News

On 17 February, Vilnius University (VU) officially launched the process for developing its strategy for the next five years. This is a significant stage where VU will define its future directions, priorities, and goals that align with the expectations of the community, society, and the international academic world. The success of the VU 2030 strategy depends on the involvement of all community members. Therefore, VU employees and students are invited to actively participate in discussions, propose ideas, shape strategic priorities, and vote for the most significant proposals.

On 3–7 March, Vilnius University (VU) is holding its first emotional well-being week “Let’s Talk About It” which is dedicated to open and professional discussion on the emotional challenges, health, and well-being of students. The aim of the week’s events is to raise mental health awareness as well as to foster a supportive community where everybody feels heard. The main focus will be put on the students – the stress they are under, the challenges they face in relationships, and the ways of improving their emotional health. The vision is for this emotional well-being week to become a tradition in the largest university in Lithuania.

How can researchers present their work in a way that captures the attention of academia, industry, and society? How can they secure funding, build international partnerships, and enhance the real-world impact of their research? On March 3–4, Vilnius University will host two exclusive lectures by Dr. Akanimo Odon, an international expert in research impact, strategic partnerships, and career development. With extensive experience advising top universities, governments, and businesses worldwide, Dr. Odon will provide valuable insights into bridging the gap between academia and the broader world.

Young scientist Dr. Gordon Zyla began working at the Vilnius University Faculty of Physics Laser Research Center at the beginning of this year. His choice to work in Lithuania proves that the high quality of science at Vilnius University enables international collaboration. He shares his accumulated international experience with the students as well.

The science communication contest "Scientific Sprint" is back, calling for registrations to present captivating research or science ideas within a concise 3-minute window. Mark your calendars for the competition on March 27th at 18:00, coinciding with VU's 446th birthday.

When ideas can come true and dreams can be born, all you need to do is take a step that will change not only you, but also your university community.

We invite you to participate in the exchange program during Autumn semester (full academic year) of the 2025-2026 academic exchanges!

The 2024 Lithuanian Science Prize in Technological Sciences for Experimental Development Work recognizes the series “High Power Multi-Optical Cycle Pulse Sources for Extreme Light Technologies (2009–2023)” for its significant contributions to the development of high-power, ultra-short pulse laser systems.

The asteroid Skarga has been named in honour of Piotr Skarga, the first Rector of Vilnius University (VU). It was discovered at the VU Molėtai Astronomical Observatory by Dr Kazimieras Černis and Dr Justas Zdanavičius – scientists from the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy of the VU Faculty of Physics.

During the Vilnius University (VU) Faculty of Physics bachelor's diploma awarding ceremony, the named Professor Algis Petras Piskarskas Scholarship was presented for the first time for the best bachelor's thesis in laser physics. The prestigious scholarship was awarded to Antanas Butkus, a student of the Light Engineering study program. He was also awarded a Cum Laude diploma.

The Lithuanian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (LT VCA), together with Vilnius University (VU), is organizing the course “Breaking into the Finance World: Private Equity and Venture Capital” for the third consecutive year. The course is open to VU students, alumni, and all players in the ecosystem.

International life sciences conference “The COINS 2025” will take place on March 17^th - 20^th in Vilnius University Life Sciences Center. 

The Arqus Alliance of European Universities invites its community to apply for the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), which is based on Challenge-Based Learning (CBL). This multidisciplinary program will encompass various fields of knowledge, engaging professors, students at different academic stages (Bachelor’s and Master’s), and university staff. The programme starts at the beginning of March.

The program will delve into the causes and effects of climate change, exploring how citizens can and must mobilise to tackle these challenges and foster climate resilience.

The 2024 Annual Review of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) includes highlights from the major experiments at CERN. The lead contributor to one of them is Dr. Mindaugas Šarpis, a researcher in Vilnius University Faculty of Physics and the head of CERN LHCb Vilnius - a research group for experimental particle physics.

The Association of Spanish Scientists in the Baltic Countries (ACEBaltic) was established to strengthen links between scientists from Spain, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Dr. Carlos Viscasillas Vazquez, a researcher at the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University, has become a member of ACEBaltic's board.

The 68th International Conference for Students of Physics and Natural Sciences "Open Readings 2025" will take place from May 13 to 16, 2025, at the National Center for Physical Sciences and Technology. The organizers invite prospective speakers to register by February 17, 2025.

On the birth anniversary of Prof. Algis Petras Piskarskas (1942–2022), the Vilnius University (VU) Foundation, in collaboration with the VU Faculty of Physics, announced the recipient of the Prof. A. P. Piskarskas Postdoctoral Fellowship. The inaugural named fellowship was awarded to Dr. Balys Momgaudis, a researcher at the VU Laser Research Center. The talented laser physics researcher was awarded a €20,000 named fellowship.

Two members of the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy of the Faculty of Physics have taken new roles in the European Association for Astronomy Education (EAAE) for the 2024–2027 term.

Patrik Ščajev, a senior researcher at the Faculty of Physics of Vilnius University (VU), in collaboration with colleagues from the US, has published an article in the prestigious journal "Advanced Energy Materials". The research team applied an innovative method that has been advanced at VU and offered new insights into replacing silicon in the creation of more efficient and affordable solar cells.