Report on the Trip as Part of the Task “Promotional Campaign to Attract International Doctoral Candidates and Supervisors” under the Project “Actions towards the Internationalization of the Doctoral School of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin (I-SDULSL)” – dated December 1-4, 2024, to Kaunas (Lithuania), NAWA STER programme

Project Beneficiaries:

• Prof. Magdalena Krauze, Ph.D., Eng. – Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Toxicology
• Sławomir Ligęza, Ph.D., D.Sc., Eng., Assoc. Prof. – Director of the Institute of Soil Science, Engineering, and Environmental Management
• Anna Stępniowska, Ph.D., D.Sc. – Assistant Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Toxicology
• Małgorzata Wysocka, Ph.D. – Senior Specialist at the Doctoral School of the University of Life Scences in Lublin
• Anna Lipian-Głos, M.A. – – Doctoral School Student at the Department of Biochemistry and Toxicology
• Kamila Kaszycka, M.Sc., Eng. – Doctoral School Student at the Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management
• Piotr Nawłatyna, M.Sc., Eng. – Doctoral School Student at the Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management

Role of Beneficiaries in the Doctoral School at ULSL:

• Three research and teaching staff members and one administrative staff member of the Doctoral School of ULSL
• Three doctoral candidates in the discipline of Animal Science and Fisheries

Host Institution:
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania (LSMN)

Visit Schedule:
December 1-4, 2024

Report on the Visit:

First day of the visit:

The official welcome Meeting with the authorities of LSMU was held, during which the delegation presented their visit’s detailed purpose, expectations, and promotional plans related to their trip to Lithuania. The educational program of the ULSL Doctoral School and normative acts (e.g., the Higher Education and Science Act of July 20, 2018, Journal of Laws 2018, item 1668) governing the establishment and functioning of the Doctoral School at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin were presented. The mutual expectations regarding the mobility project were exchanged. Promotional packages related to the ULSL Doctoral School’s NAWA STER project were distributed to the LSMU authorities.

Second day of the visit:

• Promotional Meeting at the Faculty of Animal Science (Tilžės 18, LT-47181, Kaunas, Lithuania) with Vice Dean Dr Jurgita Dailidavicienė (representing Dean of the Faculty of Animal Sciences, Prof. Elene Bartkiene) Chancellor of LSMU, Head of the Department of Animal Nutrition and Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Prof. Rolandas Stankevičius, and faculty members whose doctoral candidates expressed interest in recruitment process at ULSL Doctoral School.
• Delivery of a promotional lecture (in English) by representatives of the ULSL Doctoral School faculty and doctoral candidates, enhanced with multimedia presentations and promotional videos.
• Presentation of the ULSL Doctoral School’s research offer across various disciplines by the representative of the scientific staff of the Doctoral School of ULSL
• A presentation titled “Let’s Create the Future of Life Sciences Together” by Vice Dean Dr. Jurgita Dailidavicienė, introducing the structure of LSMU and opportunities for academic development and areas for cooperation at LSMU in Kaunas.
• Professional discussions regarding education at ULSL Doctoral School, visiting professor mobility at ULSL, and opportunities for research internships at ULSL as part of the Doctoral School program.
• Guided tour of the Medical Simulation Center and meeting with Faculty of Veterinary Medicine students.
• Visit the Museum of Animal Anatomy and promotional conversations with students.

The third day of the visit:

• Promotional Meeting at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with Dean Prof. Rolandas Stankevičius, representatives of LSMU’s doctoral school faculty, doctoral candidates, prospective candidates, students, and potential supervisors or auxiliary supervisors aimed at promoting the offer of the Doctoral School of the ULSL – lecture, multimedia presentation, asking questions, individual meetings.
• Presentation of ULSL’s research and academic offerings, including education and scientific development opportunities.
• Informal discussions between doctoral candidates and faculty from both institutions regarding education at ULSL Doctoral School and research internships as a part of the Doctoral School of the ULSL.
• Tour of the Department of Animal Nutrition and discussions with doctoral candidates regarding internships at ULSL Doctoral School.
• Visits to the Zootechnics Museum and Library of LSMN.

The fourth day of the visit:

• Visit the Emmanuel Levinas Center in Kaunas with LSMU staff, including a promotional lecture at the centre.
• Official farewell with LSMU authorities, doctoral candidates, and students.

Visit results:

• Establishment of opportunities for doctoral candidate and researcher exchanges and collaborative research projects.
• Presentation of ULSL Doctoral School’s academic and research offerings, generating increased interest among LSMU postgraduate candidates and supervisors.
• Development of international mobility.
• Both institutions Exchange scientific achievements, teaching methods, and organisational structures.
• Identification of potential areas for collaborative research projects and supervisory partnerships.
• Distribution of promotional materials and direct engagement with students and doctoral candidates.
• Strengthened the international reputation of both institutions through collaboration and joint initiatives.