Join the ExNUrb Community of Practice on 6 February 2026 at 10:00 CET for an online session with Maciej Frąckowiak and Łukasz Rogowski (Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań) and Brian Conway (Maynooth University). In this session, the speakers will share their experience with visual research methods, offering insights into how visual techniques can be used to explore urban transformation and experiences of spatial change.

This online session is organised by the ExNUrb Community of Practice and serves as a preview of the workshop “Images in Transformation: Visual Techniques in Research on the Experience of Spatial Change”, which will take place in Wrocław from 20 to 22 May 2026. The event is open to all Arqus community members interested in urban studies and visual methods. Registration is open until 2 February 2026.

The ExNUrb Community of Practice (CoP) brings together researchers from different Arqus member universities working in an interdisciplinary field of urban studies, spanning the social sciences as well as planning and architecture. Through workshops, seminars and online meetings, the CoP fosters exchange on contemporary socio-spatial and political-economic challenges, with the long-term aim of developing integrated teaching modules and collaborative research activities involving students across the Arqus alliance.

For registration, click .

Dr Constantinos Patinios, a researcher at the EMBL Partnership Institute operating at the ����vlog���� Life Sciences Center (VU LSC), has been awarded the prestigious European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Installation Grant. This recognition is given to promising early-career researchers establishing new research groups in European countries and marks an important international acknowledgment of life sciences research conducted in Lithuania.

Dr C. Patinios’s project, “Pause-Repair-Edit: A New Paradigm for Genome Editing”, aims to develop novel approaches for genome editing that could substantially expand the application potential of modern genome editing technologies. The EMBO grant – €50,000 per year for five years – will enable the establishment of an internationally competitive research laboratory in Vilnius and further strengthen Lithuania’s position in the rapidly evolving field of genome editing.

Searching for natural genome editing mechanisms

Although molecular biology has advanced rapidly over recent decades, most microorganisms remain genetically difficult to access. As a result, scientific research has long focused on so-called model organisms – not because they are the most biologically or biotechnologically promising, but because they are the easiest to genetically modify.

The research group led by Dr C. Patinios seeks to fundamentally change this paradigm. His project “Pause-Repair-Edit: A New Paradigm for Genome Editing” is focused on developing universal genome editing tools that could be applied to a much broader range of microorganisms than is currently possible with existing CRISPR-Cas technologies.

“Most CRISPR systems used today, such as Cas9 or Cas12a, induce double-strand DNA breaks, which are lethal for many microorganisms. We are looking for a safer, non-toxic path – one that activates the cell’s natural DNA repair mechanisms without causing cytotoxic stress,” explains the researcher.

A new approach to genome editing

Instead of inducing double-strand DNA damage, the strategy developed in his laboratory is based on halting DNA replication. This is achieved by installing ‘bulky’ chemical modifications on DNA that can physically block DNA replication and thereby trigger the microorganism’s internal DNA repair pathways, particularly homologous recombination.

Importantly, this approach avoids DNA breaks that are fatal to the cell and opens the possibility of editing bacterial genomes that have so far been considered virtually inaccessible to genetic manipulation.

As the genome editing technologies are further developed, Dr C. Patinios’s group is also performing fundamental research to better understand the mechanisms behind DNA replication arrest and restart, and to identify new, previously unknown DNA repair pathways.

The results of this research could have a significant impact on microbiome studies, synthetic biology, and industrial biotechnology – from the development of advanced bioproducts to more sustainable biomanufacturing and new solutions in healthcare.

Membership opening international opportunities for VU LSC researchers

The EMBL Partnership Institute operating at VU LSC is part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) network, which Lithuania joined in 2019. The institute’s mission is to develop high-level international fundamental and applied research in the fields of genome editing and CRISPR-Cas technologies, while strengthening the international visibility of Lithuanian scientists.

The institute promotes close collaboration with EMBL and other partnership institutes, facilitates researcher and student mobility, the transfer of international expertise, and access to advanced scientific infrastructure at both VU LSC and EMBL. This partnership contributes to the growth of VU LSC’s scientific potential and to the integration of Lithuanian life sciences into the European Research Area.

����vlog���� 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 ����vlog���� 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.

Dr Birutė Miškinienė. Photo from the personal archive 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 ����vlog���� Business School, subscribe to the .

Prof. Lastauskienė has been professionally affiliated with the VU LSC Institute of Biosciences for over two decades. She joined the Institute in 2004 during her doctoral studies and has since consistently built her academic and research career there.

Before being appointed Director of the VU LSC Institute of Biosciences in 2021, Prof. Lastauskienė served as Deputy Director for two years. She also heads the Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology of Eukaryotic Microorganisms and actively participates in numerous national and international research projects. Her research interests encompass medical and molecular microbiology, microbial genetics, human and environmental microbiota, and the search for bioactive compounds. She has also co-authored over 50 scientific publications.

The Professor identified the Institute’s scientific, academic, and administrative progress in recent years as the main motivation for seeking a second term as Director. Looking ahead, she aims to further strengthen the academic community, foster interdisciplinary and international collaboration, bring researchers together for joint projects, and nurture an open and trust-based working culture.

Prof. Lastauskienė is also deeply engaged in University-level governance. Since 2022, she has served as Chair of the ����vlog���� Senate. According to her, this experience provides a deeper understanding of the University’s processes, helps strengthen dialogue across different units, and supports decision-making that creates long-term value for the academic community.

The Institute of Biosciences at VU LSC was established in 2016 following the reorganisation of the former biology departments of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at VU. Today, it stands as one of the country’s most important bioscience centres, covering disciplines ranging from biochemistry and molecular biology to microbiology, neurobiology, zoology, and ecology. The Institute offers study programmes at all academic cycles, conducts fundamental and applied research, and brings together more than 100 scientists and researchers, as well as around 70 doctoral students.

How does European Union law protect the rights of persons with disabilities? What role does the Court of Justice of the EU play in shaping disability rights across Member States? And why is it important to look at disability law through a truly European lens?

These questions are at the heart of the latest episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast, featuring Bernardo Cortese, professor of European Union law at the University of Padua.

In this episode, Bernardo Cortese discusses his recent publication on the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union in adapting EU employment equality law to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He explains why EU law should be understood as a multi-layered system, where courts, legislators and institutions interact to progressively strengthen fundamental rights.

The conversation also explores the most significant developments in EU disability law over the past decade, including advances in case law, legislation and soft law instruments. Special attention is given to particularly vulnerable groups, such as asylum seekers and third-country nationals with disabilities, who face multiple layers of discrimination and barriers to the protection of their dignity.

The speaker also reflects on how his personal experience as a parent of a child with a severe disability has shaped his research, offering a powerful example of how legal concepts translate into real-life challenges. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of building a European culture of inclusion, empowerment and collective representation, and on how EU law can influence national systems to promote meaningful change.

You can find the latest podcast episode .

Arqus and the IDea_Lab, from the University of Graz, invite the Arqus community to an online event on the topic of AI in research university education. The event will bring together experts from across Europe to discuss practical AI applications in higher education, as well as key challenges related to ethics, governance and academic integrity.

With keynote talks and thematic panels, the programme offers a compact overview of current developments and best practices for the responsible use of AI in academia. The programme will take place online on 28 January 2025. For registration, click .

“The EU is a historic achievement, and the membership of each State is a unique story contributing to the journey of European integration built on the ideas, values and principles without which it could have never started. Throughout already more than seven decades the EU has developed from a peace-orientated but mostly economic community to a value-based entity dealing with a huge range of regional and even global issues in its labyrinths of EU – member states competence division and firmly standing in a fragile and fragmented international landscape,” is emphasised by the editors who remind that having gone through victories and failures the EU still safeguards peace, stability and prosperity in Europe.

In the foreword of the book, Prof. K. Lenaerts writes that the accession of ten countries to the EU in 2004 has been a success story, bringing freedom, prosperity, and progress. “In particular, the Baltic states have become one of the most prosperous regions in Europe, leading the way in digital transformation. At the same time, the EU has been reinvigorated in its fight for freedom, democracy and justice, given that the recent history of those Member States reminds us that those values cannot be taken for granted,“ the President of the Court of Justice of the EU states.

This edited volume is a comprehensive and extensive analysis of key legal developments of the EU and its member states during the two-decade period of the largest EU enlargement spanning 2004-2024, with insights on the EU’s future. The book draws inspiration from the international scientific conference “” organised by the VU Law Faculty on the occasion of the 20-year anniversary of Lithuania’s membership in the EU.

The accession of ten countries (Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) was an unprecedented event in its scale and its long-lasting effects in Europe. Today’s EU is the result of not only how member states have benefitted from opportunities but also how they have responded to crises.

The book is open for reading online; it is published .

For many, images of the start of the war are inseparable from scenes of evacuation in train carriages. According to the researchers, this is what prompted the question of how a state-owned company with a criticised, massive, and outdated Soviet infrastructure managed to become one of the best-functioning institutions in the first weeks of the war – and what this says about the infrastructure itself as a tool of power, control, but also survival.

The article draws on mobility studies, postcolonial and post-socialist perspectives, and the chosen theoretical “tool” is viapolitics, which shifts the focus from the journey’s destination or the traveller (s) to the means of transport itself – in this case, the train. This approach allows us to see how the Soviet railway infrastructure, which for a long time symbolised imperial control, was transformed into a tool of survival and resistance for Ukraine during the war.

The study identifies four intertwined functions of the train: solidarity, rescue, privilege, and hope. The dimension of privilege is particularly highlighted: even when the train becomes a means of mass evacuation, the opportunities to use it are unevenly distributed; the mobility opportunities of older people, people with disabilities, and non-citizens differ. In other words, the train both saves and highlights inequality: who can actually move and who is left “behind the mobility barrier.”

To reveal the different sides of the phenomenon, several types of data are used: news reports, reports from human rights organisations, and personal testimonies from online war archives. The article also reflects on the inevitable limitations of such an analysis: with the war still ongoing, some of the data remains fragmentary, some disappears, and it isn’t easy to collect stories independently.

The authors emphasise that the value of the article lies not only in its “strategic lessons,” but in its very proposal to see war and movement differently. First, the train (like other spaces of movement) is revealed as a non-neutral, meaningful place where people learn to be again, to adapt to insecurity, to make decisions, and to act – like a moving social experiment. Second, the study reminds us that changing our analytical perspective sometimes reveals things we would not see by asking “usual” questions and allows us to see and understand the world in a slightly different way than we have been taught to do so far.

The workshop series Weekly language workshops for teaching in English, is designed to support instructors who teach their subjects through English by addressing both practical skills and common challenges. The sessions will take place on Mondays from 12 January to 16 February from 16:00 to 17.30 CET.

Throughout the series, participants will exchange ideas, experiment with useful language and techniques, and reflect on how to enhance clarity and confidence in their classrooms.

The first session of the series will give participants a forum to exchange experiences, and challenges of teaching through English. Then the next sessions will focus on essential issues such as improving fluency, giving effective feedback in English, assessing students’ academic writing and helping students to develop strong presentation skills.

The workshop series will conclude with an open session to address remaining questions or concerns. Participants can share insights, discuss specific challenges, and plan how to apply what they’ve learnt in their own teaching. For more information and registration, click .

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began six years ago, it has significantly influenced lifestyles worldwide, affecting eating habits, food choice criteria, the use of dietary supplements and physical activity. A representative scientific study conducted in Lithuania in 2025 revealed how indicators in these areas of our daily lives changed between 2021 and 2023. During the pandemic, people became increasingly concerned about their health, but reliable and clear guidance on what to do was lacking. We discuss the study's findings with Dr Rokas Arlauskas, a public health specialist at the Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, ����vlog���� (VU), who conducted the study.

A global wave of infection and mortality that forced society to change its habits

Following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic on 11 March 2020 by the World Health Organisation, many countries imposed restrictions on physical contact and limited medical assistance. “A great deal of fear and uncertainty prompted people to look for alternative ways to protect their health by selecting food, vitamins and supplements to boost their immune systems,” Dr Arlauskas noted. According to the scientist, at the same time, sports clubs closed, and people spent more time at home, largely sedentary, spending hours looking at their screens. Forced social isolation and quarantine have radically changed everyday life, and in many cases, led to a decrease in physical activity. Meanwhile, social media actively promoted food supplements as a means of combating COVID-19, despite a lack of scientific evidence to prove their effectiveness.

“It was clear that people’s daily habits had changed, but there was a lack of clear representative data across Lithuania as to how the pandemic had affected people’s diet, food supplement consumption and physical activity, nor how these parameters changed during and after the pandemic,” the researcher explained. To obtain accurate data and identify any disparities between counties, cities, and villages in Lithuania, a study representing the entire population of Lithuania was initiated.

According to Dr Arlauskas, this was the first study of its kind in Lithuania, covering the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and the two years that followed. The survey was conducted three times in different counties, major cities and rural areas in Lithuania: in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Each time, 1,600 residents were surveyed. They employed a sampling method that ensured the representativeness of the data collected, such that every resident of Lithuania had an equal chance of being included in the survey. All respondents met the target criteria of gender, age, place of residence, and other relevant factors to accurately reflect the target population.

Are dietary choices beneficial to my health?

According to Dr Arlauskas, before the pandemic, most people chose food on a rather simplistic basis: “The most important criteria were taste (37%) and price (24%), while health, i.e. the health benefits of the product, was only considered in third place. However, the COVID-19 pandemic changed attitudes towards food and nutrition. According to data from the 2021–2023 surveys, for the first time, many people considered the question, “Is it beneficial for my health?” as the primary factor when choosing food. For the first time, health benefits surpassed price as the primary consideration, whereas taste became a secondary factor. People increasingly focused on foods that strengthened the body rather than those that were merely appealing in taste or lower in cost.

Urban residents adopted healthier eating habits more quickly than those in rural areas, although health concern gradually increased across all populations. Unfortunately, after the pandemic ended, food choices once again shifted toward taste and price, with health no longer being as decisive a factor as during the height of the pandemic.

Post-pandemic changes in physical activity

Dr Arlauskas explained that during the pandemic, approximately half of the working-age population was at least somewhat physically active, either attending training sessions or playing sports in their free time. “Nearly half of the population did not exercise at all, about one-third reported a decrease in physical activity, and only about one in nine said that their activity increased. The activity of those who exercised occasionally and irregularly before the pandemic declined the most. In contrast, those who either did not exercise at all or exercised very actively and maintained regular training reported smaller changes, as their habits were either very weak or very strong.”

Following the pandemic, individuals who had been regularly active increased their physical activity, resuming training and even intensifying their exercise routines. Those who exercised only occasionally or were previously inactive showed some temporary improvement, but by 2023, their activity levels had decreased again. Notably, women experienced a larger decrease in physical activity than men, and urban residents were more likely than rural residents to report reduced activity levels. “In other words, the pandemic acted as a ‘pause’ for many, and afterwards, not everyone managed to regain momentum and return to their previous routines,” Dr Arlauskas said.

Are dietary supplements just an illusion of protection against disease?

According to Dr Arlauskas, the consumption of dietary supplements increased during the pandemic, and it is quite clear who the biggest consumers were. “Even before the pandemic, more than two-thirds (67.2%) of people used these supplements at least occasionally, but only a small proportion (10%) used them regularly. Overall, the number of people who regularly use supplements increased during the pandemic. Notably, there was a rise in the consumption of supplements aimed at supporting the immune and cardiovascular systems, joints and bones – a clear sign that people viewed them as a means to “fortify” themselves and protect against disease. Conversely, the use of supplements for energy, memory, sleep, or sports declined, suggesting a shift in focus from productivity or athletic performance to perceived protection from illness.”

Following the pandemic, the overall use of supplements declined significantly; however, in 2023, it increased slightly again to 72.7%. The reasons for taking supplements remained largely unchanged, but in 2023, significantly fewer respondents mentioned “protection against COVID-19” as a reason, having apparently realised that supplements are not a miracle cure.

Women, younger adults with university degrees, urban residents, higher earners, and those choosing food for its health benefits, were more likely to use supplements. “An interesting correlation emerged: supplement users were more likely to be physically active, while non-users were more likely to report that their physical activity remained unchanged during the pandemic,” commented the researcher.

In the future, people’s behaviour during a pandemic will be easier to predict

The study examines changes in nutrition, the use of dietary supplements, and physical activity among Lithuanian adults from 2021 to 2023, while also highlighting differences across gender, age, education, income, and location. These findings can be used to plan health promotion programmes in municipalities, schools, and communities, and to accurately identify inequalities, highlighting which population groups need to be included in preventive programmes based on gender, age, income, and location.

Based on the survey results, recommendations can be formulated for municipal public health agencies and other institutions. These initiatives will include actively educating the public about healthy nutrition, emphasising the nutritional value of food products, teaching the rational and targeted use of food supplements, shaping attitudes towards a healthy, physically active lifestyle, and encouraging physical activity among the population through various interventions.

“These recommendations, together with the data presented on the behaviour of different groups, can serve as a valuable basis for planning information campaigns and preventive measures in the event of a similar pandemic in the future. Attention should be given to health literacy, promoting the critical selection of food supplements and the importance of maintaining physical activity, especially among young people, urban residents and women, whose activity tends to decline the most. Consequently, in the event of another pandemic, we would be able to improvise much less and rely more on research data that revealed where people tend to overestimate supplements, where they forget to exercise, and how behaviour can be addressed through clearer, science-based recommendations,” commented Dr Arlauskas.

“It is very important to monitor and record changes and inconsistencies, so I am continuing the research. We already have and are analysing data for 2024 and 2025, which not only allows us to assess the situation but also to predict changes. This will be useful for public health policy makers and for preparing strategic documents in the field of public health and will provide the opportunity to plan public health interventions both nationwide and in individual counties,” said the scientist. According to Dr Arlauskas, the study's findings are particularly useful for municipal public health agencies, as they provide a scientific basis for health education and promotion, taking into account the identified inequalities. This also enables targeted interventions for specific population groups in Lithuania, streamlining planning and ensuring a more effective use of funds allocated for this purpose.

Arqus announces the 4th call for applications for the Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in European Studies. The call is open until 31 March 2026 (23:59 CEST).

The Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in European Studies is a full-time master’s programme that can be completed over two years, comprising a total of 120 ECTS credits. It brings together the expertise and academic excellence of four Arqus universities (Granada, Graz, Leipzig and Vilnius) and is offered entirely in English.

The programme focuses on the relationship between Europeanization and globalisation, the impact of global developments on Europe and the changing role of the continent in the new world order. It is organised as a joint programme that allows participants to profit from a wide range of options in complementary focus areas and from a unique intercultural experience due to the extensive international composition of students in the programme.

Some of the special features of this programme include:

• Different disciplinary and regional perspectives on selected topics.
• Students can spend a semester at one of the partner universities in the second and/or third semester, depending on their interests and the specialisation and regional focus offered.
• The programme features virtual exchange components to the extent of 30 ECTS.
• Joint courses.
• Joint Degree recognised by all partner universities.

The application deadline is 31 March 2026 (23:59 CEST). For more information, click .

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 .

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.

The 6th Edition of the Arqus PhD Week for Careers Beyond Academia will be held at Maynooth University in June 2026. The Arqus Career Week is a 5-day programme intended to support PhD researchers in exploring and pursuing career paths beyond university research.

The programme offers talks and workshops, led by a group of career experts with international backgrounds, to help participants recognise their labour market skills and give insight into application and hiring processes, as well as company cultures outside academia. We will partner with two Irish-based doctoral programmes for some of the activities during the week.

The next Career Week will take place at Maynooth University, Ireland, from Monday, 8 June to Friday, 12 June 2026.

Applications are open until Saturday, 31 January 2026, 23:59 CET (more information below). Some local variations in the deadline may apply.

What is the Arqus Career Week?

The Career Week is a combination of expert input and participatory approaches, focused on discussion and self-exploration. A draft schedule for the week is available . This schedule is subject to minor changes. Topics to include:

• The Skills Audit: Mapping Your PhD Talent Development to New Career Paths
• Unlock Your Career Capital: Assess and Grow Your Professional Power
• Effective Communication
• Generative AI use in cover letters and CVs
• Industry and Academic Roundtables – small roundtable discussions with PhD graduates in industry and academic positions
• LinkedIn profile and marketing yourself
• Should I stay or should I go: How to handle being uncertain about your academic career
• Job Interview Skills
• Research Funding Pathways and Grant Funding
• Fiasco Fest

The Career Week also provides the opportunity to meet and exchange with other early-stage researchers as well as professionals in career development from different countries and disciplines.

What is the Fiasco Fest?

The Fiasco Fest provides an open, festive environment in which participants talk about highlights and failures of their careers so far. They subsequently analyse what they have experienced as “fiascos” and why. Together, the participants then explore which resources they have already used to overcome inevitable setbacks, and they receive psychological insights and more tools for personal development from professional trainers. The Fiasco Fest concludes with an exercise in letting go and an opportunity to mingle and exchange further. It will be incorporated in the PhD Week as a 3-hour workshop.

Who is this for?

The Arqus Career Week is intended for PhD candidates (beyond the first year) who are considering a future career beyond academia and do not have a lot of experience in non-academic professional environments (service industry and other student jobs excluded). The programme is open to early-stage researchers from all disciplines.

While we do not require any proof of English proficiency, you should be able to carry on a conversation and work together in this language.

Due to funding requirements, you must be enrolled as a doctoral student or have an active employment contract at one of the Arqus universities.

How to apply?

If you want to apply for the Arqus Career Week, please do so via .

Only fully completed forms will be considered.

• Prepare a (300-500 word) description of why you want to participate in the programme, what your expectations towards the programme are, why you are interested in (potentially) moving beyond academia in your career, which topics you would particularly like to learn about more/need support with etc. – this statement of motivation will be key in the selection process.
• Send your Curriculum Vitae (in PDF form) directly to Stephen Carroll, as detailed above. The selection of participants will be made by local committees at the home university. Depending on the number of applicants and available funding, each university will be able to send 3-4 participants. You will be informed about the outcome within 3 weeks after the application deadline. 

Please note: If you use any supporting tools such as DeepL or ChatGPT, make sure that the application consists solely of your own thoughts and motivations and reflects the level of your English language skills.

Funding for travel and accommodation from different sources will be available through your home university; however, please be aware that you might have to prepare a separate funding application after the selection process (your local Arqus contact person will inform you about the process).

The application deadline is Saturday, 31 January 2026, 23:59 CET. For more information and the application, click .

The article presents a universal semi-permeable capsule (SPC) technology designed for high-throughput single-cell omics – research methods and tools that enable the simultaneous probing of multiple layers of biological information encoded within individual cells in a single experiment. This technology makes it possible to perform parallel profiling of cellular phenotype and genotype, maintain cell viability, form cellular spheroids, conduct multi-step biochemical reactions on genetic material from individual cells, and offer a range of additional analytical advantages.

Notably, the VU research team has demonstrated that SPCs are not limited to a single application, highlighting the broad practical potential of this technology. As part of the study, the researchers developed and applied a new RNA sequencing method, CapSeq (Capsule-based RNA Sequencing), which enables the analysis of genetic information from more than 100,000 individual cells in a single experiment, allowing for the identification of malignant cells based on altered gene expression patterns.

‘In this work, we show that SPCs can serve as a universal platform for single-cell transcriptomics and genomics. This technology enables the targeted selection of rare or clinically relevant cells to address key biological questions,’ emphasised first author Denis Baronas, a doctoral student at VU LSC.

‘Crucially, cells encapsulated in SPCs remain viable and functional for extended periods, which is not possible with microfluidic technologies. Within the capsules, we can monitor cells, culture them for weeks, sort them, and only then decide which genetic or molecular analyses to perform,’ noted Prof. Linas Mažutis from the Institute of Biotechnology of VU LSC.

Solving a decades-old challenge

The newly developed SPC method addresses a long-standing challenge: how to efficiently and cost-effectively profile both cellular function and the biological information encoded in the genome. Such analyses often require multiple sequential enzymatic or biochemical reactions, which may be incompatible with one another due to differences in pH, temperature, salt concentration, or other conditions. Until now, researchers have been forced to choose between high-throughput droplet-based technologies, which are limited to single-step biochemical reactions, or low-throughput, multi-step reactions performed in test tubes or 96-well plates.

‘Single-cell research is one of the most important directions in modern biology and medicine, yet it has long required a trade-off between high throughput and flexibility. Our technology brings these two aspects together,’ said Prof. Mažutis.

The SPC technology is based on microscopic hydrogel capsules that encapsulate individual cells. With a diameter of approximately 70 µm, up to a million single cells can be maintained and analysed within a single laboratory tube. The capsules function as a selective sieve, allowing nutrients, enzymes, and molecular reagents required for molecular analyses to pass through, while retaining genetic material – DNA and RNA – inside the capsule after cell lysis. This key feature enabled the VU team to develop CapSeq – a single-cell RNA sequencing method that supports efficient multi-step biochemical reactions and prepares cells for transcriptomic profiling (i.e. determining which genes are active, in which cells, and to what extent).

Unveiling what was previously invisible

In their Science article, the researchers showcase the capabilities of the SPC technology through a study of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Using CapSeq, the team was able – for the first time – to reliably profile circulating blast cells in patients with distinct mutational backgrounds and to assess granulocyte-specific responses to AML-induced physiological changes.
The study revealed substantial cellular diversity, enabled more precise correlations between molecular cell profiles and disease prognosis, and demonstrated that even seemingly ‘healthy’ immune cells in AML patients are already influenced by disease processes.

‘Our research reveals a striking insight: as blood cancer progresses, the immune system undergoes profound reprogramming. Even cells that appear healthy are affected by disease and inflammatory processes. We hope that our findings will contribute to the development of new diagnostic tools and support more precise, personalised treatment strategies in the future,’ stated Prof. Mažutis, research lead.

Publication in Science represents a major academic achievement. Alongside Nature and Cell, Science is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals, known for its exceptionally rigorous peer-review standards.

‘This confirms that innovations developed at the Life Sciences Center of ����vlog���� can proudly compete with those of the globe’s leading research institutions. We’re no longer just users of advanced technologies – we’re the ones creating them. CapSeq was developed here in Vilnius and is now set to become a tool for scientists worldwide,’ said Dr Arvydas Lubys, Director of VU LSC.

Future prospects

Capsule-based single-cell genomics and transcriptomics are not limited to cancer research and can be readily applied to the study of a wide range of complex diseases. Cells encapsulated in SPCs can be frozen and thawed, cultured for weeks, and sorted based on gene expression markers – opening new opportunities for clinical studies using valuable patient samples and advancing personalised medicine.

The technology is expected to become one of the core services of the Translational Gene Technology Centre at VU LSC, scheduled to open in 2026, which will provide high-level research services to academia and industry across the region.

The authors note that the capsule technology presented in Science is currently undergoing patenting, and active efforts toward commercialisation are underway.

It is also noteworthy that the same issue of Science features another article with Ignas Maželis, a graduate of ����vlog����, as first author. In 2021, at the initiative of Prof. Mažutis, he began his doctoral studies at Harvard University.

Authors of the Science publication:

Denis Baronas (VU LSC), Simonas Norvaišis (VU LSC), Justina Žvirblytė (VU LSC), Greta Leonavičienė (VU LSC; ‘Atrandi Biosciences’), Vincenta Mikulėnaitė (VU LSC), Karolis Goda (VU LSC), Vytautas Kašėta (State Research Institute Innovative Medicine Centre), Karolis Šablauskas (Hematology, Oncology and Transfusion Medicine Centre of Santaros Klinikos (VU Hospital); National Cancer Center; VU Santaros Klinikos; VU Institute of Data Science and Digital Technologies), Laimonas Griškevičius (Hematology, Oncology and Transfusion Medicine Centre of VU Santaros Klinikos; National Cancer Center; VU Santaros Klinikos; Institute of Clinical Medicine of the VU Faculty of Medicine), Simonas Juzėnas (VU LSC), and Linas Mažutis (VU LSC).

The research was conducted as part of the TRACEGET project.

More information can be found (available in Lithuanian).

Established in 2014, the FKNE brings together outstanding European neuroscientists who seek to strengthen scientific excellence, promote mentorship, contribute to the development of science policy, and ensure that the voices of neuroscientists from diverse European regions, institutions, and career stages are heard within the international scientific community. Prof. Neniškytė became a member of the FKNE in 2023 and remains the only scientist from Lithuania to have been invited to join this network. Her election to the Board marks another important milestone in her international scientific activities.

According to Prof. Neniškytė, Board membership offers a valuable opportunity to represent regional interests within a broader European context: ‘My election to the Board allows me to speak for Lithuania and for neuroscientists from the Baltic region. As many FKNE activities focus on mentorship, science policy, and diversity, it is crucial that our voice is heard, since we often face different challenges compared to those encountered in Western or Northern Europe, whose researchers make up the majority of FKNE members.’

Looking ahead, Prof. Neniškytė notes that the coming two years of work on the FKNE Board are expected to be particularly active and engaging, building on the network’s significant achievements of its first decade in support of the European neuroscience community.

Dr Eligijus Raila, associate professor at the VU Faculty of History, describes Ralys as an active promoter of the Lithuanian press.

“Jeronimas Ralys was a doctor by education. After graduating from Šiauliai Gymnasium, he studied at the Faculty of Medicine at Moscow University. For some time, he worked as a doctor in the Russian Navy, and after returning to Lithuania, he worked in Prienai, Taujėnai, Ariogala, and Jonava until 1914. He lived in the latter until his death. Ralys contributed to the Lithuanian press: “Varpas”, “Ūkininkas”, “Lietuvos žinios”. Having learned classical languages well at the gymnasium, he was the first to translate Homer’s “Odyssey” into Lithuanian. His translation of the “Iliad” was later completed by Sofija Kymantaitė-Čiurlionienė, Jurgis Talmantas, and Pranciškus Žadeikis. He was undoubtedly a guiding star for all Lithuanian translators who attempted to render Homer’s epic poems into Lithuanian,” says the historian.

Asteroid Ralys is currently orbiting in the Scorpius constellation as a 22.3 magnitude object.

Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union database shows that the asteroid is, on average, 2.55 times farther from the Sun than the Earth, and orbits the Sun in 4 years and 26 days. Astronomers have classified this asteroid as belonging to the Maria (MAR) asteroid family. Such asteroid families are identified by the very similar orbits of their members, especially their distance from the Sun, orbital inclination, and shape, which indicate a common origin.

The Maria (MAR) family is a group of stony asteroids formed after a larger parent body asteroid collided with another asteroid. It is believed that the members of the family are mainly composed of silicate minerals and iron. The family is named after its largest and brightest member, the asteroid (170) Maria.

Elements of this asteroid’s orbit: a = 2.5489057 av, e = 0.153 i = 15.28483 °, P = 4.07 m.

On 17 March this year, the International Astronomical Union announced that the asteroid with the catalogue number 2006 SA368 (406006) has been named Ralys. The asteroid was discovered on 23 September 2006 at the VU Molėtai Astronomical Observatory. A scientific paper confirming the discovery was published in the journal ““ in 2016. The asteroid was confirmed by US astronomers from Mt. Bigelow Observatory in Arizona, and the asteroid received a designation on 16 April. The orbit had finally been determined in 2019.

Ričardas Čerbulėnas photo.

The newly established Vilnius–Utrecht Center for Advanced Disease Modeling at ����vlog���� invites applications from highly motivated, creative, and ambitious researchers for Principal Investigator positions. This newly established international Center brings together the complementary strengths of ����vlog����, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC), and Utrecht University (UU) to build a positive research culture fostering environment for translational research in disease biology.

The Center will focus on advanced models of human disease, integrating frontier cellular and molecular technologies, in the clinically relevant domains spanning cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, infections / immune dysregulation, circulatory health and rare diseases.

We offer:

· An initial 3-year appointment with the opportunity to transition into a tenure-track position;

· An attractive start-up package of up to €1 million to support rapid research team development, covering research operating costs, services, small equipment and personnel;

· Access to brand-new research facilities at the VU Medical Science Center, including state-of-the-art research and innovation facilities at UU/UMC Utrecht with dedicated support for research visits.

We are looking for candidates who:

· Hold a PhD in biomedicine, life sciences, or a connected field;

· Conduct innovative research in advanced cellular and molecular disease modelling;

· Have a minimum of three years of postdoctoral research experience and demonstrate the ability to establish a well-defined, independent research program;

· Present a research vision that aligns with and enriches ongoing work at VU and UU/UMC Utrecht. Applications are submitted electronically via till 15 February 2026 22:59 CET. Applications received after deadline will not be evaluated.

Personal data will be processed solely for the purpose of informing you about the call, related events and evaluation of proposals, and retained no longer than 1 September 2026. Consent may be withdrawn at any time. .

We are concluding the 446th year of the University. The year 2025 has been special in that we have completed a five-year strategy while, at the same time, preparing a new one for the period up to 2030. Reflecting on the past five years, we see that we have gained more experience, self-confidence, and trust in one another. We recognise our strengths and know where we still need to improve. We are ready to enter a new stage and to consolidate our position among Europe’s advanced universities.

We perceive our strategy not as a formal document, but as a broad community consensus on what is important and meaningful. The strategy, or perhaps even more so the discussions surrounding it, reveals how we ourselves view the development of our institution and what we wish to communicate to our societal stakeholders. Our overarching strategic ambition is to be a university that is well established in the global research and study space, one that brings people together at the national level, and that is attractive to staff and students alike. This ambition will be further realised through Centres of Excellence, the development of a science and business ecosystem, and the continued strengthening of personalised study experiences and mentoring. We are open to welcoming new people – academic leaders and young talents – while also being ready to offer new opportunities to the entire community (career paths, sabbatical leave, teaching workload arrangements). Finally, drawing on our experience of contributing to the State Progress Strategy ‘Lithuania 2050’, we seek to offer the State and society our expert ideas and solutions more actively and in a more structured way at the level of a university-based think tank. I am convinced that this is something the State and society especially need right now.

One of this year’s most notable achievements was the European Commission’s decision to allocate funding to the LitAI Artificial Intelligence Factory in Lithuania; ����vlog���� is the coordinator of this EUR 130 million project. It is expected that this initiative will develop into a national centre of competence and technology, bringing together advanced computing infrastructure, access to data, research activities, and highly qualified specialists, as well as their training.

The Horizon Europe project portfolio continues to grow significantly: funding has been approved for 71 projects in which ����vlog���� participates as a coordinator or partner, with a total value exceeding EUR 22 million. As many as 12 individual MSCA postdoctoral fellowship projects have been awarded. The ranks of researchers awarded ERC grants were expanded by Prof. Urtė Neniškytė.

Among the new international competence centres being established in Lithuania are two ����vlog���� centres: the Center for Advanced Disease Modeling (CADM) (together with VU Hospital Santaros Klinikos and Utrecht University) and the Centre of Competence for Terahertz and Hybrid Semiconductor Chips, uniting ����vlog����, the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, and Eindhoven University of Technology.

This year also saw the launch of a new type of funding call: ����vlog���� received financing for the selection of as many as 26 early-career principal investigators under the ‘My First Research Team’ scheme. These young leaders will have the opportunity to establish their first independent research groups for a three-year period.

In 2025, ����vlog���� researchers published five papers in Nature, 42 papers in other Nature-group journals, and 16 international monographs, while a paper by Prof. Linas Mažutis has just been published in Science.

Out of seven Lithuanian Science Prizes, four were awarded to ����vlog���� researchers, and Prof. Marija Drėmaitė became a laureate of the Lithuanian National Prize for Culture and Arts for the dissemination of ideas of modern architecture. The doctoral dissertations of three young ����vlog���� researchers were also recognised as the best in the country.

Mindaugas Šarpis’ publication was included among the most significant experimental achievements in the 2024 annual review of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Meanwhile, ����vlog���� researcher Rimantas Budriūnas was named in the Electro Optics magazine’s annual Photonics100 list, which highlights the 100 most influential individuals shaping the development of photonics.

����vlog���� astronomers, together with colleagues from Poland and other countries, identified an exoplanet – a gas giant located further from the centre of the Galaxy. This is only the third such discovery worldwide since observations first began.

At the new medical science centre, we opened the Biobank of Lithuanian Population and Rare Disorders.

This year, the University’s study programme portfolio was expanded with three new international Bachelor’s programmes. Kaunas Faculty developed the programme Language and Artificial Intelligence Management, focusing on issues related to the application of modern language technologies, while the Faculty of Philosophy launched Sustainability and Future Societies, creating a space for students interested in exploring trends in the future development of society. The joint programme Innovative Communication and Entrepreneurship, offered by the Faculty of Communication and the Business School, combines communication studies with a business mindset.

Over the course of the year, nearly 15 per cent of the teaching staff participated in educational competence development training. The desire to improve their teaching and to engage students in active learning is also clearly reflected in the number of teaching initiatives, but what is most encouraging is that the students themselves recognise and appreciate these efforts.

The lecturer competence development and recognition system created at the University over several years is now regarded as the most advanced in the country and capable of providing best-practice examples for other higher education institutions.

From a community and organisational perspective, this year marked a new milestone: the number of our employees exceeded 6,000. We are truly a large organisation and, we hope, an increasingly good employer. This growth was partly driven by a new practice of employing students in various University activities through the establishment of dedicated positions.

At the end of September, the ����vlog���� Alumni Festival took place for the second time, becoming a meaningful tradition that unites the University community.

The YIVO conference, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the world-renowned Institute for Jewish Research, connected ����vlog���� with the academic centre in New York.

The University was visited by Sorbonne University President Nathalie Drach-Temam and Nobel Prize laureates Victor Ambros and Richard John Roberts. During a visit to CERN, we also expressed our aspiration to become a full member of this organisation.

This year, for the first time, we organised a special event for school pupils, the ����vlog���� Super Lecture. It brought together hundreds of motivated pupils in person and reached an even wider audience through an LRT broadcast.

Over the year, we awarded more than 1,000 partner scholarships to students for their academic excellence, final theses, participation in scientific conferences, as well as ����vlog����’s 450th Anniversary Scholarships, which have already become a symbol of our community’s academic and social mission.

In recent years, we have significantly strengthened cooperation with Lithuania’s major media outlets. The SPECTRUM magazine became accessible to the wide readership of Delfi, while the podcast Science Without Sermons secured leading positions on LRT platforms.

We are observing new qualitative results in international science communication. Over the past year, ����vlog����’s research and achievements were mentioned more than 500 times in foreign media outlets, and consistent efforts are leading to growing visibility and reputation of the University internationally. We have also experienced unexpected resonance, such as a short diploma-award video by an international student on TikTok that garnered millions of views and reactions worldwide.

In the field of infrastructure, the construction of the new building for the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences has begun. An international architectural design contest was held to select a winner for the redevelopment of the Saulėtekio al. 9 complex and the construction of the new Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics. The environments of all academic campuses are being intensively upgraded, improving conditions for work, study, and leisure.

An exceptional event in the history of the ����vlog���� Foundation was Swedbank’s EUR 10 million grant to ����vlog����, demonstrating faith in the importance of research and studies and trust in ����vlog����.

At present, the State and society are going through a challenging period, perhaps the first such period in Lithuania’s recent history, especially following the successful years of membership in the European Union and NATO. In the face of geopolitical challenges and internal turmoil, we expect and urge politicians to focus on what is essential: the country’s future strategy, security, and resilience. We risk sacrificing decades of cultivated security, public trust, and the reputation of a politically stable and economically dynamic country on the altar of short-term political interests.

Now is the time to identify and commit to themes that unite us and provide new direction: the vitality of the concept of the nation state, the integrity of the European Union, and the sustainability of NATO. To define key goals and principles of action, a responsible dialogue between politicians and active societal groups concerned with the country’s progress is essential. The University is ready to be part of this process. Within our areas of competence, we can bring people together, moderate discussions, analyse issues, and offer proposals. The University can and must set an example of collective action, wise listening, and broad consensus. I encourage all members of the community to find the time and energy to share their ideas, knowledge, and expertise so that our country may be brighter.

But for now, we are simply awaiting the return of a brighter season of the year. I wish you beautiful holidays, a hopeful New Year, and every success in 2026!

Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas

����vlog���� Rector

– How did you decide to become a lecturer, and what path led you to that career?

– I was probably in my 3rd or 4th year of study, when I already had thoughts that I would prefer not clinical work with patients, but pedagogical activity. I saw how wonderfully my now former lecturers worked with students, how they loved them. I myself was very pleased to communicate with the lecturers. At that time, I began to look into areas where future work might not necessarily be clinical. I was interested in pathology, and for some time, I headed the student scientific society, the pathology club. Then everything unexpectedly turned out in such a way that several new positions appeared in the current Department of Anatomy, Histology and Anthropology. So, after graduating, I immediately got into this department and became a lecturer. In the sixth year, I had received several offers from clinicians to go to the Department of Internal Medicine and the Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, but I had already made up my mind and had an appointment.

– What do you think are your personal and professional qualities that students like? What values do you follow as a lecturer?

– First of all, this question should probably be addressed to the students – how do they see and evaluate me? I feel a little myself and know from feedback that my communication style impresses students the most. One of the main principles that I adhere to is that there should be no communication walls between the student and the teacher. Even considering the existing hierarchy, communication must be based on mutual respect and not cause isolation. The teacher must respect the student – after all, the student is learning and trying to achieve the same, and maybe even one day surpass their teacher. Of course, the boundaries of academic ethics and familiarity cannot be crossed, but the atmosphere during lectures must be friendly. Another requirement that I set for myself is that practice cannot become stressful for the student. And if there is a lecture during which there is less direct contact, I have a principle that the material must be presented schematically, simply, structured and logically. Students really notice and appreciate this. I am trying to fight the established belief that in medical science, you need to memorise a lot – no, maybe you need to learn certain information and terms by heart, but I try to explain most of the material in such a way that students can imagine and understand everything in principle.

I have also heard unofficial feedback that my lectures can be compared to a stand-up show. Indeed, I do use a lot of humour in my teaching, but this works best in live meetings, not in online lectures.

– What do you like most about your work as a teacher? What motivates you?

– What I probably enjoy most is communicating with students. I like asking them questions and encouraging them to think. When they are able to find and remember the answer, I feel I have achieved my goal: teaching them how to retrieve information from memory. They need to record and store information in their own minds; I cannot do this for them, but I can help them retrieve what they need by providing associations and descriptions.

– What has changed since you were a student yourself? What are students like today?

– I observe certain differences between my generation and the current generation of students. The challenges are not related to personal characteristics, but rather to the level of knowledge students bring from school, and this is not a recent trend. When I entered medical studies, physics was the decisive entrance examination. Today, colleagues who teach physics to first-year students unfortunately note that they have to explain very basic concepts that, ten years ago, school leavers would already have mastered. An understanding of physics and physical thinking is essential in medicine, as all processes in the body follow the laws of physics. Regrettably, I observe a decline in students’ level of knowledge in physics. I also notice a lack of drawing and spatial-visualisation skills: when analysing CT scans and magnetic resonance images, students need to construct a three-dimensional image from two-dimensional slices, yet few have developed these skills at school.

Meanwhile, the relationship with students, in my opinion, has not changed: both then and now, the tendency to communicate respectfully and warmly was common in our faculty. We could always come to the lecturer with questions, to talk. However, the availability of information is incomparably better now, so in this sense, it is probably easier for current students to learn. Teachers only have to play the role of a navigator and advisor: to show the student the directions, where to find the right sources in that abundance of information.

– What do you like to do when you are free from teaching and research work? How do you relax, get new ideas?

– Well, ideas do not necessarily have to be born in your free time; it is best when they are born at work. I like to distance myself from all activities, only, of course, if there are no deadlines and obligations. My family and I have a homestead, where I really like to mow the grass, shovel snow, and split firewood. Last winter I spent a lot of time changing the roofing with a master. So I like simple physical activities and being in the shelter of nature. And passive leisure for me is associated with my curiosity – I am very interested in cinematography, music – progressive rock, heavy rock, German speed metal, power metal, Scandinavian black metal. I like to search for new recordings, listen to them, and collect a little. I also like to learn everything about historical events and personalities – every day I find a topic and delve into it, I scroll the Internet until I learn everything about it. This hobby of mine – my interest in history and geography – was already evident during my school days and has remained so to this day.

Assoc. Prof. A. Barkus is a physician, anatomist and anthropologist. He started working at the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Anthropology of the Faculty of Medicine in 1990, and in 2000, he defended his doctoral dissertation in the field of biomedical sciences, “Odontoglyphic Characteristics of the Molar Teeth of the Current Lithuanian Population”. In 2008–2015, he worked as the Vice-Dean for General Affairs and Development of the VU Faculty of Medicine, and in 2013, he was awarded the pedagogical title of Associate Professor. He lectures on human anatomy for students of medicine and dentistry programs, neuroanatomy for students of psychology and neurobiology programs, human biology and anthropological dentistry for the dentistry program students. His field of scientific interest is physical anthropology. He participates in anthropological research of current and past Lithuanian populations. Other areas of activity: human anatomy, forensic medicine, and statistical applications in biomedical sciences. He is a member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society, the Archaeological Society of Lithuania, and the European Anthropological Association.

A Commitment to Lithuania Leads to KASP Service

Prof. Linas Mažutis, a researcher at the VU Life Sciences Center, joined KASP this year and completed the basic training for volunteer soldiers just over a month ago. The researcher explains that he decided to join KASP out of a deeply rooted belief in the future of his country.

‘The more people in our country are ready, know how to act in case of war, and can handle a weapon, the less likely others will be to attack us. They will understand that the majority of society is prepared and capable. If only one or two percent of people know how to act in war, such a country is easy to occupy,’ Prof. Mažutis said.

‘We cannot rely solely on Germans or Americans for our defence; we must demonstrate through our own actions that we are ready to defend ourselves,’ he added.

According to the Professor, the basic training for volunteer soldiers lasted three weeks. The first two weeks focused on knowledge building, including studying material, learning map reading, and acquiring specific military skills. ‘The last week was dedicated to physically demanding tasks. It was one of the toughest physical challenges I have ever faced,’ the researcher admitted.

‘We had to pass the ‘deadly loop’ by crawling, creeping, and rolling. All of this while wearing our full kit: helmet, gun, and vest. I have never imagined crawling on the ground could be so exhausting, especially uphill. As you crawl, the sand slides beneath you – you feel like you’re moving nowhere while the sand slips away,’ Prof. Mažutis recalled.

Upon completing the training, the Professor was recognised as the best marksman. He reflects on the sobering reality of using a weapon: while shooting at a target, you become a target yourself. ‘In war, someone is your target, but you are also somebody’s target. It gives you a clear insight that war must be avoided at all costs,’ he said.

‘Even exhausted, as you are taken back to the barracks in an off-road Unimog truck, you know that tomorrow will be the same. It gives you a vivid understanding of what daily life would be like in case of conflict,’ the Professor added.

‘A���� citizens share a duty: to defend their castle’

Augustė Burinskaitė, a doctoral student at the VU’s Faculty of History, says she joined the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union while still at school.

‘I grew up pounding the streets of Vilnius, which probably explains why I was drawn to spending quality time outdoors – in forests, under a starry sky. Carrying a 20-kilogram backpack and spending sleepless nights in a soaking-wet sleeping bag during winter snowstorms, all while preparing for final school examinations, was the price I paid as a young Riflewoman – and I paid it with pleasure. There are many interesting and diverse patriotic organisations in Lithuania, but I believe that the desire to challenge oneself, combined with determination and mindfulness, is a distinctive and unifying feature of all members of the Riflemen’s Union,’ said the doctoral student.

Burinskaitė was sworn in as a Riflewoman in March 2014. ‘As we used to joke with our brothers and sisters at the time, the Riflemen’s Union consisted mostly of children and elderly people,’ she recalled. In November of the same year, Augustė joined ‘Saja’ – the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Student Corporation. She explained, ‘In ‘Saja’, which was restored in 2010 by several ambitious Riflemen and a group of like-minded students, we successfully combine civic engagement with a good sense of humour, intellectual curiosity, and physical resilience – even though our members come from different backgrounds spanning more than 30 specialisations, we all embody the Riflemen’s values. We are even considering establishing an academic riflemen’s company – we just need to decide on a motto. Should we be known as those carrying a rifle in a library or those holding a book in the trenches? Perhaps both.’

The doctoral student is not only a member of the Riflemen’s Union, but she has also served in the KASP. According to her, this experience helped her gain moral and physical strength and improve her tactical skills.

‘Yet I gained even more. I saw firsthand that love for Lithuania is shaped by values and attitudes rather than nationality. Most of my commanders and many of my fellow soldiers were of Slavic origin. With mosquitoes humming, blueberries ripening, branches cracking from frost in Šalčininkai, squirrels jumping from tree to tree looking for nuts, and while warming ourselves by the fire, I heard them say it again and again: ‘This is my home. I will defend it,’ Burinskaitė recalled, speaking warmly of her fellow volunteer soldiers.

Asked how she would encourage those who are considering, but still hesitant about, contributing to national defence, Burinskaitė says that not participating is far more frightening: ‘The scariest thing in a crisis is not knowing what to do – feeling helpless. We amount to nothing when we are divided. Even our cherished individualism cannot exist without a community. Every citizen has a duty to defend their castle in one way or another. It is entirely human to have doubts, but doubts can wear you down over time. That’s why I encourage people to talk, ask questions, and show interest.’

Burinskaitė added that Riflemen’s Union units engage in a wide range of activities that do not necessarily require special physical preparation, but rather individual expertise.

‘In return, you gain a community and friends who are ready to help, plenty of useful knowledge, and encouraging winks from Vladas Putvinskis, the founder of the Riflemen’s Union, watching over us from the sky – right up until the very end. If you feel this calling, do not hesitate – students and female academics included. I’m with you,’ Burinskaitė emphasised.

Joining KASP brings a sense of security

Dr Tomaš Božerocki, a lecturer at the VU’s Faculty of Communication, joined KASP in August last year, hoping to contribute to national defence. According to him, KASP training focuses on teaching soldiers how to act in extreme situations – to stay calm, think clearly, and respond effectively.

The interlocutor claims that he is proud of his experience with KASP: ‘When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, I felt deeply insecure and kept asking myself: what if? My family and I decided to stay in Lithuania – after all, what use would we be elsewhere? But then came the question: if we stay, what next? These questions no longer trouble me, because now I know the answers.’

In addition to his service in KASP, Dr Božerocki completed civil resistance training organised by the Mobilisation and Civil Resistance Department under the Ministry of National Defence, after which he became an instructor.

He encourages students and colleagues who wish to contribute to national defence not to be afraid and to look for ways to apply their skills. ‘One can join not only KASP, but also the Riflemen’s Union, or military commandant’s offices. The key is to identify where your interests lie. KASP offers extensive combat training and shooting practice, but there are also opportunities in areas such as psychological resilience and information warfare,’ he explained.

The named scholarships are funded from the Mantvydas Juozapavičius Endowment , established in 2024 within the VU Foundation. The subfund was created by his parents, philanthropists Irena and Algirdas Juozapavičiai, from the estate of their son, who passed away in 2023. The scholarships are awarded from the investment returns of the sub-fund.

The largest scholarship, €4,000, was awarded to Dr Mindaugas Šarpis, a research scientist at the Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology of the VU Faculty of Physics. He is one of the few experts in the world on pentaquark research. He has also made a significant contribution to the CERN LHCb Open Data initiative: guided by FAIR and open science principles, he prepared and released 1 petabyte of LHCb experimental data and created more than 7,000 pages of documentation, which are now available to the international scientific community.

A €2,500 scholarship was awarded to Ūla Marija Lauciūtė, a master’s student in Laser Physics and Optical Technologies at the VU Faculty of Physics. She completed an internship at the ELI-ALPS research institute in Szeged, Hungary, and received the named Prof. A. P. Piskarskas Scholarship for the best bachelor’s thesis entitled “The Use of Photoactive Compounds in Radiotherapy”. The results of her research were also presented at the international conference “EEDS25”, organised by the Institute of Chemical Physics of the VU Faculty of Physics.

A €1,000 scholarship was awarded to Dr Antanas Terleckas, a junior research fellow at the Department of Modern History of the VU Faculty of History. In 2023, he defended his doctoral dissertation entitled “The Creation of a Collective Farm Society: The Sovietization of the Lithuanian Countryside, 1940–1965”. He is currently completing a monograph based on his dissertation, which is planned for publication by the publishing house “Tyto alba” in early 2026. Dr Terleckas’ earlier academic work has been recognised with a scholarship from the Lithuanian Catholic Academy of Sciences in 2020 and the President Antanas Smetona Scholarship in 2018.

����vlog���� students and researchers who are also alumni of Vilnius Lyceum are eligible to apply for the Mantvydas Juozapavičius Named Scholarship. The scholarship recipients were selected in cooperation with the Vilnius Lyceum Alumni Foundation. Applications were evaluated by a commission composed of representatives of the VU Foundation and the Lyceum Alumni Foundation: Prof. Dr Tadas Malinauskas, Dr Linas Tarasonis, Agnė Reklaitė, Naglis Ramanauskas, and Rasa Tirylytė Zelenina.

Mantvydas Juozapavičius (1976–2023) was an active Lithuanian public figure with a broad education and experience in information management and genealogy. He studied at Vilnius Lyceum, the VU Institute of International Relations and Political Science (IIRPS), and the VU Faculty of Communication, and completed various courses at Rice University, the University of Illinois, and the University of Michigan in the United States. He worked as an assistant in the Lithuanian Parliament, an election observer in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and was a freelance specialist providing various services in information management and data analysis.