An open call for the Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Institute of Social Sciences and Applied Informatics of Vilnius University (VU) Kaunas Faculty.

The Postdoctoral Fellowship aims to promote innovative scientific research by allowing early-career researchers to develop an independent academic career and integrate into the academic community of Vilnius University in Kaunas.

Application Deadline: applications may be submitted from April 1, 2025, to April 14, 2025, at 12:00 PM (CET). The application must be prepared in English or Lithuanian.

About the project

The project aims to contribute to climate change mitigation and the reduction of energy poverty in Lithuania by promoting renewable energy sources in households and developing innovative, economically accessible solutions that foster social equality and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals.

This research will analyse the social and economic factors determining energy poverty and promote the development of more efficient and cost-effective technologies for energy saving and integrating renewable energy sources in households. The research questions will be practically oriented to combat climate change, ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, increase the inclusiveness, safety, and sustainability of cities and settlements, and address inequalities within and between countries by ensuring access to reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.

The research is expected to enhance public education, address social inequality and poverty reduction, increase energy independence, and help combat climate change and environmental challenges.

Supervisor of the Postdoctoral Fellowship:
Professor Dr. Asta Mikalauskienė, Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4301-2058).

Professor Dr. Asta Mikalauskienė’s scientific and pedagogical work directly relates to sustainable development. Her principal and most significant publications focus on sustainability and climate change. She has authored six monographs on this topic and scientific articles in WoS DB journals with SCIE or SSCI citation indexes, other peer-reviewed international journals, and conference proceedings.

Fellowship duration: 24 months.

Fellowship period: September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027.

Eligibility:
applications may be submitted by researchers who have obtained a doctoral degree from a foreign or other (non-university) Lithuanian research and study institution. No more than 5 years must have passed since the awarding of the doctoral degree (the period excludes parental leave or childcare leave).

Applicant requirements:

• Doctoral degree in Social Sciences in the field of Economics.
• Experience in interdisciplinary research/teaching (considered an advantage for equally qualified candidates).
• Proficiency in English.

Application deadline: April 14, 2025, at 12:00 PM (CET). The application must be submitted in Lithuanian or English.

Funding:
Vilnius University funds the Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Monthly salary of the fellow – €3096 gross (before taxes).

Required documents:

• Application (Vilnius University Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Form, in Lithuanian or English).
• Curriculum Vitae (free format), including contact information: email and phone number.
• Copy of doctoral diploma.
• List of scientific publications.
• List of other academic activities (projects, patents, etc.).
• Two academic letters of recommendation.

Location of the Postdoctoral Fellowship:
Institute of Social Sciences and Applied Informatics, Kaunas Faculty, Vilnius University.
Address: Muitinės str. 8, LT-44280 Kaunas, Lithuania.

Applications should be submitted to Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty via email:
Subject line: “Postdoctoral Fellowship Competition 2025”

For questions regarding the fellowship topic, don't hesitate to contact Donatas Misiūnas via email:

Postdoctoral Fellowships are organised in accordance with the Resolution of the Senate of Vilnius University N.o SPN-63 of 23 November, 2021: “Description of the Procedure for the Selection and Admission of Doctoral Students, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Visiting Researchers Funded by Vilnius University”.

VU Kaunas Faculty Academic Singing Studio VENI GAUDERE resumes its activities after a break.

We are waiting for YOU in CHOIR AUDITIONS on MONDAYS and WEDNESDAYS (March 17, 19, 24, 26) at 5 pm in the Prof. V. Gronskas Auditorium.

For more information, contact us at +37061396571 or via messenger: Singing Studio Veni Gaudere.

The third-year student of the study programme Information Systems and Cyber Security at Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty Rokas Stankūnas has returned from a six-month Erasmus+ exchange programme in Reutlingen, Germany. He is delighted with the experience and does not doubt that the opportunity to change his surroundings has given him a different perspective on his studies and himself and helped him develop the qualities that will enable him to adapt more quickly to the labour market. He was impressed by the enthusiastic teachers-practitioners and the awe-inspiring nature.

Rokas says Erasmus offers new experiences, places, and cultures, but the student advises you to set your expectations first. He encourages you to use this opportunity to challenge yourself, get to know another higher education system and test your ability to adapt to a new environment. Most importantly, Rokas strongly recommends that you actively participate in academic community events, projects, and activities of Student Representation.

As many as 103 foreign students enrolled at Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty in 2024, coming from more than 15 countries: Ghana, Bangladesh, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Nigeria, India, Ukraine, etc. First-year Bachelor's and Master's students enrolled in 2024-2025 were given the opportunity to study Lithuanian for free during the autumn semester. The students were taught Lithuanian by three teachers: Assoc. Prof. Audronė Rimkutė, J. Assist. Monika Stankienė and Lect. Indrė Bagdžiūtė. Those who successfully completed the course were awarded Lithuanian language A1.1 level certificates. The students say that the Lithuanian language courses have significantly improved their integration and experience in the country.

A course to get to know the language and culture

“This optional course is designed to help students learn how to communicate in Lithuanian about commonly known subjects in everyday situations. We think it is important to understand the language at least a little when you come to study in Lithuania. I am delighted that students are realising this and choosing the subject,” says the teacher Assoc. Prof. Audronė Rimkutė.

She notes that students with more language skills feel more comfortable in new environments, accept cultural differences more easily, and are more eager to attempt to communicate with native speakers. The Associate Professor strives to make the learning process dynamic and engaging, using active learning (dialogues, situations, pair work, group tasks) and communicative methods (exercises).

Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty, Institute of Social Sciences and Applied Informatics continues the series of seminars initiated by Professor Vladas K. Gronskas, dedicated to analyzing sustainable state development in the context of a mixed economy.

The forty-seventh seminar will take place on 20 March 2025 at 14:00 in the VeGa auditorium and via the Microsoft Teams online platform. The seminar will host Professor Vlado Dimovski (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia) and his topic is Authentic Leadership: Bridging Theory and Practice. The language of the presentation – English.

This seminar delves into the principles of authentic leadership, highlighting the integration of theoretical frameworks with real-world applications to cultivate effective, ethical, and genuine leadership in modern organizations. The seminar will explore the critical aspects of authenticity in leadership, its impact on organizational culture, and how higher education institutions can foster sustainable leadership practices.

About the speaker

Professor Vlado Dimovski is a distinguished management and organizational theory scholar at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Economics. He holds a PhD in Management and Finance from Cleveland State University and is a leading expert in organizational learning, knowledge management, and leadership. His extensive academic and professional background includes contributions to Slovenian and international research, consulting for global institutions, and serving in key governmental roles.

Beyond academia, Professor Dimovski has played a significant role in public administration, serving as the State Secretary for Industry in Slovenia (1995–1997) and as the Minister of Labor, Family, and Social Affairs (2000–2004). His consultancy work spans major international organizations, including the World Bank, European Commission, and UNDP. He has also led numerous European research projects, including the SI4CARE/ADRION initiative focused on ageing societies.

A prolific author, Professor Dimovski has published influential works on organizational learning and leadership, including Authentic Leadership in Learning Organizations (2009) and Advanced Management (2013). His research articles have been featured in high-impact journals such as the Journal of Information Technology, Expert Systems with Applications, and the International Journal of Production Economics.
His extensive contributions to academia, government, and consultancy have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Slovenian Gold Management Award and the Beta Gamma Sigma Award.

On behalf of the organizers,

Prof. Habil. Dr. Remigijus Čiegis

11 February marks the 22nd Safer Internet Day in many countries worldwide to raise awareness about the benefits and dangers of the Internet. As AI tools evolve, both opportunities and threats increase, so developing critical thinking and new habits is essential. This is particularly relevant for Lithuanians - according to the State Data Agency, 90.4% of households had Internet access at home in 2024 (92.7% in urban areas, 85.3% in rural areas), which is 1.8% more than last year and 8.3% more than in 2020.

Do Lithuanians use preventive measures to protect themselves and organisations from attacks and their potential consequences? Security experts point out that successful cyber-attacks can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and business disruption.