On May 15, a traditional “Celebration of Scientific Thought” was held at Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) to commemorate the birthday of Professor Mykolas Römeris. The event brought together members of the University community, students, alumni, relatives of Prof. M. Römeris, and guests to reflect on the ideas, academic legacy, and significance of this distinguished figure to Lithuanian statehood.
The celebration began with musical performances by the MRU Women’s Choir, conducted by Juozas Mantas Jauniškis. The choir was accompanied by Robertas Semeniukas and Vitalija Semeniukienė. The event was opened with welcoming remarks by MRU Rector Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė.
“Today, when the world is once again facing war, aggression, propaganda, and the distortion of truth, the professor’s words that science must remain free, sincere, and courageous resonate especially strongly. This is not merely a historical legacy, it is a moral commitment for all of us,” said the Rector.
The celebration also featured a ceremonial awards presentation, during which honorary insignias of the MRU Senate were awarded to individuals whose academic, civic, and public activities have made a significant contribution to both the University community and society. The MRU Senate has declared the 2025–2026 academic year the Year of Connections, an invitation to strengthen community ties, cooperation, and openness.
Presenting the recipients of the honorary insignias, Senate Chair Prof. Dr. Romas Prakapas emphasized: “A university is not a building, not study programs, and not an administrative structure. A university is a connection.”
This year, MRU Senate honorary insignias were awarded to director Julius Dautartas, Prof. Dr. Vytautas Sinkevičius, and Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union Dr. Rimvydas Norkus for their dedication to strengthening international, community, and state ties.
During the event, students read childhood memories written by Jadvyga Vitkauskienė, daughter of Prof. M. Römeris, about her father, revealing the human and personal side of this distinguished personality.
At the celebration, MRU Professor Dr. Ieva Deviatnikovaitė delivered a lecture titled “The Activities of Mykolas Römeris and Lithuanian Statehood.” The presentation explored the connections between the professor’s legal work and the development of Lithuanian statehood, as well as his intellectual contribution to the creation of the modern state.
Special attention during the event was devoted to the initiatives of young creators and researchers, as well as innovative interpretations of history. The results of an essay competition organized for students of Obeliai Gymnasium in the Rokiškis district, dedicated to reflecting on the personality and legacy of Prof. Mykolas Römeris, were announced. The most original and mature student works were recognized.
The best student works submitted for the publication “Celebration of Scientific Thought 2026,” reflecting academic creativity and the exploration of relevant topics, were also awarded. This initiative aims to encourage student involvement in scientific activities and foster a creative approach to academic research. Sixteen students from various MRU faculties, as well as one team for a collaborative research project, received awards.
Participants also viewed AI generated video works titled “Mykolas Römeris Between History and Algorithm,” in which interpretations of historical texts and dialogues were presented using contemporary technologies.
A virtual exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Prof. Mykolas Römeris also attracted considerable interest. The interactive exhibition, presenting his contribution to the development of Lithuanian statehood, was introduced by MRU Librarian Rytis Laurinavičius.
The celebration concluded with informal discussions in the Rotunda Hall, where participants shared insights, ideas, and reflections on the relevance of Professor Mykolas Römeris’ legacy in today’s society.
