Associate Professor Renata Šukaitytė holds a Doctorate in Humanities from Vytautas Magnus University (2008) and specializes in contemporary cinema studies, media culture, and political communication. She leads Vilnius University's Centre of Journalism and Media Research within the Faculty of Communication. Key research focuses include post-communist transformation in documentary cinema, transnational film narratives, and Baltic media industries. She has led over 10 research projects funded by national and EU programs, including the 2020 'Political Breakthrough on Screen' study. Her academic contributions include editing journals like Studies in Eastern European Cinema and organizing high-profile conferences such as the 2023 'Populism in National and Global Media'. She has published extensively on topics ranging from Šarūnas Bartas' film philosophy to digital documentary practices, with over 30 peer-reviewed articles and 5 edited volumes. Her work bridges cinematic analysis with sociopolitical critique, emphasizing visual storytelling's role in mediating historical and cultural narratives.
Nijolė Vaitkevičienė serves as an Associate Professor at the Department of Plant Biology and Food Sciences within the Agricultural Academy of Vytautas Magnus University. Appointed to her current academic rank in 2022, she maintains active research and teaching responsibilities within the university's bioeconomy research framework. Her research interests focus on plant-based resources and food systems, specifically examining: Quality characteristics of plant raw materials Storage conditions and processing techniques for agricultural products Safety parameters in food production chains Sustainable approaches to agricultural resource management Analysis of her conference participation from 2021-2025 reveals a strong emphasis on sustainability challenges in modern agriculture. Her work increasingly addresses the intersection of soil health, carbon sequestration, and food security within the context of climate change. She demonstrates particular expertise in precision farming methodologies and the application of digital technologies to optimize agricultural production while minimizing environmental impact. Her research trajectory shows growing engagement with Green Deal initiatives and bioeconomy development strategies. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Vaitkevičienė has actively participated in knowledge transfer activities, contributing to science-business collaboration through numerous conference presentations and workshops. Her institutional affiliations include the Bioeconomy Research Institute since 2024, reflecting her integration into interdisciplinary research frameworks addressing contemporary agricultural challenges.
Audrius Aleknavičius is a Researcher at Vytautas Magnus University's Bioeconomy Research Institute, specializing in land management and consolidation. Previously serving as Professor (2010-2020) and Head of the Department of Land Management (2008-2012), he has been affiliated with the Agriculture Academy since 1997, when it was known as the Lithuanian University of Agriculture until 2011, and later as Aleksandras Stulginskis University (2011-2018). Dr. Aleknavičius earned his Doctor of Technological Sciences degree in 2002 after graduating from the Lithuanian Academy of Agriculture in 1995. He furthered his education at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, completing studies there in 2007. His international experience includes internships in Sweden (1999, 2000, 2001) and Taiwan (2003), which have informed his comparative approach to land management systems. His research focuses on critical aspects of land administration, with particular expertise in land consolidation, agricultural land use development, and real estate valuation. Dr. Aleknavičius has pioneered methods for optimizing large farm holdings, analyzing land market dynamics across Lithuanian municipalities, and adapting European land consolidation models to different national contexts including Ukraine. His work bridges theoretical land management principles with practical applications for improving agricultural efficiency and rural development. Recent publications reveal a strong trend toward practical solutions for land fragmentation issues, with significant attention to municipal-level land planning schemes and pre-emption rights for farm owners. His research increasingly incorporates comparative analysis of Baltic states' land administration systems while addressing contemporary challenges in land markets following Lithuania's land reform completion. Dr. Aleknavičius has supervised numerous master's theses covering diverse aspects of land management, from agricultural land use in specific municipalities to land lease processes and special land use conditions. His academic mentorship has produced research addressing practical land administration challenges across Lithuania's regions. Working within the Department of Land Use Planning and Geomatics, he contributes to the Agriculture Academy's mission of advancing sustainable land management practices. His current research activities focus on optimizing land holdings for large agricultural enterprises, analyzing land market intensity across Lithuanian municipalities, and developing more efficient land administration models through comparative analysis of European systems.
Astrida Miceikienė is a Professor at Vytautas Magnus University and Chancellor of the Agricultural Academy. She is affiliated with the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development and the Department of Applied Economics, Finance and Accounting. Her research focuses on climate change management, taxation in agriculture, the impact of digitization, financial and environmental sustainability, and public finance. Role: Professor (2016), Chancellor of Agricultural Academy (2020) Department: Applied Economics, Finance and Accounting Research Interests: Climate change, agricultural taxation, digitization, eco-efficiency Her recent publications highlight trends in eco-efficiency using neural networks, green electricity adoption in Lithuania during the Ukraine war, and robot taxation as a fiscal strategy. She investigates the interplay between environmental sustainability and economic viability in sectors like agriculture and bioeconomy. Notable advising includes theses on financial autonomy of rural municipalities and tax reforms . Her work addresses EU policies like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and evaluates agri-environmental subsidies across Baltic and EU contexts. She contributes to sustainable development through empirical models and policy analysis.
Virginija Gurskienė is an Associate Professor at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), specifically affiliated with the Department of Land Use Planning and Geomatics within the Agriculture Academy. She is actively involved in research and academic supervision, particularly in the areas of land use planning, urban planning, and management of protected areas. Her research interests include: Real property cadastre Management of protected areas Urban planning Land use planning Spatial analysis Environmental sustainability Dr. Gurskienė's scholarly work spans multiple aspects of spatial planning and land management, with a strong focus on sustainable development and the integration of planning solutions in both urban and rural contexts. She employs advanced spatial analysis techniques and examines the interplay between environmental protection, urbanization processes, and agricultural land use. She has supervised 73 master's theses according to the available data, demonstrating expertise across a wide range of topics related to land use planning, protected areas management, and urban development. Her students' research reflects current challenges in spatial planning, including assessment of urbanization in regional parks, development of protected areas, state land use control, and smart city integration. Since 2021, she has been affiliated with the Department of Land Use Planning and Geomatics, and since 2024, she has also been associated with the Bioeconomy Research Institute, indicating expanding research interests into bioeconomic aspects of land use.
Jolita Butkevičienė is a Lecturer at the Department of Art History within the Faculty of Arts at Vytautas Magnus University. She holds a Doctor of Sciences degree (awarded in 2010) and has been employed as academic staff since 2011. Her work is closely associated with the Research on Lithuanian Art and Cultural Heritage: Identities, Memories, Policies cluster at the university. Dr. Butkevičienė's educational background, while not explicitly detailed in the available information, is reflected in her doctoral degree in sciences obtained in 2010. Her academic journey has positioned her as a significant contributor to Lithuanian art and architectural history studies. Her research interests center on Lithuanian architecture, cultural heritage preservation, and the intersection of historical architecture with contemporary urban development. She has made significant contributions to understanding Kaunas as the Temporary Capital during the interwar period, examining fine street architecture, manor house preservation, and the adaptation of historical buildings for modern use. Her work often explores how cultural heritage can be leveraged for tourism development while maintaining authenticity and historical value. Analysis of her supervised theses reveals consistent focus areas across multiple years: Lithuanian architectural history (particularly Kaunas as the Temporary Capital), cultural heritage management, sustainable tourism development based on cultural resources, and the relationship between urban spaces and cultural identity. Her most recent work shows increasing attention to digital applications for heritage presentation and child-friendly urban design considerations. While no specific scientific awards are listed in the available information, Dr. Butkevičienė has demonstrated significant academic leadership through her supervision of numerous bachelor's and master's theses across various aspects of cultural heritage and architectural history. Dr. Butkevičienė has advised a substantial number of students across multiple graduating classes, with her supervision spanning topics from residential architecture trends to manor house preservation and cultural tourism development. Her students frequently conduct field research, surveys, and architectural analyses, indicating her emphasis on empirical research methods. She appears to collaborate with students on projects that have practical applications for regional development and heritage management. Her research activities are closely tied to the Department of Art History's laboratories and research teams focused on Lithuanian cultural heritage. She participates in interdisciplinary projects that connect architectural history with tourism studies, urban planning, and cultural policy development. Her work often involves field research across various Lithuanian regions, examining local heritage resources and their potential for sustainable development.
Dr. Gurram Gopal serves as an Industry Professor at Illinois Institute of Technology and a Visiting Professor at ISM. He has held roles as a strategy consultant, manager at ZS Associates, and supply chain executive at Tellabs. His research focuses on business strategy, supply chain optimization, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. He has published over 50 papers and presented globally at conferences like PRME. Dr. Gopal has received prestigious honors including the Fulbright Scholar Award (2011-2012) and selection as a Fulbright Specialist Candidate (2013-2018). He teaches courses in operations management, supply chain analytics, and global business processes. His work integrates technology applications with ethical business practices, emphasizing innovation in process management and B2B marketing. Notable contributions include studies on blockchain in humanitarian logistics, AI adoption in retail, and sustainable marketing's impact on customer loyalty. He leads educational initiatives in Ireland, India, and Turkey, advocating for global supply chain resilience and data synchronization strategies.
Aliaksei Makhnach is an Associate Professor and Head of the Academic Department of Humanities and Arts at the European Humanities University (EHU) in Vilnius. He is also affiliated with the Jewish Studies Center. His academic focus includes Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology, and Liberal Arts, with research emphasizing European heritage, cultural identity, and historical preservation. Education: PhD in History from Belarusian State University. Research Interests: Dr. Makhnach explores the intersection of cultural heritage and historical narratives, particularly in post-Soviet contexts. His work often addresses the preservation of traditional Belarusian culture, the role of language in shaping European identity, and the socio-economic practices of rural communities during the NEP era. Key Contributions: His publications analyze European intellectual traditions, Soviet-era rural economies, and urban development in Minsk. He actively participates in international academic exchanges, such as the Erasmus+ program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2022) and conferences celebrating EHU’s 30th anniversary. Labs/Teams: Leads initiatives within the Jewish Studies Center and collaborates with the Academic Department of Humanities and Arts to organize interdisciplinary events like the International Hannah Arendt Conference (2019).
Jolita Greblikaitė is an Associate Professor at Vytautas Magnus University, affiliated with the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development and the Department of Business and Rural Development Management. Her work spans academic supervision and research in logistics and bioeconomy sectors. Primary Affiliation: Department of Business and Rural Development Management, Vytautas Magnus University Secondary Affiliation: Bioeconomy Research Institute Her research focuses on entrepreneurship, logistics management, and sustainable bioeconomy practices. She has supervised numerous Master's theses analyzing supply chain challenges in Nigeria, India, and Lithuania, emphasizing smart technologies and Lean methodologies. Key research domains include: Cross-border e-commerce logistics Smart transportation systems in developing economies Agri-food supply chain optimization Consumer behavior in rural and urban markets Lean warehouse management Sustainable bioeconomy policies
Jovita Balandaitė is a Junior Researcher at Vytautas Magnus University, affiliated with the Department of Agroecosystems and Soil Sciences under the Bioeconomy Research Centre of Excellence. Her work focuses on agronomy, soil science, and environmental sustainability. University: Vytautas Magnus University Department: Department of Agroecosystems and Soil Sciences Role: Researcher Key research areas include agroecology , soil health , and weed control . She actively participates in international conferences like AgroEco and Herbologija, addressing topics such as carbon sequestration , climate change adaptation , and sustainable farming . Her publications highlight advancements in precision agriculture and environmental protection . Recent conference engagements (2021-2025) demonstrate expertise in biodiversity conservation , reducing agrochemical reliance , and ecosystem service optimization . Notable events include presentations on soil microbial communities , weeding strategies , and climate-resilient practices .
Prof. Dr. Vytautas Michelkevičius is a curator, art critic, and academic leader at the Vilnius Academy of Arts (VAA) , where he has served as Professor (since 2022), Associate Professor (2013–2022), and Lecturer (2005–2013). He has led the Photography, Animation and Media Art Department since 2019 and the Doctoral Programme in Fine Art since 2019. His career spans curatorial projects, academic research, and international collaborations. Education: PhD in Communication and Information Studies (Vilnius University, 2010), MA in Communication Studies (2005), BA in Information Studies (2003). Post-doctoral research at VAA (2013–2015). Research Interests: Focused on artistic research as an epistemological framework, media art , diagrammatic imagination , and remote artist residencies . His work bridges art, philosophy, and technology, emphasizing interdisciplinary methodologies. Scientific Awards: Best PhD Thesis in Humanities (2010) Herder Stipendium (2004–2005) DAAD Fellowship (2008–2009) Advising & Grants: Supervised 9 doctoral students in Lithuania and Finland. Led projects like the New European Bauhaus Research Centre (2023–2027) and Critical Tourism Studies (2012–2013). Grants from Lithuanian Research Council and Pro Helvetia Foundation. Labs & Teams: Coordinated the Nida Art Colony (2010–2019) and Design Innovation Centre at VAA. Active in international networks like the Society for Artistic Research (SAR) and editorial boards of Acoustic Space journal.
Christopher Kronenberg is a Professor for Business Model Design at the University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna, where his research focuses on the transition to a circular economy, sustainable development, and competitiveness. He holds the Endowed Professorship for Business Model Design and Value Creation, funded by the City of Vienna. Additionally, he serves as a Visiting Lecturer at ISM and an affiliate MOC faculty at Harvard Business School, teaching strategic management, innovation, entrepreneurship, and Microeconomics of Competitiveness. Roles: Endowed Professor (BFI Vienna), Visiting Lecturer (ISM), Affiliate Faculty (Harvard) Research Focus: Circular economy, business model innovation, sustainable development, strategic management He directs the Certificate Program Circular Economy & Innovation, emphasizing practical implementation of circular solutions in organizations. His international teaching experience includes curriculum design and accreditation of new academic programs. Kronenberg actively contributes to academic discourse through publications, workshops, and advisory roles, aiming to empower future leaders in the global transition to a resilient economy.
Ina Pukelytė is an Associate Professor at the Department of Theater Studies , Faculty of Arts , Vytautas Magnus University . Her research focuses on intercultural art exchange in Eastern and Central Europe, with particular emphasis on global contexts and local practices. Active in creative industries research since 2017 Leads the research cluster on intercultural art exchange Specializes in cultural policy and community-based cultural projects Notable research trends identified through her work include: Impact of cultural branding initiatives on regional development Integration of digital technologies in cultural institutions Volunteer motivation dynamics in performing arts organizations Evolving cultural communication genres in mediatized environments Her projects have examined: Kaunas 2022 European Capital of Culture program Intercultural festivals like Palanga Jurginės Cultural centers' role in regional communities Visual arts investment frameworks in Lithuania
Siarhej Chareuski is a Lecturer at the European Humanities University (EHU), affiliated with both the Academic Department of Humanities and Arts and the Center for Belarus and Regional Studies. He holds a Master's degree from the Ilia Repin St. Petersburg State Academic Institute of Fine Arts, Sculpture, and Architecture (1992). His teaching focuses on European intellectual traditions in Vilnius and Florence, alongside practical arts courses. Research interests include Belarus's historical positioning within Central/Eastern Europe, Belarusian art/architecture history, urban civilization development, and material culture analysis. Notable publications explore 20th-century Belarusian art, cultural identity, and architectural heritage interpretation. Recent academic activities include co-authoring a 2021 collection on Communist heritage comparisons and participating in Belarusian Studies conferences (e.g., 2022 Grand Duchy of Lithuania conference). His work intersects art history, cultural policy, and national identity formation.
Daiva Makutėnienė is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development within Vytautas Magnus University , affiliated with the Department of Applied Economics, Finance and Accounting . She is also associated with the Bioeconomy Research Institute and Agriculture Academy . Doctor of Social Sciences (2000) Associate Professor (2005) Her research focuses on sustainable bioeconomy , agricultural and food economics , and rural development . Recent projects analyze biomass flows, competency development in agricultural sectors, and strategic policy frameworks for sustainable production. Key trends in her work include economic modeling , resource efficiency , and policy analysis for bioeconomic systems. She specializes in value addition in agriculture , stakeholder engagement , and international collaboration in education reform. Her affiliations and projects span national initiatives like the Lithuanian Rural Development Program 2014-2020 and international programs such as Erasmus+ . She has contributed to curriculum development in Uzbekistan and competency training for agronomic professionals.
