"The new joint study program was developed by five European technology universities. It supports the region's transition from primarily being a consumer of digital technical equipment to becoming a global leader and supplier in the internet of things and cyber-physical system technologies. The goals of the Green courses will also be implemented. To achieve this, we aim to discover and nurture innovators in related technologies and engineering disciplines, which are essential for this transformation," says Prof. Dr. Sarunas Paulikas, Dean of the Faculty of Electronics at VILNIUS TECH.
Embedded Intelligence Nanosystems Engineering (EMINENT) is the name of the joint Erasmus Mundus Master's program. It was developed by representatives from four European technology universities that belong to the ATHENA University Alliance: the University of Siegen in Germany, the University of Orléans in France, the Mediterranean University of Greece, and VILNIUS TECH. The New University of Lisbon in Portugal also contributed to the program's development.
Over the course of two years, the study program is designed to acquire knowledge and skills in nanomaterials, nano-production technologies for smart devices and sensors designed to operate in cyber-physical systems (CPS) and internet of things solutions. It has also been awarded international AQAS accreditation, indicating the program's compliance with high-quality and other requirements in the world of higher education.
Nanotechnologies - inseparable from sustainability
According to Prof. Dr. S. Paulikas, the future of the modern world depends on nanotechnologies. He points out that these technologies allow us to find ways to turn unimaginable things into reality. This will be particularly useful in achieving the goals of the Green course.
"The challenges of energy management, recycling, and production in the future will be addressed using smart sensor technologies, which allow more efficient use of resources and reduction of the carbon footprint. The transition to carbon-neutral production and smart grids are industrial challenges that can only be addressed by using appropriate smart device and sensor technologies. However, this will require highly qualified specialists, who will be trained during these studies," says the Dean of the Faculty of Electronics at VILNIUS TECH.
The joint study program will last two years, during which every semester will completed at different European universities from Vilnius to Lisbon. All lectures will be conducted in English.
What will students be learning?
The program consists of five different parts, each of which is implemented by universities involved in the program, including VILNIUS TECH. In addition to university lecturers, lectures will also be delivered by guest lecturers from companies and organizations working in the field of nanotechnology.
During the first semester, students will study at the Mediterranean University of Greece, where they will become acquainted with functional materials and their properties. Meanwhile, during the second semester at the University of Siegen in Germany, future specialists will learn about the sensors, devices, and embedded systems used in nanosystems.
Under the framework of the EMINENT program, specialised winter and summer schools will also operate. During these events, students will have the opportunity to participate in creative workshops or meet experts in the field of nanotechnology, which will enhance their networks.
In the second year of the program, students will be able to choose one of five further study paths: functional materials with optoelectronic properties; embedded advanced sensors; natural materials and bio-sensors; internet of things; sensor systems and data processing.
Depending on their choice, in the third semester, students will spend their time at one of the five universities participating in the program, including VILNIUS TECH, where they will focus on sensor systems and data processing studies. In the final semester, students of the EMINENT program will focus on their master's thesis of their chosen topic. After defending it, they will receive a joint master's degree in engineering.
Graduates of the program will acquire solid knowledge on how to produce and characterize advanced, environmentally friendly nanomaterials for sensors; they will also learn how integrate these nanomaterials into nanodevices. Students will also collect and process large amounts of data in the Data Modeling Zone of the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability Center laboratories. The centre, whose establishment was prompted by the project "Establishment of Integrated Sustainability Technology Laboratories at VILNIUS TECH", and funded by the Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan "Next Generation Lithuania" as well as the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania, will open its doors this spring.
First applicants expected by spring
VILNIUS TECH informs that up to 35 students from Europe and third countries annually will be invited to this study program. Those wishing to apply should submit their applications on the EMINENT program's website by March 1st. A special selection committee will evaluate all candidates, and successful applicants will start their studies at the end of September this year.
Studies will take place at a minimum of two universities, and each student will be eligible for a €1400 scholarship. For high-achieving students, this scholarship will be awarded for the entire 2-year study period. Meanwhile, students who do not receive scholarships will be able to participate in the study program but will have to cover the expenses themselves.
