Vytautas Magnus University Delegation Visits LBTU
On June 17, a delegation from the Agriculture Academy of Vytautas Magnus University, based in Kaunas, Lithuania, visited the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU). During the visit, cooperation matters between the two universities were discussed, including the implementation of a double degree study program, the realization of joint research and development projects, as well as collaboration in organizing courses and conferences.
LBTU Rector Irina Arhipova emphasized: "Cooperation with foreign universities, especially among our Baltic states’ higher education institutions, is an important direction that has become an indispensable prerequisite for university operations today. Synergies in both research and various aspects of higher education create collaborative networks that combine strengths and enable the generation of greater added value. LBTU is a leader in the bioeconomy sector, having invested heavily in recent years in creating an innovation-supportive environment — an experience we are proud of and willing to share."
During the visit, the Vytautas Magnus University delegation toured the Plant Protection Scientific Institute "Agrihorts" and learned about the research conducted in its laboratories, including the diversity of pathogenic fungi found in oat and rye crops, precision tomato cultivation technologies, and other studies. At the Alternative Fuels Scientific Laboratory, LBTU researchers presented vehicle and engine testing equipment, measurement instruments used in alternative fuel research, as well as the first prototypes of agricultural robots designed for weed elimination using laser technology.
This was followed by a visit to the Interdisciplinary Scientific Laboratory of the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, where the guests explored the Interdisciplinary Scientific Laboratory opened in 2022. It is the only institution of its kind in Latvia, conducting research and innovations related to the interaction between woodworking, construction, landscape architecture, and surveying sectors, serving as a bridge between science, education, and industry. At the conclusion of the visit, the guests went to the Forestry Institute, where they familiarized themselves with the Science Equipment and Measuring Instruments Laboratory, Forest Protection and Phytopathology Laboratory, Hunting Laboratory, Wood Science Laboratory, and Forest Harvesting Laboratory.
Colleagues from Vytautas Magnus University showed great interest in LBTU’s scientific institutes’ research directions, laboratory work, and achievements, and it is hoped that the impressions and information gained will bring new opportunities for cooperation in the future. The visitors were especially interested in the quality of the research infrastructure developed by LBTU, research on plant protection, alternative fuel studies and testing results, as well as the utilization and protection of environmental and forestry resources.
The visit confirmed the readiness of both universities to develop closer academic and scientific cooperation, which will strengthen the Baltic region’s competitiveness in education and innovation. LBTU and Vytautas Magnus University agreed to continue the dialogue on practical steps to deepen cooperation, including promoting student and faculty exchanges, developing joint projects, and organizing joint events, thereby creating a solid foundation for a long-term partnership.