VU Master’s Students Took Part in the “Arqus Twinning” Programme on Urban Green Transitions
Programme participants. Photo credit: Personal archive
In October, master’s students from the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences at Vilnius University (VU) participated in the international programme “Urban Green Transition Pathways: Experiences from Vilnius, Granada and Beyond”, held at the University of Granada, Spain. The programme was organised through the “Arqus Twinning” initiative and coordinated by VU Associate Professor Justas Kažys together with University of Granada researchers Prof. Juan Luis Guerrero-Rascado and Prof. Paloma Cariñanos González.
The aim of the programme was to promote research on urban green transitions and to encourage an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable urban development, combining science, technology and environmental protection. Participants explored topics such as green space development, air quality, climate change mitigation, and the preservation of natural heritage. The “Arqus Twinning” initiative seeks to foster academic exchange among students and lecturers within the Arqus Alliance universities, promote interdisciplinary perspectives on climate change and sustainable urban development, and strengthen international collaboration.
Exploring Advanced Research in Atmospheric and Earth Systems
The programme began with a visit to the Andalusian Inter-University Institute for Earth System Research, where a student research session took place. VU master’s students presented their scientific projects, while students from the University of Granada showcased their ongoing PhD research. During discussions, participants exchanged insights on physical geography and meteorology, explored research methods in climate studies, and discussed urban environmental challenges.
Following the session, students visited the institute’s modern research laboratories to see first-hand how scientists study atmospheric processes and Earth systems. Among the highlights were the hypobaric chamber, capable of simulating high-altitude conditions, and a hands-on activity launching a meteorological balloon with a radiosonde, which transmitted live atmospheric data.
Air Quality Research and Aerobiology Discoveries
The second day of the programme focused on air quality and aerobiology research. Students visited the University of Granada’s Biological Air Quality Department, where researchers from the Department of Botany presented the importance of pollen and spore studies for climate, environmental quality, and human health.
During practical sessions, participants worked with microscopes and learned to identify pollen from different plants – intricate structures that influence both the climate and allergic reactions. They were also introduced to automated sensors capable of detecting not only pollen and spores in real time, but also airborne microplastic particles.
After an intensive day in the laboratory, students visited the historic Botanical Garden of the University of Granada, where they explored diverse plant collections and admired a centuries-old ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) – a symbol of sustainability and longevity.
From Soil to High-Altitude Climate
On the third day, students explored several natural science museums at the University of Granada, featuring collections in soil science, mineralogy, herbology and zoology. These exhibitions revealed not only the richness of nature but also the fundamental connections between different layers of the Earth’s systems.
In the afternoon, Prof. Marco Andrade from Bolivia delivered a lecture, sharing over a decade of experience working at the world’s highest Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) station. Students learned about the unique conditions, climate characteristics, and data analysis challenges of this extreme high-altitude environment.
Understanding and Preventing Seismic Processes
On the fourth day, participants visited the Andalusian Institute of Geophysics and Earthquake Prevention (Instituto Andaluz de Geofísica). At this strategically important centre, students learned how scientists monitor, analyse and assess seismic events.
Since the Granada region lies within an active seismic zone, the institute’s work plays a crucial role in both fundamental science and disaster prevention, contributing to public safety. Students had the opportunity to observe historical seismological instruments as well as the latest technologies that enable real-time monitoring of seismic activity across the globe.
Summarising their experience, students emphasised that the programme provided not only valuable scientific knowledge but also intercultural learning opportunities and a chance to exchange ideas and establish academic connections with researchers from other countries.
“This “Arqus” visit offered not only new knowledge but also an enriching intercultural experience. It provided meaningful insight into another country’s advanced scientific methods. The programme revealed how different countries tackle the challenges of green space development, air quality improvement and climate change mitigation, as well as the interdisciplinary solutions they employ. Collaboration with researchers from the University of Granada allowed us to build connections, share experiences and gain inspiration for new ideas. The visit reminded us once again that sustainable progress is not only about technology – it’s also about cooperation, creativity and the shared goal of creating a safe and green future,” said the participants.