Artificial intelligence, climate change, enhancement of Lithuania’s defense, digitalization, and livable cities – these are just a few of today’s most pressing topics both in Lithuania and globally. These topics will be explored by experts from Lithuania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) at a conference this autumn titled, “Human and More-Than-Human Futures: Innovating Technologies for Coexistence. The event will be broadcast live by Lithuanian National Radio and Television.
 
The conference, which will be held on 9–10 October in Vilnius and Kaunas, is organized by the Consortium of 12 major Lithuanian universities, research centers, and companies, coordinated by Vytautas Magnus University (VMU). The event has been made possible by an agreement with MIT’s Center for International Studies and MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI).
 
The conference will bring together Lithuanian and MIT scientists, as well as representatives from Lithuanian business and industry, to discuss the challenges of technological transformations. The discussions will cover today’s most relevant issues associated with quantum technologies, resilient cities, energy, biotechnology, education, and other fields.
 
“This conference will bring together scientists, the academic community, and leaders from politics and industry. We hope that this conference marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that will strengthen Lithuania’s research, promote innovation, and open up new spaces for our talents to collaborate with U.S. scientists”, notes Dr. Gintaras Valinčius, Chairman of the Research Council of Lithuania.
 
MIT is a recognized leader in science and innovation. The university’s alumni and staff include over 100 Nobel laureates, more than 80 MacArthur Fellows, about 20 Turing Award winners, and many other award recipients. In fiscal year 2024, MIT researchers filed over 600 new U.S. patents and formed over 20 companies using MIT intellectual property.

Focus on New Ideas

This interdisciplinary conference aims to understand complex technologies by discussing the prerequisites of justice and well-being necessary for coexistence. Participants will share knowledge and explore ways to create a better future in which people, technology, and nature coexist harmoniously. The main focus will be on new ideas for transitioning from merely “smart” technologies to systems that are sensory and self-learning. In other words, methods will be sought on how to develop technologies that not only follow commands but also adapt to humans and consider their environment, with humans still remaining the key creators and users.
 
The delegation from MIT will be led by Prof. Duane Boning, Vice Provost for International Activities, and include about ten faculty and researchers.
 
On the second day, conference participants will be able to join one of the four discussion groups to address strategically important topics as well as aspirations for a longer-term and expanded collaboration between MIT and Lithuania. The discussions aim to prepare recommendations for policymakers and contribute to bolstering Lithuania’s strategic goals.
 
Agreement with a Global Leader in Science and Innovation
 
This event follows the signing of an agreement between the MIT Center for International Studies, MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI), and twelve Lithuanian science and business partners earlier this year. Planned forms of cooperation currently include student internships in Lithuania and early-stage research grants.
 
It is expected that these ties could open many opportunities – participation in the MIT MISTI program will strengthen Lithuania’s reputation and visibility as an innovation and technology hub, contribute to creating high-skilled jobs, and modernize the country’s education system by introducing innovative teaching methods.

According to artist and MIT professor Gediminas Urbonas, MIT’s engagement with Lithuania connects world-class expertise with a vibrant local research culture and gives Lithuanian innovation a global stage.

“By linking MIT scholars with Lithuanian partners, we co-create knowledge, accelerate breakthroughs, and cultivate talent for the world’s hardest problems. As an artist, I see this as a shared laboratory of diverse intelligences – where science, technology, the arts, and the humanities meet as equals to shape values, deepen democratic life, and imagine practical paths toward more just and livable futures”, explains Prof. Urbonas.
 
A Game for Solving Ecological Challenges
 
During the conference, students in Lithuania will have the opportunity to try a unique tool – a game designed to develop sustainability knowledge. Internationally recognized Lithuanian artists and MIT researchers Nomeda and Gediminas Urbonas, in collaboration with French scientists, have created the role-playing game Wetland.games, aimed at fostering ecosystem awareness and promoting sustainability. Taking on various roles, the players explore the wetlands as a system of collective intelligence and look for common solutions while navigating ecological, social, and other interdependencies.
 
The conference Human and More-Than-Human Futures: Innovating Technologies for Coexistence is organized by the Lithuanian Consortium and supported by the Research Council of Lithuania.
 
Registration here.
The number of places is limited. Registration will be active until September 20th.


Members of the Lithuanian Consortium for collaboration with MIT: coordinator Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas University of Technology, Klaipėda University, Vilnius University, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius Academy of Arts, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Lithuanian Energy Institute, AB Ignitis Group, LTG Group, UAB Euromonitor International – Eastern Europe, and UAB Novian.