Strengthening Partnerships and Cooperation: VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas Visits the Czech Republic

From 14 to 17 May, Rector of Vilnius University (VU), Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, and Pro-Rector for Partnerships, Dr Artūras Vasiliauskas, visited the Czech Republic. During their time in Prague, the VU representatives discussed cooperation with Charles University, visited the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) Beamlines Facility, and met with members of the Lithuanian community living in the country.

During a meeting with the Rector of Charles University, Prof. Jiří Zima, the VU representatives discussed further cooperation in the fields of research, studies, academic exchange, and joint European initiatives. During a meeting with Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Dr Eva Lehečková, and Director of the Institute of East European Studies, Dr Markus Giger, they explored opportunities to further develop Lithuanian language and culture studies at one of Central Europe’s leading academic centres.

Prof. Petrauskas and Dr Vasiliauskas also visited the Church of St Thomas, where they met with the parish priest and Prior of the Augustinian Monastery, Father William Faix, and viewed the archaeological heritage preserved there. The visit also included a site believed to be the burial place of Butautas, brother of Vytautas the Great – a ruler of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania – reflecting the long-standing historical ties between Lithuania and the Czech lands dating back to the Middle Ages.

Photo by the Embassy of Lithuania in the Czech Republic.

In addition, the VU representatives met with Tomáš Sedláček, Director of the Václav Havel Library, and visited the ELI Beamlines Facility, where ultra-powerful laser technology developed by Lithuanian scientists is being used. In a meeting with ELI Director Roman Hvězda, they discussed concrete steps for implementing the recently signed cooperation agreement between VU and ELI, strengthening Lithuania’s involvement in ELI activities, expanding strategic partnerships, and enhancing the international visibility of laser science and industry. 

The discussions also covered the joint research projects carried out by ELI and the Laser Research Center of the VU Faculty of Physics – work that is opening up new opportunities in nuclear energy, advanced medicine, and high-tech fields, as well as issues related to the training of young researchers and the development of international talent networks.

Photo by the Embassy of Lithuania in the Czech Republic.

During the visit, Prof. Petrauskas and Dr Vasiliauskas toured the library of the Strahov Monastery. They also viewed memorial sites dedicated to the public figure and signatory of the Lithuanian Act of Independence, Dr Jonas Basanavičius, as well as to Francysk Skaryna, a pioneer of book printing in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The VU representatives also met with the Lithuanian community in the Czech Republic to discuss the role of the diaspora in strengthening cultural and academic ties and promoting Lithuania’s visibility in Czech society. The Lithuanian Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Rolandas Kačinskas, also participated in the meetings.