VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas Greetings on the Occasion of the End of the Academic Year

Dear members of the Vilnius University community,

We completed the academic year by awarding diplomas to 4 500 new graduates of Vilnius University.
In 2023, we have been celebrating the 700th anniversary of Vilnius and 444 years of the University’s history within the city. The historic NATO Summit to be held in Vilnius soon and to be preceded by an international conference of politicians and academics organised by Vilnius University will attest to the growing importance of Vilnius in regional and European politics, where the University is also establishing its place. We have a unique opportunity to raise the recognition of our name and expand international relations by opening ourselves to the world and becoming strong players in the global science arena.

Our year started with exceptional achievements in science. Two of the most highly regarded grants of the European Research Council were awarded to Stephen K. Jones Jr. and Giedrė Motuzaitė Matuzevičiūtė Keen, researchers at Vilnius University. Five individual fellowships under Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme were approved and launched, including two projects by Ukrainian researchers.
In the field of studies, a major shift is upon us – the start of individualised studies, which will allow students to acquire additional knowledge and skills beyond their main field of study and thus take advantage of the opportunities provided by the diverse University. This year, a great deal of work has been accomplished – almost all bachelor and integrated study programmes have been updated.

As well, a step to increase the internationalisation of University studies was taken with the Senate approving the Language Policy Guidelines, the implementation of which will contribute to the development of quality international studies and a global learning environment.

Last year, more than 400 students from Ukraine started their studies at Vilnius University. The University strives to create the best possible conditions for Ukrainian students who cannot pursue higher education in their country due to war: all of them were granted the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Scholarships, the vast majority were exempt from tuition fees, and many were provided with priority accommodation in dormitories.

As the most recent rankings have shown, we are evaluated very highly in terms of teaching quality, staff-to-student ratio, and international research networking. However, they have also revealed where we need to make more effort. It is clear that in terms of global competition, for sustainable growth and breakthroughs, the potential and funding of higher education at the national level and the consolidation of national research resources need to be strengthened. Despite improving scientific performance, we still must strive, as agreed in the University strategy, to continuously increase the visibility and impact of our research in the international scientific arena in all fields of science.

A new phase of the ARQUS University Alliance was launched. The Alliance welcomed a new member, the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, and a new associate partner – the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.
For the first time, we invited our partners – business enterprises – to join us in establishing 450th Anniversary Scholarships for the first-year students of Vilnius University. In the first year, 40 such scholarships were established.

In response to increased demand, we are expanding the availability of psychological support to community members. We have been trying to consolidate all the University services to employees and students and, since September, publish the information in one place.

We opened the Observatory of Ideas at the renovated VU Observatory a few weeks ago. We hope this place will become a new centre for disseminating scientific knowledge. When it comes to engaging more with the public and communicating their science, the researchers often feel discouraged by the belief that society will not understand the meaning of their tasks or will not be able to appreciate the outcomes of their work on highly theoretical challenges. Yet, discussions of various formats, presentations of works, and dissemination projects demonstrate that people are interested in research and scientific reasoning. They seek scientific explanations, insights, and reasoned, timely public criticism from researchers, breaking the spell of communication and public relations. We must not shy away from using our voice, speaking up, and explaining how we see the world and what problems we solve to create a better, more open environment.

Let us strengthen our influence by using the tools we have – the institutional power created by collaborative and targeted work, the intellect developed through studies, the competence strengthened through practice, and the curiosity and courage for truth. Completing this academic year, I believe, we feel we are a part of a solid and open community. I wish you a beautiful summer, a good rest, and quietly accumulating enthusiasm to come back with new ideas and new energy.

Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas
Rector of Vilnius University