History

On the wall of Vilnius University's observatory, there is the inscription "Hinc itur ad astra", meaning "from here the way leads to the stars". The university was founded in the 16th century, amidst the spread of ideas from the Renaissance, Reformation and Catholic Reformation. Vilnius University is considered one of the oldest universities in Central and Eastern Europe. There are other aspects of historical significance at this ancient university. From the 14th century, and for two centuries thereafter, the University of Kraków held the distinction of being the easternmost university in Europe, but in the 16th century Vilnius assumed this role, transcending the borders of both ethnic Lithuania and the multinational and multi-confessional Grand Duchy of Lithuania by casting scientific light across the Central and Eastern European region. Certain achievements of the Jesuit university were so significant that they influenced the whole of Catholic Baroque and even non-Baroque Europe, including the poetry of Maciej Kazimierz Sarbiewski, as well as the logic, rhetoric and theology of Martinus Smiglecius.

A new era in the history of the university began in 1990, as Lithuania regained its independence and the university regained its autonomy. The inscription "Hinc itur ad astra" symbolised the academic dreams and aspirations of former times. In the era of regained independence, such a symbolic function is perhaps performed by the modern Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology in Saulėtekis, which conducts research into laser and light technologies, organic materials, chemistry and semiconductor nanotechnology. The facade walls of this building bear no inscription, but the goals and ambitions of a modern university are symbolised by the hexagonal windows, where an ordinary eye would most likely see only fragments of a honeycomb structure, whilst an expert eye can discern the true symbolism – the crystal lattice of graphene, one of the strongest materials, which was created at the beginning of the 21st century.

Since the restoration of independence, the university has constantly had to navigate between the demands of global competition and satisfying the local needs of the state, whilst simultaneously making difficult choices between the roles of a university that serves the technocratic market and a classical educator of humanity. The strength of the modern Vilnius University and its aspiration to become the academic home of graphene is measured not only by its historical mission but also by various formal assessments. However, what symbolises today's Vilnius University most profoundly are the two most important threads of its identity, twisted like a DNA helix: its passionate efforts to adapt to the needs and trends of the rapidly changing world; and simultaneously, the traditions that have endured since its establishment. The first thread represents the technical and life sciences that have replaced (or evolved from) the logic of the 17th century. The second represents the poets of the 17th century – even if in (post)modern times they are often called humanities scholars. Thus, whilst the university enjoys the rewards of its DNA research, the university's own DNA has remained unchanged since its establishment.