�۶���Ƶ (VU) is strengthening its international collaboration with Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands) in the field of advanced medicine. These institutions are key partners in the establishment of the international Center for Advanced Disease Modeling – a joint initiative between VU and Santaros Klinikos (VU Hospital), aiming to become a globally competitive platform for translational science.

From 22 to 24 October 2025, a delegation of Utrecht University senior representatives and researchers visited VU, including Prof. Elly Hol, Vice-Dean of Research at UMC Utrecht, Prof. Roos Masereeuw, Vice-Dean of Research at the Faculty of Science of Utrecht University, Prof. Paul Coffer, Scientific Director of Utrecht University’s Life Sciences, and Annemarie Vastenhouw-Van der Linden, Strategy and Policy Advisor.

During the visit, the Dutch delegation met with VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, Pro-Rector for Research Prof. Gintaras Valušis, and Pro-Rector for Partnerships Dr Artūras Vasiliauskas. The guests also visited several VU units and partner institutions related to the Center for Advanced Disease Modeling: the VU Medical Science Centre, VU Hospital Santaros Klinikos, the Life Sciences Center, and the National Center for Pathology. In addition, the delegation held discussions with representatives from various VU faculties: Medicine, Physics, Chemistry and Geosciences, and Mathematics and Informatics.

The primary purpose of the visit was to discuss the development strategy of the Center for Advanced Disease Modeling, its governance structure, mechanisms for attracting top research talent, and plans for joint scientific projects.

Meetings with VU scientists and research groups focused on the Center’s priority areas: organoid technologies, regenerative medicine, spatial omics, translational oncology, neuroscience, immunology, and cardiology. The discussions also explored opportunities for developing joint research programmes and strengthening collaboration regarding infrastructure and knowledge exchange.

In discussions with the leadership of VU, its faculties, and Santaros Klinikos (VU Hospital), both sides emphasised their mutual motivation to establish a long-term strategic partnership.

‘It was very important that we had the opportunity to present VU and its broad range of capabilities to our guests in such depth. This visit further strengthened the trust in our growing partnership and reinforced the shared determination to take the next steps in developing the Center for Advanced Disease Modeling – a globally significant centre of excellence focused on creating and applying non-animal-based disease models,’ said Assoc. Prof. Dr Karolis Ažukaitis, Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation at the VU Faculty of Medicine.

The Center for Advanced Disease Modeling is one of the five international competence centres approved by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, designed to enhance the international visibility and innovation capacity of Lithuanian science in the fields of advanced medicine and high technologies. The total planned investment in these centres amounts to up to €40 million.

International research teams will be established at the Center, attracting highly qualified scientists from Lithuania and abroad. One of the Center’s key areas of focus will be the development of alternative disease modelling technologies aimed at reducing or even eliminating the use of laboratory animals, while enabling the creation of personalised diagnostic and therapeutic solutions.

V. R. Giedraitis was a professor at VU who also lectured at the Faculties of Philosophy and Medicine. His academic work encompassed the fields of economic history, socioeconomics, and criminology. In 2006, he earned his PhD in Sociology from the University of California, and since joining VU in 2004, he has remained an active researcher and a lecturer deeply appreciated by his students.

He was the author of several books and numerous scientific publications exploring globalisation, economic inequality, energy policy, and health factors. Prof. V. R. Giedraitis served as Editor-in-Chief of the VU journal “Ekonomika”, was a member of the editorial boards of international academic journals, and participated in national and international research projects on energy efficiency, health, and social policy.

Prof. Aida Mačerinskienė, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, shared these words about the professor:

“Our Faculty is home to many people with diverse experiences and life stories. Vincentas Giedraitis was a representative of the Lithuanian diaspora in the United States who, soon after completing his studies, returned to Lithuania, where he built his family and life – a life we, his colleagues, became a part of. He was someone beside whom I always felt calm and safe, and someone who understood the values of life without needing many words. Earlier this summer, we dreamed together about the future of his department, about the research he still wanted to complete – but sadly, not all work is destined to be finished... Rest in peace, Vincentas.”

The farewell to the professor will take place at �۶���Ƶ’s St. John’s Church on Tuesday, 28 October, from 12:00 to 20:00, and on Wednesday, 29 October, from 9:00 to 10:00. The Holy Mass will be held at 10:00.

Prof. V. R. Giedraitis wholeheartedly supported Ukraine’s freedom, and in accordance with his family’s wish, we kindly ask that, instead of flowers, donations be made in support of Ukraine:

“Šešios AM”

IBAN: LT597300010167078972, SWIFT: HABALT22

Purpose: Support for Ukraine

Public Institution “Miliūtė”

Account: LT437044090110465590

PayPal:

Payment purpose: Support for Ukraine

According to VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, this event is a remarkable tribute to those who have contributed to the advancement of medical science and the education of future doctors, as well as a gesture of gratitude to the donors’ families.

‘This ceremony is important not only to the University community but also to society as a whole. Each person who donates their body to medical science offers future doctors a unique opportunity to study real human anatomy, and gives all of us the chance to contribute to medical progress. This ceremony is our sincere expression of how grateful we are to them and their relatives for this noble gift,’ reflected Prof. Petrauskas.

Prof. Dalius Jatužis, Dean of the VU Faculty of Medicine, noted that anatomical donation is a profound expression of trust and dedication.

‘By donating their body to medical science, people provide an invaluable opportunity for learning and advancement. These noble and silent benefactors demonstrate their profound trust in future doctors through their generous decision. Students benefit from this gift, gaining not only a deeper understanding of anatomy but also lessons in respect, compassion, and responsibility. The sacrifice of these individuals serves as a lesson for life, reminding us that medicine starts with gratitude and respect for the human being,’ affirmed Prof. Jatužis.

Prof. Janina Tutkuvienė, Head of the Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Anthropology of the VU Faculty of Medicine, believes that donating one’s body to medical studies and science is among the noblest and most meaningful acts a person can perform.

‘People who donate their bodies after death to anatomical studies transcend time through their mindset, courage, sacrifice, altruism, and understanding of how to continue serving meaningfully, even after death,’ said Professor of Anatomy, Janina Tutkuvienė.

The solemn ceremony honouring body donors will start at 10:00 at the VU Faculty of Medicine (Čiurlionio g. 21, Room 104). Here, relatives, members of the academic community, students, and teaching staff will be able to pay their final respects to 27 cremated remains, which �۶���Ƶ Chaplain Aldonas Gudaitis will bless.

The procession will depart for Antakalnis Cemetery at 12:15, where a solemn burial ceremony will commence at 13:00, and the remains will be interred in the specially designed plot. On their final journey, the cremated remains will be accompanied by relatives of the benefactors, VU Chaplain Aldonas Gudaitis, Rector Prof. Petrauskas, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Jatužis, Head of the Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Anthropology Prof. Tutkuvienė, as well as other academic and non-academic staff and students of the Faculty of Medicine.

On average, the Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Anthropology at the VU Faculty of Medicine receives 35 body donation statements and six to ten donor bodies annually. The donated bodies play a vital role in anatomy studies for medical students, professional development programmes for doctors, and research that expands knowledge of the human body and refines existing treatment methods.

On 23–24 October, �۶���Ƶ (VU) welcomed Prof. Dorothy Kelly, Coordinator of the Arqus European University Alliance. During her visit, Professor met with VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas and Pro-Rectors Prof. Vilmantė Pakalniškienė, Prof. Gintaras Valušis, Dr Artūras Vasiliauskas and Assoc. Prof. Valdas Jaskūnas.

The meetings focused on the next steps in the development of the Arqus Alliance, its key priorities, the expansion of joint initiatives and study programmes, the strengthening of international partnerships, the promotion of linguistic diversity, and upcoming joint events.

During her visit, Prof. Kelly also met with the VU Arqus team to discuss the progress of the alliance’s activities, collaboration experiences, and future directions aimed at strengthening VU’s ties with other Arqus member universities.

The Arqus Alliance brings together nine European universities that seek to enhance international cooperation, develop joint study programmes, promote student, staff and researcher mobility, and build a more open, multilingual and inclusive academic environment. �۶���Ƶ has been a member of the alliance since 2019.

Arqus invites students from all its universities to apply for the 5th edition of the European Student Assembly (ESA 2026), which will take place from 20 to 22 April 2026 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Applications are open until 2 November at 23:59 CET to students from all nationalities, fields, and levels of study, from the second year of Bachelor’s to PhD.

The European Student Assembly is a grassroots project that gathers each year more than 200 students from different European University Alliances (EUAs) to debate current issues, draft political recommendations for the future of Europe, and advocate them among stakeholders and decision-makers.

From January to April 2026, the selected students will work and debate on 8 topics related to the future of Europe with members of their same panel, to deepen their understanding of their chosen topic and to start drafting policy recommendations.

As part of the programme, they will be responsible for proposing concrete solutions to these challenges, to be implemented by stakeholders at various decision levels. To fulfill this goal, they will meet experts and follow online training on policy drafting and moderation, enabling them to analyse the political and legal context, identify the main challenges raised by the topic, and decide the priorities they wish to deal with.

This several-month project will culminate with a democratic exercise in a deliberative Assembly gathering at the European Parliament in Strasbourg from 20 to 22 April 2026. During 3 days, participants will discuss and finalise their policy recommendations with members of their panel and hear other panels’ recommendations and debates, to end up voting in a plenary session on all the policy recommendations prepared and helping in dissemination activities afterwards. In addition to this, many other activities will be organised for students and the 65 EUAs.

For more information, click .

Researchers at the Life Sciences Center of �۶���Ƶ (VU) have gained international recognition, with published in the prestigious journal ACS Sensors, and the accompanying illustration chosen to feature on its cover. The team developed electrochemical biosensors capable of reliably detecting single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human saliva – subtle but crucial genetic variations that can influence individual differences, such as disease susceptibility, drug efficacy, or side effects.

‘The idea for creating DNA sensors arose from our two areas of interest – fundamental studies of electron transfer between DNA and surfaces and applying this knowledge to genotyping real samples,’ explained Dr Dalius Ratautas, the project lead and researcher at the Institute of Biochemistry of the VU Life Sciences Center.

The research initiated by Dr Ratautas and his colleagues received funding through the field-initiated projects programme of the Research Council of Lithuania. The project has resulted in a technology that enables genetic analysis to be performed quickly, affordably, and conveniently in clinical practice. According to Dr Ratautas, studies like this are crucial because cardiologists increasingly recommend such analyses to tailor treatments to individual patients.

In international research, demonstrating that a sensor works in simple, specially prepared solutions is no longer sufficient. Achieving a high level of applicability requires testing with real samples similar to those used in practice. In their study, the team focused on the CYP2C19 gene, which determines how our body metabolises certain medications. Two variants were analysed: the wild-type and the CYP2C19*17, which exhibits higher-than-usual-activity. Each person carries this gene and produces the corresponding enzyme called CYP2C19 oxidase.

The research showed that analysing CYP2C19 from real saliva samples proved challenging. PCR methods used in DNA research often yield DNA strands that are longer than desired, thereby requiring sensor optimisation. The double-stranded structure of DNA also complicates probe binding, and samples typically contain insufficient genetic material, so amplification is necessary,’ said Dr Ratautas.

To address these challenges, the team applied a simple DNA preparation method developed together with scientists from the Institute of Biotechnology at the VU Life Sciences Center: a saliva sample is amplified using a special PCR technique, and without conducting any additional purification, it is immediately applied to the electrochemical sensor. Such a system can reliably determine a person’s genetic information in about 60 minutes, distinguishing between a normal gene, a heterozygous variant, or a homozygous SNP variant. ‘I am delighted that we combined different scientific competencies toward a common goal – a step closer to personalised medicine in everyday practice,’ remarked Dr Miglė Tomkuvienė from the Institute of Biotechnology of the VU Life Sciences Center.

According to Dr Skomantas Serapinas, a PhD student at the Institute of Biochemistry and first author of the paper, such sensors are of great importance due to their practical application in medicine. Pharmacogenetic sensors help guide health-related decisions – selecting the most suitable drugs, optimising dosages, and adjusting treatment plans as needed. Since each individual is different, pharmacogenetic testing allows these variations to be identified and considered.

Speaking about the developed technology, he explains that the sensor works using genetic material obtained from an amplified (replicated) human saliva sample. At a constant temperature, the affinity of the target DNA (molecular-level complementarity) is measured against a known DNA probe. Changes in affinity generate detectable electrochemical signals, allowing the sensor to reliably identify point mutations.

One of the main goals of the team was to ‘democratise’ SNP-focused analysis, creating a genetic sensor that is accurate, compact, cost-effective, user-friendly, and suitable for portable systems. Such technology would allow patients and doctors to obtain non-invasive, rapid, and easy-to-interpret results – an important step toward wider adoption of pharmacogenetic testing in clinical settings.

The researchers faced several challenges when transitioning from the model solutions to real samples. PCR-amplified DNA is often longer than desired, so optimising the sensors to work with longer sequences was necessary. Another obstacle was the double-stranded DNA structure that complicates the hybridisation process. Moreover, saliva samples typically contain limited DNA, thus necessitating amplification. To address these challenges, together with researchers from the Institute of Biotechnology, the team devoted significant effort to obtain high-quality, unpurified amplified DNA samples that accurately reflect real-world testing conditions.

According to Skomantas Serapinas, being published in the prestigious ACS Sensors journal and also gaining the front cover feature represents significant international recognition of the team’s research – a sign that they are moving in the right direction. For the young scientist, this achievement is also personally symbolic, as it coincided with the completion of his doctoral studies. He expressed gratitude to the entire team for their contribution and support throughout the project.

The School of Economics, Management and Political Science (EEG) of the University of Minho hosted an Arqus meeting on the double degree in business, data analytics, and economics. The initiative took place between October 1-3, and it was attended by a delegation from �۶���Ƶ and the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.

Coordinated by Ana Paula Faria, a professor at EEG, the meeting introduced the courses of the University of Minho to the school of economics, management, and political science to design a possible path for students from Vilnius and Kyiv-Mohyla Academy who wish to attend UMinho, focusing on a potential double degree between the Arqus Universities and the Ukrainian partner University.

According to Ana Paula Faira, the implementation of this double degree will provide students of the degree in economics at EEG, University of Minho, not only with two diplomas but with skills in digital technologies that are and will become essential in the job market, in addition to a deeper internationalisation experience than that lived in an Erasmus program.

The design of this type of programme reflects a common perspective of Arqus universities on the curriculum and its implementation, as well as on the procedures and processes of assessment and accreditation. Reinforcing the Alliance’s commitment to student-centred and research-based learning through joint and flexible curricula.

The Arqus Alliance is pleased to announce the first webinar in its English-Medium Instruction (EMI) Seminar Series for the academic year 2025-2026, run by Maynooth University. The topic of this year’s series is: Effective assessment in English-taught programmes and classes.

Titled, Assessment in English-Medium Instruction: Challenges, Practices, and Collaboration. This webinar will be delivered by Dr Pinar Kocer, postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven (Belgium), and it will take place online on Thursday, 20 November 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00 (CET).

The seminar will provide participants with an overview of the key principles, challenges and current debates surrounding assessment in EMI. It will explore the complexities of assessing both content and language, outline the range of assessment practices observed across EMI contexts, and discuss how collaboration between content lecturers and language specialists can promote fairness, transparency, and validity in assessment design.

Participants will gain insights into current research and emerging trends in EMI assessment, and they will be encouraged to reflect on their own practices and the broader implications for teaching and learning in multilingual higher education settings.

For more information and registration, click .

The survey is open from 12 May to 30 November. This is a great opportunity to share your experiences and contribute to changes in higher education.

We encourage you to fill out the survey and invite your friends to take part as well – every response matters. You can find the survey link .

The anonymity of survey responses is guaranteed, and all provided information will be used solely for research purposes. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and look forward to your active participation.

If you have any questions, please contact the project’s national policy coordinator Prof. Salvinija Petrulytė, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology; e-mail: or PhD student Kamilė Botyriūtė, the Institute of Sociology at the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences; e-mail: .

You can now register for the autumn and spring semester open call for criss-cross online mobility in the academic year 2025/2026.

This special mobility provides students with a unique, integrated learning experience where they can combine a traditional Erasmus+ semester with shorter criss-cross experiences. In addition, the programme offers all students of the Arqus Alliance the opportunity to carry out one or more online activities to enrich and enhance their study path.

Criss-Cross mobility aims to promote a culture of innovative mobility, provide seamless mobility opportunities, and improve and promote online mobility, while letting students create a personalised academic journey that can leverage the strengths of different European Institutions.

The autumn call will close by the end of October. For more information, click .

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics has been awarded to three distinguished economists – Prof. Joel Mokyr from Northwestern University (US), Prof. Philippe Aghion from Collège de France, and Prof. Peter Howitt from Brown University (US). They were recognised for their work explaining how innovation and creative destruction shape long-term economic growth. By combining insights from history, culture, and technology, their research demonstrates that progress is not an automatic process – it depends on society’s capacity to value knowledge, creativity, and the courage to make mistakes.

According to Dr Tomas Karpavičius, an economist at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of �۶���Ƶ (VU), the Nobel Committee’s decision highlights that today’s economic growth can no longer be explained solely by technological advancement.

The cultural foundations of knowledge and the mechanisms of innovation

‘Economic growth begins with culture – with how society values knowledge, creativity, and how much it tolerates experimentation and failure. When knowledge becomes a societal value, science, business, and politics start functioning as a single system,’ noted Dr Karpavičius.

According to him, this idea is central to Prof. Mokyr’s research, which argues that economic development depends on the cultural environment – on whether people see knowledge as a virtue and trust scientific progress. Prof. Mokyr distinguishes between two types of knowledge that together form the foundation of innovation. The first, propositional knowledge, explains why things work, while the second, prescriptive knowledge, shows how to implement or create something.

‘When theoretical and practical knowledge merge, innovation happens. Today, we can see this in fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Such breakthroughs are only possible when a country consistently creates conducive conditions for research and development: by investing in laboratory and technological infrastructure, promoting competition, supporting science, subsidising innovation, and ensuring clear intellectual property protection. Only in such an environment can an effective dialogue between science and business emerge, driving the entire economy forward,’ emphasised the VU economist.

The cost of progress: from Luddites to artificial intelligence

Prof. Aghion and Prof. Howitt expanded on Mokyr’s ideas by developing the theory of endogenous growth – a model where progress arises from within the economy itself. Their work builds on the concept of creative destruction, first defined by Joseph Schumpeter in the mid-20th century: every innovation inevitably creates both winners and losers. Each technological revolution dismantles old structures while paving the way for new ones.

‘This remains highly relevant. Every technological leap creates both those who gain and those who get left behind. Technological polarisation – robotisation, automation, artificial intelligence – creates high-skilled jobs, while putting pressure on middle- and lower-skilled workers. That’s why governments must find ways to bridge this gap by investing in education, modelling, retraining mechanisms, and social protection,’ enumerated Dr Karpavičius.
He believes the rise of artificial intelligence will reshape the labour market, increasing demand for creative, interdisciplinary, and analytical professions – roles where human interpretation, judgement, and creativity remain irreplaceable. Such professions will serve as a bridge between technology and social needs, while the education system will need to treat this transformation as an opportunity rather than a threat.

The VU economist adds that this tension should not be viewed as an obstacle but as a natural driver of innovation. At the end of the 18th century, the infamous Luddites – industrial workers who destroyed new machinery – symbolised human resistance to technological change. Yet it was precisely the Industrial Revolution that ultimately proved progress is inevitable, and that the strength of society lies in its ability to adapt and reinvent itself.
Lessons for small open economies

According to Dr Karpavičius, the Nobel Committee’s choice is also a timely reminder for Lithuania: ‘Education and science policy are the engines of our long-term growth. If we seek a sustainable economy, we must invest not only in infrastructure but also in the ability to think, create, take risks, and perhaps make mistakes. This is a matter of cultural value.’

Insights for small-scale economies

He adds that a value-based approach must become institutional practice. Innovation thrives in states capable of balancing competition, fostering partnerships between science and business, and maintaining social openness. A sustainable economic model requires financial resources and long-term vision – the ability to align progress with environmental, social, and cultural priorities. On the other hand, excessive regulation, punitive oversight, and micromanaging bureaucracy stifle growth. True creative dynamism of the economy emerges only where people are free to experiment, fail, and improve.

‘Lithuania has taken important steps toward a knowledge-based economy in recent years. One such example is the plan to establish artificial intelligence technology centres. This is not a matter of huge budgets but of direction and determination. This shows that we had an active minister capable of seeing the bigger picture, and it was an important and symbolically significant step. Such decisions build confidence and confirm that investment in knowledge and innovation remains a national priority in our country,’ stressed Dr Karpavičius.

According to him, achieving long-term results requires viewing education as the greatest investment in the future: ‘Unfortunately, budget allocation trends still show that education funding remains insufficient and continues to lag behind the countries we are comparing ourselves to. Long-term growth is impossible without sustained commitment – consistent investment in education, research infrastructure, and human capital.’

The 2025 Nobel laureates in economics will be officially honoured on 10 December in Stockholm during the traditional Nobel Prize ceremony. The prize fund amounts to 11 million Swedish kronor – half of which will go to Prof. Mokyr, with the remainder shared between Prof. Aghion and Prof. Howitt.

Associative photo ("Unsplash")

On 10 October in Oslo, the Nobel Committee announced that the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize had been awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has spent many years fighting peacefully for democracy in her country. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr Laurynas Jonavičius from the Institute of International Relations and Political Science of �۶���Ƶ (VU), this decision reflects the direction the Nobel Committee has consistently pursued over the past decade – honouring those who defend the principles of democracy, freedom, and human rights through peaceful means.

‘For over a decade, this has been nothing new; the Nobel Peace Prize has repeatedly gone to those fighting for democracy, rights, and freedoms. It is a continuation of the Committee’s logic: a clear message that the struggle must remain peaceful, and that those who resist the waves of authoritarianism have moral support,’ said Assoc. Prof. Dr Jonavičius.

In recent years, the Nobel Committee has unfailingly upheld the idea that peace is an active effort to defend human rights and dignity. This approach is also evident in the previous laureates: Narges Mohammadi from Iran (2023), Ales Bialiatski from Belarus (2022), Maria Ressa from the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov from Russia (2021), the World Food Programme (WFP) (2020), Abiy Ahmed Ali from Ethiopia (2019), Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad (2018), the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) (2017), and the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet (2015). This list shows that the Nobel Committee remains committed to a broad understanding of peace – as the effort to protect life, justice, and democracy across the world.

‘Machado’s figure is symbolic, but the award itself extends more broadly to all civil societies striving to preserve democratic principles in the face of authoritarian regimes. I would not draw any distinction between Machado and all those who support the fight against authoritarianism. This is a clear signal that the peaceful struggle for democracy remains valued and supported,’ remarked the VU researcher.

Commenting on discussions about Machado’s ties to US politicians, including members of Donald Trump’s circle, Assoc. Prof. Dr Jonavičius notes that such interpretations are more politicised than substantiated: ‘If Donald Trump were to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, the shadow of political controversy would indeed be unavoidable. But in Machado’s case, that’s an artificially constructed issue. Support from the US is more contextual here – part of the broader struggle against Nicolás Maduro’s regime rather than a reflection of domestic politics.’

According to the political scientist, authoritarian states usually react weakly to these decisions: either ignoring such news altogether or exploiting it for propaganda purposes. Meanwhile, for democratic forces and civil societies, this recognition serves as an important source of moral encouragement. ‘For those societies that fight peacefully for democracy under authoritarian rule, it’s a sign that help is still there. The Nobel Prize reminds the world that democracy has not yet been defeated,’ he said.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Jonavičius also points out that the Nobel Peace Prize carries significant financial value – laureates receive 11 million Swedish kronor (about €950,000), a sum that enables them to continue their activities, support organisations, or fund new initiatives.

In conclusion, the political scientist says this year’s decision continues the tradition of the Nobel Peace Prize supporting the ideals of democracy, freedom, and peace. It is a consistent institutional choice that reflects the Committee’s determination to uphold classical idealistic values. Even if the global audience is unfamiliar with the situation in Venezuela, the Nobel Committee’s decision draws attention to these struggles, while also serving as a reminder that the ideals of democracy remain alive and audible on the international stage.

�۶���Ƶ (VU) Tech Hub, together with SEB Bank, presents the five-day hackathon “SEB Fast Track,” which will take place from November 10 to 14 and will bring together motivated VU students and business experts with a common goal – to generate new ideas, solve real problems, and nurture the creators of future startups.

“SEB Fast Track” is an intensive experience during which participants will have the opportunity to get a close look at the business world, choose the most relevant challenge offered by companies, and work with experts in that field to find innovative solutions. In this way, students will not only experience how ideas are born and how they can turn into products or services, but will also gain practical knowledge about what is needed to successfully start a business.

The hackathon is designed to help young people discover their entrepreneurial potential: they will learn to collaborate in teams, develop problem analysis and creative thinking skills, understand the value of communication with experts, and learn what competencies are needed to turn an idea into a real project. The entire process will follow the Design Thinking methodology, guided by expert Lina Kižinienė, who will help participants systematically go through all stages of creative problem-solving – from finding insights to prototyping solutions. At the end of the program, the best-performing team will earn a spot in the VU Tech Hub Pre-Accelerator program – a 20-week journey from the first ideas to creating a startup.

“Collaboration between youth and business is essential if we want to build an innovative and competitive Lithuania. The earlier young people get acquainted with real challenges and start solving them, the stronger the skills they develop – from critical thinking to the courage to act under uncertainty. For us as an organisation, it is important not only to observe but also to actively participate in this process. Because this is an investment that creates value for society as a whole,” says Sonata Gutauskaitė-Bubnelienė, CEO of SEB Bank in Lithuania.

Registration for “SEB Fast Track” is now open, and applications can be submitted until November 3. Those wishing to participate are invited to register via .

This program is open to all students who want to see how ideas emerge from real problems, experience closer collaboration with business experts, and discover whether the startup world could become their future.

�۶���Ƶ is undergoing renewal – three project funding agreements have been signed for the renovation of three buildings: the Faculty of Physics building (Saulėtekio al. 9) and a dormitory (Saulėtekio al. 8) in Saulėtekis, as well as the Šiauliai Academy building (P. Višinskio g. 25, Šiauliai). The planned modernisation will reduce heat loss and emissions. These projects will contribute to Lithuania’s commitments in the field of climate change, which are important at both the national and European Union levels.

All buildings are set to undergo renovation works aimed at improving the physical and energy performance of their engineering systems. At Šiauliai Academy, the historic façade will also be restored, and a solar power system will be installed.

Upon completion, the modernisation will increase the buildings’ energy efficiency, improve their physical condition and ventilation systems, ensure greater comfort and indoor climate quality, and reduce long-term operating and maintenance costs. Reduced energy consumption in public buildings will lower the State’s energy expenses, and more efficient building systems will contribute to the goals of sustainable economic growth and the implementation of circular economy principles.

These projects are co-financed by the European Union.

The University of Padua welcomes participants to a webinar dedicated to the Arqus Alliance joint call for Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs). The session will present this opportunity, focusing on BIPs taking place during the second semester of the 2025/26 academic year, and will be followed by a Q&A session to address any questions.

Please note that the call for BIPs is currently open, and the deadline for proposal submissions is 15 November.

The webinar will take place on Friday, 24 October, at 3:30 p.m. CET.

Join via .

On 21 October 2025 at 3:30 p.m., a lecture by Dr Gabrielle Halpern, PhD in Philosophy (École Normale Supérieure), will take place at the �۶���Ƶ (VU) Centre for Medical Sciences. The lecture is titled “How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Medicine."

Dr Halpern’s research focuses on the concept of hybridisation, which she explores in her books (Tous centaures!, La Fable du centaure, Penser l’hospitalité, and others) as well as in her regular articles for the press. Through her insights, she encourages diverse audiences to reflect on innovation, creativity, and dialogue between different fields of knowledge.

She has served as an adviser in several French ministries and has provided consultancy to start-ups, companies, and institutions. Dr Halpern is an associate consultant at the Jean Jaurès Foundation and the creator and editor of the book series “Hybridisations”, published by Éditions de l’Aube.

Arqus announces the opening of applications for the first Arqus Open Science Award. Launched during the 2025 Arqus Annual Conference at Leipzig University, this award recognises early-career researchers who champion open science. It celebrates those who set an example for the entire Arqus scientific community by advancing accessibility, reusability, and reproducibility in research.

The call for applications is open from 20 October until 14 December 2025 (23:59 CET). For more information and to apply, click .

Associative photo ("Unsplash")

On 9 October, the Swedish Academy announced that the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature had been awarded to Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai. As every year, the laureate was revealed at the historic Stockholm Stock Exchange Building (Börshuset). According to the Nobel Committee, Krasznahorkai was honoured ‘for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art’. Lina Buividavičiūtė, lecturer, literary scholar, and poet from the Kaunas Faculty of �۶���Ƶ (VU), describes him as an exceptional author.

The genius of his language

‘To be honest, I’ve never read anything comparable. His sentences can stretch across a third or even half a page, weaving together a surreal yet tangible reality, allegory, metaphor, dark irony, a vision of an apocalyptic world, and stark realism – all merging into one seamless, unforgettable whole,’ noted Lina Buividavičiūtė.

According to the literary scholar, the chronotope that Krasznahorkai creates demands precisely this kind of narrative approach: ‘The crumbling, apocalyptic, feverish, raw, and darkly ironic world of his books is, first and foremost, a world of language; a fiction that is both realistic and estranged, and perhaps even more important than what the stories are about (their content) is how they are told – Krasznahorkai not only draws on existing linguistic resources but also creates new ones, breaking and building, transforming and preserving. I believe this Hungarian author masterfully crafts the language of his books, building it around the worlds he seeks to depict’.

Buividavičiūtė recalls translator Vitas Agurkis’s impressions when he worked on ‘Az ellenállás melankóliája’ (‘The Melancholy of Resistance’), as quoted in a 2017 with Dr Jurgita Katkuvienė published by ‘15min’: ‘First of all – the text itself. It contains the tiniest details, where the life of a small provincial town intertwines with apocalyptic visions. Everything is fused together in a single sentence, yet, in my view, beautifully unified. When you enter that text, you can’t tell when you’re simply walking through the town and when the hallucinations begin; you don’t know whether it’s the author’s or your own mind that’s starting to unravel. You simply don’t know what’s happening’.

Allegories that create worlds

The prose of the Hungarian writer is deeply rooted in allegory, with his texts functioning as metaphorical structures in which physical and political landscapes reflect inner and existential states. When awarding him the prize, the Nobel Committee emphasised how Krasznahorkai’s creative work demonstrates the ability of art to preserve meaning in the face of collapse. This suggests that through multilayered allegory, art itself becomes a form of survival and resilience.

‘As David Auerbach noted in his article ‘The Mythology of László Krasznahorkai’, ‘In the post-war years, many European authors, especially those from Communist states, engaged in surrealism, parable, and allegory as a way of containing the mid-century chaos that spilt over from the war, where the psychology and rationality of modernism no longer seemed capable of fighting the irrationality of Nazism and Communism’. Moreover, allegory, at least for me as a reader, always leaves the space that’s so essential – a gap in which silence, yet also eloquence and testimony, compels the mind and imagination to work,’ said the VU lecturer.

A masterful witness to darkness

While critics often describe László Krasznahorkai as a successor to Franz Kafka or Fyodor Dostoevsky, Buividavičiūtė notes that his works belong to a different era – the postmodern fragmented world where existential tension shifts from the metaphysical to the realms of political and everyday absurdity.

‘In my view, the Nobel laureate leaves little room for hope in his writing – you never know when the circus will come to town again, bringing some new exhibit, perhaps a stuffed whale, setting off a collapse that had long been germinating in people’s minds or subconscious. How capable am I of resisting absurdity, the ‘plague bacillus’ (to echo Albert Camus), or am I merely a pawn of history that remains powerless as heads, including my own, begin to roll? Yet art still has the power to build structure from destruction. Though Krasznahorkai’s texts testify to darkness, that darkness is rendered with extraordinary skill and force. The apocalyptic world becomes a work of art,’ asserted the scholar.

Lina Buividavičiūtė admits she often quietly wonders what determines the choice of a particular Nobel laureate. And while Krasznahorkai’s world is steeped in collapse and anxiety – existential states deeply familiar to contemporary Europe – the literary researcher believes that what truly earned him this recognition is not just the relevance of his themes but the language itself: its intensity, rhythm, and exceptional mode of creation.

On October 7th, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm announced the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. The award went to Prof. John Clarke from the University of California, Berkeley, Prof. Michel Devoret from Yale University, and Prof. John Martinis from the University of California, Santa Barbara. They were honoured for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit, which laid the foundations for modern quantum technologies – from quantum computers to ultra-precise sensors.

According to Dr Mažena Mackoit-Sinkevičienė, a researcher at the Faculty of Physics of �۶���Ƶ (VU), this year’s Nobel Prize stands out not only for its scientific significance but also for its symbolic value – marking the centenary of quantum physics. ‘Quantum physics has fundamentally transformed our understanding of matter and its behaviour. The work of this year’s laureates meaningfully closes this century-long journey, as it bridges the theoretical foundations of quantum physics with technologies that make it possible to control quantum phenomena in practice.’

When particles pass through walls

‘At its core, quantum physics rests on two fundamental principles. The first is the wave–particle duality, meaning that particles can behave both as discrete particles and as waves that interact and interfere with one another. The second is that their states can be precisely described mathematically through the Schrödinger equation. This theory is not only mathematically beautiful – it also allows us to predict surprising phenomena that classical physics simply cannot explain,’ noted Dr Mackoit-Sinkevičienė.

According to the researcher, one of the most intriguing of these phenomena is quantum tunnelling. In the classical world, a ball rolling up a hill will stop if it lacks enough energy to cross the peak. But in the quantum realm, a particle can ‘tunnel’ through a barrier, as if passing straight through a wall. For a long time, this effect existed only in theory. However, in the second half of the 20th century, scientists succeeded in demonstrating it experimentally: Leo Esaki showed quantum tunnelling in semiconductors (tunnel diodes), Ivar Giaever observed it between superconductors separated by a thin insulating layer, and Brian Josephson provided the theoretical explanation and predicted current tunnelling without applied voltage. For these scientific breakthroughs, they were awarded the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physics.

The 2025 Nobel Prize granted to Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis builds directly upon this earlier work – yet also marks a revolutionary leap forward. The laureates demonstrated that an entire macroscopic system, i.e. a superconducting quantum circuit, can behave as a single quantum system: collectively tunnelling between states and exhibiting discrete energy levels, much like individual particles. This proved that quantum mechanics applies not only to the microscopic world but also to macroscopic systems, paving the way for the creation of modern superconducting qubit–based quantum computers.

From superconductivity to quantum computation

‘This year’s laureates – John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis – provided a striking demonstration of how this effect operates on a macroscopic scale. They designed and refined systems in which particles flowing through superconductors behave quantum mechanically – not as individual entities but as a single collective system. In these systems, electrons form Cooper pairs, a concept first described in 1957 by other Nobel laureates – John Bardeen, Leon Neil Cooper, and John Robert Schrieffer – who developed the BCS theory of superconductivity (awarded the 1972 Nobel Prize in Physics). These Cooper pairs move without resistance, forming a unified quantum state, meaning that countless particles act as one,’ said the VU researcher.

In announcing the award, the Nobel Committee stated that these studies ‘provided opportunities for developing the next generation of quantum technology, including quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and quantum sensors’. Dr Mackoit-Sinkevičienė added that everything once derived mathematically has now been confirmed experimentally and technologically through the laureates’ work.

Quantum phenomena shaping a new technological era

According to the VU physicist, these insights have become the core of today’s quantum computers: ‘For such devices to operate, they must be cooled almost to absolute zero (just a few tens of millikelvins) to eliminate thermal noise and maintain stable quantum states. These systems use Josephson junctions – microscopic barriers through which Cooper pairs tunnel, generating measurable voltages. This process enables the creation and control of quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist not only in the 0 or 1 state, but in a superposition of both simultaneously.’

‘It is one of the earliest quantum technology platforms, proposed in the late 20th century, and remains the area where the most significant advances have been made: companies like IBM and Google base their quantum processors on superconducting circuits. Other technologies, such as photonic systems, trapped ions, ultracold atom lattices, and diamond-based qubits, also exist, but this platform was the first to provide practical evidence that quantum effects can be controlled through engineering,’ explained Dr Mackoit-Sinkevičienė.

She believes this year’s Nobel laureates have successfully shown that the boundary between classical and quantum physics is disappearing: ‘Quantum effects are now observed in increasingly larger and more complex systems, and what seemed like purely theoretical exotic phenomena just a few decades ago has become the foundation for an entirely new technological era. Their discoveries have paved the way for hundreds of research groups and start-ups developing practical quantum applications – from ultra-precise measurements to breakthroughs in information security and computing.’

As ambassadors, students will disseminate information about events and activities, engage with fellow students and staff members, and contribute to the Alliance’s outreach and engagement initiatives. They will actively promote the values and activities of the Arqus Alliance and act as points of contact for students interested in learning more about the Alliance and its programmes.

To ensure the success of the programme, the Arqus Alliance will provide ambassadors with comprehensive training and support, giving them access to resources such as open-source materials, training sessions on effective communication and leadership, and guidance on best practices.

Ambassadors will also benefit from networking opportunities, gain visibility and recognition through the Arqus Alliance’s communication channels, and receive exclusive access to events and resources offered by the Alliance.

Eligibility

The Arqus Student Ambassadors Programme is open to all students enrolled at the member universities of the Arqus Alliance. Eligible candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in international collaboration and cultural exchange, possess good communication skills, and show initiative and creativity. Previous international experience, such as participation in study abroad programmes or language exchanges, will be highly regarded.

Application

Students interested in becoming an Arqus Alliance Ambassador should complete the application form by 15 November, including their CV and a motivation statement that highlights their institutional engagement, experience working with international students, and dedication to promoting international cooperation.

Arqus Student Ambassadors will enhance the student experience and uphold the values of openness, diversity, and excellence in research and education by supporting the Arqus Alliance, promoting cultural exchange, and fostering international collaboration.

To apply, click .

On 19–21 October, �۶���Ƶ and Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania are hosting the conference ‘YIVO in Vilnius and the World’, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research (Yidisher visnshaftlekher institut, YIVO).

Founded in Vilnius in 1925, YIVO became the world’s leading centre for Yiddish culture, research, and education. It was one of the most significant Jewish cultural institutions – the first secular research institute for East European Jewish culture – where the Yiddish language was standardised, young scholars were trained, and an extensive library and archive were established. As Jewish diaspora activists across Eastern Europe nurtured and promoted their culture in the countries where they lived, a new movement emerged, giving rise to a network of innovative cultural institutions. The initiative to save part of YIVO’s collections during the Holocaust and transfer them to New York was no less monumental an achievement. Today, YIVO continues its activities in New York but remains a symbol of the rich heritage of the Jewish community in Vilnius.

The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania has declared 2025 the Year of the 100th Anniversary of the Establishment of YIVO. To mark this occasion, the conference will feature presentations by scholars from Lithuania, Poland, the United States, Argentina, Germany, and Israel. The event marking this significant anniversary will bring together researchers from around the world to discuss YIVO’s contribution to Jewish research, culture, and heritage, as well as its significance for contemporary Jewish studies.

The conference programme can be found .