Research and Innovation

The latest issue of the magazine "Sapere Aude" is now available across VILNIUS TECH, inviting community members to explore one of the university's most important values: openness. The first issue of the magazine this year is dedicated to a theme that is gaining increasing significance in today's world, both within the academic community and society at large. Within the magazine's pages, openness is presented as an attitude reflected in the university's daily activities, founded on collaboration, dialogue, and the ability to embrace diverse opinions. The new issue features a variety of stories from members of the university community – from the achievements of researchers to the experiences of alumni. Readers are invited to discover the inspiring journeys of academics and students, the development of innovations, international initiatives, and creative projects. The publication also highlights the university's connection with society, technological advancements, and contemporary challenges. Attention is also given to the university's new admissions campaign, "Games and Inventions," which invites prospective students to view their studies as a creative and experimental process. It emphasizes that curiosity, experimentation, and even mistakes are an integral part of innovation. The digital version of the magazine can be found here.

From the 23rd till the 27th of March, the Department of Logistics and Transport Management at the Faculty of Transport Engineering organized an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) for international students titled “Reverse Logistics and Environmental Protection.” A total of 37 students from six countries—Austria, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Lithuania—participated in the programme. Working and engaging in discussions within an international community provided a unique opportunity for all participants to deepen their knowledge in the fields of reverse logistics and environmental protection. Throughout the week, participants participated in a variety of academic and practical activities both at the university and beyond. Students attended lectures on the concept of reverse logistics, its advantages and challenges, and explored its application in the aviation sector. The lectures included: “The Concept of Reverse Logistics” (Prof. Dr. Darius Bazaras), “Advantages and Challenges of Reverse Logistics” (Prof. Dr. Nijolė Batarlienė), “Reverse Logistics in the Aviation Industry” (Marius Gelžinis). In addition, various practical sessions were held in the Transport Engineering and Logistics Laboratory, where students worked on logistics process organization tasks and strengthened their teamwork skills. The programme was further enriched by activities outside the university. Participants explored the principles of the circular economy and took part in creative workshops where products were made from recycled materials. Additionally, students tested their skills in a practical crisis management logistics activity. The practical sessions included: “How Circular Economy Principles Work” – COMMUNE DIY, Practical activity “Education and Production of Items from Recycled Skateboards” – COMMUNE DIY, Practical activity “Crisis Management in Logistics” – Danger Park. An important part of the programme was student project work focused on reverse logistics and environmental protection in the context of various crises (geopolitical, economic, technological, etc.). The programme concluded with student project presentations, which were evaluated by experts from the Department of Logistics and Transport Management. The evaluation committee consisted of Prof. Dr. Darius Bazaras, Prof. Dr. Aldona Jarašūnienė, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kristina Čižiūnienė. “We are pleased with the active participation and engagement of all attendees during this intensive week full of knowledge, collaboration, and cultural exchange. We believe this experience contributed to strengthening students’ competencies and fostering a more sustainable future for logistics and transport. It is also encouraging that awarding digital badges to all project participants, recognizing their achievements and acquired competencies, is becoming a valued tradition,” said the Dean of the Faculty Prof. Dr. Olegas Prentkovskis. We would like to thank for the event organizer, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kristina Čižiūnienė!

Researchers from the Faculty of Transport Engineering at VILNIUS TECH - Prof. Dr. Olegas Prentkovskis, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mykola Karpenko, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paulius Skačkauskas - together with colleagues from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Dr. Eng. Krzysztof Towarnicki and Habilitated Dr. Eng. Michał Stosiak, have received international recognition. The researchers were awarded a recognition diploma by the Polish Federation of Engineering Associations (abbreviation: NOT; Polish: Federacja Stowarzyszeń Naukowo-Technicznych „Naczelna Organizacja Techniczna”) for their joint Polish patent titled “Hydraulic Lifting Valve with Compensation of External Mechanical Vibrations.” The award was granted in the competition “For Outstanding Achievements in Engineering,” organized by the NOT Council, which honors the most significant engineering accomplishments of the year. The developed hydraulic lifting valve is intended for use in various hydraulic systems, particularly in drive systems operating under conditions of external vibrations. Such vibrations are typical in machinery, mobile equipment, and special-purpose vehicles. According to the Dean of the Faculty of Transport Engineering, Prof. Dr. Olegas Prentkovskis, this recognition reflects the high level of research and its practical relevance “This award demonstrates our researchers’ competence and their ability to develop innovative engineering solutions applicable in industry. International collaboration and the advancement of technological innovation are among the Faculty’s strategic priorities.” These scientific achievements strengthen VILNIUS TECH  position in the international field of engineering and transport research and promote further collaboration with foreign academic and industry partners.