From 28 September to 2 October, Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) hosted Science and Innovation Week, bringing together researchers, students, social partners and the wider public for discussions on the impact of science, sustainability, contemporary societal challenges and innovation.
Throughout the week, lectures, conferences, thematic sessions, discussions, practical workshops and events for early-career researchers took place in Vilnius and at MRU Sudovian Academy in Marijampolė. The programme covered a wide range of research fields and topics – from climate change, environmental monitoring and sustainable development to human rights, education, child well-being, public security, artificial intelligence and research impact.
The Week Began with Discussions on Responsible and Impactful Research
The Pre-Conference Day on 28 September focused on contemporary research methods and the responsible development of science. Dr. Miguel Angelo Raposo Inacio presented the potential of drones and other technologies for environmental monitoring, while Lijana Radzevičienė, a representative of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures, spoke about the responsible use of artificial intelligence in research and academic ethics.
An international perspective was provided by Dr. Katarzyna Świerk from the Institute for the Development of Higher Education in Poland, who explored the societal impact of research and the journey from academic expertise to creating value for society. Kees Kouwenaar, former Secretary General of the Aurora Universities Network and one of the developers of the LOUIS competence framework, discussed the integration of generic competences into subject teaching.
The Pre-Conference Day served as an introduction to the programme of the entire week, during which science was approached not only as a process of creating new knowledge, but also as a means of addressing issues relevant to society and creating tangible impact.
The Role of Science in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
At the official opening of Science and Innovation Week on 29 September, participants were welcomed by MRU Rector Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė. Karolis Kinčius, Head of the Strategic Management and Sustainability Division at the Ministry of Environment, spoke about Lithuania’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the role of science diplomacy. Isabel Toman, a representative of the International Association of Universities, presented international university partnerships and innovation for sustainable development, while Dr. Nomeda Gudelienė, Adviser to the Vice-Rector for Sustainable Development, reviewed MRU’s sustainability journey.
The opening programme also featured a musical performance. Yana Paschenko, a violinist with the Kharkiv Regional Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, performed together with pianist-accompanist Svitlana Ermilina and students of the “Bouquet for Stradivari” studio – Maryna Malašenko, Alisa Solovjova and Ihor Templing. Yana Paschenko is a professional violinist and educator who has worked with Kharkiv orchestras for many years and has trained young musicians, including laureates of international competitions.
The opening also featured a ceremony honouring MRU’s social partners in recognition of their contribution and cooperation with the University.
One of the day’s key highlights was the Climate Forum, “From Knowledge to Action: What Makes Climate Policy Effective?”. The discussion featured Member of the Seimas and former Minister of Environment Simonas Gentvilas and LRT journalist and European Climate Pact Ambassador Karolina Panto. It was moderated by MRU doctoral student and environmental advocate Ieva Budraitė. The discussion explored what is needed to turn scientific knowledge into tangible climate policy decisions.
On the same day, Prof. Dr. Brigita Žuromskaitė invited participants to explore the role of people in building organisational resilience. Participants also had an opportunity to discover MRU’s social innovation laboratories, take part in Climate Fresk workshops and engage in other practical activities focused on sustainability.
From Human Well-Being to Security and Sustainable Justice
The programme on 30 September included more than ten different scientific and practical events. Prof. Dr. Jekaterina Šteinmiller, Prof. Dr. Natalja Istomina and Prof. Dr. Elin Thordardottir discussed health, learning and human development, while Prof. Dr. Goda Kaniušonytė, Vaiva Rimienė, Prof. Dr. Vida Gudžinskienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Justinas Sadauskas explored issues related to child well-being and the preparation of future professionals.
The day’s programme also addressed criminology and public security, online child protection, gender stereotypes in the digital environment, teachers’ involvement in research, information security, the attractiveness of regions to young people and sustainable innovation. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dovilė Sagatienė explored the relevance of memory studies in contemporary society, while Prof. Dr. Mariano Navarro discussed how geopolitical developments in Europe are reflected in Latin American public discourse and social policy.
Legal scholars and practitioners came together for the book presentation and discussion “Sustainable Justice: A Dialogue between Criminal Justice, Civil Justice and Legal Culture”. The event featured Prof. Dr. Agnė Tvaronavičienė, Prof. Dr. Jolanta Zajančkauskienė and Prof. Dr. Justinas Žilinskas and was moderated by Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Bogdziewicz. Perspectives from different fields of law came together in a broader discussion on the development of contemporary law and the concept of sustainable justice.
Focus on Researcher Collaboration and Competences
The October 1st was dedicated to professional networking among researchers from MRU, the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) and Ukraine. One of the main events of the day was the international scientific and practical conference “Human Rights Amidst Modern Challenges: the Ukrainian-Lithuanian Experience”, which addressed contemporary human rights challenges and the experiences of Lithuania and Ukraine.
The conference programme was complemented by a musical performance by Myroslava Kotorovych, Honoured Artist of Ukraine, Associate Professor at the Ukrainian National Academy of Music and violinist with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra. The concert featured works for violin by Ukrainian composers Kyrylo Stetsenko and Hanna Havrylets.
On the same day, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Artūras Jakubavičius, representing the Research Council of Lithuania, spoke about the commercialisation of research and experimental development results in the social sciences. Ieva Katinė presented the principles of patenting at universities and practical opportunities, while Saulius Alksnis and Jolanta Duda from SWPS University explored the importance of mentoring in research. João Aguiar Castro, Prof. Dr. Rimantas Vosylis, Tautvydas Griškevičius and Prof. Dr. Marius Laurinaitis shared their expertise during events dedicated to research data management and storage.
Science Week in Marijampolė
Science and Innovation Week events took place not only in Vilnius but also at MRU Sudovian Academy in Marijampolė, where particular attention was given to social work, education, STEAM learning, careers, inclusive leadership, information security and societal resilience.
Social work professionals, students and alumni discussed the quality of social services, prevention of risky behaviour among young people, professional burnout and the importance of caring for oneself while helping others. Discussions featured MRU Sudovian Academy lecturers Svajonė Rainienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Justinas Sadauskas, as well as alumni and representatives of the social services sector.
During events dedicated to education, Prof. Dr. Violeta Jegelevičienė, Prof. Dr. Asta Railienė, Edita Vosylienė and other participants joined members of the regional education community to discuss STEAM education, the role of career specialists, teacher shortages and inclusive leadership.
The programme in Marijampolė also featured a public panel discussion on hybrid threats and information security. It was moderated by journalist and documentary filmmaker Dominykas Kubilius and featured investigative journalist Vidmantas Balkūnas; Sigutė Stankevičiūtė, an expert in defence technologies and data protection and lecturer at the MRU Public Security Academy; and reserve colonel and defence and military expert Eugenijus Vosylius.
The Week Concluded by Asking Whether Progress Helps Us Live Better
On 2 October, Science and Innovation Week concluded with an event during which MRU Vice-Rector for Research and Studies Dr. Eglė Malinauskienė reflected on and summarised the week’s activities.
The closing event also featured the conversation “Does Progress Help Us Live Better? Culture, Values and Human Choices” with Prof. Dr. Eugenijus Skerstonas, an expert in lifestyle culture, author of ten books and albums, and a Knight of France’s Order of Arts and Letters. Saulius Kromalcas, Head of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Division at the MRU Research and Innovation Centre, joined him for a conversation on the relationship between progress, culture, values and human choices.
The event also included the presentation of nominations to members of the MRU community and awards to the laureates of the Study Innovation Promotion Fund.
The five-day Science and Innovation Week provided a space for researchers from different fields, students, practitioners and members of the wider public to meet, share research results, raise pressing questions and seek solutions that can help turn scientific knowledge into tangible impact for society.
