The partnership between two leading technology universities is being strengthened – VILNIUS TECH met with a delegation from Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), Austria. The meeting paved the way for closer cooperation in research projects, doctoral studies, and student and researcher exchange programs.
European University Alliances: Success Stories and Challenges
Discussions paid significant attention to the experience of European University Alliances. This served as the primary platform for sharing insights on the advantages and challenges of strategic partnerships.
VILNIUS TECH Vice-Rector for Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Živilė Sederavičiūtė-Pačiauskienė, presented the example of the “Athena” alliance, which currently operates and successfully continues its activities, holding the status of a “Seal of Competence.”
TU Graz representatives shared the successful experience of the “Unite!” alliance. This alliance, uniting nine partners, helped nearly double the number of joint “Horizon Europe” project applications.
Both sides agreed that alliances provide a huge advantage in finding reliable partners and ensuring higher-quality project applications due to increased mutual trust. However, challenges were also discussed—such as overly ambitious expectations in applications, the need to ensure the involvement of all administrative levels, and the complex coordination of financial contributions among partners.
Sustainability – A Research Priority for Both Sides
Specific VILNIUS TECH initiatives were also presented at the meeting. Simonas Barsteiga, Head of the Competence Centre for Smart and Climate-Neutral Production Processes, Materials and Technologies, presented the center’s mission: uniting different faculties and laboratories for common goals. VILNIUS TECH scientist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arvydas Rimkus presented the experimental research conducted by the Laboratory for Innovative Building Structures, the Civil Engineering Research Centre, and Materials Engineering.
Representatives of Graz University of Technology presented research directions in Civil Engineering and Chemical and Bioengineering, similar to those of the VILNIUS TECH Sustainability Centre. The main focus was on solutions that reduce CO2 emissions and improve building efficiency—such as biological and recycled materials, additive manufacturing, and lightweight constructions.
The discussions identified shared research and innovation development interests, such as biologically receptive concrete and green facade technologies, composites from waste (tires, wood, agricultural residues), lightweight hybrid constructions and 3D printing in construction, and New European Bauhaus (NEB)-themed projects focused on sustainable, aesthetic, and climate-neutral infrastructure.
“The lightweight hybrid structures and biologically active facade solutions developed in our laboratory demonstrate that sustainability does not necessarily mean a compromise between efficiency and aesthetic results. Collaboration with TU Graz will strengthen our ability to implement these ideas in real urban and industrial environments,” said Dr. Arvydas Rimkus, Head of the Laboratory for Innovative Building Structures at VILNIUS TECH.
Both universities are interested in joining existing consortia working under the New European Bauhaus initiative calls—especially in the creation of innovative materials and construction solutions. It was emphasized that such partnerships would allow for greater synergy and research efficiency.
New Challenges in Digital Defence
Significant attention was paid to research related to digital defence and cybersecurity. The potential of projects funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the European Innovation Council (EIC) was particularly emphasized in this area.
During the discussion, TU Graz presented its work streams, covering defence, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based cybersecurity, protection of autonomous systems, and Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) security. Austrian researchers are conducting studies related to digital forensics tools, threat intelligence sharing, and the implementation of zero-trust architectures.
VILNIUS TECH presented the competencies of its leading ComARC Competence Centre, which develops solutions for UAV/UGV/USV swarm control, teleoperation, digital twins, and “cloud-enabled autonomy,” along with projects from the Transport and Logistics Research Centre related to smart mobility models and autonomous transport control algorithms, and the DigiDefense Digital Defence Centre, which creates AI-based solutions for cyber defence, digital forensics, and critical infrastructure protection.
Both sides agree that autonomous systems and their cybersecurity constitute a priority direction for future cooperation, opening opportunities for EDF, EIC Pathfinder, Horizon Cluster 3, and Dual-use themed consortia.
“The meeting revealed clear directions where our scientific competencies overlap—from circular materials and sustainable construction to autonomous systems and digital defence. Together, we can create solutions that transform industry and contribute to strengthening European resilience,” stated Dalius Navakauskas, VILNIUS TECH Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation.
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