On 3–4 December 2025, the final conference of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project “I-MAT – Innovative Mobility Attracting Tools for Latin America” was held in Bogotá, Colombia. The event showcased the outcomes of three years of intensive cooperation. The I-MAT project was implemented by a consortium of nine universities from Europe (Portugal, Lithuania, and Poland) and Latin America (Brazil, Peru, and Colombia). This diverse partnership brought together complementary strengths: the structured internationalisation management of European universities and the Latin American universities’ leadership in inclusion and virtual exchange (i.e., Collaborative Online International Learning, COIL). As a project partner, VILNIUS TECH played a significant role in contributing to the project’s success. Researchers from the VILNIUS TECH Institute of Dynamic Management, Prof. Dr Indrė Lapinskaitė and Assoc. Prof. Dr Viktorija Stasytytė, conducted an extensive study involving over 4,000 students and 1,000 staff members from partner universities in Latin America. The research identified key factors hindering international mobility among students and staff. Its insights and recommendations – related to motivation, communication, and support services – formed an essential basis for designing tools to enhance internationalisation across partner universities. Representatives of the VILNIUS TECH International Relations Office organised a week-long practical workshop in Vilnius and delivered training sessions to colleagues from Colombian universities on internationalisation strategies and development measures. They shared best practices and contributed to the creation of the project’s core outputs: the Catalogue of Tools (CoT) for promoting mobility, and the I-MOB mobile application, which presents academic exchange opportunities within the I-MAT partnership. All I-MAT project results share a common goal: to make internationalisation more accessible, and mobility processes clearer, simpler, and more inclusive. Prepared in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, the CoT is a practical instrument for evaluating a university’s internationalisation maturity. It enables institutions to identify suitable measures to advance management, internationalisation of the curriculum, digitalisation, student and staff mobility, and communication. Creative events organised by Latin American partners to promote internationalisation among students and staff have also inspired VILNIUS TECH to introduce similar initiatives. Participation in the I-MAT project has not only strengthened existing partnerships and helped to build new connections with Latin American universities but also enhanced the global visibility of VILNIUS TECH and Lithuania. Further information about I-MAT and its outputs can be found on the project website: https://i-mat.eu/

On 26–27 February, Vilnius will host the international wood architecture and engineering forum “Forum Wood Building Baltic”, bringing together architects, engineers, researchers, business representatives and urban planners from the Baltic, Nordic and Western European countries. The event is part of the international network Forum Holzbau, which unites leading European universities and operates as a platform for knowledge and technology transfer in the field of contemporary sustainable timber construction.   Registration here The forum for the Baltic region is organised by Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH), Riga Technical University (RTU), Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) and Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA). This is the second time the forum is being held in Vilnius. Timber as a response to climate challenges In the Nordic and Baltic countries, timber – a traditional building material – has gained new significance in the context of sustainability. Renewable resources, advanced research and technological innovation are opening up new possibilities for high-quality, sustainable and aesthetically distinctive buildings. “Today, timber is no longer merely a symbol of tradition. It is a strategic choice that helps address climate change, resource scarcity and the environmental impact of the construction sector. The forum becomes a meeting point for science, practice and business,” says Dr Liutauras Nekrošius, Associate Professor at VILNIUS TECH and Chair of the Scientific Committee. According to him, the aim of the event is to bring together representatives from different fields for a common discussion: university researchers, practising architects and engineers, timber structure manufacturers, contractors, real estate developers, urban planners, public administrators and heritage specialists. Two-day symposium and innovation exhibition The forum will consist of a two-day symposium and an exhibition of manufacturing and construction companies. The conference programme includes six oral presentation sessions, and for the first time this year, a poster session will also be organised. “We deliberately structure the sessions so that professionals from different disciplines and countries meet in the same room. Only interdisciplinary dialogue can lead to genuine innovation,” emphasises Dr Nekrošius. “This year, it is particularly important for us to actively involve students, doctoral candidates and young architects and engineers in the discussion.” Experts from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Spain and Germany will deliver presentations at the forum. From biophilic schools to timber apartment buildings Among the speakers are renowned architects and engineers whose work transcends the boundaries of a single profession. Architect Arūnas Liola and structural engineer Žydrūnas Jurgelionis will present a joint lecture on the challenges of implementing the “Sanctum” centre, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Professor Pekka Heikkinen from Aalto University will discuss the links between university research, education and the construction market. Architects Thomas Jørgensen and Markus Kaasik will share their experience in designing biophilic and context-sensitive school buildings, while Rūdis Rubenis will present a community library project. Among the social impact initiatives, architects Margarita Kaučikaitė and Evelina Vasiliauskaitė will introduce their travelling architecture workshops, which empower young people in smaller towns to participate in shaping their own environments. Architect Viktorija Blažienė will demonstrate how architecture can become a tool of humanitarian aid for war-affected Ukraine. Architects Johannes Hübner and Tina Selami are conducting experimental research in renovation and new construction, while Joakim Kaminsky will present a 12-storey timber apartment building insulated with straw – an innovation that raises sustainability standards to a new level. Engineering solutions and market perspectives In the engineering section, Stefan Winter will forecast the future of timber structures in 2030, Professor Andreas Heinzmann from Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences will analyze directions for improving timber production processes, and engineer Maarja Mirjam Rajasaar will present an experimental study on monitoring outdoor timber structures. Researcher Maximilian Pramreiter will explore more efficient use of forest resources, while Professor of Biology Vitas Marozas will address the importance of sustainable forestry and biodiversity. The programme will also include a presentation on the design of timber bridges in Spain and their production in Lithuania, as well as an analysis of the implementation of the largest administrative building with load-bearing timber structures. An overview of the current state, potential and future directions of the timber architecture and construction market in the Baltic states will be presented by business representative and sustainable building expert Paulius Milčius. “The timber construction sector in the Baltic region has enormous growth potential. However, this requires close cooperation between academia, business and the public sector. The forum catalyzes this process,” concludes Dr Nekrošius. Partners: „Rothoblaas“, „EGGER Group“, „Pro clima“, „Binderholz“, „HSBCAD“, „James Hardie“, „STEICO“, „ISOCELL“, „KNAUF“, „SIHGA“, „SWG“, „KLH“, „Koch&Schulte“, „Peikko“, „Drūstraigtis“, „VMG Grupė“, „Jūrės medis“, „Woodon“, „The Nordic Council of Ministers“, Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO Wooden Architecture Centre. Text prepared by Dr Liutauras Nekrošius, Associate Professor at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and Chair of the Scientific Committee. Author of photos Leonas Garbinčius, "Project Sanctum". 

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).