Education

The European Commission Allocated EUR 97.7 Million for MSCA Exchanges – Two VU Researchers to Receive Funding

2026-03-11T17:47:43+02:00

The European Commission (EC) has announced the results of the 2025 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges call, allocating EUR 97.7 million to 81 international projects. Among the funded projects are those led by two Vilnius University (VU) researchers – Prof. Almira Ramanavičienė of the Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, and Prof. Mangirdas Malinauskas of the Laser Research Center, Faculty of Physics. Both researchers submitted their proposals with VU.

Prof. Ramanavičienė will implement the project ‘Transforming Chronic Wound Care with Targeted MXene-Based Antibacterial and Regenerative Technologies’ (MX-WOUND).

This interdisciplinary project aims to create a new-generation multimodal technological platform for the treatment of chronic wounds. It seeks to address growing problems related to antibiotic-resistant infections and insufficient tissue regeneration.

The collaboration involves partners from Europe, Ukraine, and the US, combining academic, clinical, and industry experience. Work placements, visits, and mentoring activities are planned as part of the initiative.

Prof. Malinauskas will implement the project ‘Dimensionally Driven Insights for Nonlinear Optics and Engineered Materials’ (DINE).

The project aims to establish an international scientific exchange programme that will bring together laboratories conducting research on nonlinear optics and ultrafast spectroscopy. The goal is to develop advanced materials characterisation technologies in 1D, 2D, and 3D structures. The project involves 12 academic partners and the laser company ‘Optograma’, helping to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical solutions. It aims to promote progress in photonics, energy, telecommunications, quantum technologies, and materials science.

According to the EC, 363 applications were submitted for the call, of which 360 were considered eligible. The overall success rate is 22.5 per cent. A total of 1,093 organisations from 95 countries participate in the funded projects.

www.vu.lt

Biotechnologist Dr Barasa: Cloning Technologies Are Driving Us Away from Our Humanity

2026-03-04T18:45:00+02:00

Almost 30 years ago, the successful cloning of the first mammal – Dolly the sheep – became a turning point, marking the moment when cloning shifted from science fiction to a real technological possibility and sparked public debate about the prospect of human cloning.

According to Dr Marija Ger and Dr Povilas Barasa – researchers at the Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University (VU LSC) – although the theoretical foundations for cloning exist, today’s scientific discussions revolve less around creating copies of humans and more around the medical applications of cloning technologies – for instance, in tissue engineering or the search for new treatments.

No one has officially cloned a human
Cloning is generally defined as creating a copy of an organism by producing two or more genetically identical organisms from a single cell.

Dr Barasa explains that the first experiments were conducted on frogs, and that a major breakthrough in the field was achieved by Sir John Gurdon, who received the Nobel Prize in 2012 for developing the first animal cloning model. ‘The cloning process involves two types of cells: somatic cells and immature egg cells (oocytes). The nucleus from a somatic cell – for example, a skin cell – which contains all the genetic material of that organism, is transferred into an egg cell. Molecules in the cytoplasm of the egg cell then activate the genes within the nucleus, initiating the development of a new embryo with identical genetic information,’ explained the VU LSC biotechnologist.

Although the technology could, in theory, be applied to humans, the researchers stress that no one has officially cloned a human being. ‘There is not a single living person who has been medically confirmed to be a clone of another human being, although from time to time claims surface from non-governmental organisations or conspiracy theories suggesting secret cloning cases – that somewhere in the darkest corners people are being cloned. Officially, however, there is no evidence of this,’ noted the scientists.

In practice, the most common use of cloning today is in the pet sector, typically driven by owners who are deeply attached to their animals and unwilling to say goodbye to them even after death.

A human clone would not be identical
As Dr Ger points out, even if a human were cloned, the clone would not be completely identical. ‘A useful analogy is identical twins – they may look very similar physically, but they often have different personalities. A human clone would differ even more. For example, there would also be an age difference: if we cloned, say, a ten-year-old child, the clone would be younger, as we certainly do not yet know how to accelerate development.’

Moreover, the clone would also not be 100% genetically identical, since the embryo would develop in another woman’s egg cell and would therefore inherit mitochondrial DNA from a different mother – unless, hypothetically, a woman were cloning herself using her own egg cell.

Dr Ger adds that there is also a significant technical barrier to human cloning – ageing DNA, which undergoes modifications over time. Research has shown that ageing is not only natural ‘wear and tear’ but also a genetically programmed process. The biological clock cannot be reset.

‘For instance, if we cloned a twenty-year-old person and grew an embryo from their cell, the clone would not begin life as a twenty-year-old, but they might develop age-related health issues earlier, or experience developmental defects. This is also illustrated by the case of Dolly the sheep – she lived only half as long as other sheep, because health problems typical of older sheep appeared earlier in her life: she developed arthritis prematurely and eventually died of cancer,’ Dr Ger explained.

A single healthy, viable cell is enough to clone a human
If someone were to attempt human cloning in a laboratory, Dr Barasa explains that two main components would be required: an adult human cell and an egg cell. The nucleus from the adult cell would be transferred into the egg cell to initiate embryonic development. ‘However, there is now another method as well – genetically reprogramming an adult cell so that it becomes embryonic. This technology was also awarded a Nobel Prize. In principle, a single healthy, viable cell from an adult individual is enough, along with a great deal of equipment, chemical reagents, and time.’

Thus, while the technological foundations for cloning theoretically exist, human cloning has not been realised in practice.

When asked what this would even be used for, the biotechnologist emphasises that scientists in the field are far more interested in its potential for tissue engineering and therapeutic applications rather than in creating human copies.

‘There is little medical or scientific sense in cloning people if we already have technologies and opportunities to develop new therapies without resorting to cloning. Today, science allows us to reprogramme adult human cells so that they acquire properties characteristic of embryonic cells. Such cells can be used to create tissues and even artificial organs – and there is no need to create a full human clone for that,’ said Dr Barasa.

Clones as repositories for spare organs
As Dr Barasa recalls, several decades ago, there was enormous – and often unfounded – optimism in this field. It seemed that cloning would soon solve numerous medical problems, and the topic attracted considerable public interest. One of the most prominent figures at the time was South Korean scientist Hwang Woo-suk, who in 2004–2005 announced the first stages of human cloning. It was later revealed that his data had been fabricated, and the story was recounted in the documentary King of Clones.

‘At the time, people believed cloning would ‘cure everything’ – that those who couldn’t walk would walk again, and that patients with heart failure would receive new hearts. However, these were completely unrealistic ambitions,’ the scientist remarked.

Conspiracy theories and films still suggest that the powerful might clone themselves and use those clones as ‘repositories for spare organs’.

‘If we were to disregard human rights and moral norms, those with money and power could clone themselves and take whatever they needed from their copies. Developing liver cirrhosis? Clone number two donates a liver. But we are human precisely because we have human rights and moral principles,’ noted the scientist.

According to the researchers, such stories about dictator clones belong more to the realm of myth and popular culture than to real biotechnology practice. Today’s genuine discussions focus not on secret human copies but on how to use existing biotechnologies responsibly and ethically to treat diseases and restore tissues or specific cells.

Japan approves therapies for ischemia and Parkinson’s disease
Dr Ger also stresses the importance of distinguishing between sensational claims and genuine scientific achievements. If induced pluripotent stem cells are considered part of the broader field of therapeutic cloning, then breakthroughs are already underway. The technology involves reprogramming adult cells into a state where they can transform into almost any type of tissue. She offers a recent example:

‘Japan’s Ministry of Health recently officially announced that it had granted commercial licences for two products, developed using induced pluripotent stem cells,’ said Dr Ger.

One of them targets cardiac ischemia, using ‘cellular patches’ designed to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and prevent progression to a heart attack. The other is a therapy using dopamine-producing cells to treat Parkinson’s disease. These cells are implanted into the brain to compensate for degenerating neurons and alleviate symptoms.

The limits of cloning
The ethical and legal aspects of cloning vary by country. Dr Barasa points out that the European Union maintains stringent regulations, and Lithuania’s framework is among the most rigorous, with embryo research and cloning-related procedures clearly and comprehensively defined. Globally, however, the picture is uneven. Cultural norms shape what is considered acceptable, which is why some of the most controversial cloning cases in recent decades have emerged in South Korea and China, where primate cloning has also been a subject of debate.

‘With the classical cloning method, two major ethical issues arise: egg donation, which is a painful procedure, and the need for a surrogate mother, since we do not yet have technologies capable of growing a fully developed organism in a test tube,’ explained the VU LSC scientist. In other words, even with the theoretical technological foundation in place, cloning remains constrained by both infrastructural and ethical limits.

For these reasons, research on mammalian cloning in Lithuania is minimal. Instead, active work is being conducted with induced pluripotent stem cells – a technology that allows adult human cells to be reprogrammed into various tissues. In theory, skin cells could be used to grow, for instance, liver tissue for transplantation. In practice, however, this remains complex: successful tissue formation requires not only nutrients but also precise chemical and physical signals.

When asked whether they would join a human cloning project, both scientists responded with a firm no. Dr Barasa believes such technologies lead us somewhat further away from our humanity; according to Dr Ger, cloning ideas tend to shift between two extremes – elite fantasies of a ‘spare body’ and the industrial-scale ‘production’ of people for labour or military use. In reality, the practical usefulness of such cloning remains far closer to science fiction than to any plausible scientific path.

www.vu.lt

VU Life Sciences Center Researchers Discover a New Function of CRISPR-Cas Gene Scissors

2026-03-02T18:29:16+02:00

Researchers at the Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University (VU LSC) – PhD student Ugnė Gaižauskaitė, Dr Giedrė Tamulaitienė, Dr Arūnas Šilanskas, Dr Giedrius Gasiūnas, Prof. Virginijus Šikšnys, and Dr Giedrius Sasnauskas – have uncovered how the bacterial protein Cas9, better known as the CRISPR-Cas gene scissors, helps bacteria integrate fragments of DNA from infecting viruses (bacteriophages) into their genome, thereby acquiring resistance to viral attacks.

The team’s findings are presented in the article ‘Structural Insights Into Cas9-Mediated Prespacer Selection in CRISPR-Cas Adaptation’, published in the prestigious high-impact journal Molecular Cell.

The mechanism behind bacterial immune memory
According to Dr Sasnauskas, CRISPR-Cas systems are among the best-studied bacterial defence mechanisms against viruses (bacteriophages). Their activity is generally divided into three stages: adaptation, formation of virus-targeting RNA, and interference.

‘Most discussions focus on the final stage, when a Cas protein recognises and cleaves viral DNA. However, the first step – adaptation – is no less important, as this is when the bacterium initially acquires information about the invader,’ remarked the researcher.

‘During adaptation, a roughly 30–base pair fragment of viral DNA – called a spacer – is inserted into a specific region of the bacterial genome known as the CRISPR locus. This effectively allows the bacterium to ‘remember’ the attacker. Later, CRISPR RNA (crRNA) is transcribed from this region and, together with Cas proteins, forms a surveillance complex. If the same virus infects the cell again, this complex recognises the matching nucleic acid sequence and cleaves it. This is essentially a form of bacterial immune memory that enables rapid and precise recognition of previously encountered viruses,’ clarified Dr Sasnauskas.

Cas9: more than gene scissors
‘Until now, Cas9 has primarily been associated with DNA cleavage. Our research shows that this protein also plays an active role in the early stage of the bacterial immune response – in the selection and acquisition of new genetic memory elements,’ noted PhD student Ugnė Gaižauskaitė.

‘The study revealed that, together with Cas1-Cas2 (the proteins responsible for inserting DNA fragments) and an auxiliary protein Csn2, Cas9 forms what researchers describe as a ‘supercomplex’. This protein–nucleic acid complex selects an appropriate fragment of viral DNA – the future spacer – and facilitates its integration into the CRISPR locus,’ she explained.

According to Ugnė Gaižauskaitė, the findings provide new insight into how Cas9 has evolved to perform multiple functions: ‘We see that the same protein can serve different purposes: both defending against viruses and contributing to the formation of immune memory.’

Structural studies reveal the details of the mechanism
Much of the insight into this process came from cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies conducted using the Glacios Cryo-TEM microscope at VU LSC – one of the most advanced scientific instruments in Lithuania, valued at €2.5 million.

Using this microscope, the researchers determined 11 distinct CRISPR-Cas protein complex structures, including three variants of the supercomplex. Each structure comprises more than ten protein and nucleic acid components.

The structural analysis enabled the team to propose a detailed mechanism for selecting and integrating new spacers. The scientists also identified a previously unknown function of the ring-shaped protein Csn2. ‘It turns out that Csn2 helps assemble all supercomplex components onto the viral DNA fragment,’ said Dr Sasnauskas.

‘The structural data allowed us to observe this process at near-atomic resolution. This made it possible to describe individual components as well as to understand how they function as a coordinated system,’ he added.

Fundamental research drives new technologies
This work advances our understanding of how bacterial immune systems function and reveals new aspects of CRISPR-Cas biology. Fundamental research into natural molecular mechanisms often lays the groundwork for innovative biotechnological applications.

The Cas9 protein has already revolutionised the field of genome engineering. A deeper understanding of how it operates within natural bacterial systems may open new avenues for developing even more precise and versatile gene-editing tools, as well as advancing information storage technologies based on CRISPR spacer integration.

www.vu.lt

Applications Open for the Joint Master’s Programme in International Cybersecurity and Cyberintelligence

2026-01-27T15:51:03+02:00

The Arqus European University Alliance has officially opened the first call for applications for the 2026–2028 intake of the Joint Master’s Programme in International Cybersecurity and Cyberintelligence (MICAC), a two-year international master’s degree jointly delivered by four leading European universities.

MICAC is designed for students seeking advanced, practice-oriented training in cybersecurity within a truly European academic environment. The programme is jointly delivered by the University of Padua, Vilnius University, the University of Granada and the University of Minho, and is taught entirely in English.

A core feature of the programme is mandatory international mobility, allowing students to study at different partner universities over the two academic years as part of a single joint degree.

Application timeline

The first call is now open and will close on 26 February 2026 at 12:00 CET.

This call is open to all candidates.
Non-EU and non-EEA applicants must apply during this first call, in line with international mobility and administrative requirements.
A second call will be opened later in the admission process.

Find out more here.

www.vu.lt

VU Business School Becomes the First in Lithuania to Receive the Prestigious Amba Accreditation, Awarded to Only 2% of Business Schools Worldwide

2026-01-26T16:49:36+02:00

Vilnius University Business School (VU BS) has become the first academic institution in Lithuania to receive the prestigious international AMBA (Association of MBAs) accreditation. Awarded to just 2% of business schools globally, AMBA accreditation signals exceptional quality in master’s and MBA programs.

AMBA is the second international accreditation awarded to VU Business School, complementing the ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs) accreditation granted in 2024, and strengthening the School’s position in the international academic community.

AMBA accreditation is granted exclusively to business schools whose master’s and MBA programs meet the highest international standards. The evaluation process assesses program relevance and structure, academic staff qualifications, the impact of studies on graduates’ careers and employability, engagement with real-world business practice, interaction with alumni and employers, as well as the institution’s ability to adapt to change in global business and leadership.

The accreditation process is rigorous and international in scope, focusing not only on academic excellence but also on the real-world impact of studies – student achievement, professional maturity, and the long-term value created in developing future business leaders.

“We pursued AMBA accreditation with a clear strategic focus. It is both a recognition and an exceptional endorsement that confirms not only the value of our master’s programs, but also Vilnius University Business School’s consistent ambition to establish itself on the international map of highest-quality business education. This achievement is an integral part of our long-term strategy,” says Dr Birutė Miškinienė, Director of VU Business School.

By joining the global network of AMBA-accredited institutions, VU Business School now stands alongside internationally renowned schools such as London Business School, IMD Business School, HEC Paris, and Copenhagen Business School, all recognised for the exceptional quality of their master’s and MBA programs.

AMBA accreditation strengthens not only the international visibility and reputation of VU Business School, but also that of VU as a whole. It confirms that VU BS offers a business education aligned with global standards, with a strong focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and responsible business practice.

To stay up to date on study programs at Vilnius University Business School, subscribe to the VU BS newsletter.

www.vu.lt

VU Students Deepen Knowledge of Semiconductors in Taiwan

2026-01-06T15:47:55+02:00

In December, students from the Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University (VU) participated in a two‑week Taiwan–Europe Semiconductor Short‑Term Training Programme. Senior undergraduates Adomas Puluikis, Kasparas Stanaitis, Master’s student Karolina German, PhD students Kęstutis Žilinskas and Domantas Vizbaras gained experience in the field of semiconductors together with colleagues from Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Kosovo.

Students improved their theoretical and practical knowledge in Tainan city, where they gained a comprehensive understanding of electronic‑component manufacturing, with a particular focus on MEMS gas detectors (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems, MEMS). “The activities included theoretical lectures on gas sensor systems and integrated circuit design, as well as laboratory classes where we learned the fundamentals of process engineering,” said K. Žilinskas.

At the National Institutes of Applied Research in Taiwan, participants learned about the basic principles of electronic circuit design, how MEMS gas detectors work and what determines their measurement accuracy and reliability. “We explored different signal amplification components and how detector performance is influenced by temperature, humidity, noise caused by internal components, and device ageing. This gave me a clearer understanding of the roles of individual electronic circuit elements and how a device’s performance changes through interaction with the environment,” said K. German.

The training at the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute (TSRI) focused on practical activities. “We became familiar with laboratory equipment and various stages of the manufacturing process, including photolithography, thin-film deposition, and etching processes. During the practical sessions, it was demonstrated how theoretical knowledge is applied in the development and testing of real detectors. Since I had the opportunity to carry out most of the manufacturing stages using equipment at VU, it was particularly interesting to learn about the methods used at TSRI and to compare which processes are performed in a similar way and which differ. Taiwan is strongly oriented towards industrial production, so even at the laboratory level all processes, especially during the lithography stage, are automated. As a result, the risk of human error is reduced,” said K. German.

According to the student, the final result of the manufacturing process is a set of microscale mechanical elements integrated into a single chip (integrated circuit) alongside electronic components such as resistors and capacitors. “These subsequent stages are still new to me, so I was glad to be able to see them and learn more about this field. It was particularly interesting to observe how individual micrometre-scale electronic components are physically integrated into a circuit while maintaining precision,” said K. German.

VU students noted that the training program provided valuable international experience and enabled them to gain closer insight into Taiwan’s science and technology infrastructure. The physicists acquired new knowledge and competencies that can be applied in their further studies. During the training, participants also became acquainted with Taiwan’s local culture and natural diversity. They were pleased to have the opportunity to establish valuable professional contacts and to meet Professor Shun-Fen Tzeng from National Cheng Kung University, who is also the Executive Director of the Science and Technology Division of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania.

K. Žilinskas was impressed by the Taiwanese work ethic, high level of organisation, and friendly environment. “This is a unique opportunity to combine high-level technical knowledge with cultural experience. Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is one of the world’s leaders, so this programme provided excellent opportunities for personal development,” he said.

K. German encourages all young researchers to seek opportunities to gain international experience abroad. “Taiwan is one of the leading countries in the semiconductor industry, so this and similar training programs provide an excellent opportunity to acquire new knowledge and practical skills,” the Master’s student said. Last summer, she took part in a visit focused on fostering academic and research cooperation in the field of semiconductors.

A total of 59 students took part in the Taiwan–Europe Semiconductor Short‑Term Training Programme, including 15 Lithuanians from VU the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University.

www.vu.lt

Double Degree Pathway: Strengthening Cooperation with Maria Curie-Skłodowska University

2025-12-31T18:49:37+02:00

VILNIUS TECH and Maria Curie-Skłodowska University are enhancing heir cooperation and expanding opportunities for international studies – an important step toward the development of a dual-degree programme.

Prof. dr. Vaida Asakavičiūtė, Dean of the VILNIUS TECH Faculty of Creative Industries, and dr. Robertas Leščinskij, Vice-Dean for Studies, visited Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Poland – one of the partners of the ATHENA European University Alliance. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen institutional ties, discuss future directions of cooperation, and assess opportunities for the development of joint initiatives in the fields of studies and research.

From the moment they arrived at UMCS, the representatives of the Faculty felt welcome as colleagues united by a shared objective: to take the internationalisation and quality of studies and research in communication and media to a whole new level. The meetings included representatives from the Institute of Communication and Media Studies and from the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism, who presented their academic programmes, activities, and student projects.

“The UMCS team welcomed us not only as partners but also as like-minded collaborators. It is a university with a strong academic culture and a clear international vision. We were particularly impressed by their openness, warm reception, professional dialogue, and mutual willingness to work together, all of which created a very positive atmosphere throughout the visit,” shared Prof. Dr. Vaida Asakavičiūtė, Dean of the Faculty of Creative Industries. According to her, the visit laid a solid foundation for future joint initiatives.

During the visit, the delegation was introduced to UMCS principles of study organisation, infrastructure, and creative spaces. This enabled an exchange of good practices and helped identify areas that could be adapted within VILNIUS TECH study processes.

“UMCS has a clear academic direction and a strong international outlook. Throughout our meetings, one could sense genuine partnership and readiness to collaborate,” emphasised Prof. Dr. Asakavičiūtė. She noted that the visit revealed real and promising opportunities for cooperation.

One of the key topics of the visit was the prospect of establishing a dual-degree study programme. This initiative is currently being actively developed and is viewed as a significant step towards strengthening the internationalisation and attractiveness of studies.

“A dual-degree programme will offer students the opportunity to study at two universities, experience two academic cultures, gain broader international exposure, and enhance their career competitiveness. We are working systematically to make this opportunity a reality in the near future,” highlighted Dr. Robertas Leščinskij, Vice-Dean for Studies.

The discussions also addressed broader opportunities for student and staff mobility, joint research activities, formats of doctoral-level cooperation, and directions for creative study projects. UMCS representatives were invited to join the international summer school “Summer Media Studio: Cinematic Storytelling,” which will take place in Neringa in 2026. It is hoped that this initiative will become yet another bridge connecting the two institutions.

The VILNIUS TECH team introduced UMCS partners to the Faculty’s infrastructure, the “LinkMenų Fabrikas” creative hub, and the virtual “Faux Real Studio,” which drew particular interest as a platform for contemporary media practices and joint student projects.

The visit to UMCS confirmed that the cooperation between our institutions is not merely a formal agreement, but a dynamic and growing partnership built on trust, professional dialogue, the sharing of ideas, and a shared ambition to create a modern, international academic environment for studies and research.

“Visits like this demonstrate that meaningful results emerge when partners listen to each other, recognize shared goals, and work together with intention. We returned with new ideas, inspiration, and clear steps for joint initiatives,” reflected Prof. Dr. Vaida Asakavičiūtė.

We are pleased that UMCS is one of the most active VILNIUS TECH partners within the ATHENA alliance, and that genuine communication and personal connections foster engagement and open new opportunities for students, lecturers, and researchers in the international academic field.

www.vgtu.lt

1.2% Personal Income Tax Support: The Public Allocated Over €50,000 to the VU Foundation

2025-12-01T17:58:39+02:00

As November progresses and the State Tax Inspectorate (VMI) publishes the final results of the allocation of 1.2% of personal income tax (PIT) for donations, it has become clear that the Vilnius University (VU) Foundation received strong public support this year – a total of €50,847 was donated.

Most of the funds went to named endowment subfunds, which collected €22.4 thousand. They are followed by the unrestricted endowment fund, which attracted €9.7 thousand, while third place in terms of support went to the VU Culture Centre ensembles, which this year received over €7.4 thousand.

Detailed report of the received support by purpose:

VU Foundation Named Sub-funds: €22,419

• R. Grušnienė Sub-fund for the support of VU Department of Ancient and Medieval History: €20,102

• Jonas Kazlauskas (1930–1970) Sub-fund for the support of philological research: €1,294

• Šiauliai Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts Sub-fund for supporting VU Šiauliai Academy: €836

• Algis Petras Piskarskas (1942–2022) Sub-fund for supporting laser physics research: €187

VU Unrestricted Endowment Fund: €9,699

VU Culture Centre: €7,446

• Song and Dance Ensemble: €3,589

• Choir Gaudeamus: €1,005

• Chamber Orchestra: €905

• Choir Virgo: €628

• Drama Theatre: €581

• Folklore Ensemble Ratilio: €384

• Wind Orchestra Oktava: €226

• Lindy Hop Dance Group: €128

VU Faculty of Medicine: €2,201

• Faculty Endowment Sub-fund: €2,201

VU Faculty of Physics: €1,991

• Young Physicists’ School Fotonas: €1,809

• TETI Ferroelectric Laboratory: €182

VU Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences: €1,968

• Faculty Endowment Sub-fund: €1,002

• Centre for Nanotechnology and Materials Science: €966

VU Life Sciences Center: €1,926

• Center Endowment Sub-fund: €882

• Zoological Museum: €547

• Zoological Museum Endowment Sub-fund: €497

VU Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics: €1,820

• Faculty Endowment Sub-fund: €1,136

• Academic Vytautas Statulevičius Scholarship (DMSTI): €684

VU Health and Sports Centre: €1,013

• Women’s Basketball Team: €940

• Men’s Football Team: €74

VU Faculty of Economics and Business Administration: €205

• Faculty Endowment Sub-fund: €205

VU Faculty of Law: €88

• Faculty Endowment Sub-fund: €88

VU Institute of International Relations and Political Science: €28

• Institute Endowment Sub-fund: €28

Other: €43

The VU Foundation sincerely thanks the donor community for its growing trust. We invite you to continue this tradition next year – your support directly contributes to the University’s long-term scientific, cultural, and community initiatives. Detailed instructions on how to allocate support to the VU endowment fund, academic or non-academic units, named subfunds, or other purposes can be found here.

We would like to remind you that, following amendments to the Charity and Support Law, residents can no longer allocate 1.2% of PIT to budgetary institutions or recipients without a non-governmental organisation (NGO) status – including Vilnius University (company code 211950810). We invite you to direct your 1.2% PIT contribution to the Vilnius University Foundation (company code 304222713) or to other VU community organisations that meet the eligibility requirements for support.

www.vu.lt

Business Open Innovation Summit at KTU: building a collaborative future

2025-11-12T17:52:47+02:00

In a world of growing uncertainty, where technological change, global crises, and shifting markets challenge even the strongest industries, collaboration has become not just a strategy but a necessity. The ability to work together – across sectors, borders, and disciplines – determines which organisations adapt and which fall behind.

These challenges and opportunities were in focus at the Business Open Innovation Summit, held on 30 October 2025 at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). The event brought together business leaders, researchers, and policymakers to discuss new ways of creating value through collaboration and to explore open innovation – a concept defined as a distributed innovation process involving knowledge flows across organisational boundaries.

“There is too much good knowledge in other places for you to try to do everything on your own. It is better to engage and open up, to leverage the other knowledge in addition to what you have inside,” noted Prof. Henry Chesbrough, the originator of this concept and Founding Faculty Director at the Garwood Centre for Corporate Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley.

KTU Rector Professor Eugenijus Valatka emphasised that innovation is not only about technology or competitiveness, but also about mindset. For smaller countries in particular, strength comes from the ability to cooperate – to be open, to share, and to balance different perspectives in pursuit of common progress. According to the KTU Rector, Lithuanian businesses should move in the same direction.

A better business model often beats a better technology
Prof. Chesbrough argues that in today’s complex world, success comes from connection rather than isolation. Two decades after introducing the idea to the world, he continues to challenge the traditional concept that companies must rely solely on their internal research and development.

Drawing on real-world cases in pharmaceuticals and energy technologies, Professor Chesbrough demonstrated how openness enables industries to transform and thrive. He stressed that a better business model can often outperform a superior technology, as true success depends on how knowledge is applied rather than where it originates.

Yet open innovation is not a simple act of sharing everything.

It requires clear thinking and structure – deciding what to share, with whom, when, and what to keep within the organisation. This balance between openness and control determines how effectively companies can transform ideas into value.

Chesbrough also emphasised that the foundation of every open innovation effort begins with mindset: “If you want to succeed with the open innovation model, you have to start with an open mind. You need a certain curiosity about the world around you – and a certain humility to understand that you don’t know everything”.

Although the open innovation paradigm is not yet widely known in Lithuania, participants in the Business Open Innovation Summit presented successful examples of how this model accelerates product development, saves time, and strengthens the entire innovation network. For example, by applying the open innovation model in the healthcare sector, data-driven collaboration is already helping to create personalised medicine and treat rare diseases more effectively.

However, according to the event participants, although Lithuanian companies are becoming increasingly involved in international cooperation, cautious thinking still limits their ambitions. “Sometimes Lithuanians are too shy – as if the world ends in the Baltics,” said Andrius Ojeras, Oracle Cloud Regional Manager for the Baltic and Adriatic countries.

Open innovation ecosystem in Lithuania – from ideas to action
Representatives who participated in the event discussed the benefits of collaboration and the steps needed to build a thriving ecosystem in Lithuania. It was emphasised that open innovation is not limited to large corporations – smaller firms, universities, and public institutions can also gain from connecting expertise and resources.

KTU takes a leading role in turning the vision of open innovation into reality. Professor Edita Gimžauskienė, a Vice-Rector for Strategic Partnerships, shared how the university is shifting from its traditional mission of knowledge creation to impact development. She spoke about KTU’s strategic direction to align research and education with national priorities such as smart specialisation, sustainability, and resilience, ensuring that innovation directly contributes to Lithuania’s growth.

The Open Innovation Centre will offer practical instruments for collaboration, such as the Open Innovation Paper Studio (OIPS), Open Innovation Research Impact Accelerator (OIRIA), and the Business Fellows in Residence (BFR) programme – all designed to strengthen the link between science and industry.

“The Open Innovation Centre will help us get closer and work together more effectively,” said Prof. Gimžauskienė. Looking ahead, KTU plans to expand its innovation network across Europe and to host the first Open Innovation Forum next year – a platform for sharing experience, experimenting with new ideas, and turning research into action. “Today’s universities must move from generating ideas to putting them into practice – acting as open, responsible, and innovation-driven ecosystems that transform ideas into real partnerships and tangible results,” she concluded.

www.ktu.lt

VU Scientists Unlock Quantum Mysteries That Could Lead to Future Technology Development

2025-11-11T18:48:50+02:00

Dr Arnoldas Deltuva, a scientist from the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy at Vilnius University (VU) Faculty of Physics and master’s student Darius Likandrovas, in collaboration with an international team of colleagues, have advanced our understanding of the interactions between the particles that make up atomic nuclei – protons and neutrons. Their innovative study was published in “Physical Review C” under the prestigious Editor’s Suggestion category.

Typically, atomic nuclei possess not only a ground state – the lowest energy configuration – but also excited states, which have higher energies and exist only shortly before decaying. This enables scientists to probe the structure and interactions of the nucleus. “We investigated the helium-4 nucleus, also known as the alpha particle. This nucleus is remarkable in that it has no bound excited states, even though its ground state exhibits an exceptionally large nucleon separation energy. We sought to understand why this is the case and what conditions govern the underlying processes, both in nature and in laboratory experiments. By theoretically modelling nuclear properties and comparing the results with experimental data, we revealed how universality connects the behaviour of the helium-4 nucleus with that of cold atoms and molecules – despite nuclear systems having energies a trillion times greater,” explains Dr A. Deltuva, adding that solving such quantum physics problems could lead to unexpected applications in future technology development.

“Simplified models that allow us to isolate and examine a selected physical effect in more detail are also important for understanding the essence of physical processes,” says young researcher D. Likandrovas. In his bachelor’s thesis, he explored how an increasing Coulomb interaction in a two-particle system transforms a bound state into a virtual or resonant one, thereby simulating the parametric evolution of the excited state of helium-4.

VU theoretical physicist Dr A. Deltuva emphasises that performing such calculations requires not only expertise in physics but also strong skills in mathematics and programming. “The foundations for this line of research were laid about fifteen years ago. Currently, only a few research groups worldwide, including our team in Lithuania and colleagues in Belgium, Italy, and France, are capable of performing four-nucleon reaction calculations using a rigorous quantum framework. For this study, we joined forces with each group carrying out benchmark calculations using their own method,” he explains. Dr Rimantas Lazauskas, an alumnus of the VU Faculty of Physics, who is continuing his scientific career at the University of Strasbourg in France, also contributed to this research.

Supercomputers are often used to perform calculations of nuclear processes, as accurate quantum mechanical modelling of nuclear reactions is an extremely large-scale task. “A system of integral equations with many variables can be discretised and converted into an algebraic one, but if all its coefficients were written into a matrix, it would require up to a billion terabytes of data. We need to look for “smarter” solution methods,” says Dr A. Deltuva.

This time, VU scientists performed large-scale computer calculations using the resources and software of the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy. Their programs are the result of decades of work, paving the way for understanding the interactions and properties of the microscopic world, which is important for technological progress. Examples include the modelling of light nucleus fusion reactions, which are relevant to thermonuclear fusion, and simulations applied to the engineering of cold atom systems. To solve some of the tasks, scientists are developing neural network methods, working together with their colleague Dr Darius Jurčiukonis, on a project funded by the Research Council of Lithuania, “Research in nuclear and particle physics using machine learning” (No. S-CERN-24-2).

In the near future, the scientists plan to study even more exotic systems containing strange particles known as hyperons, as part of the recently approved project “Theoretical Modelling of Hypernuclear Reactions,” funded by the Research Council of Lithuania.