VILNIUS UNIVERSITY VILNIAUS UNIVERSITETAS Universitas Vilnensis

Universitas Vilnensis Universitas Vilnensis

Contents

Introduction 4 Faculties, institutes A short history 5 Faculty of Chemistry 22 The architectural ensemble Faculty of Communication 23 of Vilnius University 7 Faculty of Economics 24 Mission and vision 8 Faculty of History 24 Studies at Vilnius University 9 Faculty of Humanities in Kaunas 25 International students 9 Faculty of Law 28 Research 14 Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics 29 International relations 15 Faculty of Medicine 30 New initiatives 16 Faculty of Natural Sciences 31 The Library 20 Faculty of Philology 31 Students’ Representation and Faculty of Philosophy 32 other student organisations 21 Faculty of Physics 33 Leisure time activities for students 21 Institute of Foreign Languages 36 Sports and tourism 22 Institute of International Relations and Political Sciences 37 Institute of Material Science and Applied Research 37

Study and Research Centres 38

International Business School 42 Universitas Vilnensis

Since its establishment in the 16th century, The number of students at the University Vilnius University, as integral part of European comprises one-fifth of the total population of science and culture, has embodied the concept students in the country. One-fourth of the pro- of a classical university and the unity of studies fessors of higher education establishments of and research. Lithuania work here. The oldest and largest Lithuanian higher The prestigious Vilnius University devotes education institution, Vilnius University is an special attention to the development of funda- active participant in international scientific and mental and applied sciences and the quality of academic activities and boasts many prominent studies. The University enjoys a unique academic scientists, professors and graduates. With the atmosphere and academic freedom with the support of social partners, the University educa- priority always given to intellect, wisdom and tes globally-minded specialists who successfully tolerance. integrate in the modern European community. Vilnius University, which is celebrating its Currently, the University has 12 faculties, 8 425th anniversary, remains young, dynamic, pro- institutes, 3 university hospitals, 10 study and gressive and open to the world, scientific values research centres, one of the richest libraries in Eu- and variety of cultures. Universitas Vilnensis rope, the Astronomical Observatory, a botanical garden, a computer centre, St Johns’ Church. Rector Benediktas Juodka A Short History 1641 The Faculty of Law was established under Vilnius University, one of the oldest higher the charter of the King Vladislaus IV and funded education establishments in Central and Eastern by the Lithuanian vice-chancellor Casimirus Leo Europe, has for a long time been the only Lithua- Sapieha. nian university and had a marked influence on the cultural life of the neighbouring states. 1753 The history of the University is complex The Astronomic Observatory was established, and diverse, intertwined with the history of the which was the fourth in the world and the oldest Lithuanian state and reflecting its most dramatic in Eastern Europe. periods. 1773 1570 After the abolition of the Jesuit Order, the The Jesuits, who came to Vilnius at the University was put under the authority of the invitation of Bishop Valerianus Protasevicius, Education Commission, the prototype of the established a College and opened a library. The ministry of secular education in Europe. The library was started with a collection of books teaching of natural sciences was reinforced. donated by the King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, Sigismundus Augustus. 1781 The University was granted the name of the 1579 Central School of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. On 1 April, King Stephanus Batoreus issued The Faculty of Medicine was established. a Charter granting the College the privileges of a university, and on 30 October, Pope Gregory XIII 1803 announced a Papal Bull confirming the transfor- The University was named an Imperial mation of the College into a University. University. It was authorized to manage one of Although far from European cultural centres, six Russian education districts. At that time the the University of Vilnius sufficed potential for University had a number of world-renowned developing progressive scientific ideas and could scholars: the naturalist Georg Forster, who was Universitas Vilnensis boast a number of distinguished professors and also a famous traveller, member of the team of students. The poet and professor Mathias Ca- Captain Cook’s second voyage around the world, simirus Sarbievius, the laureate of Pope Urban professor Andrzej Sniadecki, the originator of VIII prize, became known throughout Europe, physiology in Lithuania, the medics from Vienna - and the book by professor Martinus Smiglecius, Johann Peter Frank and his son Joseph Frank (the “Logica” (“Logic”), gained recognition and was former reformed the teaching of medicine and widely used in French and British universities. established a therapy clinics and the latter set up the Vilnius Medicine Society, Medicine Institute 1940, Vilnius University was reorganized accor- and Vaccination and Maternity Institutes). ding to the model of higher education establishments of the Soviet Union. 1832 Tsar Nicholas I ordered the university to be 1943 closed. The Nazi invaders closed the University in The name of Vilnius University was proclai- 1943, and it resumed its work in the autumn med by its graduates - writers and poets Adam of 1944. Mickiewicz, Juliusz Slowacki, Jozef Ignacy Kras- zewski and Antony Edward Odynec, historians 1990 Michal Balinski and Teodor Narbutt, orientolo- With the restoration of Lithuanian indepen- gists Jozef Kowalewski and Jozef Senkowski, and dence, the statute of the university was approved geologist Ignacy Domeyko. and the University regained its autonomy.

1918 After the proclamation of Lithuania’s independence on 16 February, attempts were made to reopen the university. On 5 December 1918, the Lithuanian State Council approved the Statute of the University and announced a decision to re-establish the University in January 1919.

1919-1939 The Polish Stephen Bathory University func- tioned in Vilnius. One of its students was the future Nobel Prize winner, Czeslaw Milosz.

1939 Vilnius University renewed its activity when Faculties of Humanities and Law were transferred from Kaunas.

1940 Universitas Vilnensis After the Soviet annexation of Lithuania in The architectural awarded to a European university. Vilnius Uni- versity is one of the few universities in Europe ensemble of Vilnius which has preserved the original purpose of its University buildings since its establishment. The ensemble of Vilnius University will represent Lithuania in Vilnius University was established back in the Brussels park “Mini Europe” which displays the 16th century under the jurisdiction of the the most famous buildings and other structures Vilnius bishop in a block of Vilnius framed by of cultural or historical value of the European four streets: Universiteto (formerly Vyskupù), Šv. Union member states. Jono, Pilies and Skapo. The initiator of the Vilnius The spectacular chambers and cozy cour- Jesuit College, Bishop Valerianus Protasevicius, tyards of Vilnius University, the active student bought a brick building for the college from life and the aura of the past have always attracted the secretary of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, many visitors. University teachers and students Mikalojus Jasinskis. In 1570, on establishment of are proud of the buildings of the University, the College and the Library, several more nearby which are the witnesses of the honourable and buildings were bought and in 1571, the Jesuits rich past and surround the university with a were also given St John’s Church. The ensemble special and unique atmosphere. was gradually expanding until it occupied the entire block of the Old town and many surroun- The old buildings comprise the faculties of ding buildings. History and Philology, the Institute of Foreign In four centuries, the purpose, design and Languages, the Library and the Rector’s office. architectural forms of the university buildings Here, students from all faculties gather on 1 Sep- often changed. Currently, the old architectural tember to celebrate the start of a new academic ensemble of the University is made up of 13 year. Other faculties of the University are dis- courtyards with 13 buildings which have several persed around the city: there are five campuses sections each as well as St John’s Church and a in Vilnius and one in Kaunas. In total, Vilnius belfry. The thirteenth Bursa courtyard and the University owns over 100 buildings in Vilnius, buildings of the Faculty of Philosophy would be Kaunas and other Lithuanian towns. attached to the ensemble in 2004.

In 1985, Vilnius University was awarded the Universitas Vilnensis European gold medal for the preservation of old buildings. This was the second such medal

Mission Vision

The mission of Vilnius University is to create, • To position and distinguish itself in Euro- accumulate and disseminate knowledge by en- pean research and education area by top level suring continuity of authentic university culture research, which should be sustained by Univer- distinguished by the atmosphere where old tra- sity’s research teams of international acclaim ditions and new ideas enrich each other. and new teams, as well as to ensure annually Freedom of thought and diversity of opinions increasing involvement in European research are the main values of the University community. and educational programmes; A unity of research and studies is the core prin- • to ensure that the balanced development ciple of the overall activity of the University. and interaction of research in humanities, social, The University should distinguish itself by physical, biomedical and technological sciences a broad spectrum of fundamental and applied remains the most outstanding feature of the research. It should seek to assume the leading University, which essentially differentiates it position among other Lithuanian institutions in from other Lithuanian establishments of higher all research areas that are essential to the very education and research; nature of a comprehensive University and set • to initiate and actively implement the pro- itself the goal of international excellence in the jects of value for the economic development of interdisciplinary research. The University should the country, which would encourage effective be committed to the mission of opening the co-operation of scientific and educational ins- doors and providing universal education for the titutions with high technology companies and most talented young people from all districts of create favourable conditions and environment Lithuania and educating active and responsible for innovations and entrepreneurship; specialists, who demonstrate the need to expand • to create a well-functioning quality assu- their knowledge and improve professionally and rance system which would guarantee effective who are able to learn throughout their lifetime. monitoring of the existing study programmes The University should seek that the quality of all and development of new programmes and forms of studies conforms to the modern culture which would encourage the implementation and technologies and pertains to the needs of of advanced teaching methods and tools. The the state and society. system should ensure that generic and specific competencies and skills of University graduates are in consistency with the needs and tenden-

Universitas Vilnensis cies in the economy, culture and labour market of the country; • to significantly expand non-consecutive, graduate studies. The residence – postgraduate distance and other flexible study forms and - studies enable the medicine and odontology methods and become the centre of continuous graduates to acquire a higher qualification of a professional improvement and lifelong learning, specialized medical doctor. The doctoral studies which plays an important role in transition of the prepare researchers in various fields. These post- country toward knowledge-based society. graduate studies last four years and end with the defence of a doctoral thesis. Studies at Seeking to satisfy the need of society for Vilnius University life-long learning, Vilnius University is offering many different courses and programmes aimed at increasing the qualification or re-qualification Thanks to the academic traditions, which of specialists as well as expanding the general were formed during long centuries, Vilnius Uni- or professional knowledge of citizens. versity has accumulated a wide experience in organizing studies and created the foundations of various study areas and fields based on the knowledge reflecting fundamental and latest International students scientific achievements. The university has also raised qualified teaching staff able to ensure the Regular students unity of studies and science. Vilnius University offers undergraduate, gra- The University of Vilnius admits non-Lit- duate and postgraduate studies in humanities, huanian citizens to all study programmes of all social sciences, physical sciences, biomedicine three cycles and to all faculties. The international and technologies. degree students are admitted through general ad- The undergraduate studies usually last four mission procedure run by the Study Office. The years and graduates are awarded a bachelor’s language of instruction in all degree programmes degree and, in certain areas, also a professional is Lithuanian; therefore, one-year Lithuanian qualification. The graduate studies – Master- language courses are offered by the university degree studies or professional studies – last from before the regular studies begin. one and a half to two years. Graduates of Master The degree programmes offered at Vilnius Universitas Vilnensis studies are awarded a Master degree. Special University rest on a pattern leading to Bachelor’s professional studies are aimed at granting the degree after four years of study (160 national students a high-level professional qualification. or 240 ECTS credits) and Master’s degree after Studies in the fields of law, medicine and another two years (80 national and 120 ECTS odontology embrace both undergraduate and credits). Universitas Vilnensis

10 Universitas Vilnensis

11 The postgraduate doctoral programmes are are exempt from the tuition fees at Vilnius Uni- of individual character and require up to four versity. The free-movers are expected to cover years of combined course work, exams, and tuition costs. research as well as contribution to international There are several different ways of arranging publications. temporary stay at Vilnius University. The most The specific professional qualification is of- common are: fered in medicine and law at Vilnius University. 1. Bilateral agreements – signed by Vilnius The studies leading to these degrees last five University and a sending university on any level: years in law and six years in medicine and put an institutional, faculty or departmental. The stu- emphasis on a considerable amount of practical dents may inquire about the options at the Office work in the chosen field of specialisation. of International Relations of their universities. A degree programme combines compulsory, 2. SOCRATES/ERASMUS and /or TEMPUS optional, and elective subjects leading to a degree programmes. title which specifies the main subject studied. 3. Cultural agreements – concluded by Lit- The percentage of compulsory, optional and huanian authorities with the authorities of other elective subjects within each particular degree countries to promote co-operation and cultural programme differs both from year to year of links. The cultural agreements are managed by study as well as from faculty to faculty. Department of Science and Research under the Ministry of Education of Lithuania, nevertheless a Exchange students letter of acceptance at a Lithuanian institution has to be submitted together with the application. At present the university also offers about At the moment Lithuania enjoys cultural 200 courses in foreign languages for free movers agreements with the following countries: Be- and exchange students, who wish to spend a larus, Denmark, Great Britain, Estonia, France, study period at the University. In these cases Latvia, Mexico, Poland, Czech Republic, China, international students are invited to compose Flanders, Switzerland, and Italy. Please, apply to their study programme from the offered list ac- your country’s authorities in order to find more cording to their interests and the requirements about the possibilities to study under bilateral leading to study period recognition at their home agreements. university. The exchange students coming to Vilnius under the exchange programme or bilateral agreement are treated according to the pro- Universitas Vilnensis gramme or agreement conditions and, as a rule, 12 Academic calendar tions of higher education or: International Programmes and Relations The academic year consists of autumn and Office spring semesters. Both semesters are compo- Vilnius University sed of 16 study weeks and four examination Universiteto 3 weeks. LT-01513 Vilnius The autumn semester starts on 1 September Lithuania and finishes on 21 December. Winter session Tel. (370-5) 268 70 49 starts on 22 December and finishes 26 January. Fax: (370-5) 268 70 69 The spring semester starts on 4 February and E-mail: [email protected] finishes on 2 June. Spring session starts on 3 June http://trs.cr.vu.lt and finishes on 30 June. The academic year is interrupted by some Regular students days for Christmas Holiday. Summer vacation starts on 1 July and finishes on 31 August. Most Please, note that application deadline and departments and the library operate throughout requirements differ from those for visiting stu- the summer vacation. dents. If you wish to apply for regular studies, please, apply at least a year in advance: Admission procedures and Admissions Officer deadlines for application Vilnius University Universiteto 3 Visiting students LT-01513 Vilnius Lithuania The students are advised to contact the co- Tel. (370-5) 268 70 53 ordinator at their home university first in order Fax: (370-5) 268 70 64 to get more detailed information as well as appli- E-mail: [email protected] cation forms of Vilnius University. The deadlines http://trs.cr.vu.lt for the applications are:

Spring semester –15 November Universitas Vilnensis Autumn semester – 15 June

For additional information and application forms are welcome to contact the Offices of the International Relations of the respective institu- 13 Research genome. Moreover, Vilnius University develops new technologies such as information society technologies, laser technologies, material crystal Vilnius University boasts over 1,500 teaching structure engineering and nanostructure techno- and research staff including approx. 170 doctors logies, semiconductor radiant technologies, etc. habilitus, nearly 900 doctors and 600 doctoral stu- The new trends in the development of the dents. In the recent five years, over 300 doctoral Lithuanian state and the prospect of integration and 38 doctor habilitus theses were defended. into the European Union have opened wide Annually, University researchers publish ap- prospects for the development of contemporary proximately 30 monographs, 20-30 textbooks branches of social and humanitarian sciences: and teaching manuals and over 1,500 articles in research of the communication in knowledge- Lithuanian, international and foreign research based economy; citizens, governance and secu- journals. The results of research at the University rity in the conditions of globalization; society, are presented at Lithuanian and international community and personality: the change of the conferences. quality of life and values; gender studies; langua- The scientific schools that were formed ge and thought; oriental studies and comparative at Vilnius University, such as research of the culturology, etc. The modern era presented new Baltic languages, laser physics, semiconductor, opportunities to develop the fields important for ferroelectric and disordered solid state physics, the Lithuanian culture and science such as the research of biomolecular transformations, num- Lithuanian history, philosophy, literature and ber theory and probability theory, cardiovascular book science, to create the scientific basis for surgery, new chemical compound synthesis and the Lithuanian legal reform and conduct research research, have created the basis for the develop- into the political thought, political systems and ment of new scientific fields and branches. economic and social development in Lithuania. Scientific development and the expanding The role and importance of Vilnius University relations with global research centres have is increasing together with the restructurization contributed to the variety of research at Vilnius of the Lithuanian science. The University now University. The research achievements and embraces five state research institutes of Ecology, integration of the recent decades have encou- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Immuno- raged the emergence of new modern research logy, Oncology and Theoretical Physics and branches such as bioethics, bio-information and Astronomy. Several hospitals - the Santariškés behaviouristic systems, biomedicine optics and Clinics, the Žalgirio Clinics and the Children’s laser medicine, ecosystems and global changes, Hospital - gained the status of Vilnius University Universitas Vilnensis genomics and biotechnology and the variety, hospitals. These changes have contributed to origin and phenotypic realization of the human 14 expanding the possibilities of scientific research and its practical importance. The researchers of Vilnius University are increasingly engaged in Lithuanian, EU, NATO and other international scientific programmes and conduct commissioned research work. The International relations laser specialists of the University have joined the European Laser Network and have created Vilnius University, just as any other old a centre of excellence “Cebiola” together with European university, has developed a tradition the biochemistry specialists. The researchers of of international relations and cooperation as the material science established a “Selitec” centre well as student and teacher exchange. Since its of excellence and joined the programmes of the establishment, the university has been inviting European Nuclear Research Centre, CERN. Many foreign professors and accepting international foreign researchers are using our research base, students from all the lands of the Grand Duchy of and the international conferences organized by Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary the university attract many prominent scientific and Western Europe. figures, e.g. Nobel prize winners physicists Klaus The international relations of the University von Klitzing, Zhores Alfiorov, and chemists Ryoji were developing and deteriorating following the Noyori and K.B. Sharpless. pattern of the overall state’s political and econo- University researchers have earned national mic situation, but have never actually ceased. and international acclaim. This is illustrated by Currently, international cooperation and their membership of the Lithuanian Science international relations are witnessing an upswing. Academy, European Science and Art Academy The number of bilateral agreements with foreign and other international academic organizations, universities is growing, cooperation geography awards of honorary titles at foreign universities, expanding and its nature changing. Internatio- participation in international congresses and nal cooperation has an impact on all spheres of programme committees and international prizes University life embracing studies, research and and grants. Since the restoration of Lithuanian administrator cooperation. The University also independence in 1990, 27 research works of opens up for partners from abroad. It actively Vilnius University were awarded the most impor- Universitas Vilnensis participates in projects of international organi- tant scientific award of the state, the Lithuanian zations such as UNESCO, NATO and EUA and science prize, and 57 researchers became the engages in EU education and scientific program- winners of this prize. mes SOCRATES, LEONARDO, EUREKA, COST and FRAMEWORK. 15 Today, the focus has shifted from the quantity Vilnius University has signed over 150 bilateral of relations to their quality. In 1996, Vilnius Uni- agreements and is a member of 13 ERASMUS versity was the first in Lithuania to start implemen- programme thematic networks. ting the ECTS – European credit transfer system. Vilnius University takes part in 4 projects and In 1998, the University offered the first courses coordinates 1 project of the SOCRATES/LINGUA in foreign languages to exchange students. In the programme. It also participates in 1 project of the academic year 2003/2004, the University plans to SOCRATES/MINERVA programme. issue the first European diploma supplements. All Vilnius University is a contractor and coordi- such initiatives are aimed at facilitating student nator of the 6th thematic network of the project exchange. “Quality Culture” conducted by the European Uni- Vilnius University is a signatory to the Magna versity Association under the additional measures Carta of European universities, member of the programme of SOCRATES in 2002-2003. International University Association, European University Association, Baltic University Rectors’ Under the LEONARDO DA VINCI project, Conference, Utrecht Network and Baltic Sea Re- Vilnius University is the coordinator of 2 pilot gion University Network. projects, 3 student mobility projects and 2 teacher mobility projects. Vilnius University has signed 63 bilateral cooperation programmes. New initiatives In 1992-2000, it implemented 25 TEMPUS projects. In 1993-2003 it implemented and participated in 7 NATO projects, 20 projects of FRAMEWORK 4, 15 projects of FRAMEWORK 5 and 5 COST projects.

Vilnius University owns: - The UNESCO Department of International Visoriai Information Relations; Technology Park - The UNESCO Associated Centre of Excel- lence; Visoriai Information Technology Park (VITP) - 2 departments, 1 module and 1 course fun- is a non-profit organization established as a result ded under JEAN MONNET programme. of close cooperation between study and research Universitas Vilnensis institutions (Vilnius University, Vilnius Gediminas 16 Under the SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme, Technical University, Vilnius College and the Mathematics and Informatics Institute), state ins- Vilnius University, Vilnius Gediminas Technical titutions and information technology businesses. University, Vilnius City Municipality, private The park is set up in Visoriai, the concentration companies AB Alna and UAB Bite GSM and UAB of many institutions and companies fostering Ekspla, which represents a group of laser and the traditions of cooperation between research photonics research and business institutions. and business. The vision of the Sunrise Valley is to create The main aim of the VITP is to develop a full- a knowledge economy hub uniting modern uni- fledged structure which would create favourable versities, research institutes, top-level high-tech conditions for the development of the priority companies and fast-developing start ups. spheres of information technologies (IT), estab- The objectives of the valley is to create a lishment of new companies, development of new modern environment for studies and research, technologies and application and commerciali- professional improvement and business; pool zation of scientific achievements. The computer promising and fast-developing high-tech compa- classes in the park are used by the students of nies; create new jobs; develop a favourable en- Vilnius universities to solve business case studies vironment for the commercialization of scientific under the guidance of IT company managers. In research and attract foreign and domestic invest- 2003, the first company was established by the ment for scientific research at universities. students trained at the VITP. The VITP is an active participant in EU projects, raises funds for the development of inno- vative products and technologies and encourages international cooperation. The Visoriai IT park is a member of the international association of scientific parks IASP. Career Centre

The Vilnius University Career Centre was set up by the University in the Saulétekis academic campus in November 2003. The initiative was supported by over 100 companies, institutions Universitas Vilnensis and organizations. The aims of the centre are to The Sunrise Valley facilitate the career choice for the students and develop their abilities to adopt and implement On 27 May 2003, the public agency Saulé- career-related decisions, to introduce University tekio Slénis (Sunrise Valley) was established by graduates to potential employers and help the 17 Universitas Vilnensis

18 Universitas Vilnensis

19 University to understand and adapt to the fast- boasts over 178,000 titles of big scientific, cultu- changing labour market. ral and historical value, which were published before 1800, and the largest collection of old The Career Centre offers lectures, seminars Lithuanian books in the world. A valuable cartog- and consultations for students on professional raphy fund, which includes maps drawn by the career issues and holds seminars and consulta- most prominent cartographers of the 16th-18th tions for employers. It also organizes meetings, centuries, is also stored here. interviews and career days, fairs and conferences The manuscript division has over 245,000 with representatives of companies, institutions documents of 13th-21st centuries. The graphics and organizations and accumulates information room boasts more than 87,000 graphic works. about employers, their requirements for gradu- Vilnius University library is a deposit library of ates and employment opportunities. United Nations Organization and its divisions. The library structure also includes the Museum of Adam Mickiewicz and the Museum of Science. The library has nearly 26,500 readers and 15 faculty libraries whose funds are formed according to the faculty profile. An electronic catalogue of Vilnius University Library library has been operative since 1993 and comprises over 530,000 entries. In the year 2000, the library installed special software ALEPH together Universiteto g. 3, LT-01513 Vilnius, with the libraries of other Lithuanian higher tel. (370 5) 268 71 01, fax (370 5) 268 71 04, education establishments. Now, the main library e-mail: [email protected], processes are computerized. The database of Vilnius University staff publi- web site http://www.mb.vu.lt cations is currently under development (today, it includes over 12,000 bibliographic entries). The Vilnius University library, which was set up library subscribes to electronic databases EBSCO, in 1570, is the oldest library in the Baltic States. Cambridge Journals Online, ProQuest, Science It was given a start by the collections of books Direct, Springer LINK and Web of Science. donated by Vilnius bishop Valerianus Protasevi- The historical halls of Smuglevicius and Lele- cius and the King of Poland and Grand Duke of vel and the White Hall as well as the exhibition Lithuania, Sigismundus Augustus. of old books and manuscripts in the central

Universitas Vilnensis Currently, the library stores 5.3 million university architectural ensemble attract large printed works. The division of rare publications 20 flows of tourists: annually, the library receives There are also several organisations in the over 7,500 visitors. University which unite students of one study field: the corporation of young political analysts RePublika, corporation of history students Tilia, association of Lithuanian students of medicine LiMSa, the union of law students ELSA Vilnius and the international association AIESEC of the students of economics. Students’ Representation and other student organisations

Vilnius University Students’ Representation (VUSA) is an organisation uniting lively, smart Leisure time activities and proactive students, and representing all the for students students of Vilnius University, defending their rights and interests inside and outside the Uni- Vilnius University is not just an institution of versity. Every student is welcome there – those academic studies and the students are not only with the ideas and wishes to implement them, encouraged to learn and attend lectures. The and the ones looking for answers to important University provides various opportunities for its questions. students to dance, sing, act, take photographs, The activities of VUSA are very broad and etc. diverse. The Representation is producing the big- Music lovers have an exceptionally wide gest monthly for students in Lithuania Studentù choice. There are two choirs – the women’s choir Era (Students’ Era), organising students leisure Virgo and a mixed choir. The University also has activities, taking care of students social and a chamber music ensemble with old traditions academic welfare. and a long experience in touring. The choirs The Debate Club, Photo and Film Club and and the ensemble have been awarded in many Club of Young Businessmen of Lithuania are Universitas Vilnensis international contests. The University also has a functioning under the wing of VUSA. wind instrument orchestra Oktava for those of More information may be located at the web you with stronger lungs. Attached to Oktava is site www.vusa.lt a choreography group. The folk dance traditions are fostered by the ensembles Ratilio and Jauni- 21 mėlis as well as the University song and dance by the University Tourism Club to join it on trips ensemble, which has visited the farthest corners on foot and biking and canoeing events as well of the world on its tours. as mountaineering and rock climbing. Those who want to act can choose from among the Courtyard Theatre, the physical-visual Faculties, Institutes theatre of Andrius Pulkauninkas and the chamber theatre Minimum.

Faculty of Chemistry Sports and tourism Naugarduko g. 24, LT-03225 Vilnius, The ancient Romans said that a healthy mind tel./fax: (370 5) 233 09 87, lives in a healthy body. Vilnius University provides an opportunity for its students to be not e-mail: [email protected], only intelligent but also healthy. web site http://www.chf.vu.lt The university owns three sports halls and a stadium. The Naktigoné sports hall is suitable for Chemistry was first introduced as a subject in playing basketball and holding aerobics sessions; Vilnius University College of Physical Sciences at the Blue Hall invites the lovers of basketball, the end of the 18th century. In 1784, a member of handball, table tennis, football and mountain the Royal Academy of Torino, Joseph Sartorius, tourism; and the hall in Æiurlionis Street offers was invited to teach chemistry and set up the facilities for playing basketball, volleyball and Chemistry Department and the first chemistry tennis as well as engaging in bodybuilding and laboratory. The Faculty of Chemistry was estab- aerobics. lished in 1944. The Health and Sports Centre organizes Currently, the faculty has 5 departments: individual sessions of various sports, students’ Department of Analytical Chemistry, Department sports games and sports contests and participates of General and Inorganic Chemistry, Department in students’ sports and tourism events not only of Organic Chemistry, Department of Physical in Lithuania but also abroad. Universitas Vilnensis Chemistry and Department of Polymer Chemistry. The enthusiasts of outdoor sports are invited The faculty also runs the Laboratory of Liquid 22 Crystals. The Faculty of Communications was set up The main study programmes taught are che- in 1991. The faculty consists of 4 main academic mistry and biochemistry. The Faculty offers two divisions: Institute of Documentation and Book Master-degree study programmes and a special Science, Institute of Journalism, Department of professional study programme on conservation Knowledge Management and Department of of cultural values (developed together with the Library and Information Science. A. Gudynas Restoration Centre of the Lithuanian The main study programmes on offer are Art Museum). Archives Studies, Library and Information Studies, The faculty cooperates with higher educa- Information Management, Business Information tion establishments from Denmark, Sweden, Management and Journalism. The faculty offers Germany, France, the USA, Japan and other 7 Master-degree study programmes. countries, the Lithuanian Association of Che- In cooperation with the Faculties of History mistry Industry, Vilnius Academy of Art and the and Economics and the Institute of International A. Gudynas Restoration Centre of the Lithuanian Relations and Political Sciences, the Faculty of Art Museum. The faculty is one of the founders Communication has initiated several inter-faculty of the association Eurachem-Lietuva, which study programmes. The faculty was one of the is a member of the European Association of first in Lithuania to offer distance learning stu- Analytical Chemistry, Eurachem. Together with dies. The faculty hosts the Lithuanian Centre of the Lithuanian Science Academy, the faculty Journalism, which is a lifelong learning educati- publishes successive series of scientific works on institution set up by the Open Society Fund Chemija (Chemistry). - Lithuania. The Faculty of Communication conducts research on knowledge-based society communication, book culture and the Lithuanian national bibliography. The faculty gives much attention to cooperation with the professionals of the field and international relations and constantly Faculty of Communication participates in international projects. Annually, the faculty organizes seminars on

book science, the Day of Information and semi- Universitas Vilnensis Saulétekio al. 9, LT-10222 Vilnius, nars of Vaclovas Biržiška. The faculty publishes tel. (370 5) 236 61 00, fax (370 5) 236 61 04, research publications Knygotyra (Book Science), e-mail: [email protected], Informacijos Mokslai (Information Science), Mokslotyra (Science Research) and Baltic Media web site http://www.kf.vu.lt Law Newsletter. 23 ties and participates in international programmes and the activity of the EuroFaculty. The Faculty of Economics also offers com- pensatory studies and additional courses of economics as well as management and business Faculty of Economics administration to those students who want to enter Master-degree studies of economics. Teachers of the Faculty of Economics conduct Saulétekio al. 9,LT-10222 Vilnius, research in the fields of management and econo- tel. (370 5) 236 61 20, fax (370 5) 236 61 27, mics and publish their works both in Lithuania and abroad. The faculty publishes successive se- e-mail: [email protected], ries of scientific works Ekonomika (Economics). web site http://www.ef.vu.lt Commissioned by state institutions and the private sector, faculty’s professors conduct applied Economic disciplines were introduced at research and expert evaluations and actively Vilnius University by Hieronim Strojnowski, who participate in designing the Lithuanian economic taught economic theory of physiocrats. In 1803, development and planning its strategies. They the first Department of Political Economy in the also perform analyses of institutional activity world was set up at Vilnius University. Today, and functions, prepare draft laws and provide the faculty includes 12 departments: Department recommendations to state institutions. of Finance and Credit, Department of Economic Informatics, Department of System Analysis of Economy, Department of Accounting, Depart- ment of Theoretical Economy, Department of Statistics, Department of Economics of Enterp- rises, Department of Management, Department of Economic Policy, Department of Marketing, Department of Quality Management and Trade Faculty of History and the Laboratory of Economic Informatics. The main study programmes offered are Universiteto g. 7, LT-01122 Vilnius, economics, management and business admi- tel. (370 5) 268 72 80, fax (370 5) 268 72 82, nistration and management information systems. The faculty offers 15 Master-degree study pro- e-mail: [email protected],

Universitas Vilnensis grammes. web site http://www.if.vu.lt The faculty cooperates with foreign universi- 24 The first Department of History was established at Vilnius University in 1783. At the beginning of the 19th century, Vilnius History School was founded by J. Lelewel and I. Onacevicius. The Faculty of History was set up in 1968. The faculty has four departments: Depart- Faculty of Humanities ment of Archaeology, Department of History Theory and Culture History, Department of New in Kaunas History and Department of Ancient and Medieval History. There is also a centre for archaeological Muitinés g. 8, LT-44280 Kaunas, research and the Lithuanian statute and the Lit- tel. (370 37) 42 25 23, tel./fax: (370 37) 42 32 22, huanian register research group. In the autumn of 1999, the Centre for Stateless Cultures was set e-mail: [email protected], up as a joint project of the Faculty of History and web site http://www.vukhf.lt the Open Society Foundation Lithuania. This is the first university division in the world, which Faculty of Humanities in Kaunas is the only researches stateless ethnic groups (Lithuanian faculty of Vilnius University established in a dif- Tatars, Karaites, Old Believers, Romany people ferent city other than the main campuses. The and the Yiddish). faculty was set up in 1964. Situated in one of the The main study programmes offered by the oldest parts of Kaunas, the faculty boasts magni- Faculty of History are archaeology, history, cultu- ficent architecture of the 16th-17th centuries. re history and anthropology. There are 4 Master Currently, the faculty comprises 8 depart- degree study programmes. The faculty also ma- ments: Department of Philosophy and Political nages a school project on historical issues, which Sciences, Department of Finance and Accounting, helps secondary school graduates prepare for Department of German Philology, Department of the national examination of history. The faculty Commerce, Department of Computer Science, publishes successive series of scientific works Department of Lithuanian Philology, Department Lietuvos Istorijos Studijos (Lithuanian History of Foreign Languages and Department of Busi- Studies) and Archaeologia Lituana. ness, Economics and Management. The faculty

also comprises the Institute of Sociocultural Universitas Vilnensis Research. The faculty offers full-time, evening and part- time studies. The main study programmes include full-time studies in Lithuanian philology and ad- vertising, English philology, German philology, 25 Universitas Vilnensis

26 Universitas Vilnensis

27 English and Russian languages, management and business administration, business information, culture management, evening studies in management and business administration and part-time studies in economics. The faculty offers 11 Master-degree study programmes. Faculty of Law Since its establishment, the faculty has been focusing on three study areas - social sciences, humanities and physical sciences (computer sci- Saulétekio al. 9, LT-10222 Vilnius, ence). This traditional interdisciplinary medium is tel. (370 5) 236 61 60, fax (370 5) 236 61 63, the only of its kind among Lithuanian academic e-mail: [email protected], and research institutions. For this reason, the Institute of Sociocultural Studies was set up to web site http://www.tf.vu.lt unite the scientific potential of the faculty and focus on the research of humanities (language The Faculty of Law of Vilnius University and mentality) and social sciences (business is the first, the oldest and for a long time the environment factors). only institution which prepared law specialists The faculty cooperates with many universities in Lithuania. It was established in 1641 under and other academic institutions of the Central and the privilege of Vładysłaus Wasa, the King of Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and America and Poland and the Grand Duke of Lithuania. Bet- participates in joint research projects, organizes ween 1641 and 1832, the faculty’s professors conferences and publishes successive series included famous scientists of that time such as of scientific works Respectus Philologicus and H. Strojnowski, A.Olisarovius, A.Capelli, I.Danila- Transformations in Business & Economics. vicius, I.Oldachowski, S.Malewski, J.Jaroszewicz, J.Lelewel and others. After different historical disturbances, the Faculty of Law was reopened in the autumn of 1944. Currently, the faculty has 7 departments: Department of Constitutional and Administra- tive Law, Department of International and EU Law (operating together with the Jean Monnet EU Law Department), Department of Labour Law, Department of Theory and History of State

Universitas Vilnensis and Law, Department of Civil Law and Civil Proceedings, Department of Penal Law and the 28 Department of Criminology and Criminal Pro- cedure. The faculty also embraces the centres of information law, German law, Polish law and Eastern European law. A school of French law will be set up soon. The faculty offers the following full-time study specializations: criminal justice, labour law, Faculty of Mathematics finance and tax law, commercial law, criminology, private and social insurance, international and Informatics law, law theory and history and public administration law. The faculty also offers part-time Naugarduko g. 24, LT-03225 Vilnius, studies. tel. (370 5) 233 60 28, fax (370 5) 215 15 85, The Faculty of Law organizes thematic scientific conferences and publishes a successive e-mail: [email protected], series of scientific works Teisé (Law). The faculty web site http://www.mif.vu.lt staff actively participates in drafting Lithuanian laws and other legal acts, performs expert assess- Mathematics was introduced on the curri- ments and consults legislators on legal issues. culum of Vilnius University at the time of its Since 1999, the faculty has been operating a pub- establishment in 1579. Then, the Department lic agency Legal Clinics. Its aim is to implement of Mathematics was a part of the Faculty of a charge-free legal aid system in Lithuania and Philosophy. Mathematics was separated from improve the study and traineeship programmes philosophy at the beginning of the 18th century. of the students of the Faculty of Law. A separate Faculty of Mathematics and Mecha- The faculty cooperates with Switzerland nics was set up in 1965 (in 1978, the name was Comparative Law Institute in Lausanne, Max changed to the Faculty of Mathematics). In 1999, Plank Public and International Law Institute in the faculty changed its name into the Faculty of Germany and other foreign universities. Mathematics and Informatics. Currently, the faculty has 10 departments: Department of Differential Equations and Nume- rical Mathematics, Department of Econometric

Analysis, Department of Informatics, Department Universitas Vilnensis of Computer Science, Department of Didactics of Mathematics, Department of Mathematical Analysis, Department of Mathematical Statistics, Department of Mathematical Computer Scien- 29 ce, Department of Software Engineering and arch and studies in Eastern Europe. Professors Department of Probability Theory and Number of the faculty included such world celebrities Theory. as L. Bojanus, J. Sniadecki and father and son The main study programmes offered are Frank. The faculty is renowned for its educational econometrics, finance and insurance mathe- premises and laboratories and has contributed to matics, informatics, didactics of mathematics the establishment of some of the first European and informatics, mathematics and mathematics vaccination and maternity institutes. applications, software systems and statistics. The Currently, the faculty comprises 5 depart- faculty offers 4 Master-degree study programmes ments, 2 institutes, 15 clinics with 45 centres and and the possibility to acquire the professional laboratories as well as a library. qualification of a mathematics teacher. The rese- The study fields of the faculty are medicine arch fields of postgraduate studies are informatics and stomatology (the latter are professional stu- and mathematics. dies). The main study programmes are nursing, public health, kinezitherapy and ergotherapy. The faculty offers 3 Master-degree study programmes. The Faculty of Medicine conducts research in the following areas: variety, origin and phenotypic realization of the human genome; human and Faculty of Medicine public health, quality of life and environment: scientific and applied research; health of mother and child, physiological and social aspects and M. K. Æiurlionio g. 21, LT- 03101 Vilnius, research in the trends of individual development; tel. (370 5) 239 87 00, fax (370 5) 239 87 05, bioethics, health policy and application of new e-mail: [email protected], technologies; ethiopathogenesis, and fundamental and clinical research in diagnostics, treatment, web site http://www.mf.vu.lt rehabilitation and prevention of diseases.

The Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University is the oldest higher educational establishment of medicine in Lithuania which was set up in 1781. The faculty is one of the largest ones in Vilnius University. At the beginning of the 19th

Universitas Vilnensis century, the Faculty of Medicine became one of the most prominent institutions of medical rese- 30 Faculty of climatology, hydrogeology and engineering geology, molecular biology and biophysics. The Natural Sciences faculty offers 12 Master-degree study programmes and special professional studies in the fields M. K. Æiurlionio g. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius, of biology and geography teaching. The faculty takes part in European Commis- tel. (370 5) 239 82 00, fax (370 5) 239 82 04, sion programmes, NATO projects, cooperates e-mail: [email protected], with foreign universities and publishes successive web site http://www.gf.vu.lt series of scientific works Biologija (Biology), Ge- ografija (Geography) and Geologija (Geology). The Botanical Garden is located in two sites Natural sciences have been taught at (in the suburb of Kairėnai and Vingis Park in Vilnius University since its establishment. The Vilnius). It is the biggest such garden in Lithuania first independent natural science unit was the with the area of 199 ha. The garden boasts the Department of Natural History set up in 1781. richest collection of plants of over 9,000 names. At the same time, the university also established The Botanical Garden conducts research and a Botanic Garden, one of the oldest in the then educational activity and aims at becoming the Lithuanian and Polish state. In the 19th century, representative botanical garden of Lithuania. the professors of the department included many famous scientists such as J.E. Gilibert, S. Jundzill, L. Bojanus, E. Eichwald and J.G. Forster. The year 1944 saw the establishment of the independent Faculty of Natural Sciences. The faculty comprises 8 departments: De- partment of Plant Physiology and Microbiology, Department of General Geography, Department Faculty of Philology of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Department of Botany and Genetics, Department of Geology Universiteto g. 5, LT-01122 Vilnius, and Mineralogy, Department of Hydrogeology tel. (370 5) 268 72 02, fax (370 5) 268 72 08, and Engineering Geology, Department of Hydro- e-mail: [email protected], Universitas Vilnensis logy and Climatology and Department of Zoo- logy. The faculty also owns a Botanical Garden web site http://www.grotta.flf.vu.lt and the Centre of Cartography. The main study programmes are ecological Philology studies were introduced at Vilnius biology, geography, geology, hydrology and Jesuit College back in 1570. Subjects taught inc- 31 luded Latin, Greek and Hebrew languages, works study programmes and special professional of ancient authors, grammar, poetics and rhetoric. studies. In 16th-17th centuries, the Jesuit academy could The faculty organizes numerous international boast famous professors such as the developer of events: every five years it holds the Baltic cong- the Lithuanian writing, K. Sirvydas, professor and ress, every two years - conferences of K. Būga poet M. K. Sarbievius, rhetoric professor K. Wijuk and J. Kazlauskas and conferences of Slavonic - Koialovicius and others. At the end of the 19th and Germanic philology. The faculty publishes century, apart from Latin and Greek languages, successive series of scientific works Baltistica, the faculty taught ancient mythology, art, science, Literatúra (Literature) and Kalbotyra (Language epigraphy, chronology and numismatics. This Science). faculty educated the fosterers of the Lithuanian national self-consciousness Simonas Daukantas and Simonas Stanevicius and the Polish Rom- anticist Adam Mickiewicz, who proclaimed the name of Lithuania in his works. The Faculty of Philology was set up in 1968 and currently has 14 departments. The faculty Faculty of Philosophy also owns a computer centre with three computer rooms, 3 libraries, the laboratory of experimental Universiteto g. 9/1, LT-01513 Vilnius, phonetics and 12 specialized classrooms-centres of different study fields, e.g. the new Greek e-mail: [email protected], language, the Italian language, Canadian stu- web site http://www.fsf.vu.lt dies, Lithuanian literature, Lithuanian studies, Netherlands studies, Russian, Scandinavian, Philosophy was introduced at Vilnius Univer- Turkish, Hungarian language studies and trans- sity (the then Jesuit College) in 1571. The Faculty lation studies. of Philosophy was established in 1579. Professors The main study programmes include English of the faculty included such prominent authoriti- Philology, Classical Philology, Lithuanian Philo- es of the European science as Marcin Smiglecki, logy, Lithuanian Philology for non-Lithuanians, Sigismundus Lauxminus, Mathias Casimirus Polish Philology, Polish Philology as non-native Sarbievius and Albertus Wijuk - Koialovicius. language, French Philology, Russian Philology, However, in the 18th century the faculty was Russian Philology as non native language, Slavo- closed on the decision of the Education Com- nic Philology, Scandinavian Philology, German mission. In the 19th century, only the Faculty of Universitas Vilnensis Philology and Lithuanian Philology and a Foreign Moral and Political Sciences was active. In 1939, 32 Language. The faculty offers 12 Master-degree when Vilnius was reunited with the Lithuanian mainland, Vilnius and Kaunas universities were reorganized and the Faculty of Humanities with the department of philosophy was transferred to Vilnius. After more than 200 years since it was closed in 1989, the Faculty of Philosophy was re-established at Vilnius University. Currently, the faculty comprises 8 depart- Faculty of Physics ments: Department of General Psychology, Department of Education Science, Department Saulétekio al. 9, LT-10222 Vilnius, of History of Philosophy and Logic, Department tel. (370 5) 236 60 00, fax (370 5) 236 60 03, of Philosophy, Department of Clinical and Or- ganizational Psychology, Department of Political e-mail: [email protected], Science, Department of Sociology and Depart- web site http://www.ff.vu.lt ment of Social Work. There are also 3 centres: Information Society Studies Centre, Social Studies Physics has been taught at the University Centre and Education Policy Centre, and 2 lab- since its establishment. In the first years, it was oratories of special psychology and sociology. considered to be a subject of natural philosophy. The main study programmes include philo- In 1753, an Astronomical Observatory was estab- sophy, sociology and social work. The faculty lished at Vilnius University. In 1772, the Jesuit offers 10 Master-degree study programmes and Academy started teaching experimental physics special professional studies in social work. It also and set up a Physics Museum. After the reform offers opportunities for life-long learning: supp- of 1803, the imperial Vilnius University had 4 lementary studies of social work and modules faculties, the Faculty of Physics and Mathematic of certification and qualification improvement Sciences being one of them. for social workers. Currently, the Faculty of Physics has 7 de- The faculty provides a variety of services: it partments: those of Quantum Electronics, Laser performs social, psychological, educational and Research Centre, Semiconductor Physics, Solid demographic studies, personnel selection and State Electronics, Theoretical Physics, Radiophy- in-house training, etc. The faculty publishes sics and General Physics and Spectroscopy. The successive series of scientific works Problemos faculty also owns an Astronomical Observatory Universitas Vilnensis (Problems), Psichologija (Psychology) and Acta and 6 laboratories. The faculty hosts the Europe- Paedagogica Vilnensia. an Union-sponsored research centres CEBIOLA and SELITECH, conducts EU 5th Framework Programme projects, two long-term projects of the NATO programme Science for Peace as 33 Universitas Vilnensis

34 Universitas Vilnensis

35 well as joint research with dozens of foreign all faculties and taught as compulsory subjects. universities. During the recent decades, foreign language The main study programmes include ast- instruction was the responsibility of specially rophysics, physics and teaching of physics, com- established foreign language departments at the puter physics, modern technology management, Faculty of Philology, which now make up the applied physics, telecommunications physics and Institute of Foreign Languages: Department of electronics. The faculty offers 7 Master-degree English for Physical and Biomedicine Sciences, study programmes. Department of English for Humanities, Depart- ment of English for Social Sciences, Department of Romance Languages and Department of the German Language. Currently, the institute teaches five foreign languages (English, German, French, Spanish and Italian) to as many as 6,000 students annually. Institute of Foreign The most popular choice is the English language, Languages which is taught to 85 percent of students of all faculties. The Institute of Foreign Languages helps to Universiteto g. 5, LT-01122 Vilnius, improve the qualification of the Lithuanian tea- tel. (370 5) 268 72 64, fax (370 5) 268 72 65 chers by organizing two BA study programmes: The English language and teaching and The e-mail: [email protected], German language and teaching. web site http://www.uki.vu.lt The Institute organizes evening language courses for society at large at different levels in The Institute of Foreign Languages, which is all the five languages and has recently launched an independent subdivision of Vilnius University, a new non-consecutive study programme in was established in 1999, although the tradition Business English, which is targeted at managers of teaching foreign languages at the University and employees of companies, organizations goes back to the early days of its existence. The and firms. Old Jesuit College set up in 1570 taught Latin, The staff of the Institute is involved in the Greek and Hebrew as well as new European research of the structures (grammatical, lexical, Languages - German, French and Russian. Te- semantic and stylistic) of the Germanic, Romance aching contemporary languages on a regular and Lithuanian languages, their integration into Universitas Vilnensis basis was commenced in 1801 when foreign the teaching process and lexicographic practi- languages were included into the curricula of 36 ce. Some of the researchers analyse American, English and German literature and cultures and the American Studies Centre and the Asian and their contacts with Lithuania. African Studies Centre. The main study programmes are international relations and diplomacy, European studies, comparative politics, public administration and European public administration. The institute investigates the problems of Lithuanian and other countries’ internal policy, Institute of International management, international relations and foreign policy and diplomacy, organizes qualification Relations and Political improvement programmes for public servants Sciences and diplomats, and disseminates political science ideas to the specialists and society at large by Vokieæiù g. 10, LT-01130 Vilnius, organizing conferences, seminars and round- table discussions. tel. (370 5) 251 41 30, fax (370 5) 251 41 34, The institute has implemented six NATO sci- e-mail: [email protected], entific research programme projects and 11 other web site http://www.tspmi.vu.lt projects on Lithuanian political culture, elections and foreign policy. The institute publishes a per- The Institute of International Relations and iodical of scientific works Politologija. Political Sciences was established in 1992 on the initiative of Vilnius University and was funded Institute of Material by the Supreme Committee for the Liberation Science and Applied of Lithuania. In the first decade of activity, the institute became the main higher education estab- Research lishment in Lithuania which prepares specialists of political sciences, international relations and Saulétekio al. 9, LT-10222 Vilnius, public administration and conducts political tel./fax: (370 5) 236 60 59, science research.

e-mail: [email protected], Universitas Vilnensis The faculty comprises 4 departments: De- partment of International Relations (UNESCO), web site http://www.mtmi.vu.lt Department of European Studies (Jean Monnet), Department of Public Administration and Depart- The Applied Research Institute was set up ment of Comparative Politics. The institute also in 1992 with the aim of pooling the potential of includes the European Documentation Centre, Vilnius University scientific and teaching staff for 37 applied research and experimental development the EU 5th Framework Programme. In 2003, the and more effectively employing the available MTMI organized a NATO advanced research experimental base. In 1994, the Institute was seminar in Lithuania. reorganized into the Institute of Material Science The Institute maintains close contacts with and Applied Research (MTMI). It includes divi- partners in the USA, Germany, the UK, France, sions of material science and nanotechnologies, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, the semiconductor optoelectronics, biomedicine and Czech Republic, Belgium, the Netherlands, information technologies, new material research Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Japan, and measurement technologies and a service Taiwan and Australia. group as well as a liquid crystal laboratory. In close cooperation with other University Study and departments, the Institute researches non-equ- Research Centres ilibrium phenomena in semiconductor crystals, nanometric and quantum structures, bio-forma- tions and behaviouristic systems, works in the sphere of biomedical optics and nanophotonics, creates the material, surface and nanostructure non-depleting metrology, develops semiconductor radiant and information society technologies, constructs devices for controlling the natural en- Environmental vironment and industrial processes and produces Studies Centre unique materials using exact organic synthesis methods. M. K. Æiurlionio g. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius, The Institute employs approx. 30 researchers, among them 10 habilitated doctors and profes- tel. (370 5) 239 82 99, sors. They are supported by many students, who e-mail: [email protected] work as technicians and engineers. The Institute conducts many research projects The Environmental Studies Centre was set up including the NATO project Science for Peace, in 1995. The Centre initiates international pro- CERN and Lithuanian high tech programmes. jects in environmental studies and environment Together with the Semiconductor Physics Insti- management, encourages cooperation of resear- tute, the MTMI has set up an excellence centre chers from various faculties in investigating the SELITEC (Semiconductor materials and devises complex problems of interaction between human Universitas Vilnensis for light technologies) which is funded under and environmental factors and takes active part in 38 preparing and implementing study programmes international summer schools for secondary in the area of ecology and environment manage- school teachers from Lithuania, Belarus and ment. The Centre implements two Master study Kaliningrad Region. The aim of such schools is programmes (ecology and environmental science to introduce teachers to strategies and tactics of and management). Apart from this, the Centre is prevention of violence against children. in charge of the Bachelor-level studies of ecology One of the fundamental strategies of the Gen- at the Faculty of Natural Sciences. der Studies Centre is to maintain the ties between the academic world and society. The main areas of research include expression of gender equality in Lithuanian society, history of women, and women and science. Since 1999, the centre has been publishing a journal Baltic Gender Studies (before 2002, entitled Feminizmas, Visuomené, Gender Studies Centre Kultúra (Feminism, Society, Culture)) and the Internet magazine Kléja.

Universiteto g. 3, LT-01513 Vilnius, A. J. Greimas Centre tel. (370 5) 268 71 63, of Semiotics e-mail: [email protected],

web site http://www.moterys.lt Universiteto g. 3, LT-01513 Vilnius, tel. (370 5) 268 71 61, Vilnius University Gender Studies Centre - the first of its kind in the Baltic States - was es- e-mail: [email protected], tablished in 1992. The centre contributes to the formation of the gender policy in Lithuania. This interdisciplinary centre was set up in One of the main goals of the centre is to in- 1992. The centre develops the methodology of tegrate gender studies in the common curriculum humanities and social sciences on the basis of at Vilnius University. The centre offers optional the semiotics school of A.J. Greimas, analyses courses. Together with the Department of Social cultural, social, political and other discourses, Universitas Vilnensis Work of the Faculty of Philosophy, the Gender organizes seminars and lectures on literary the- Studies Centre has developed a new Master- ory, literary science methodology and semiotics degree study programme on gender studies and as well as seminars on philosophy for students social work. of various specializations. Since 2002, the centre has been organizing 39 The project „Expression of the body in the well as to promote knowledge management as contemporary social discourse” was part of the a field of studies and research. international cooperation programme of J.E. Gi- The tasks of the centre are to develop, cons- libert in 2003. Annually, the centre organizes an tantly update and implement study programmes academic week in Druskininkai. Lecturers of the which conform to international standards and centre are from Vilnius University as well as visi- trends, prepare interdisciplinary study program- ting professors from other countries. The centre mes, continuous learning programmes of strate- cooperates with Tartu, Moscow, Helsinki, Urbin, gic management, information and communicati- Paris and other universities. The centre offers a on management, and develop and implement the Master-degree study programme in semiotics. programmes of certification (standardization of qualification and recognition) of information and International Centre of communication management professionals. Knowledge Economy and The centre takes care of the following Master- degree programmes: information management, Knowledge Management information systems management and international communication (full-time studies and Saulétekio al. 9, LT-10222 Vilnius, distance learning). tel. (370 5) 236 61 07, Oriental Studies Centre web site http://www.tzc.vu.lt

In 2003, the former Knowledge Management Universiteto g. 5, LT-01122 Vilnius, Institute of the Faculty of Communications of tel./fax: (370 5) 268 72 56, Vilnius University was reorganized into the e-mail: [email protected], International Centre of Knowledge Economy and Knowledge Management under the patronage of web site http://www.oc.vu.lt the United Nations. The mission of the International Knowledge The Centre of Oriental Studies was set up Centre is to become the hub of competence and in 1992. Its main task is to familiarize students innovations at Vilnius University engaged in the with the cultures (language, religion, history, development and implementation of modern philosophy, art) of the Far and Middle East study programmes; to train specialists and per- and Southern Asia. The centre teaches Arabic, form strategic research that could make a signi- Hindu, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Pali, Persian

Universitas Vilnensis ficant impact on the advance of the Lithuanian (Farsi), Sanskrit, Turkish and Tibet languages. knowledge economy and information society as It also offers comparative Asian studies and 40 study programmes of Japanology, Sinology and annual basis, the centre holds conferences en- Indology. The centre prepares dictionaries and titled Religion and Culture. teaching aids and publishes a periodical Acta Orientalia. Vilnius Distance Education Study Centre

Saulétekio al. 9, LT-10222 Vilnius, tel. (370 5) 236 62 82, fax (370 5) 236 62 83 e-mail: [email protected], Religious Studies and web site http://www.nsc.vu.lt Research Centre Vilnius Distance Education Study Centre Universiteto g. 3, LT-01513 Vilnius, (VDESC), established in 1998, develops distance education (DE) courses, learning materials and tel./fax: (370 5) 268 71 62, training programmes using advanced technolo- e-mail: [email protected], gies, supports writing, adaptation and improve- web site http://www.rstc.vu.lt ment of DE courses and programmes, collects and disseminates information about events, The Centre for Religious Studies and Research projects and methods of distance education, was established in 1992 as an interdisciplinary maintains virtual learning environment (WebCT) and interfaculty body of studies and scientific for all professors of Vilnius university, together research. The aim of the centre is to foster and with World Bank through GDLN (Global Deve- develop the Christian cultural tradition on the lopment Learning Network), designs and delivers academic level, research the Lithuanian religious courses, seminars, and other activities that cover reality and encourage dialogue among religious the full range of development issues. and secular cultures. Currently, the centre conducts a Master-

degree study programme in the field of religion, Universitas Vilnensis awards Master degrees in religion science and delivers public lectures to the students of Vilnius University and other universities. Since 2001, the centre has been conducting a scientific project Religion and Culture. On an 41 International The school has an international Bachelor- degree study group where the language of inst- Business School ruction is English. Beside Lithuanian students, the group includes students from similar higher Saulétekio al. 22, LT-10225 Vilnius, education schools from other countries. A big tel. (370 5) 236 61 93, fax (370 5) 269 87 56, part of the subjects in all study programmes is taught by visiting professors from foreign univer- e-mail: [email protected], sities. The students of the school are provided web site http://www.tvm.vu.lt opportunities to continue their studies in Finnish, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and other The International Business School is a struc- universities. tural division of Vilnius University, which in its 15 years of existence has become one of the largest higher education schools of its kind in Lithuania. The main study programme is International Business. The school offers 2 Master-degree study programmes and special professional studies on international business as well as the programme of a preparatory semester for Master- degree studies. Universitas Vilnensis

42 Universitas Vilnensis

43 VILNIUS UNIVERSITY Information & Public Relations Office Universiteto g. 3, LT-01513 Vilnius, Lithuania Tel. (370 5) 268 70 01, Tel. (370 5) 268 70 00, fax (370 5) 268 70 09 fax (370 5) 268 70 96 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] http://www.vu.lt Post-Graduate Studies Office Academic Affairs Office Tel.: (370 5) 268 70 93, 268 70 94, 268 70 95, Tel. (370 5) 268 70 63, fax (370 5) 268 70 64 fax (370 5) 268 70 96 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

International Programmes Students‘ Representation & Relations Office Universiteto g. 3, Observatory Courtyard, Tel.: (370 5) 268 70 48, 268 70 49, 268 71 82, LT-01513 Vilnius fax (370 5) 268 70 69 Tel. (370 5) 268 71 44, tel./fax: (370 5) 268 71 45 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] http://www.vusa.lt Strategic Development Office Tel.: (370 5) 268 70 46, 268 70 47, 268 70 91 Career Centre Saulòtekio al. 9, LT-10222, Vilnius Research Management Office Tel.: (370 5) 236 60 11, 236 61 98, 236 62 98, Tel.: (370 5) 268 70 67, 268 70 68 fax (370 5) 236 60 18 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Universitas Vilnensis