learners in today’s digital world? These questions are at the heart of the latest episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast featuring Professor Marco Cappellini, specialist in Language Sciences at the University of Lyon 1 and co-editor of Learner Autonomy and Web 2.0.

Drawing on years of research in language education, virtual exchanges and teacher training, Professor Cappellini explores how our understanding of autonomy has evolved from individual self-regulation to a more social and reflective process supported by peer interaction and digital tools. He introduces the idea of social autonomy, where learning is shaped not in isolation, but through meaningful collaboration and dialogue, especially in online environments.

The conversation also touches on the role of teachers in fostering learner autonomy: not as distant facilitators, but as active mediators who scaffold learning, guide reflection, and help students navigate complex digital learning spaces.

How can we support all learners, including those with less access to resources or digital confidence, in becoming autonomous? What kinds of environments and policies are needed to make autonomy an honest and equitable goal?

Don’t miss Episode #42 of Arqus Knowledge Pills, a rich and timely conversation on the future of language education, learner agency and the evolving role of teachers in the digital age. You can listen to the episode here.

Creating a Greener University: VU Expands Its Solar Power Network

2025-08-12T07:46:36+03:00

911�� (VU) has acquired two large remote solar power plants and installed photovoltaic power stations on the rooftops of 19 University-owned buildings in Vilnius and Šiauliai. Together, these solar power facilities will generate up to 5,600 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually, covering around one-third of VU’s total yearly electricity consumption. This initiative, along with the University’s five-year practice of purchasing green electricity from an independent supplier, advances the implementation of VU’s strategic climate neutrality plan.

The electricity generated by the solar plants will reduce VU’s dependence on external energy suppliers and will also contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions both in Lithuania and globally. This marks an important step towards the University’s ambition of becoming a leading higher education institution in the field of sustainability. VU’s investment in renewable energy reflects the values of the University community and its commitment to fostering a responsible environmental mindset among students and staff.

‘Having prepared our projects on time, we were able to take advantage of favourable conditions to install solar panels on VU rooftops and acquire several remote power plants. This will allow us to cover a significant share of our electricity needs with self-generated power and move forward with the implementation of our sustainability policy,’ said VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas.

VU consumes an average of around 18,000 MWh of electricity each year. Since 2021, the University has phased out polluting energy sources, becoming one of the first major institutions in Lithuania to meet all of its electricity needs with purchased green energy. As a result, VU now prevents the release of roughly 7,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere each year.

In 2024, VU purchased a 2-megawatt (MW) solar power plant in the Kaunas District and a 2.2 MW plant in the Biržai District. These two remote solar facilities generate approximately 4,400 MWh of electricity for VU each year.

In 2025, the University installed solar panels on the rooftops of 19 dormitories and research buildings in Vilnius and Šiauliai, with most located on the Saulėtekis campus in Vilnius. The total capacity of the rooftop systems is 1.37 MW, producing around 1,200 MWh of electricity annually. Combined, the solar power plants owned by VU generate enough electricity each year to supply about 1,100 large households, based on the average annual electricity consumption of 5.1 MWh per household in Lithuania.

VU remains committed to investing in environmentally friendly solutions that reduce pollution and cut energy consumption. These long-term goals are embedded in the University’s strategy, which includes achieving climate neutrality, advancing research and education that have a positive environmental impact, and fostering a greener mindset across society. A key priority is to become a more sustainable and environmentally responsible institution that consistently reduces its greenhouse gas emissions.