Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Meškėnas: "Building partnerships is meaningful work"

December 22, 2025
In today’s world, VILNIUS TECH is not just an educational institution – it is a bridge connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. Collaboration at the university means the ability to work together with students, researchers, business representatives, and international partners. Here, not only is new knowledge acquired and fresh ideas born, but innovative projects are also implemented, creating added value for society.
 
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adas Meškėnas, Vice-Rector for Strategic Partnerships, shares why collaboration is one of the most important aspects of the university’s activities.
 
– What does connectedness mean when collaborating with business and international partners?
 
– For us, connectedness means not only building relationships but also co-creating. The university brings together research, studies, business, and society into a single ecosystem where innovations are developed and pressing challenges are addressed. This is evident in joint R&D&I projects (Research, Development, Experimental Development, and Innovation) with Lithuanian companies, double-degree programs with foreign universities, and partnerships that allow students as well as researchers to operate on a global scale.
 
– How can the university act as a bridge between Lithuanian businesses and foreign innovation ecosystems?
 
– The university is a natural bridge as we have international networks, expertise, and infrastructure that allow Lithuanian businesses to access global innovations. By conducting joint research, organizing international conferences, and establishing competence centers, we can connect local companies with partners abroad, help them participate in European research programs, and attract talent.
 
– How does VILNIUS TECH select and develop strategic international partners? What criteria are most important today?
 
– The selection of strategic international partners is based on creating long-term value. The key criteria include research excellence, quality of education, and alignment of values. Partnerships should strengthen both sides and create real opportunities for students, researchers, and society.
 
– How does the university contribute to the international visibility and competitiveness of Lithuanian businesses?
 
– VILNIUS TECH contributes to the international visibility and competitiveness of Lithuanian businesses through the dissemination of science and innovation, involving companies in international projects, and developing talent. This enables businesses not only to reach new markets but also to create products that meet global standards.
 
– How do international alliances transform students’ experiences, both academically and professionally?
 
– The ATHENA (Advanced Technology Higher Education Network Alliance) alliance provides VILNIUS TECH students with opportunities to integrate into the European higher education area by offering joint study programs and micro-credentials recognized across Europe.
 
Joint lectures and intensive courses with international faculty enrich the curriculum. By working on real projects in innovative laboratories, students gain practical skills in digital and green transformation. The alliance also organizes international career fairs, discussions, and “Alumni Talks,” enhancing students’ international exposure and its value in the job market.
 
– How can the university help Lithuanian students become competitive in the global talent market?
 
– The university helps Lithuanian students become competitive in the global market through international study programs, the development of foreign language and cultural competencies, and project-based activities with global partners.
 
– What will the VILNIUS TECH international partner network look like in 10 years?
 
– In 10 years, VILNIUS TECH’s international partner network will be a dynamic ecosystem, encompassing not only universities but also technology centers, startups, and industry leaders.
 
VILNIUS TECH will become an international hub, connecting ideas and talent from around the world.
 
– You are actively working in the field of partnerships. What inspires you the most in this work? 
 
– The greatest motivation is the opportunity to build bridges between ideas and people. When I see that our partnerships open up new opportunities for our students and researchers, and allow businesses to discover something new through the university, I realize that we are doing meaningful work.

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Student Memo: Where to park your car or bicycle, eat, and find your classrooms
Student Memo: Where to park your car or bicycle, eat, and find your classrooms
When starting your studies, it is not always clear during the first week where you can park your car or bicycle, which building your seminar will be in, or where you can eat or heat up your own food during breaks. To make settling into the academic year easier, we have prepared this memo. Student Car Parking: Students attending lectures at Saulėtekio al. 11 can park their cars in the lot located on Šatrijos Raganos Street. There is no barrier in this lot. How to find the lot: Driving from Saulėtekio al. – going up the hill past the roundabout and the university buildings. Or entering from Pragiedrulių, Mileišiškių sodų, or other streets onto Šatrijos Raganos Street – going down the hill before the roundabout and the university buildings. Students attending lectures on Plytinės Street can park in the lots located there. Students can enter the gated lot by tapping their activated student ID card at the terminal. Entrance to the lots is from Plytinės Street. Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute (AGAI) students, lecturers, and students or staff arriving at "Linkmenų fabrikas" can park in all lots. The barrier opens by tapping an activated student or staff ID card at the terminal. There are no dedicated parking lots for students attending lectures at the Old Town Campus (Trakų rūmai). Canteens and Cafes: Saulėtekis Campus: "Maisto imperija" (Building S2, 1st floor) – weighed food (you can build your own plate) – 1.70 € per 100 g, lunch of the day – 7.50 €, snacks, coffee, and other drinks. You can also heat up your own food here. Working hours: Monday–Thursday: 08:00–16:00; Friday: 08:00–15:00. "ARC BISTRO" (Building S3, 1st floor) – a menu consisting of a multi-course selection and daily lunch at a fixed price (up to 10 €), as well as snacks, coffee, and other drinks. Working hours: Monday–Friday: 11:00–15:00. Plytinė Campus (P2, 1st floor): "Confetti" – a menu consisting of a multi-course selection and daily lunch at a fixed price (up to 10 €), as well as snacks, coffee, and other drinks. You can also heat up your own food here. Working hours: Monday–Thursday: 09:00–16:00; Friday: 09:00–15:00. Old Town Campus (Senamiesčio rūmai): "Confetti" (Islandijos str. 3) – a menu consisting of a multi-course selection and daily lunch at a fixed price (up to 10 €), as well as snacks, coffee, and other drinks. Working hours: Monday–Friday: 07:45–15:00. Places where you can heat your own food in microwaves: When using microwaves, please maintain cleanliness, follow safety rules, and respect others: do not put in or heat items with shiny surfaces (e.g., cutlery, aluminum foil, etc.), do not slam the doors or other surfaces, wipe or clean the inside of the microwave or other surfaces (including the kitchenette) if needed, do not cut in line, and do not stop someone else's food from heating without permission, etc. Saulėtekis Campus: In the "Maisto imperija" canteen (Building S2, 1st floor), as well as in the Sustainability Centre (Building S5), and the 5th and 6th-floor kitchenettes in Building S6. Plytinė Campus: In the "Confetti" cafe (Building P2, 1st floor). Old Town Campus: In the Faculty of Architecture's 2nd and 3rd-floor kitchenettes (at the end of the corridor). AGAI: In the 2nd-floor kitchenette of the old building (near the Dean's office). It is planned that microwaves will also be available in the new building in the future. Linkmenų Campus: In the 2nd-floor kitchenette at "Linkmenų fabrikas". Library: Room 119, 1st floor. You can also make tea/coffee here. Places to leave your bicycle: Saulėtekis Campus: At special bike racks near the entrance to Building S2, and in the Central Building parking lot. Plytinė Campus: In the two designated bicycle shelters in the courtyard between buildings P1 and P2. Old Town Campus: At special bike racks near the entrances to each building. AGAI and Linkmenų Campus: At special bike racks near both departments. Library: At special bike racks near the entrance. Department/Building Abbreviations: Saulėtekis Campus (Saulėtekio al. 11, Vilnius): S1 Central Building (Administration, International Studies Centre, International Relations Office, etc.) S2 Classroom Building S3 Educational Building (Faculty of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Business Management) S4 Classroom Building (Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Sustainability Centre, Food Laboratory) S5 Educational Building (Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Sustainability Centre, Food Laboratory) S6 Laboratory Building (Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, Information Technology and Systems Centre, Academic Support Centre, etc.) S7 Laboratory Building Plytinė Campus (Plytinės str. 25, Vilnius): P1 or P Laboratory Building P2 Educational Building (Faculty of Electronics, Faculty of Mechanics, Faculty of Transport Engineering) P3 Educational Building Linkmenų Campus (Linkmenų str. 28, Vilnius): L1 Building (Institute of Building Materials) L2 Building (Road Research Institute) L3 Building L4 Building L5 Educational Building (Linkmenų fabrikas) L6 Educational Building (Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute) Old Town Campus (Trakų str. 1, Vilnius): T1 or T Educational Building (Faculty of Architecture) T2 Educational Building (Faculty of Creative Industries) T3 Educational Building T4 Educational Building T5 Educational Building Old abbreviations that might still appear in some contacts: SNR – Senamiesčio rūmai (Old Town Campus) SRK-I – Saulėtekio rūmų pirmas korpusas (Saulėtekis Campus First Building) SRK-II – Saulėtekio rūmų antras korpusas (Saulėtekis Campus Second Building) SRL – Saulėtekio rūmų laboratorinis korpusas (Saulėtekis Campus Laboratory Building) SRL-II – Saulėtekio rūmų antras laboratorinis korpusas (Saulėtekis Campus Second Laboratory Building) MAC – Saulėtekio centriniai rūmai (Saulėtekis Central Building) AGAI TLK – Antano Gustaičio Aviacijos instituto Treniruoklių ir laboratorijų korpusas (Antanas Gustaitis Aviation Institute Simulator and Laboratory Building). Other Addresses: Kyviškės Airfield: Lakūnų str. 7D, Kyviškės Sports and Art Centre: Saulėtekio al. 28, Vilnius Library: Saulėtekio al. 14, Vilnius Lithuanian Maritime Academy: I. Kanto str. 7, Klaipėda. Thematic Reading Rooms in Faculties: Architecture and Creative Sciences Reading Room (Trakų str. 1, T1, 1.15, Vilnius) Technology and Management Sciences Reading Room (Saulėtekio al. 11, S1, C03, Vilnius) Mechanics, Electronics, and Transport Sciences Reading Room (Plytinės str. 25, P2, 179, Vilnius) Maritime Sciences Reading Room (I. Kanto str. 7, Klaipėda)
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