From September 29 to October 6, representatives of Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) visited the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. The visit took place as part of the MISTI Lithuania programme and alongside the Lithuanian Consortium for Cooperation with MIT. MRU was represented by Prof. Dr. Ilona Bartuševičienė of the Faculty of Public Governance and Business and Prof. Dr. Paulius Pakutinskas of the Law School, who heads the UNESCO Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies and Innovation for Society.
During the visit, the delegation explored MIT’s research and innovation ecosystem, met with researchers and innovation development specialists, discussed current challenges related to technology and societal development, and explored opportunities for international cooperation.
MIT has consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities. The Institute comprises five schools: Architecture and Planning, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and Science, as well as the MIT Sloan School of Management and the Schwarzman College of Computing. It is also home to dozens of interdisciplinary laboratories and centres, including MIT.nano, the Media Lab, and the Plasma Science and Fusion Center. MIT stands out for its cross-disciplinary approach and well-developed innovation ecosystem, which helps translate research ideas into practical solutions.
The visit featured an intensive programme. The delegation met with representatives of MIT’s Technology Licensing Office and Industrial Liaison Program and visited the Plasma Science and Fusion Center and MIT.nano. On October 5, the MIT Media Lab hosted an event organised by the Lithuanian consortium. The event opened with remarks by Prof. Gediminas Urbonas of MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning and Prof. Elizabeth Wood, founder of the MIT-Ukraine programme.
Discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation between MIT and Lithuanian seed funding initiatives, as well as on living labs being developed in Lithuania. These collaborative platforms bring together universities, businesses and the public sector to address challenges in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, energy and societal transformation.
During the visit, Prof. Dr. Ilona Bartuševičienė presented a potential area of cooperation focused on resilient growth. The delegation also established contacts with the MIT Sloan School of Management, where researchers examine how regional innovation ecosystems are built and strengthened by connecting universities, businesses, investors and public institutions. Mutual interest in this field creates opportunities for further cooperation.
Artificial intelligence (AI), its potential, associated risks and impact on society were among the key topics of the visit. Prof. Dr. Paulius Pakutinskas met with researchers from MIT FutureTech and other research groups to discuss the development of trustworthy AI, the evolution of autonomous AI systems, technological risk management and the role of regulation. The discussions also addressed current research challenges, possible approaches to tackling them, and potential areas for collaboration.
These topics are closely linked to research conducted at MRU and the priorities of the University’s UNESCO Centre. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the economy, public governance and everyday life, ensuring that technological progress is not only rapid but also safe, trustworthy and beneficial to society is becoming ever more important. Achieving this requires close cooperation between experts in technology, law, ethics and the social sciences.
The visit coincided with MIT Future Fest, which was opened by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and MIT President Sally Kornbluth. During the event, MIT laboratories and researchers presented their latest work in quantum technologies, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, climate and the future of learning. The event offered an opportunity to explore emerging technologies and their potential applications, as well as to discuss the knowledge and skills that university graduates will need in the future.
In addition to taking part in research discussions, Prof. Dr. Paulius Pakutinskas moderated one of the sessions, which focused on AI’s impact on society. According to the professor, one of the most valuable aspects of the visit was the opportunity to engage directly in dialogue across cultures and gain a closer understanding of MIT’s research culture.
“It was interesting not only to see presentations of the latest technologies and hear from world-class researchers, but also to meet them in person, discuss ideas and exchange perspectives. The opportunity to moderate a discussion on AI’s impact on society was particularly valuable, as this issue is now just as important as technological progress itself.
“I believe that MIT has much to teach not only those of us in Lithuania but also the European academic community. What stands out most is its focus on being concrete, practical and results-oriented. Research is not an end in itself here: even the most ambitious projects are driven by the goal of making a tangible, positive impact on the world.
“One idea expressed during the event particularly stayed with me: if we want to operate on a global scale, we must be part of world-class networks of research, ideas and partnerships. I believe this is an important message for Lithuanian universities as well. We must not simply observe developments around the world; we must actively contribute to shaping the future research and technology agenda.
“As head of a UNESCO Centre focused on the societal impact of AI and emerging technologies, I consider it particularly important to see how world-class research institutions bring together technological progress, responsibility and solutions to real societal challenges. These are areas in which I see considerable potential for interdisciplinary research and international cooperation,” says Prof. Dr. Paulius Pakutinskas.
According to Prof. Dr. Ilona Bartuševičienė, another important outcome of the visit was stronger cooperation among Lithuanian universities. Working together helps identify strategic priorities at the national level and pursue international partnerships through a more coordinated approach.
“MIT is a place where technological development and societal challenges are examined together. This closely aligns with MRU’s strengths in public governance, law, economics and management. Emerging technologies are transforming not only industry but also the way we govern, regulate and educate. This connection gives us an opportunity to be part of these changes rather than observe them from the sidelines,” says Prof. Dr. Ilona Bartuševičienė.
The meetings and discussions during the visit provided new insights, helped identify areas of shared research interest and laid the groundwork for further academic dialogue. The newly established connections are expected to contribute to joint research, international projects and greater visibility for Lithuanian research in the international academic community.
The visit was supported by Gediminas Varvuolis, Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the United States, and Dovydas Špokauskas, Consul General of Lithuania. The Lithuanian Research Council supports the consortium’s activities.
