The coronavirus, which panicked the whole world a year ago, has returned with even stronger force. Although the recent wave of pandemics seems much more serious in terms of morbidity and mortality, this time, thanks to scientists, we have much more information about Covid-19, the course of the disease, the risk factors, which makes people feel more secure and calmer. In addition, the vaccine availability gives a lot of hope that life will return to normal.

By launching the Arqus Research & Innovation H2020 project, awarded with €2 million, Arqus aims to enhance the research and innovation dimension of the Alliance’s activities and to address current global societal challenges through intensified joint research, characterised by the pursuit of excellence, openness, transparency and effective engagement with society.

Due to the global pandemic, when opportunities to acquire university knowledge abroad have decreased in recent years, Lithuanian youth are increasingly finding the opportunity to study in English in Lithuania. The magazine, “Reitingai” (Rankings) announced that the most international higher education institution in Lithuania in 2020 was Mykolas Romeris University (MRU). Despite the ongoing pandemic, applications to English-language programs at MRU were up 45 percent compared to earlier. In addition, 10% more students began studies last fall in international programmes at MRU. Currently, there are 502 international students pursuing studies at MRU. As the need for more international programmes grows, from January 1st, MRU is already inviting applications from those who want to study in English programmes this fall. Applications can be submitted up to the beginning of summer at https://apply.mruni.eu/ in the student admission platform.

“One thing that I enjoy at KTU is how approachable the lecturers are. I never felt embarrassed about asking ‘stupid’ questions and most lecturers try hard to teach clearly and engage with students”, says Ana Rodrigues from Portugal, who is graduating from her PhD at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) this spring.

On Thursday, the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania appointed Giedrė Lastauskienė, Associate Professor of the Department of Public Law at Vilnius University (VU) Faculty of Law, to become a judge of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania. Egidija Tamošūnienė and Artūras Driukas, partnership professors of the Department of Private Law, were also appointed judges of the Supreme Court of Lithuania.

Vilnius University (VU) and its partner UAB Eikos statyba have signed a contract for the construction of the building of the Research Centre of VU Faculty of Medicine, which marks the beginning of a new stage in the implementation of the unique project. The Research Centre in Santara Valley, located in the Santariškės district of Vilnius, where VU Hospital Santaros Klinikos operates, will contribute to the development of the infrastructure of other companies operating in the fields of medicine and pharmacy. The results of the research conducted at the Centre will be available for the prompt use in the clinical practice by introducing new and improving existing diagnostic methods, contributing to the improvement of the quality and availability of health services.

For the first time, the name of a Lithuanian scientist has appeared among the projects of young scientists recognized by the experts of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). The project of biochemist Algirdas Toleikis to establish a molecular biology laboratory at the Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University (VU LSC) in Lithuania in compliance with EMBO standards was highly evaluated in the international selection of the EMBO.

Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) researchers, together with the Ministry of Health (SAM), are participating in a European Intergovernmental Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) activity, "Environmental Factors Determining the Physical Activity of the Population."

ssor is a well-known paediatrician and scientist. His research interests cover a wide range of children’s health topics, from pulmonology and immunology to human ecology and quality of life. In 2020, he paid particular attention to the study of children’s protective bodily functions that make it less likely they will become infected with COVID-19 and more likely, they will experience relatively mild symptoms if they are infected. Most of his publications this year are dedicated to this topic. The professor is one of the world’s most widely read and cited researchers at our university this year. According to the Research Gate, science accounting platform, he is reaching H32 and was quoted more than a thousand times in 2020.

Have you always wanted to get more from your studies? Are you interested in getting hands-on experience, solving real-life challenges and getting involved in exceptional projects? Do you have a list of goals for your personal development? If you answered “yes” to any of the questions, you might be the right fit to become a GIFTed student. Check the KTU website and your AIS for more details. Call for applications is open until January 17, 2021.