RCL has allocated funding for the participation of VILNIUS TECH in the EUA-CDE

December 12, 2025
The Research Council of Lithuania (RCL) awarded the project "EUA-CDE, Council of Doctoral Schools of the European University Association" (contract No. 10-039-P-0001-85) of VILNIUS TECH to finance the participation in the EUA-CDE association. The project is financed by the Economic Recovery and Resilience Improvement Measure under the plan "New Generation Lithuania" and by the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania. The project implementation period is from January 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026.

About EUA-CDE

The Council for Doctoral Studies of the European University Association (EUA-CDE) was established in 2008 at the initiative of the European University Association in response to the growing interest in doctoral studies and research in Europe. As an integral part of the European University Association, it is now the largest European network in this field, involving more than 260 universities and institutions working on doctoral studies and research in 36 countries. Since its inception, the EUA-CDE has been promoting the transformation and strengthening of doctoral studies in Europe. Building on the outcomes of EUA's work in the areas of doctoral programmes and researcher careers, EUA-CDE has been the driving force behind the implementation of the Salzburg Principles and Recommendations and the promotion of doctoral education as the main intersection between the European higher education and research.

EUA-CDE activities

By promoting collaboration and exchange of good practices among its members and disseminating the outcomes of its work, EUA-CDE makes an important contribution to the development of doctoral education and research training in Europe. Its members enjoy many opportunities to exchange on issues of common interest and take part in shaping the doctoral education landscape of the future.

Regular EUA-CDE activities include:

  • two flagship events (annual meeting and thematic workshop),
  • thematic peer groups,
  • the Doctoral Debate online forum,
  • a regular newsletter,
  • information gathering and monitoring,
  • policy representation. 
Benefits of VILNIUS TECH membership

VILNIUS TECH has been a member of the EUA-CDE association (https://eua-cde.org/) since 2008. By participating in EUA-CDE activities, VILNIUS TECH Doctoral School establishes new relationships with representatives of doctoral schools of European universities, scientists who are often participants in the Horizon Europe program. Membership provides an opportunity to gain international experience and knowledge in the field of doctoral studies by participating in EUA-CDE thematic working groups and an annual event where good practices are shared among members. In addition, participation in association events (meetings, trainings, workshops and seminars) aims to improve the research and innovation capabilities of VILNIUS TECH researchers and raise their level of competence. This membership and participation in the organized events help VILNIUS TECH to improve the doctoral process and cooperate in developing project ideas that meet the priorities of the Horizon Europe program. The aim of this project is to expand and strengthen VILNIUS TECH international cooperation within the network of doctoral schools, which explores the latest trends, principles and relevant scientific research (innovation, sustainability and artificial intelligence, energy, etc.) and opportunities for project development. Such knowledge exchange between higher education institutions contributes to the successful submission of applications for international projects, including applications for the Horizon Europe program.

Related news

New doctoral dissertation
New doctoral dissertation
VILNIUS TECH Library invites you to follow the published new dissertations. The dissertation „Resistance of technological waste-modified concrete to freeze–thaw cycles and alkaline corrosion“  („Technologinėmis atliekomis modifikuoto betono atsparumas užšaldymo ir atšildymo ciklams bei šarminei korozijai“) prepared at VILNIUS TECH by Edvinas Pocius. The dissertation was prepared in 2021–2026. Scientific consultant – Prof. Dr Džigita Nagrockienė. The dissertation was defended at the public meeting of the Dissertation Defence Council of the Scientific Field of Materials Engineering in the Aula Doctoralis Meeting Hall of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University at 10 a.m. on 8 June 2026. The dissertation investigates concrete modified with glass processing waste, concrete sludge, and a crystallizing additive. The goal is to develop concrete that is resistant to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction (ASR) by replacing part of the cement with glass waste and sand with concrete sludge. By selecting the optimal amount of technological waste, the aim is to improve the basic properties of concrete while maintaining its resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction. The tasks addressed in the work include the analysis of glass processing waste and concrete sludge, evaluating their impact on the properties of the cement paste. After determining the recommended waste content, the physical and mechanical properties of the modified concrete are investigated, focusing on resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction. This research sequence aims to substantiate the basic properties and resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction of the newly developed material. The dissertation consists of an introduction, three chapters, general conclusions, a list of references, a list of the author‘s scientific publications, and a summary in English. The Introduction discusses the research problem and relevance, describes the object of research, formulates the aim and tasks, and outlines the research methodology, scientific novelty, practical significance, and statements for defence. The First Chapter discusses active mineral substances, their formation and use in concrete production. It discusses the generation of concrete sludge and glass waste, as well as the impact of their use on the physical and mechanical properties and durability of concrete. The durability of waste-modified concrete and the assessment of carbon dioxide emissions are also described. Conclusions are formulated, and the objectives of the dissertation are refined at the end of the chapter. The Second Chapter presents the materials used, their properties, and their formation. It describes the research methods and equipment chosen to investigate the structure and properties of the concrete and to calculate its CO2 emissions. The Third Chapter substantiates recommended dosages of glass waste and concrete sludge and their effects on cementitious systems. Glass waste was found suitable for cement replacement, and dry sludge for fine aggregate. An environmental impact assessment was also performed. Five scientific articles were published on the dissertation topic in the Web of Science database, Science Citation Index Expanded, peer-reviewed publications with a citation index. Doctoral dissertation readers can search via VILNIUS TECH Virtual Library.
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