MOin – MRU Science and Innovation Week 2026
Mykolas Romeris University is organizing its Science and Innovation Week for the second time. This year’s main theme is “MRU Research Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.” Taking place from September 28 to October 2, 2026, the week highlights the diversity of scientific research conducted at the University, its results and impact on society, as well as its links to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The five-day programme showcases research and initiatives across various fields of science, including social sciences, law, economics, political science, communication, and other disciplines. It presents research findings, ongoing projects, and the activities of academic units, while addressing relevant issues related to society, the state, and international cooperation. Particular attention is given to how scientific knowledge and research findings contribute to societal well-being, social change, and a more sustainable future.
The Science and Innovation Week programme includes scientific events, thematic sessions, discussions, meetings with social and public-sector partners, specialized training for researchers, networking activities, and other academic initiatives. The programme also highlights the activities of the University’s laboratories and research centres, promotes collaboration across different scientific disciplines, and encourages the sharing of research findings and best practices.
An important part of the week’s programme is international engagement and the involvement of early-career researchers. Integrated into the Science and Innovation Week is the ERUA Early-Career Researchers’ Week, which includes activities focused on professional development, international cooperation, discussions, and networking. The programme also features the Doctoral Society’s international conference “Social Transformations in Contemporary Society” (STICS), bringing together doctoral researchers from ERUA universities and providing a platform for presenting their research and fostering academic dialogue.
- September 28 – Pre-Conference Day, focusing on environmental monitoring using drones, the responsible use of artificial intelligence in science, academic ethics, research impact on society, and sustainability.
- September 29 – Opening Day, focusing on MRU research on sustainable development, innovation, and its practical application. The programme includes the opening of Science and Innovation Week, laboratory presentations, workshops for early-career researchers, and discussions on climate change, inclusion, innovation, and organisational resilience.
- September 30 – Research and Practical Discussions Day, focusing on current societal challenges and their solutions. Topics include health, education, child well-being, security, justice, climate change, artificial intelligence, and technology.
- October 1 – Researchers’ Day, dedicated to professional networking among MRU, ERUA, and Ukrainian researchers, international cooperation, and strengthening research competencies. The programme includes seminars on research data management, academic publishing, mentoring, global challenges, and researchers’ well-being.
- October 2 – Closing Day, focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration, interaction between doctoral students and lecturers, achievements of early-career researchers, and recognition of MRU researchers for activities contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Science and Innovation Week events will take place at MRU in Vilnius and Marijampolė, with some activities organised in a hybrid format.
The full programme is available below:
PROGRAM
9:00–10:30 Lecture in English “Drone-based Environmental Monitoring”, presented by Dr. Miguel Angelo Raposo Inacio, Room L-102 (Didlaukio Str. 55, Vilnius).
10:45–12:15 Introductory event “Artificial Intelligence in Science: Responsible Use and Academic Ethics”, Room L-101 (Didlaukio Str. 55, Vilnius).
13:30–15:00 Online event in English “Understanding and Demonstrating the Societal Impact of Research – From academic excellence to societal value”, presented by Katarzyna Świerk.
15:15–16:45 Seminar in English “Integrating transversal competence development into subject-focused teaching”, led by Kees Kouwenaar, Room L-102 (Didlaukio Str. 55, Vilnius).
PROGRAM
9:00–10:50 Science and Innovation Week opening event, Room C-I-414 (Ateities Str. 20, Vilnius).
11:00 – 12:15 MRU Social Innovation Laboratories Open Day: Interactive tour “Discover MRU LAB”, Room L-102 (Didlaukio Str. 55, Vilnius).
13:30–15:00 Climate Forum “The Dynamics of Communication in the Decarbonisation Process: Framing Solutions, Mediation and the Pace of Decision-Making”.
13:30–15:00 Lecture “It’s Not Heroes Who Save Organisations: The Role of Human Resources in a VUCA World”, Room C-II-230 (Ateities Str. 20, Vilnius).
15:15–16:45 Practical workshop “Student Brainstorm: Do You Already Know Everything About Sustainability?”.
15:15–16:45 Lecture “Accessibility through Innovation – A Strategy for Competitive Organisations and a Resilient State”, Room L-102 (Didlaukio Str. 55, Vilnius).
15:15–16:45 Workshop “Climate Frescoes”, facilitated by Justina Markevičienė – sustainability expert, consultant and educator, Room C-II-230 (Ateities Str. 20, Vilnius).
PROGRAM
9:00–10:30 Thematic session in English “Evidence-based solutions for health, education and human development”.
9:00–10:30 Lecture in English “Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Digital Narratives: Research and Participation”, Dr I. Palomo-Domínguez.
9:00–10:30 Thematic session “Criminology and public safety: an analysis of contemporary threats”.
10:45–12:15 Thematic session “Child welfare and the training of future professionals”.
10:45–12:15 Discussion ‘”Between progress and ethics: how we actually use AI in legal research – sharing experiences on best practices and pitfalls”, moderated by Prof. Dr. Salvija Mulevičienė (Head of the MRU Justice Research Laboratory, Professor at the Law School) and Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Bogdziewicz (Head of the MRU Human Rights Research Laboratory, Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs at the Law School).
10:45–12:15 Round-table discussion “On screen and beyond: protecting children online”.
10:45–12:15 Lecture “Us’ and ‘them’: does language create division?” The event is organised in partnership with the Lithuanian Centre for Inclusion in Education.
10:45–12:15 Seminar in English “Digital Twins for Civil Security: Risk Perception and Crisis Preparedness”, led by Prof. Dr Aelita Skaržauskienė and Lecturer Gintarė Gulevičiūtė (Institute of Communication, Faculty of Human and Social Studies, MRU).
13:30–15:00 Book presentation and discussion “Sustainable Justice: A Dialogue between Criminal and Civil Justice and Legal Culture”, with Prof. Dr. Agnė Tvaronavičienė (Institute of Private Law), Prof. Dr. Jolanta Zajančkauskienė (Institute of Criminal Law and Procedure), Prof. Dr. Justinas Žilinskas (Institute of International and European Union Law); moderator – Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Bogdziewicz (Head of the MRU Human Rights Research Laboratory, Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs at the Law School).
13:30–16:45 Seminar in English, as part of the CRA-COMP project: “Information Security and Domain Protection in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises”.
13:30–15:00 Lecture “Academic Research and Practice in the Field of Children’s Rights: How Do We Train Specialists Today?”.
13:30–15:00 Lecture “The Issue of Environmental Damage in the Context of Climate Change”.
13:30–15:00 Discussion “Are teachers ready to be co-researchers?”. The discussion is organised by the Consolidated Teacher Training Centre, which brings together KTU, MRU, LSU and VIKO.
15:15–16:45 Lecture in English “Counter Threat Network Operations and Convergence?”, presented by Kevin Douglas Stringer.
15:15–16:45 Lecture “Where do young people want to live today? The attractiveness of regions to young people”.
15:15–16:45 Lecture “The Specifics of Implementing Sustainable Innovations”.
15:15–16:45 Public lecture in English and online “Memory in Action: why Memory Studies are Relevant Today?”.
15:15–16:45 Lecture in English and online “Echoes of Geopolitical Events in Europe in Latin American Public Space and Social Policy”, presented by Prof. Dr. Mindaugas Briedis, Prof. Dr. Mariano Navarro.
Conference “A Partnership that Fosters Growth: Academia, Practice and Future Leaders of Social Organisations”
10:45–10:50 Welcome remarks to the event participants.
10:50–11:05 “A Partnership that Fosters Growth: Theory and Practice”, presented by Dr. Jolita Gečienė – Lecturer at MRU, Head of the SSGĮVA, and Head of the Anykščiai Social Care Home.
11:05–11:20 “You don’t become a leader overnight: a journey shaped by experience”, present by Vaidotas Vaitkus, member of the SSGĮVA, Head of the Lioliai Social Care Home.
11:20–11:35 “Conscious Leadership and AI”, presented by Rasa Žukauskienė, member of the SSGĮVA, Head of the Merkinė Care Home.
11:35–12:00 “Leadership in a social services organisation: challenges, solutions and best practice from Latvia”, presented by Solvita Rudoviča, head of the “Mežciems” Social Care Centre in Riga.
12:00–12:15 “Inter-institutional partnership. Exchange of experiences among leaders”, presented by Andžela Brazienė, Deputy Chair of the SSGĮVA and Director of the Šeduva Care Home.
12:15–13:10 Discussion forum: remarks by event participants and discussion.
13:10–13:15 Summary of the event.
PROGRAM
9:00–10:30 Lecture “Choosing the right publisher. How to choose a publisher for an academic book?”.
10:45–12:15 Lecture “Mentoring in academia”.
13:30–15:00 Discussion in English, as part of the CRA-COMP project: “Information Security and Domain Protection in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises”.
13:30–15:00 Lecture in English and online “Effective Strategies for Research Data Management”, presented by João Castro.
15:15–16:45 MRU’s experience with Nextcloud and CRIS.
PROGRAM
10.45–15.00 Closing ceremony of the event week.
PROGRAM
PROGRAM
The International Scientific Conference for Young Researchers – Social Transformations in Contemporary Society (STICS) is an annual conference held since 2013 at Mykolas Romeris University. In 2026, the conference marks its 14th edition, continuing its tradition of providing an international platform for early-career scholars to discuss social change in contemporary societies.
The program will be available soon: https://stics.mruni.eu/programme/