Research and Innovation

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...

Thinking about „Erasmus+“ but have lots of questions? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked ones.   How to choose a university? Choosing a university is a very personal decision. Are you looking for strong programs in a specific field, or do you have a dream country or city in mind? First, ask yourself why you want to go on “Erasmus+”: is it to travel, to study, or both?   Erasmus+ is a great opportunity for those who want to explore new places as well as for students who want to dive deeper into their academic discipline. It’s important to decide early so you can get the most out of your Erasmus+ experience.   Next, consider the level of difficulty you want in your studies. University rankings can give a good indication of academic rigor. If your goal is to deepen your knowledge and access top-tier resources, choose a university with a higher ranking.   If your main motivation is travel and exploration, look for a university with a more flexible study plan. Your Erasmus+ experience should match your goals, not make you want to cut it short.   Writing a motivation letter   Keep it concise. Clearly explain why you should be selected for Erasmus+ and why you want to study at your chosen university. Specificity is key.   Budget considerations Consider your financial situation carefully. In large cities or capitals, the stipend may not cover all expenses, while in smaller cities or countries, it might be more than enough. Research the local economy before deciding.    Finding accommodation Erasmus+ does not provide housing, so you will need to arrange it yourself. Research accommodations carefully to avoid scams or overpriced options. It’s also a good idea to reach out to university student networks for recommendations and potential warnings.   Study language Check that your chosen university offers courses in English. Some students have been surprised to find their courses taught only in the local language. In such cases, you usually have one month to change your subjects.   Going with friends Yes, you and your friend can apply together if there are available spots. The university always tries to send such groups together, and most of the time it works out. Just make sure to mention it during the Erasmus+ selection interview.   Increasing your chances For universities with high acceptance thresholds, your chances are best if you apply two semesters in advance.   Your faculty’s Erasmus+ coordinator can answer any additional questions and guide you through the application process.   The coordinator for the Faculty of Electronics is Vytautas Abromavičius: vytautas.abromavicius@vilniustech.lt 

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.