VIKO International

🔗On May 5-7, 2026, lecturer-practitioner Virginija Tatarčuk, Project Manager at the International Relations and Projects Office Deividas Butkus, and ICT Engineer Olha Sharapova participated in the Erasmus+ Staff Training mobility programme during the international event “International Days 2026” at University College of Northern Denmark (UCN) in Aalborg, Denmark - one of the partner institutions within the HEROES alliance.

During the event, participants engaged in lectures, workshops, and collaborative activities focused on innovation processes, creative thinking, and the application of artificial intelligence in education and organisational practices. The programme explored key stages of innovation development, from idea generation and exploration to prototyping and pitching solutions. 👥💡

The visit provided valuable opportunities for professional development, international networking, and the exchange of best practices, which are expected to contribute to future cooperation initiatives and the further development of innovation and internationalisation within the institution. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

🔗Simon Burmistrov, lecturer of Finance and Business Analysis at VIKO Business Management Faculty has participated in Erasmus+ training mobility at University College of Northern Denmark (UCN) in Aalborg from 5th till 7th of May 2026.

This visit included interactive lectures, seminars, a special presentation by Prof. Christian Byrge and valuable discussions on the topic of Innovations in Education including wider implementation and use of AI in preparation of learning material and facilitation of in-class discussion. 💡

VIKO VVF - Verslo vadybos fakultetas💛💚

The HEROES week in Vilnius has officially come to an end. It was an important and meaningful time for our alliance — full of valuable discussions, shared insights, and continued work towards our common goals.👥🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

Thank you for your dedication, collaboration, and contribution throughout the week.

🇱🇹The HEROES European University Alliance Semi-Annual Meeting has begun in Vilnius🇱🇹

On 19 May, over 150 partners from nine countries gathered at Vilniaus Kolegija/University of Applied Sciences.👥

Opening the event, Vice Director for Research and Partnerships at Vilniaus Kolegija Dr. Nijolė Zinkevičienė, emphasized: “HEROES means more than partnership to us — it is a community built on trust, responsibility, and shared values, connecting higher education, innovation, and regional development across Europe.”

A particularly inspiring message came from Chair of the HEROES Steering Committee Sofie Mols, who encouraged the alliance to unlock the true power of the network by transforming ideas into visible and impactful action: “The strength of the alliance does not lie in institutions, but in the dynamic interaction between people.”

The business perspective was presented by Sergejus Abakumovas, Chairman of the Vilniaus Kolegija Council and Partner at Grant Thornton Baltic. He highlighted that labour markets are evolving faster than education systems can adapt, while AI, the green transition, and geopolitical uncertainty continue reshaping both business and education models. According to him, closing this gap requires more than occasional collaboration — it demands structural, long-term partnerships between higher education and industry.

💡👉🏻The future of European higher education is built through collaboration, trust, and people who make ideas happen.

What happens when students from different countries come together to talk about AI and the real world of work? 🤔

🇫🇷💡 Our students returned from France with valuable insights into how artificial intelligence is already transforming the job market☝

📍 From March 23–27, 2026, an international Erasmus+ BIP programme took place in Rennes, France.

👥 Sixteen students from the VIKO Faculty of Economics participated together with Associate Professor Dr. Gediminas Dubauskas.

💥 The focus was not just theory for the sake of theory, but real questions:
– What jobs is AI already taking over from humans?

– How is the financial sector changing?

– What skills will be needed to stay relevant in the labour market?

🗣️ Student Viktorija Dovjadaitė shared her impressions:
„“The thing I liked most was the diversity of people – everyone was very authentic, friendly, and communicative.”

🎓 Associate Professor Dr. Gediminas Dubauskas:
“I delivered two lectures on the application of artificial intelligence in financial institutions and business, discussing the main directions and challenges of technology implementation.”

📸 And yes – it was not only lectures:
the city, a scavenger hunt, and a trip to Mont Saint-Michel 🏰

✨ The conclusion is simple: AI is no longer “the future” – it is already changing the way we work, so understanding it is essential if you want to be prepared!

VIKO EKF - Ekonomikos fakultetas💛💚

🎓🤝 Stakeholders' Meeting at VIKO — strengthening HEROES ties with the regional ecosystem🎓🤝

Last week, Vilniaus kolegija / University of Applied Sciences hosted its local stakeholders' meeting, where the activities of the HEROES European University Alliance were presented, along with key achievements from the first year and future directions for cooperation.

The discussion covered the main HEROES activity areas: joint study programmes, challenge-based learning, applied research, lifelong learning, mobility opportunities, the virtual campus, and community-strengthening initiatives. Stakeholders also explored concrete cooperation options that bring value both to the region and to the business sector.

💬 Jolanta Lapinskaitė-Vaitulionienė, Project Manager at Vilnius Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, highlighted the alliance's strong focus on practice-based learning, regional resilience, and closer collaboration between higher education and business.

💬 Representatives of AgriFood Lithuania DIH emphasised the value of challenge labs and hackathons for both students and SMEs — students get to solve real business challenges, while organisations gain fresh ideas and concrete solutions.

It was encouraging to see the active engagement of participants and a shared commitment to building a resilient, innovative, and internationally connected higher education ecosystem.
We warmly invite organisations that share these goals to join the HEROESFriends community — whether you are a company, NGO, public authority, school, or research institution.

More information in the comments👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

🔗On April 20–24, 2026, the Dean of the Faculty of Electronics and Informatics, Vaidas Liubinas, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Romanas Tumasonis from the Department of Software Engineering participated in the Erasmus+ staff mobility training programme during the international event “Connecting Minds Digitally” at University of Hradec Králové (Czech Republic).

The event brought together representatives from a diverse range of countries, including the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, the United States, Ghana, South Africa, and Belgium. This diversity created an excellent environment for intercultural dialogue, knowledge exchange, and building new international connections.

During the visit, the representatives of the Faculty actively engaged in lectures, workshops, and discussions focused on the application of artificial intelligence in higher education. Special attention was given to the use of AI in everyday administrative and teaching tasks, the risks associated with AI, AI assistants and agents, as well as next-generation smart browsers. Discussions also addressed how AI platforms can both support and hinder student learning.💡📝

The programme also covered broader topics such as intercultural communication and coaching methods in higher education. Participants had the opportunity to explore the university’s infrastructure, academic environment, and research activities, including interdisciplinary applications of AI in solving real-world problems.

The visit proved highly valuable in terms of both knowledge gained and professional networking. It is expected that the connections established will lead to future joint projects and academic initiatives. The insights and best practices gained during the visit will contribute to the further development of study programmes and the strengthening of innovation within the Faculty.🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

VIKO EIF - Elektronikos ir informatikos fakultetas💚💛

🔗Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marija Vaičienė from the Department of Civil Engineering, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Andrius Gulbinas, and Lecturer Dr. Paulius Gaučas participated in an Erasmus+ staff training mobility visit at Riga Technical University (Latvia) on 21–23 April 2026. The aim of the visit was to strengthen academic and research cooperation between the institutions.

During the visit, the study programmes of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, priority research areas, and laboratories were presented.

Opportunities for invitations and cooperation were also introduced: RTU researchers were invited to participate in the VIKO International Teaching Week and the international conference CILTEM 2027, students - in an international interdisciplinary workshop, and teaching staff were informed about the opportunity to participate in the funding programme for visits of invited lecturers from foreign countries.🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

Further directions for cooperation were also discussed, including Erasmus+ activities (mobility, BIP programmes). 👥💡

During the visit, meetings were also held with representatives of faculties and institutes, including the management and teams of the Institute of Sustainable Building Materials and Engineering Systems, the Institute of High-Performance Materials and Structures, and the Institute of Civil Engineering.

The delegation was also introduced to the activities of the RTU Sustainable Building Materials Research Group and visited key laboratories: the Metrology Laboratory, the Manufacturing Laboratory of the Institute of High-Performance Materials and Structures, the Materials Testing Laboratory, and the 3D Concrete Printing Laboratory.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marija Vaičienė from the Faculty of Civil Engineering paid particular attention to discussions with Prof. Dr. Aleksandrs Korjakins. As a result of this cooperation, a joint scientific publication entitled “Influence of Biomass Bottom Ash on Concrete Physical, Mechanical Properties and Microstructure” has been prepared. Based on this work, an oral presentation will be delivered on 14 May 2026 during the international conference MBMST 2026 at VILNIUS TECH.👋🏻🗣️

VIKO STF - Statybos fakultetas💛💚

🔗On April 14–17, 2026, Brigita Šustickienė and Jolanta Pileckienė, lecturers from the Faculty of Technics, along with Dana Bogačionokienė, studies coordinator, participated in the Erasmus+ project „eCOLAB“ partner meeting in Spain.

During the visit, the team reviewed the work completed so far and actively planned future stages: from the development of a FabLab network for sustainable manufacturing to the implementation of a pilot project in the field of sustainable Industry 4.0. 📝💡

The visit took place at the Technological and Scientific Park of Gijón and Fab Lab Barcelona, where the participants explored innovative infrastructure, shared best practices, and engaged in discussions with partners and industry representatives.

The group also visited the Universidad Laboral de Gijón. 👥

During the meeting, the dates and a preliminary program for the next visit to Vilnius were also established.🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

VIKO TEF - Technikos fakultetas 💚💛

🔗From 20 to 24 April 2026, Dr. Simona Paulikienė, a lecturer at the Faculty of Health Care of Vilnius College, together with third‑year students of the General Practice Nursing study programme participated in the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Intensive Medicine in Action: Structured Lifesaving Procedures, Rapid Assessment and Teamwork Skills Training”, held at the Technical University of Liberec (Czech Republic).

The training was based on realistic simulations, hands‑on skills development, and scenario‑based team exercises. By integrating theory with realistic emergency practice, participants developed competencies in rapid decision‑making, clinical reasoning, and interprofessional collaboration.

During the simulation sessions, participants gained valuable knowledge and practical skills in providing emergency care and performing triage of casualties. We sincerely thank the training organizers and partners for the professionally prepared programme and their warm and constructive cooperation.🫱🏻‍🫲🏼👥

VIKO SPF - Sveikatos priežiūros fakultetas💚💛