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VMU to Hold Conference on Well-Being of Child and Family

On 15–16 October, the Department of Social Work at the VMU Faculty of Social Sciences together with its partners is organizing the international scientific and practice conference Well-Being of the Child and Family. What Can Social Work Offer in a Context of Dynamic Change? The participants will be able to register online from 22 August until 1 October.

The goal of the conference is to discuss the changes taking place in the field of child and family well-being in social, economic, political and cultural contexts, shaping and changing the well-being of children and families. These changes, which have both positive and negative impacts, include changes in family structure, transformations in social networks, in the labour market, financial support, laws and education policies, changes in values, migration and the geopolitical situation, the impact of digital technologies, online learning, access to health care, the challenge of public health and climate change.

The conference aims to bring together Lithuanian and foreign social science and social work researchers, practitioners, policy makers, students and community members – all those working and interested in the field of child and family welfare.

We invite you to share research findings, ideas and practice insights and to submit presentations on the following topics:

• Transformative social work with the family
• The role of social work in responding to changes in family structure and roles
• Social work response to intergenerational interactions in the family
• Social work during family crisis
• Visibility of the child in family social work practice
• Psychosocial counselling: prevention and intervention
• Family health and well-being: an integrated approach
• Traditional and innovative social work approaches
• Social work with groups as method to strengthen the family
• Family and technology: challenges and opportunities for social work in the digital era
• Social work with migrant families
• Impact of climate change on child and family well-being

The submission of abstracts is open until 9 September.

Registration for paper submission

Registration to the conference will take place from 22 August until 1 October. More information will be provided in August.

Articles based on the papers that meet the requirements will be published in the journal Socialinis darbas. Patirtis ir metodai.

Languages of the conference: Lithuanian and English.

Conference participant fee: 50 euros.

Email for more information: sdk[at]vdu.lt

T4EU Mobility Week in Poland – European Universities’ Diplomacy

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey at the third edition of the T4EU Mobility Week, hosted by the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, from October 21st to 25th, 2024. The theme of this year’s event is “European Universities’ Diplomacy.” The registration to the events for the students is open until 25 August.

About the Mobility Week

This program offers a diverse range of courses and accompanying events, including sports competitions, a cinema night, culinary workshops, and mental health workshops. The week will kick off with a T4EU party, fostering integration and interuniversity connections among participants.

Course Offerings

For the mobility week, students can choose one course for which 3 ECTS credits are rewarded and recognised in all partner universities of the Transfrom4Europe Alliance. Students can choose one course from the following options, each with in-person and online components:

1. English Communication Skills for STEM: Learn to communicate effectively in English within interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
2. Negotiation Ninja: Skills for Business and Personal Triumphs: Develop successful negotiation strategies for business and personal contexts.
3. Who, where, what, why, why not: understanding cultures in an incomprehensible world: Explore cultural differences and learn to navigate a diverse world.
4. Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Students With Disabilities: Gain insights into designing individualized education programs for students with disabilities.
5. Gender Equality In Society. Legal Aspects: Examine the legal aspects of gender equality and address barriers faced by women and men in various spheres.
6. Challenges and Choices of the Anthropocene Epoch: Understand the global environmental situation and its consequences, exploring challenges and choices for a sustainable future.
7. Fundamentals of cybersecurity – transdisciplinary approach: Develop a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles, practices, and technologies.

Who Could Participate

This mobility week is open to all students and PhD students of Transform4Europe partner universities.

Application Process

The deadline to register for the T4EU Mobility Week is August 25th, 2024.

Funding

Limited scholarships are available to cover travel and accommodation expenses.

More information

Apply Now: T4EU Bootcamp in Bulgaria

Young researchers and graduate students from VMU and other Transform4Europe universities are invited to attend the first T4EU Bootcamp, which will take place from 10 to 12 September 2024 in Burgas, Bulgaria. Academics and stakeholders from T4EU regions are also invited to attend as mentors.

The thematic focus of the Bootcamp is Sustainable development and environmental transformation: effective climate adaptation and innovations. It aims to bring together young researchers and graduate students from T4EU universities studying and/or specializing in this field who will be able to learn and practice on this challenging topic.

The organizers also invite academics and stakeholders from the Transform4Europe regions working in this field who are interested to join the event as mentors and to discuss together with the trainees the challenges and opportunities in the area as a ground for further collaboration within the Alliance and T-Labs network.

Target groups: MA students, PhD students, young researchers etc. Participants are provided with a grant for transportation and daily expenses.

The deadline for applications is July 29.

The T4EU Bootcamp is organized by the team of the T4EU Smart cities and regions Environmental transformation Lab.

Registration

More information

International Exchange – A Gateway to New Career Opportunities

“The opportunity to study abroad for a semester in the country of my choice through the Erasmus+ international exchange programme, even while enrolled in an online study programme, was the main reason I chose to study at Vytautas Magnus University,” says Alisa Rūta Stravinskaitė, an alumna of the Comparative Cultural Studies programme at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU).

According to Alisa, a semester of studies at the University of Turin in Italy not only allowed her to deepen her understanding of the country and enhance her Italian language skills but also opened up new career opportunities.

In an interview with VMU students and alumni, we discuss why it is worthwhile to take advantage of the university’s mobility opportunities and go for a semester of Erasmus+ studies or internships.

Italian language – a challenge that shaped career prospects

Alisa Rūta recounts that a semester spent at the Rome University of the Arts during her bachelor’s studies left a profound impression, prompting her to continue her acquaintance with Italy during her master’s studies. Her desire to get to know the Northern Italian region led her to the University of Turin.

“Although I never viewed Erasmus+ studies as a break from my studies, the pace and workload in Italy were significantly greater than in Lithuania. Lectures here were attended by countless students. Despite speaking Italian upon arrival, it took a while before I could understand everything freely – preparation for lectures involved reading academic articles in Italian and learning specialised terminology,” recalls Alisa, reflecting on the integration challenges.

Alisa Rūta Stravinskaitė (personal archive photo)

The VMU alumna also highlights the daunting oral exams conducted in Italian. “It was indeed challenging to stand in front of the classroom and respond to questions posed by the lecturer. At that moment, not only are you trying to think of the correct answers, but you also realise that the local Italian students hear not just your responses but every grammatical mistake. This certainly caused a lot of stress. Nevertheless, mastering Italian also opened up opportunities to better understand this country, its people, and culture,” shares Alisa Rūta, asserting that while the primary goal of these Erasmus+ studies was to gain additional knowledge and get to know the country better, it was ultimately the Italian language that opened new career prospects for her. This summer, she toured Turin and Venice with a theatre troupe from Lithuania.

Studying abroad instilled a love for Lithuania

Viktoriia Piatnytska, who is studying Sociology and Anthropology at VMU’s Faculty of Social Sciences, asserts that she chose her Erasmus+ exchange country on practical grounds. Having developed an interest in German during her childhood, and later studying English and German philology in her native city of Kyiv, Ukraine, she opted for TU Dortmund University in Germany for her study exchange.

“I believe that Erasmus+ studies are a great opportunity to put your foreign language skills into practice and to ‘try out’ the country you are going to. I’ve been interested in Germany since I was a child and visited the country several times as a tourist. However, I wanted to see the country from a different perspective, to see how I would manage integrating into German society. As our university had only recently signed an exchange agreement with this university, I was the first exchange student from VMU,” she explains.

Viktoriia says that living and studying in Germany’s ninth-largest city was memorable not only because of the rainy climate but also because of the wide range of activities available to exchange students. “Dortmund itself reminded me of Kaunas in terms of size, and the university where I studied offered many activities for exchange students, including trips to other cities and countries and board game nights,” says the VMU student, who also managed to visit neighbouring countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg during her Erasmus+ studies.

She also points out that, before going to Germany, she was convinced that knowing the local language would help her integrate faster, but this expectation was not met.

Viktoriia Piatnytska (personal archive photo)

“At VMU, we take great care of incoming international students, constantly striving to help them and make them feel comfortable here. Things were somewhat different at Dortmund University. I noticed that both students and teachers were not particularly inclined to befriend those around them. Whereas at VMU, I could easily pop into my faculty dean’s office to clarify what I need or just to have a chat,” Viktoriia identifies the main cultural differences.

Nevertheless, her greatest discovery during the Erasmus+ exchange was a newfound love for Lithuania. “I missed Kaunas and Lithuania a lot when I was in Germany. My friends and some of my family live here. It’s a place where my heart belongs. During my Erasmus+ studies, I realised that I see my future in Lithuania,” concludes the VMU student.

Learning from the best

“Successful prior experience during my Erasmus+ exchange studies encouraged me to return to this country once again,” says Kamilė Dumskytė, a VMU Marketing alumna who chose France for her Erasmus+ internship. Not only did she have the opportunity to live in Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but she also had the chance to see firsthand how one of the biggest film events is organised and to work with well-known professionals in the field.

“I hadn’t planned or specifically aimed to end up in the film and cinema industry. I found a plethora of internship offers on one website and applied randomly. Both my first and second interviews were successful, which paved my way to the European Independent Film Festival, where I was responsible for event management and maintaining partnerships with festival partners,” Kamilė explains.

Kamilė Dumskytė (personal archive photo)

Kamilė mentions that working in an international team taught her how to collaborate with people from different cultures and adapt to various communication styles. However, the most memorable part of her experience was working with and getting to know the festival’s president, documentary filmmaker Scott Hiller.

“It was a great honour just to be around such a person. There’s wisdom in the advice – if you want to improve, find someone you aspire to be like and get as much experience from them as you can. That was exactly what I tried to do during that period. Nowadays, people often tell me that I am brave and creative. I used to respond to this compliment with just a thank you and a smile, but over time I realised that creativity is founded on knowledge and courage is built on experience. That is exactly what my Erasmus+ studies and internship in France provided me,” asserts the VMU graduate.

VMU offers exceptional opportunities for all students wishing to study or do internships abroad: the university currently has more than 600 Erasmus+ and bilateral cooperation partners in 75 countries around the world. Over the last decade, more than 3,000 VMU students have gone abroad for studies or internships.

A Person’s Career is Determined by Hard Work, Not Special Effects

“Nearly 15 years ago, when our students attempted to gain entry into the most prestigious music conservatories in Austria, Germany, and Italy, hoping to learn from Europe’s best music professors, they were often politely told that there were no more places available. Now, professors from those same schools come to our Academy to teach master classes to our top students. We are no longer on the periphery; quite the opposite, we are recognised and valued by European musicians,” says Professor Saulius Gerulis, Dean of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Music Academy.

As the university celebrates the 35th anniversary of its re-establishment this year, Dean Prof. Gerulis believes that much has been achieved in the training of musicians: from joining VMU, creating its own study programmes, and preparing teachers to establishing an international presence and producing graduates who have conquered the stages of the world’s most renowned theatres with their talents.

The road to autonomy

As Prof. Gerulis explains, both when VMU (then known as the University of Lithuania – Ed.) was founded in 1922 and when it was re-established in 1989, there was no provision for music studies in higher education. Nevertheless, in 1989, the training of musicians was revived in Kaunas with the establishment of the Kaunas Faculty of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (LMTA). However, the musician community in Kaunas wanted and was ready to operate autonomously.

On 10 January 2011, during a VMU Council meeting chaired by Valdas Adamkus, it was decided to establish an academic division of the university – the Vytautas Magnus University Music Academy, with Professor Gerulis appointed as its dean, a role he continues to hold to this day. “On 1 February 2011, former students and the majority of teachers from the LMTA Kaunas Faculty began the spring semester as members of the Vytautas Magnus University community. Since then, a new generation of students and academics has emerged,” Prof. Gerulis says.

Prof. Saulius Gerulis

According to the VMU professor, at that time, the Academy did not have its own study programmes, so one of the first steps was to develop programmes that would be distinct from those already existing in Lithuania. “It was crucial that the programmes included aspects of composition, creativity, and repertoire formation. We wanted our music studies to be unique and distinctive. And we certainly achieved that – the study programmes at VMU Music Academy have been accredited by international experts several times,” Prof. Gerulis says.

Exceeds the university’s average in internationalisation

According to Prof. Gerulis, it was precisely becoming part of VMU that greatly helped the Music Academy not only to attract talent but also to gain recognition in the international musician community. “Training musicians involves a great deal of individual work. It’s truly gratifying that we have the opportunity not only to employ pedagogically talented teachers from both Lithuania and abroad but also to nurture our own academic staff.

The Artes Liberales approach to studies at the University allows our students to choose from a variety of additional disciplines. We are expanding our network of international partners – currently collaborating with over 50 higher education institutions worldwide, where our Academy’s students and teachers undertake internships. We are full members of the European Association of Conservatoires in the field of Theatre and Music. We constantly monitor global trends in performer training, participate in international assemblies, and bring back the experience gained. We also host visits from renowned musicians from Europe and around the world,” notes Prof. Gerulis.

According to the dean of VMU Music Academy, the university’s internationalism is also reflected in the student body. There was a time when the Academy ranked first in the University in terms of the number of full-time international students. “The geographical variety of those coming to study in Kaunas is indeed broad, including countries from Asia, Armenia, Mexico, the Baltic states, and Ukraine – we always extend a helping hand to our friends from Kharkiv and other higher education institutions. Currently, international students make up 36% of all those studying at VMU Music Academy. In total, we have nearly 280 students. While this might seem a small number to some, compared to other European higher education institutions, we certainly don’t appear modest. In terms of student numbers, we are we hold a strong middle position. Moreover, our academic staff alone comprises over 100 individuals. By university standards, this would correspond to the staff of two faculties,” outlines Prof. Gerulis.

VMU Music Academy

Maintaining professionalism is key

VMU Music Academy offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The Performing Arts programme currently offers more than 30 specialisations, ranging from singing, piano, wind, and percussion to string instruments. This autumn, VMU Music Academy will introduce a new specialisation in popular music.

“Singing studies remain highly popular. This is a consequence of popular culture. Following market trends and striving to meet student needs and prospects, we are launching a specialisation in popular music this year,” says prof. Gerulis. He also highlights that, due to significant technological advancements, the academic training of musicians has recently faced considerable challenges.

“We follow the example of renowned music conservatories and academies worldwide, believing that a person’s career should be determined by hard and long-term work, not special effects. The world is becoming less demanding, and the media is being taken over by people who are not necessarily well-trained, which is painful for us professionals. Although these performers may not be of the highest calibre, they are highly visible in the media. Thanks to various TV music projects, even swimmers are starting to sing,” the academic notes.

According to Prof. Gerulis, while VMU Music Academy strives to maintain traditions, it does not shy away from implementing innovations. “That’s why we decided to establish a specialisation in popular music. With these studies, we want to emphasise that those who work hard and diligently become high-level professionals. The same principle can be applied to popular culture, which, I dare say, is quite cheap in our country. However, if you are a professional, you can secure a long-term status. Thus, education is a long-term investment that pays off. Over 90% of our Academy’s graduates find their niche after completing their studies,” says the dean.

The university’s graduates continue their careers not only on the stages of theatres in Kaunas, Vilnius, and other major cities in the country but also in some of the most famous theatres in Europe and the world. Among many others, this includes Kostas Smoriginas, who was awarded the “Golden Stage Cross” this year, and Almas Švilpa, who performs in theatres in Austria and Germany. From September, conductor Vilmantas Kaliūnas, who has spent much of his career in Germany, will teach the oboe and symphonic conducting specialisations, while renowned singer and actor Mantas Jankavičius will share his expertise with students in the popular music programme.

Today’s students feel the pulse of the world

VMU Music Academy students not only hone their musical talents but also pursue additional knowledge at the university. Studies based on the Artes Liberales model allow students to choose from a wide range of minor study programmes and disciplines.

“We notice that students eagerly choose studies closely related to the cultural field, as well as humanities, and social sciences. For instance, it is very important for musicians to have a strong psychological foundation, so students delve into courses in this field. Others study the basics of business management to better understand the administrative side of their field of work. Classical opera, for example, requires Italian. Students learn this language as a compulsory course but can also study it as an elective It is also useful to have a foundation in French or German. Let’s face it, not understanding what you’re singing about can put you in an awkward situation,” says the dean of VMU Music Academy.

He also points out that due to their tight schedules (instrumentalists play for 3 ­to 4 hours or more each day), there are constant discussions with students on how to properly arrange their study timetables to balance both their major and minor studies.

VMU Music Academy students

According to him, over its more than 13 years of existence, the greatest achievements of VMU Music Academy are its music study programmes, internationalisation, integration into the European musicians’ community, and the accomplishments of its graduates.

“All the offered music specialisations are also taught in English. Alongside their musical education, through minor studies and the Artes Liberales approach, students gain knowledge necessary for the modern labour market. Being part of the university and making use of its opportunities is a great advantage. Speaking of internationalisation, it is delightful to hear exchange students from Italy and our teachers communicating in Italian. We are most proud of our graduates who become top-level professionals and perform on the stages of the most famous European theatres and philharmonics. It makes you want to bow down before them,”­ Prof. Gerulis concludes.

Student internship: it helps international students become more open

Nelli Yeghiazaryan, a Master’s student in the Future Media and Journalism programme from Armenia, participated in the Internships for International Full-time students in Lithuania, which began earlier this year and which allows foreign students and graduates of full-time studies to apply for internships in the Lithuanian market. This programme has successfully welcomed over 30 international students to date. Renowned companies, organizations, and research centers, including Transparency International Lithuania, Citco Fund Services Lithuania, Escolit, and The Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, are among the institutions that have already hosted interns.

The main aim of the internship is to provide foreign VMU students and graduates with an opportunity to acquire practical skills in Lithuanian companies and organizations. Nelli applied for this opportunity and shares her impressions, tips, and motivation for future participants.

Have you ever thought about actually practicing your knowledge in your desired company? Well, the UpinLT programme gives this opportunity to everyone who has a great motivation to become more visible in a job market, wish to express herself, and develop certain skills. I was one of the luckiest students who got the internship, which also provides a scholarship.

When I saw the list of the companies provided by the university that I could apply to, I was very excited until the moment that almost every company asked for additional language knowledge, or absence of a position. However, the university allows you to choose the company that you want, where there will be a mutual consent between employer and employee.

Hence, I decided to choose “SPEAK” as my place for internship, where I would not need to speak Lithuanian, and additionally, I could use my previous skills. I am very grateful since the university also gives the flexibility to choose the place that the applicant wants. But, you might think, what will this give you?

1. Professional growth

Engaging in an internship allows you to work in a global environment, giving you insights about the overall field that you chose, certain details that can be learned during the working process. You’ll be able to apply theoretical knowledge from your studies to practical, real-world challenges, setting you apart in the job market.

2. Cultural exchange

Living in a different country is already a way to expand the open-mindedness, but working will impact on it also, in a good way. Hence, this programme will help international students become more integrated and open.

3. Networking opportunities

Let’s be real, knowing people can change things, and through this programme there are higher chances to get to know a lot of people, and make connections. Well, that was like this for me, and thanks to that I got to know many interesting, creative individuals.

4. Personal development

Despite talking about professionalism, it is also very important to take into consideration personal growth. This is the perfect environment to express yourself, make mistakes, and learn  from it.

5. University support

Some companies might not be ready to take you as a full-time employee, but hey, university is there to assist. It gives you a scholarship if you express your motivation, and with this help, you can get to the organization that you want to.

Hence, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, and apply for the programme, and be sure this will have a good impact on every field of your life.

Learn more about the programme here and apply!

Biotechnology – One of the Engines of Global Economic Growth

“Today, biotechnology is one of the engines of European and global economic growth: in 2023, the global biotechnology market reached a staggering USD 1.55 trillion. Its applications are extensive, ranging from new and healthy food products and disease treatments to genetic engineering and environmental protection. Green and agricultural biotechnology are among the EU’s top priorities, with various EU programmes focusing on food innovations, such as the use of alternative materials like corn protein or fishmeal,” says Prof. Saulius Mickevičius, Doctor of Physics and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Vytautas Magnus University, discussing the potential of biotechnology.

Biotechnology refers to the application of living organisms or biological processes in various fields – industry, medicine, agriculture, and beyond – to solve various problems and create useful products or innovations.

According to Prof. Mickevičius, genetics plays a crucial role in biotechnology, helping to select or create microorganisms, plants, and even animals with desirable genetic traits. The revolutionary CRISPR method, known as genetic scissors, already allows for the editing of human genes to increase resistance to HIV and other diseases. It is thanks to genetics and biotechnology and the application of messenger RNA technology that vaccines were developed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

“By leveraging artificial intelligence, large gene sequences can be sorted to identify which microorganisms or derivatives possess the necessary genetic traits. Scientists from VMU Faculty of Natural Sciences are actively working in this field, along with Genomika, a start-up founded by university students, which has even encoded the Lithuanian national anthem into DNA molecules, showcasing another example of the application of genetics,” Prof. Mickevičius notes.

Dean of VMU Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Saulius Mickevičius

Helps combat environmental pollution and climate change

Biotechnology is actively applied in the food industry. For example, alternative proteins and meat substitutes made from plants are being developed to counteract the negative impacts of meat production, such as climate change and environmental pollution. Another important area is functional food, which provides additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition, including probiotics and antioxidants.

“At the university, we have a printer capable of producing biological products, such as components for cultured meat – the so-called scaffolds. This is known as additive manufacturing, a process where new biological components are added to existing biological systems. In terms of their application in food, it is important to note that Vytautas Magnus University greatly benefits from the Botanical Garden, which has a large collection of medicinal plants. Useful substances and extracts can be derived from these plants and used in the development of new food products,” Prof. Mickevičius explains.

Genetically modified crops cover as much as 202 million hectares

Biotechnology is widely applied in agriculture. For instance, plants are genetically modified to make crops resistant to pests, diseases, and herbicides, and to enhance their nutrient content. In 2022, the global area of biotech crops reached an impressive 202 million hectares, with the largest areas in the US, Brazil, and Argentina.

“The global population is continuously growing, and the climate is changing, presenting new challenges: ensuring food security for everyone and genetically adapting plants to withstand changing conditions. Additionally, plant varieties are being tailored for vertical farming and indoor gardening to produce higher and healthier yields all year round – all of these are solutions provided by biotechnology,” says Assoc. Prof. Viktorija Vaštakaitė-Kairienė, Senior Researcher at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy.

According to her, work in biotechnology is promising, broad, and constantly evolving, requiring one to stay abreast of the latest scientific research. Therefore, those considering a career in this field need not only a solid foundation in various scientific disciplines but also a high-quality university education that includes practical experience, allowing students to work with scientists and gain hands-on experience in biotechnology companies while still studying.

Assoc. Prof. Viktorija Vaštakaitė-Kairienė, Senior Researcher at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy

Studies offer state-of-the-art equipment and hands-on practice

The first-cycle Biotechnology study programme offered at Vytautas Magnus University provides these opportunities to students. The programme covers not only the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, and physics but also genetics, immunology, molecular modelling, and the futuristic world of genetic engineering. Students have access to modern laboratory equipment, allowing them to conduct contemporary research, analyse and evaluate various data, and create new, innovative products.

“Students who choose this programme have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rhythm of biotechnology, see the challenges that need to be addressed now and those that will be relevant in the future. They will gain the latest scientific knowledge through lectures, participate in research, use state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, and complete three internships, including one in a chosen company,” notes Assoc. Prof. Vaštakaitė-Kairienė, emphasising that the VMU Biotechnology study programme also stands out for its focus on agricultural sciences, thanks to the contributions of the Agriculture Academy’s scientists.

“The Agriculture Academy has strong scientists, particularly in the fields of agrobiotechnology and biotechnology applications in forestry, including forest genetics, plant genetics and breeding, and other areas. Scientists from the Agriculture Academy and the Faculty of Natural Sciences are actively involved in the study process, working together with students in the laboratories. Practically all courses in the Biotechnology programme include practical, laboratory work; it’s not limited to just theory,” adds Prof. Mickevičius, Dean of the VMU Faculty of Natural Sciences.

According to the scientists, graduates of the VMU first-cycle Biotechnology study programme gain a comprehensive education in the field, enabling them to find employment in biotechnology companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Nando, and others, or to continue their studies in a Master’s programme, specialising in a specific area of biotechnology, whether working with plants or animals.

About VMU BA study program Biotechnology

Open Call: Borders and Bridges: Migration and Transformation in Europe

Saarland University, in cooperation with Vytautas Magnus University, is pleased to invite you to the conference Borders and Bridges: Migration and Transformation in Europe which will take place in Germany and online on 9-11 September 2024. Registration is open until 1 August.

The conference will focus on the question of similarities and differences in the approaches (methodology) and research interests (thematic focus) in the fields of migration, border studies and transformation of the T4EU partner universities.

The aim of the conference is to bring together researchers and students from the T4EU partner universities from different disciplines to discuss the different aspects of research on migration, transformation and border(-drawing). In addition to academic exchange, the aim is to promote exchange between the partner universities in particular. Therefore, in addition to lectures on the research topics, there will also be interactive workshop elements in which the researchers from the T4EU universities can familiarise themselves with the institutions of the other universities. In this way, future projects will be initiated and strengthened.

An informal abstract (maximum 300 words) of the presentation should be emailed to elias.harth[at]uni-saarland.de by 1 August 2024.

More information

Apply Now: Student Summer School (Co)happiness Lab at VMU

The summer is here, along with the opportunity to try out different learning experiences at the university: this time, students are invited to focus on their inner selves and their relationship with the surroundings. The European university alliance Transform4Europe invites students to the three-day summer school (Co)happiness Lab, which will take place at Vytautas Magnus University on 27–29 August.

During the summer school, you will delve into the theory of happiness from the perspective of various fields: psychology, philosophy, economics and others; you will also look for ways to create it for yourself, the people around you, and the society.

The event will include not just theoretical sessions but also creative and interactive activities. At the summer school, a hackathon on happiness will be organised, during which you and your team will solve challenges and present your ideas to a commission of experts; the latter, in turn, will provide their insights.

Registration for the summer school is open until 30 June. Submissions are sent by filling in the online form. The selected students will be informed personally.

After completing the course, you will receive 3 ECTS credits that will be valid in the entire T4EU Alliance.

The summer school (Co)happiness Lab is a continuous part of the international congress CoHappiness. Rewilding & Rethinking. The congress was first organised at VMU two years ago. It was a part of the program of Kaunas the European Capital of Culture 2022. During the event, questions were raised about happiness: what is it, can it only be found in short-term delights, or is it something much more? How is happiness perceived and defined by different cultures and societies? Is it an individual feeling, or does it arise from the connection to other people? How to build strong and supportive communities in which everyone could feel happy? How to preserve happiness in the face of war and ecological and social crises? How to create it for yourself and for others even under the most difficult circumstances?

Participants of discussions included world-renowned scholars, experts, and artists: philosopher Timothy Morton, happiness researcher Ruut Veenhoven, artists Nomeda and Gediminas Ubronas, writer Vaiva Grainytė, biologist Merlin Sheldrake and others. Insights were also actively shared by representatives of art and science as well as members of various communities.

More information about the summer school is provided by email at transform4europe@vdu.lt.

The Hybrid Regional Heritage Workshops for Students

Transform4Europe invites university students to participate in a hybrid event – the Regional Heritage Workshops. These workshops will provide an opportunity to delve into cultural heritage and its management in contemporary Europe, exploring its various dimensions – local, regional, national, and European.

The workshops are designed for MA and PhD students aiming to understand and explore common European heritage. Participants will conduct surveys among their university peers and engage in problem-solving tasks using design thinking methodology. 5 ECTS credits are provided. The event will be conducted in a hybrid format: part of the sessions will be held virtually, and part will take place in Katowice and Cieszyn, Poland. Travel expenses and scholarships for each activity day, including travel days, will be covered for students.

Interested students are invited to register by filling out the application form by June 12.

Key Dates

• June 17: First virtual lecture.
• October: Two additional virtual lectures.
• October 21-25: On-site meetings in Katowice and Cieszyn.
• October 22-23: Transform4Europe Heritage Conference in Katowice.

Activities and Tasks

• Participants will conduct a survey on common European heritage among their fellow students.
• Participants will engage in problem-solving tasks in Cieszyn using design thinking methods.

Practical Experience

• Participants will visit museums and meet with heritage conservation experts and local heritage creators.
• The workshops will help understand how cultural heritage is utilized in contemporary regional economies and contributes to local and regional development.

Selection and Participation

• The institutional coordinators of the VMU alliance will select three students to participate in the workshops.
• Selected students will be informed on June 13.

Micromodules

1. European heritage – European values.
2. Regions and nations – heritage of European cross-border regions.
3. Heritage – potential of local and regional development.

Speakers

• Kinga Czerwińska – Cultural anthropologist and professor known for her research on folk art and intangible cultural heritage.
• Jerzy Gorzelik – Art historian specializing in the relations between art, cultural heritage, and group identities.
• Adam Hajduga – Sociologist and industrial culture heritage enthusiast, currently Deputy Director at the Metallurgy Museum in Chorzów.
• Leszek Jodliński – Art historian and political scientist with extensive experience in museum management.
• Grzegorz Kulik – Translator and promoter of the Silesian language, known for his translations and linguistic projects.
• Grzegorz Studnicki – Ethnologist researching the use of traditions and culture in contemporary local communities.
• Lubomira Trojan – Cultural anthropologist specializing in social design and cultural heritage preservation.
• Agata Zygmunt-Ziemianek – Sociologist focusing on social demography, social policy, and higher education didactics.
• Ewa Wylężek-Targosz – Art historian and literary scholar specializing in visual arts, translation, and film studies.

For any questions, please contact: Transform4Europe@vdu.lt.

More information

Photo by Umkatowice (Creative Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)