Vilnius University Hosts Representatives from Stanford University

On 9 September, Vilnius University (VU) welcomed Dr Michael A. Keller, University Librarian and Director at Stanford University, and Dr Liisi Esse, Curator for Estonian and Baltic Studies. During their visit, the guests met with VU representatives to discuss opportunities for cooperation and academic exchange.

The Stanford University delegation met with VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, Pro-Rector for Research Prof. Gintaras Valušis, and Pro-Rector for Partnerships Dr Artūras Vasiliauskas. They also had a guided tour of the VU Library and the Old Astronomical Observatory.

‘Strengthening institutional ties with Stanford University creates opportunities for our community to engage in and expand academic cooperation across various fields. Stanford is a model both in terms of developing the scientific and business ecosystem and in the digitisation of library resources. The Baltic Studies Program and Collection at Stanford is an important resource for many of our scholars in the humanities and social sciences. Stanford University Library is a large, multifaceted unit, and its Director, Michael A. Keller, is an experienced academic administrator who can provide valuable insights on a number of issues related to academic organisation,’ said the VU Rector.

The purpose of the delegation’s visit was to further strengthen and expand academic exchange between Stanford University and Lithuania (including scholarships, internships, and other academic visits), as well as to deepen cooperation with national archives and libraries, and to explore additional opportunities for partnership.

The guests also met with Director General of the VU Library Irena Krivienė, Dean of the Faculty of Philology Prof. Mindaugas Kvietkauskas, Dean of the Faculty of History Assoc. Prof. Loreta Skurvydaitė, Director of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science Prof. Margarita Šešelgytė, and other VU representatives.