Faculty of Civil Engineering

On February 26th, we invite you to participate in the VILNIUS TECH "Well-being Day" – an online event dedicated to raising awareness about mental health. We will cover neurodevelopmental disorders, universal design, youth mental health, and the importance of the student-lecturer relationship.   We will openly and boldly discuss important topics, share experiences, and seek new ways to improve emotional well-being. Note: the only lecture in English will be “I’m neurodivergent and I want everyone to know that…” (from 10.10 AM), but we invite you to participate in Lithuanian lectures too! It's a good chance to improve your languange skills.    PROGRAM   10:00-10:10 | Opening Remarks 10:10-11:10 | (In English) “I’m neurodivergent and I want everyone to know that…”: psychological insights from university students | Miglė Rudytė – VILNIUS TECH Psychologist, Coordinator for Students with Individual Needs, and PhD student at the VU Institute of Psychology. The presentation will address the mental health of young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders and the challenges they face in higher education. It will cover the main symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders, common co-occurring conditions, and learning difficulties 11:10-12:10 | Youth Psychological Well-being in Times of Unrest and Artificial Intelligence | Giedrė Dautartaitė – Clinical Psychologist, Specialist at the Vilnius City Public Health Bureau. She will provide an overview of the current youth mental health situation, common difficulties, and available support options. 12:10-13:00 | Lunch Break 13:00-14:00 | Universal Design for Learning and Higher Education | Indrė Širvinskaitė – President of the Lithuanian Disability Forum. This lecture will examine accessibility in higher education – from legal frameworks to practical application. The principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) will be introduced, along with opportunities to apply them in the study process. The session will discuss how applying UDL principles can help create an inclusive learning environment not only for students with disabilities but for all students. 14:00-15:00 | Discussion: The Lecturer-Student Relationship in the Study Process | Participants: Dr. Sigita Kamašauskė (Lecturer at the Faculty of Creative Industries, Doctor of Communication Science), Tautvydas Kvietkauskas (Lecturer and PhD student at the Faculty of Fundamental Sciences), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vilius Vertelis (Associate Professor at the Faculty of Electronics), Vita Vasionienė (Technician at the Materials Science and Welding Laboratory). Moderated by: Psychologist Rasa Urbanavičiūtė. LINK TO JOIN: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/35094064956685...

On February 13, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) conferred the title of Honorary Doctor upon Professor Hartmut Pasternak, Habilitated Doctor, of the Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU, Germany). He is a distinguished scientist in the field of steel and composite structures, a long-standing leader in the academic community, and an active partner of VILNIUS TECH.   The Honorary Doctorate was granted at the initiative of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, in recognition of his exceptional merits to engineering science, his significant contribution to international academic cooperation, and his long-term, consistent partnership with VILNIUS TECH.   "This is a particularly important event for us – in the entire history of the university since 1990, we are conferring this title for the 33rd time. We highly value Prof. Dr. H. Pasternak’s friendship with VILNIUS TECH, as well as his merits to engineering science and his active pedagogical activity.   The Professor is our long-term partner, a talented mentor to doctoral students, a developer of standards and regulations, constantly interested in civil engineering achievements in Lithuania, a promoter of our country's bridges, and a loyal co-author – we are grateful to you that Lithuanian engineering wisdom is heard in international journals and conferences," said University Rector Romualdas Kliukas in his congratulatory speech.   According to Prof. H. Pasternak, this is not only an academic acknowledgment but also a symbolic sign of cooperation between VILNIUS TECH and the scientist.   "The conferring of the Honorary Doctor title is a great and truly exceptional honor. For me personally, it means recognition and appreciation. It is a sign of the special bond between VILNIUS TECH and myself, which we should cherish in the future as well," says the Professor.   Internationally Renowned Scientist and Expert   Prof. H. Pasternak is one of the most prominent specialists in steel and composite structures in Europe. From 1993 to 2020, he headed the Chair of Steel and Timber Structures at BTU, and from 2016 to 2019, he served as the Head of the Institute of Civil Engineering at BTU. In 2021, he was elected a full member of the Brunswick Scientific Society (BWG) in Germany for his scientific achievements.   The Professor is an active member of the European Convention for Constructional Steelwork (ECCS) Technical Committee 8, contributing to the solution of stability issues in steel structures and the development of European standards. He also participated in European Commission project working groups "Crane supporting structures" and "Web openings," COST C25 activities, and more than 15 international projects (DAAD, RFCS, DFG, AiF, DVS, etc.).   Since 1999, Prof. H. Pasternak has been one of the editors-in-chief of the scientific journal Bauingenieur (indexed in the Web of Science database), overseeing the field of steel structures. He also serves on the editorial boards of many international scientific journals, including the Journal of Civil Engineering and Management and Engineering Structures & Technologies published by VILNIUS TECH.   During his academic career, the Professor has published more than 270 scientific publications, co-authored five books in German and English, and supervised 24 defended doctoral dissertations.   Practical Experience and International Recognition   In addition to his academic activities, Prof. H. Pasternak is a recognized expert in structural engineering. Since 1995, he has been appointed as a checking engineer (expert) in the field of structural engineering and has performed expertise for complex, internationally known construction projects, including the CargoLifter airship hangar, the Porsche pavilion, and the double-curved roofs of the AKC Wolfsburg and the Schierke Feuerstein arena.   Prof. H. Pasternak is constantly interested in civil engineering achievements in Lithuania and participates in various field trips. After visiting the newly built innovative pedestrian bridge across the Nemunas in Alytus (the White Rose Bridge), the Professor requested a publication about this structure for the journal Bauingenieur in order to publicize new and innovative Lithuanian bridges.   The Professor also actively participates in international conferences worldwide – from Europe to Australia and South Africa – as a member of scientific committees and a keynote speaker.   Long-standing Partnership with VILNIUS TECH   Prof. H. Pasternak has been collaborating with VILNIUS TECH for more than two decades. He was one of the initiators of the partnership between VILNIUS TECH and BTU and coordinated institutional cooperation for about 20 years, including under the Erasmus program.   The Professor has visited VILNIUS TECH ten times, delivering lectures to students of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and sharing the latest knowledge on innovations in steel structures. Recent lectures include "Outstanding Steel Buildings in Germany – Some Engineering Aspects" (2023) and "Use of Bonded Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) for Reinforcement and Renovation of Fatigue-Damaged Steel Structures" (2024).   From 2004 to 2023, Prof. H. Pasternak was a member of the scientific committee and a guest speaker at the VILNIUS TECH international conference "Modern Building Materials, Structures and Techniques" (MBMST), where he delivered seven keynote speeches.   At his initiative, five publications by VILNIUS TECH scientists were published in the journal Bauingenieur, and in 2022, a joint article with VILNIUS TECH researchers was published in the journal Applied Sciences. There are plans to continue joint publications in the near future.   Prof. H. Pasternak actively contributes to the education of young VILNIUS TECH scientists – he participated in the defense councils of six doctoral dissertations, and this June, he was a member of the defense council for three more doctoral students. His expert insights and international experience significantly contribute to strengthening the quality of studies and research at the university.   The last time the VILNIUS TECH Honorary Doctor title was conferred was in 2023 to Prof. Algis Mickūnas, a philosopher and professor at Ohio University (USA).

On February 9, the event “Erasmus for Creators” took place at the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability Center, bringing together students interested in Erasmus+ study and internship opportunities.   During the event, participants had the opportunity to learn more about various foreign universities, including ATHENA Alliance partner institutions, hear Erasmus students share their experiences of studying and completing internships in different countries, and receive practical advice for planning an international experience. Attendees could also take part in individual consultations on how to complete their applications and learn what to pay the most attention to when preparing for mobility.   For participating in the event, students were awarded a digital Internationalization Badge, symbolizing openness to the world and international experience.   According to Hatice Kubra Kaya, President of the VILNIUS TECH Erasmus Student Network (ESN), such meetings are highly important for the university community: “This event brings together different groups of students: incoming Erasmus+ students who present their home countries, Lithuanian students who have already returned from exchange and share their experiences, and those who are still considering this opportunity.”   She also shared her personal experience. During her studies, she participated in Erasmus+ exchanges three times: she studied in Palermo, Italy, and completed two internships in Germany. She noted that she made the most of all the opportunities available and encouraged other students not to be afraid of international challenges.   “For me, the best part of Erasmus is meeting new people. You not only learn about different cultures and languages, but you also begin to understand the world better. For example, in Italy I learned to relax more and simply enjoy the moment,” says H. K. Kaya.   According to her, Erasmus helped her become a different person, and her greatest asset is the friends she now has all around the world. “Now I have a friend in almost every country. I can travel anywhere knowing that I will have a home there.”   The ESN President also debunked the myth that going on exchange leaves no time for travel. “The scholarship is definitely sufficient if you know how to plan. I not only traveled all around Italy but also visited neighboring countries. And I managed to combine all of that with my studies and successfully pass my exams.”   REMINDER: The application deadline for Erasmus+ study exchanges for the 2026–2027 academic year is February 16 (Monday)! How to apply? Applications for study exchange can be submitted by all full time VILNIUS TECH students. Application process: Applications to EU universities can Mobility online system (Instruction). Choose EU university from the list. Applications to NON-EU universities can be submitted through the Mobility online system (Instruction). More information here. You are welcome to make both applications for EU and NON-EU universities. All you have to do is: Pick three universities from your partner‘s list. Discuss your choices with your faculty Erasmus+ coordinator – find your coordinator here. Fill your application in Mobility online system until February 16th. Here you can find more information. More photos: here.

We invite you to join the Masterclass "Navigating Creative Industries with Generative AI" on February 11, from 12:30 to 15:45. This is a practical, creative workshop for anyone interested in the creative industries and looking to better understand how generative artificial intelligence is transforming the creative process.   The event will be an in-person workshop (with practical examples and discussions) held in SNR III 209 (Assembly Hall). The masterclass will be conducted in English.   During this masterclass, you will: Explore the most relevant generative AI tools (for text, image, sound, video, 3D). Analyze real-world case studies from the creative industries (e.g., Marvel, Fortnite). Discuss authorship, ethics, and creative control. Explore ways to use AI as a creative partner rather than a competitor.   Masterclass Structure:   Block 1 (12:30–14:00) – Foundations & Tools   The first part is dedicated to demystifying generative AI in the creative industries. Participants will be introduced to: What generative AI is (and what it is not). Key creative and ethical questions. An overview of the most relevant AI tools used for: Ideation and chat. Image creation. 3D objects. Sound and voice. Video and animation. Coffee break (14:00–14:15)   Block 2 (14:15–15:45) – Industry Use & Case Studies   The second part focuses on practical application and critical thinking: Analysis of real-world industry cases (e.g., Marvel, Fortnite). A discussion on AI-driven creative workflows. Best practices for maintaining consistency, authorship, and creative identity. About the lecturer:   An ARTFX graduate, Nicolas Counil quickly adopted Unreal Engine as his primary tool. Driven by a strong passion for new technologies, he has already gained extensive professional experience, working on a wide variety of projects ranging from video games to television series and virtual production.   He has contributed to such large-scale projects as Fortnite, the Apple TV+ series "Constellation," and the Ubisoft game "Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope."