Faculty of Natural Sciences

Sukurta: 05 September 2013

gmf21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03103 Vilnius
Tel. 239 82 00, fax 239 82 04
E-mail:
www http://www.gf.vu.lt

Dean – Prof. Habil. Dr. Osvaldas Rukšėnas

STAFF

121 teachers (102 holding research degree), 36 research fellows (23 holding research degree), 69 doctoral students. 

RESEARCH AREAS 

Genomics, Biomolecules and Biotechnologies: Fundamental and Applied Research
Territorial Differentiation of Lithuanian Landscape Structure in Terms of Environment Protection and Planning Concepts.
Ecosystems and Climate Changes, Preservation of Environment and Use of Natural Resources
Investigation of Nervous System and Behaviour

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2013

V. Naumavičius. Integral systemic analysis of biomedical and ecological data on native Lithuanian vascular medicinal plant speies.
K. Papšys. Methodology of development of cartographic information system for evaluation of risk of extreme events.
J. Povilonis. Transferable antibiotic resistance determinats in gram negative bacterial pathogens.
R. Guzulaitis. The organisation principles of spinal neural network: temporal integration of somatosensory input and distribution of network activity.
J. Venius. Fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging stuines of functionally different human heart tissues.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2013

50 years of Department of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology in Vilnius University , 10 October 2013

International conference: INQUA Peribaltic Working Group Annual conference and field Symposium -2013. Palaeolandscapes from Saalian to Weichselian, South Eastern Lithuania, June 25-30, 2013, http://www.ut.ee/INQUAPeriBaltic

PhD annual conference From the Earth crust to Quarternary in Lithuania–28-11-2013

International conference Cartography and Cartosemiotic: From Cartography to Geographic Information Science

Scientific conference-expedition Peculiarities of soil cover in Dainava plain 

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2013

Created new Landscape morphological regionalization map, scale 1:400,000
Created National landscape management plan, scale 1:400,000

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel./fax 239 8231
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Edita Sužiedėlienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. J. Kadziauskas, Dr. V. Kirvelienė, Dr. E. Sužiedėlienė, Dr. K. Sužiedėlis (part-time), Dr. A. Žvirblienė (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr. E. Bakienė, Dr., Dr. A. Markuckas, Dr. S. Sasnauskienė, Dr. S. Serva, Dr. V. Šeputienė (part-time), Dr. A. Zimkus, G. Žvirblis (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. D. Dabkevičienė, Dr. A. Sasnauskienė, Dr. V. Jonušienė.
Chief research fellows: Dr. L. Bagdonienė, Dr. V. Bendikienė, Dr. K. Sužiedėlis (part-time),
Senior research fellow: Dr. D. Labeikytė.
Affiliated researcher: Dr. A. Četkauskaitė.
Research fellows: Dr. J. Armalytė, Dr. D. Dabkevičienė, Dr. V. Jonušienė, Dr. A. Sasnauskienė, Dr. A. Zimkus, Dr. R. Kvietkauskaitė.
Junior research fellows: V. Kiriliauskaitė, N. Daugelavičienė.
Doctoral students: V. Kiriliauskaitė, N. Daugelavičienė, V. Gėgžna, M. Jurėnaitė, V. Stankevičius, A. Konovalovas, A. Mlynska, D. Šinkūnienė. 

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Genomic DNA-protein complexes
Molecular determinants of virus cycle. Antivirals
Biochemical mechanisms of cellular response to photooxidation and cytotoxic treatment
Development of complex test detection system for environmental pollutants
Bacterial stress responses and pathogenesis
Enzymatic catalysis and conversion of biomass

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

General Programme:

Genomics, biomolecules and biotechnologies

Changes in ecosystems, protection, natural resources

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Structure, Stability and Functions of Protein Complexes with Nucleic Acids or Carriers . Dr. L. Bagdonienė. 2011–2016.

Research of DNA-protein complexes has shown that DNA binding sites of tightly bound proteins (TBPs) do not co-localize with the nuclear matrix attachment regions in barley. Experiments with DNA microarrays demonstrated that distribution of TBP in barley amylase genes reflects the type of cell differentiation and development stage. We hypothesize that TBPs binding to DNA are involved in the regulation of gene expression.

Enzymatic hydrolysis, esterification and transesterification processes of fats and oils, as well as determination of the effect of reaction parameters, the biotechnology for the manufacturing of a high value bioproducts; investigation of future prospects of algal biomaterials production system and cultivation of green algae and cyanobacterium in piggery waste water; analysis of bioproducts stored in biomass have been carried out.

Biochemical Mechanisms of Cell Death . Prof. V. Kirvelienė. 2006–2015.

The Foscan-induced hallmarks of apoptosis and autophagy were detected in the primary cell line of human epidermic keratinocytes (HEKa) in comparison with the cells of human epidermoid carcinoma A-431. In general, apoptosis increase followed the same time course in both cell lines. However, Foscan-induced autophagy was more pronounced in HEKa cells. Silencing of autophagy related genes Atg7 and Atg12 increased the viability of the treated cells. The conclusion could be made that autophagy significantly contributed to the loss of cell viability and in this case autophagy could be considered as a form of cell death rather than that of survival.

Investigation of Clinical Significance of the Molecular Components of Cellular Response to Environmental Factors . Prof. E. Sužiedėlienė. 2009–2013.

Type II toxin antitoxin systems of the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii, carried on the plasmids have been investigated. Two TAs harboured on the newly identified pAB120 plasmid impacted the maintenance of the plasmid, which also carries genes conferring resistance to carbapenems, implying the role of plasmid-borne TAs in the spread of antibiotic resistance. The role of the activity of Salmonella tyrphimurium multidrug resistance RND pumps on the photobactericidal and membranotoxic effectivity of phenothiasine drug saphranin O towards the bacterial cells has been investigated.

Development of the Integrated Biotest System for the Determination of the Toxicity of the Environmental Pollutants . Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Četkauskaitė. 2010–2014.

Possibility to use permeabilisated yeast Sacharomices cerevisiae for toxicants monitoring was evaluated. Electric field-induced effects on yeast cell wall permeabilisation were investigated.

Projects, Programmes, Issues Supported by the Research Council of Lithuania

Detection of food-born pathogens by molecular techniques (MODETT). Prof. E. Sužiedėlienė. 2012–2015.

RCL Breakthrough Ideas Program: Suicide Catalysis-based Universal Antiviral Compounds (SKunAVIR) (2012–2013). Dr. S. Serva.

RCL Global Grant Program: Change or Die: reconstruction of oxidoreductases (CHORD) (2013–2015). Dr. S. Serva. Project leader Dr. R. Meškys.

International Science Programmes and Projects

COST TD0803: Detecting Evolutionary Hot Spots of Antibiotic Resistances in Europe (DARE). Prof. E. Sužiedėlienė. 2008–2013.

EU Structural Funds

Biotechnology and Biopharmacy: fundamental and applied research (BIOTEFA A). Declarant, Vilnius university; Coordinators of research groups at Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology dr. V. Bendikienė, prof. V. Kirvelienė, prof. E. Sužiedėlienė. 2012–2015.

Biocatalysts selection and development for biogas production and utilization of biomass conversion processes control (BIOKONVERSA, Nr. VPI-3.1-ŠMM-10-V). 2013–2015. Dr. V. Bendikienė. Project leader Dr. L. Kalėdienė.

Other projects

Lithuanian Agency for Sciences, Innovation and Technology project 3400-P170: Nanoelectroporation of Living Cells (BIO naopore). 2012–2013. Dr. A. Zimkus. Project leader Dr. G. Saulis.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)

Nature Research Center (Lithuania)

Jouy-en-Josas Research Centre, Paris University of Pierre and Marie Currie (France)

University of Latvia, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (Latvia)

Oslo University (Norway)

Linkoeping University, Lund University, Karolinska Institute (Sweden)

University of Haifa (Israel)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Assoc. Prof. A. Četkauskaitė –

  • member of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry;
  • member of the Society of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.

Prof. J. Kadziauskas –

  • expert of the Research Council of Lithuania;
  • council member of the Lithuanian Biochemical Society.

Prof. V. Kirvelienė–

  • expert of the Research Council of Lithuania;
  • member of Council of Institute of Oncology

Prof. E. Sužiedėlienė –

  • member of the Society of Microbiology of USA;
  • member of management committee of COST action TD0803;
  • member of Research Council of Lithuania.

Assoc. Prof. S. Serva –

  • council member of the Lithuanian Biochemical Society.

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY AND GENETICS

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8257
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Juozas Lazutka

STAFF

Professors: Dr. S. Jarmalaitė, Dr. E. Kutorga, Habil. Dr. J. Lazutka, Dr. A. Lubys (part-time), Habil. Dr. J. R. Naujalis, Habil. Dr. V. Rančelis (emeritus), Dr. G. Slapšytė, Habil. Dr. I. Pašakinskienė, Dr. D. Žvingila.
Associate professors: Dr. T. Česnienė, Dr. J. Kostkevičienė, Dr. V. Morkūnas, Dr. I. Prigodina Lukošienė, Dr. J. Rukšėnienė, Dr. J. Tupčiauskaitė, Dr. G. Žvirblis.
Lecturers: S. Juzėnas, A. Meldžiukienė, Dr. E. Meškauskaitė,
Senior research fellows: Dr. V. Dedonytė, Dr. V. Kleizaitė, Dr. J. Mierauskienė, Dr. V. Vaitkūnienė.
Research fellow: Dr. J. Patamsytė,
Juniorresearch fellows: K. Daniūnaitė, M. Rasimavičius.
Doctoral students: K. Daniūnaitė, R. Demidenko, T. Iznova (till 2013 09 31), G. Kundrotas, J. Butkuvienė, G. Radžiuvienė, M. Rasimavičius, R. Rimgailaitė, A. Stumbrytė (from 2013 10 01), R. Šiukšta, V. Tunaitienė,

RESEARCH INTERESTS 

Research interests of botanists and mycologists:

Investigation of fungi, algae, lichen and plant biodiversity

Research of algae biotechnological use
Research of composition, structure and dynamics of lichen and plant populations
Studies of structure and interactions of fungal, lichen and plant communities
Studies of historical fungal, algae, lichen and plant collections, maintained in the Herbarium of Vilnius University
Research of ornamental plant biology

Research interests of geneticists
Search and application of the most effective biomarkers for genetic monitoring of human, animal and plant populations
Investigations of mutagenic and aneugenic effects of chemical compounds and physical factors in human cells in vitro and experimental animal model systems in vivo
Analysis of epigenetic changes in human malignancies
Studies of genome rearrangements in plant hybrids
Studies of DNA polymorphism in plant populations

Plant developmental and population genetics;

Research of environmental factors affecting plant growth, development and genome stability

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013 

Projects Supported by University Budget

The Structure, Interactions, Functioning and Conservation of Vegetation, Algobiota and Mycobiota in Ecosystems of Lithuania . Prof. J. R. Naujalis, Prof. E. Kutorga. 2011–2015.

The results of distribution and habitats of fern species Equisetum variegatum and lichen species Caloplaca pacyfica were summarized. Analysis of early fungal community succession following crown fire in Pinus mugo stands and surface fire in Pinus sylvestris stands was completed. Research suggests there may be at least seven viable populations of endangered and protected fungal species Sarcosoma globosum in Lithuania. Six new fungal species for Lithuania were registered in 2013. A new fast research method of Coherent Anti-stokes Raman microscopy for carotenoids identification in a life cell of microalgae and cyanobacteria was applied

Main publications:

Dementjev, A., Kostkevičienė, J., 2013. Applying the method of Coherent Anti-stokes Raman microscopy for imaging of carotenoids in microalgae and cyanobacteria. - (wileyonlinelibrary.com) DOI 10.1002/jrs.4321.

Motiejūnaitė, J., Adamonytė, G., Iršėnaitė, R., Juzėnas, S., Kasparavičius J., Kutorga, E., Markovskaja, S., 2013. Initial fungal community succession following crown fire in Pinus mugo stands and surface fire in Pinus sylvestris stands. European Journal of Forest Research, Springer. Berlin Heidelberg. DOI: 10.1007/s10342-013-0738-6 (Online 2013-10).

Iršėnaitė, R., Adamonytė, G., Daniele, I., Kasparavičius, J., Kutorga, E., Stončius, D., 2013. Macromycetes and myxomycetes of Asveja Regional Park (Lithuania). Botanica Lithuanica, vol. 19(1), 8–21. DOI: 10.2478/botlit-2013-0002.

Motiejūnaitė, J., Kukwa, M., Lõhmus, P., Markovskaja, S., Oset, M., Prigodina Lukošienė, I., Stončius, D., Uselienė, A., 2013. Contribution to the Lithuanian flora of lichens and allied fungi. IV. Botanica Lithuanica, 19(1), 3–7. DOI: 10.2478/botlit-2013-0001, July 2013.

Rasimavičius, M., Naujalis, J. R., 2012. Equisetum variegatum Schleich. Ex Weber et Mohhr in Lithuania: habitat diversity, distribution patterns and environmental status based on herbarium collection. Ekologija, 58 (4), 413–425. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6001/ekologija.v58i4.2610.

Genotoxicity Assessment and Mechanisms of Genotoxic Action of Anthropogenic and Natural Factors on Man, Animals and Plants. Prof. J. R. Lazutka, Prof. G. Slapšytė. 2009–2013.

Adaptation of high throughput methods for DNA methylation analysis in malignant and nonmalignant human tissues. Genotoxicity of dental restorative materials was evaluated using Ames Salmonella/microsome test and primary DNA damage (comet) assay in human lymphocytes. Tested compounds were not mutagenic in the Ames test, however induced primary DNA damage. Antigenotoxic potential of highbush blueberry lyophilized juice was demonstrated against doxorubicin induced genotoxicity (e.g.micronucleus frequency) in human lymphocytes in vitro. 

Main publications:

Slapšytė, G., Dedonytė V., Lazutka, J.R., Mierauskienė, J., Morkūnas, V., Kazernavičiūtė, R., Pukalskas, A., Venskutonis, P.R., 2013. Evaluation of biological activity of naturally occurring 5,8-dihydroxycoumarin. Molecules, vol. 18(4), 4419–4436; doi: 10.3390/molecules18044419.

Everatt, R., Slapšytė, G., Mierauskienė, J., Dedonytė, V., Bakienė, L., 2013. Biomonitoring study of dry cleaning workers using cytogenetic tests and the comet assay. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Hygiene, vol. 10 (11): 609-621; DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2013.818238.

Stuopelytė, K., Daniūnaitė, K., Laurinavičienė, A., Ostapenko, V., Jarmalaitė, S., 2013. High-resolution melting-based quantitative analysis of RASSF1 methylation in breast cancer. Medicina, vol. 49(2), 78–83.

Plant Polymorphism, Genome Stability and its Changing Factors. Prof. V.

Rančelis, Prof. D. Žvingila. 2011–2015.

Phylogenetic relationships were studied among the taxa of Lonicera L. using cpDNA markers. Analysis based on sequencing of seven chloroplast DNA regions (trnH-psbA, rpS12-rpL20, trnL-trnF, trnS-trnG, trnG, rpS16 and trnS-psbZ) revealed genetic relationships among blue-fruited honeysuckles. Nuclear DNA polymorphism was also studied among species, cultivars and genetic lines of Lonicera L. High level of DNA polymorphism was determined in the whole germplasm collection and in each group of accessions. Genotoxicity of Vilnius city topsoil was assessed by means of Tradescantia clone 4430 micronucleus formation, stamen hair pink mutation bioassays and random amplified polymorphic DNA assay after 0.5 and 1 year of direct soil exposure. The influence of Al ions on flower structure was revealed only in the mutant tw2. Aluminum stress response was investigated in eight barley cultivars resistant to plant diseases and/or other unfavorable environmental factors. An increase of MnSOD activation in roots proportionally to Al concentration was observed. Our results also showed that aluminum-associated root-growth inhibition was time, dose and genotype depended.

Main publications: 

Naugžemys, D., Žilinskaitė, S., Skridaila, A., Kleizaitė, V., Patamsytė, J., Žvingila, D., 2013. Genotyping and assessment of genetic relationships among cultivars, genetic lines and species of Lonicera L. using RAPD. Acta Horticulturae, vol. 976, 311–317.

National Research Projects 

Research Council of Lithuania. Project: Colony of the Great Cormorants in Forest Ecosystem – Hypertrophication Impact and Rate of Dynamics (KOREKO). Reg. No. LEK-12001. (Participants of project Dr. E. Kutorga, T. Iznova). Dr. J. Motiejūnaitė. 2012–2014

The data of study of fungal communities in a Scots pine forest affected by the great cormorant colony presents on species richness, distribution and trophic groups of fungi recorded in the colony and its surroundings under varying impact from the bird activity.

Main publications:

Kutorga, E., Iršėnaitė, R., Iznova, T., Kasparavičius, J., Markovskaja, S., Motiejūnaitė, J., 2013. Species diversity and composition of fungal communities in a Scots pine forest affected by the great cormorant colony. Acta Mycologica, vol. 48 (2), 171–185. DOI: 10.5586/am.2013.000. 

Research Council of Lithuania. Change of Bioactive Compounds in Underutilised Berry Species Depending on Genotype and Environment. (No. SVE-04/2011). Prof. G. Slapšytė (VU part of project). 2011–2014.

The genotoxic potential of highbush blueberry leaf extracts and lyophilized fruit juice prepared from highbush blueberries, bog bilberries and two Viburnum species fruits was evaluated using Ames Salmonella/microsome test, comet assay and cytokinesis-block micronucleus test in human lymphocytes in vitro. All samples showed negative results in the Ames and micronucleus tests. Comet assay revealed different genotoxic potential of the extracts as well as different susceptibility of the donors.

Research Council of Lithuania. Development of Complex Biomarkers for the Evaluation of Clinical Significance of Prostate Cancer. (No. LIG-14). Prof. J. R. Lazutka. 2012–2014.

Prostate tumours are characterized by high heterogeneity: after the diagnosis of disease, some patients die within 2–3 years, while others survive 10–20 years. However, more than 40 percent of all prostatectomies are done for patients with minor malignancy and, perhaps, without evident clinical need. Therefore, criteria for identifying of the so-called clinically insignificant cancer are becoming more and more important. In current practice, Epstein criteria for clinically insignificant cancer are used. However, it was noticed that the results are not satisfactory. The main goal of current project is to select new molecular biomarkers of prostate cancer that can help more precisely predict the course of the disease and allow the use of the most appropriate treatment, thereby reducing the number of unnecessary radical interventions and improving patients’ quality of life.

Research Council of Lithuania. Epigenomic Analysis of Polyphenism Phenomenon. (No. MIP-031). Prof. J.R. Lazutka. 2012–2014.

The main goal of this project is to determine whether phenomenon of seasonal polyphenism observed in Daphnia pulex and Acyrthosiphon pisum is associated with epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Our research revealed difference in gene expression patterns between two morphs of D. pulex. In adidition, we found different methylation levels in genes CAND2 and COX4, obtained from different morphs. The same tendency was seen in several selected genes of A. pisum. For the first time we demonstrated presence of 5hmC in genomes of both species

Research Council of Lithuania. Epigenetic Mechanisms of Cell Differentiation. (No. MIP-12131). Prof. S. Jarmalaitė. 2012–2014.

Present study aims at detailed characterization of DNA modification marks, 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytozine (5hmC), in pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells and identification of epigenetic changes specific to cell differentiation. Preliminary data of our study shows that expression of some pluripotency genes is detectable in adult stem cells and the expression of these regulators is accompanied by accumulation of 5hmC in regulatory regions.

European Social Fund under National Integrated Programme Biotechnology & Biopharmacy. Grant VP1-3.1-SMM- 08-K01-005, subaction 111.2 Noncoding RNA for Diagnostics of Cancer. Prof. S. Jarmalaite. 2012–2014.

The study aims at identification of miRNA expression profile of aggressive forms of cancer for early prognosis of disease progression. Genome-wide profiling of miRNA expression was used for identification of biomarkers, and several miRNAs were selected for further validation of expression changes on TaqMan Low-Density Arrays. Selected miRNAs were assessed in urine sediments from cancer patients by means of Real Time PCR. Preliminary data of our study shows that miRNA assay-based biomarkers have a prognostic value and can assist for early identification of aggressive tumours by non-invasive means. 

Research Council of Lithuania. The Study of Genomic Changes and Factors Influencing the Invasiveness of Alien Herbal Plants (INVAZGENOM). Sutartis LEK-07/2012. Prof. Dr. D. Žvingila. 2012–2014; (participants of project prof. V. Rančelis, prof. J. Naujalis, dr. V. Kleizaitė, dr. J. Patamsytė, dr. D. Naugžemys, V. Tunaitienė, N. Gudavičienė). Project partners: Vytautas Magnus University; Nature Research Centre, Institutes of Botany and Ecology.

The molecular mechanisms of invasiveness and related genomic changes in alien plant species widespread in Lithuania are in the early stage of exploration. In this project we investigate six herbaceous plant species included in the list of most common alien plant species of Europe. The main objective of the study is to investigate mechanisms and evolution of invasiveness, and assess genomic changes that occur in species exposed to a different environment in new area, located thousands of miles away from their natural surroundings.

Main publications:

Vyšniauskienė, R., Rančelienė, V., Patamsyte, J., Žvingila, D., 2013. High genetic differentiation among wild populations of alien Medicago sativa in Lithuania. Central European Journal of Biology, vol. 8(5), 480–491.

Patamsytė, J., Rančelis, V., Čėsnienė, T., Kleizaitė, V., Tunaitienė, V., Naugžemys, D., Vaitkūnienė, V., Žvingila, D., 2013. Clonal structure and reduced diversity of the invasive alien plant Erigeron annuus in Lithuania. Central European Journal of Biology, vol. 8(9), 898–911.

Patamsytė, J., Čėsnienė, T., Naugžemys, D., Kleizaitė, V., Tunaitienė, V., Vaitkūnienė, V., Rančelis, V., Mikaliūnaitė, R., Žvingila, D., 2013. Different habitats show similar genetic structure of Bunias orientalis L. (Brassicaceae) in Lithuania. Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, vol. 41(2), 1–8.

International Research Projects

Training development of hight quality specialists, fulfiling state and society needs, in use of biological and earth resources (BIOGEONAUDA). EU structural funds and Budget of Lithuania. 2010–2013.

Contractual Research

Inventory of habitats of EU importance on the territory of Lithuania . Ministry of Environment. 2011–2014 (participants of project Dr. E. Meškauskaitė, S. Juzėnas).

Project of the Marine Science and Technology Center of Klaipėda University

Management plans of Natura 2000 areas . Nr. SUT-12P-52. State Service for Protected Areas under the Ministry of Environment. 2013–2014 (participants of project Dr. E. Meškauskaitė, S. Juzėnas)

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Nature Research Centre, Institutes of Botany and Ecology, Vilnius (Lithuania)
Botanical Garden of Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Klaipėda University (Lithuania) arba galima tiksliau - Marine Science and Technology Center of Klaipėda University (Lithuania)
Šiauliai University (Lithuania)
Uppsala University, Museum of Evolution Botany Section (Sweden)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. E. Kutorga –

  • editor of the journal Botanica Lithuanica;
  • editorial board member of the journal Folia Cryptogamica Estonica;
  • editorial board member of the journal Acta Mycologica;
  • editorial board member of multivolume edition Lietuvos grybai (Mycota Lithuaniae);
  • head of Council of Mycologists Society of Lithuania.

Prof. J. R. Naujalis –

  • editorial board member of the journal Botanica Lithuanica;
  • editorial board member of the journal Ekologija;
  • editorial board member of the journal Scripta Horti Botanici Universitatis Vytauti Magni;
  • full member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • member of Lithuanian Red Book Committee;
  • member of the Scientific Council of Natural Research Centre.

Assoc. Prof. J. Kostkevičienė –

  • member of the Hydrobiological Society of Lithuania;
  • expert of Bonus program;
  • head of the Council of Algologists Society of Lithuania.

Assoc. Prof. J. Prigodina Lukošienė –

  • member of Mycological Society of Lithuania;
  • member of Nordic Lichen Society.

Assoc. Prof. Pr J. Rukšėnienė –

  • curator of the Herbarium of Vilnius University (WI);
  • member of Mycological Society of Lithuania.

Prof. J. R. Lazutka –

  • vice-editor of the journal Biologija (Biology);
  • editor of the Central European Journal of Biology;
  • member of the Council of the Lithuanian Society of Geneticists and Breeders.

Prof. V. Rančelis –

  • full member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
  • editorial board member of of the Lithuanian General Encyclopoedia;
  • editorial board member Ecological Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences);
  • editorial board member of Supervision Committee of Plant Genetical Resources.

Prof. G. Slapšytė – 

  • expert of Supervision Committee of Genetically Modified Plants.

Prof. D. Žvingila –

  • expert of Supervision Committee of Genetically Modified Plants;
  • member of Lithuanian Biotechnology Association;
  • member of Supervision Committee of Plant Genetical Resources.

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND LAND MANAGEMENT

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8288, 239 82 86
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Darijus Veteikis

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. P. Kavaliauskas, Dr. D. Burneika, Dr. D. Krupickaitė, Dr. D. Veteikis.
Associate professors: Dr. I. Bražukienė, Dr. J. Mačiulytė, Dr. V. Daugirdas, Dr. M. Dumbliauskienė, Dr. R. Prapiestienė, Dr. F. Kavoliutė, Dr. J. Volungevičius .
Lecturers: Dr. R. Skorupskas, Dr. R. Šimanauskienė, Dr. R. Tučas, Mag. L. Jukna.
Doctoral students: A. Bagočiutė, A. Balčiūnas, V. Valatka, V. Valiūnaitė, L. Zuzo.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Spatial analysis of landscape and natural geosystems
Spatial analysis of political, social and economical units
Quantitative and qualitative estimation of environmental processes
Quantitative and qualitative estimation of political, social and economical processes
Prognoses of landscape changes
Prognoses of spatial changes of society
Optimization of land management and strategic planning
Geographical groundings of regional policy
Visualization of geographical processes

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Territorial Differentiation of Lithuanian Landscape Structure in Terms of Environment Protection and Planning Concepts. Prof. D. Veteikis. 2011–2015.

Research involved the finding of cultural landscape managment principles and cultural heritage protection optimisation. Research also included analysis of landscape structure changes in Lithuanian-Poland borderland using statistical data and aerial photography. Methodology for evaluating landscape naturalness in medium size towns has been developed. Methodology for evaluating landscape technogenization in large cities has been developed. Methodology of assessing landscape structure optimality for different landscape functional priority zones and natural types was further developed and officially offered for landscape planning purposes to the Ministry of Environment of LR. Cultural diversity and geographical distribution of cemeteries in landscape as representatives of cultural identities were analysed through cartographic material and field studies. Problem of classification of anthropogenic soils was being developed. Investigation of wetland habitat change. Urban greeneries ecological significance was investigated in different cities of Lithuania.

Main publications:

Taminskas. J., Petrošius, R., Šimanauskienė, R., Satkūnas J., Linkevičienė, R., 2013. Prediction of change in wetland habitat, applying groundwater flow modeling: case study in North-East Lithuania. Estonian Journal of EarthSiences, vol. 62, Iss. 2, 57–72.

Political, Cultural, Social, and Economical Geographical Differentiation of Lithuanian Territory in Terms of State Development Policy. Prof. P. Kavaliauskas. 2011–2015.

Research integrated the main indices of political, cultural, social and economic differences in the regional development of the Lithuanian Republic. The main attempts were made in developing the methodology for research of territorial distribution of the manufacturing industry in Lithuania. Another significant research was concerned with migration processes, especially emigration tendences. Also, important analysis presents the preparation of the methodics for social microregionalization of Lithuanian territory by official statistic data with differing the special units – sociomorphotopes. Current and future socio-economical development of rural territories was investigated. Application of GIS technologies in archaeology was investigated. Change of electoral behaviour of residents in Vilnius suburban zone was analyzed.

Main publications:

Kavaliauskas, P., Bražukienė, I.O., Dumbliauskienė, M., 2013. Manufacturing territorial dispersion analysis: methodological and cartographical aspects. Geografija, vol. 49 (1), 45–56.

Tučas, R., Augustinavičius, R., Tamulynas, L., Suncovas, V., 2013. Application of GIS technologies in archaeology, in.: A. Merkevičius (ed.) Methods in Lithuanian archaeology. Science and technologies for knowledge of Lithuanian past.

International Research Projects

Lithuanian–French Programme “Gilibert” for Bilateral Cooperation in the Fields of Culture, Education, Science, Technology and Technique. Project Territorial Development and Local Autonomy in France and Lithuania: Towards a new governance of territories.

In 2013 the study analyzed two local action groups participating in the LEADER program, a social network of their members and the local development projects implemented by the partnership groups.

Socio-Economic Development and the Pattern of Growth and Stagnation Areas. 2011–2014. Leading: Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, funded by National Science Centre of Poland.

Collection of data for region development analysis, interpretation of statistical data.

Climate Change in Peatlands: Holocene Record, Recent Trends and Related Impacts on Biodiversity and Sequestered Carbon , Project of Lithuanian-Swiss Collaboration Programme, 2013–2016.

Information about the original historical development of peatlands gathered and organized;
test sites selected; the diachronic aerial image analysis performed, peatland wood vegetation changes identified since the beginning of 20th century.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Ministry of Environment (Lithuania)
Montpellier III University (France)
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland)
Bamberg University (Germany)
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. P. Kavaliauskas –

  • expert of the Asahi Glass Foundation, http://af-info.or.jp;
  • editorial advisory board member of the Central European Journal of Geosciences (CEJG);
  • international advisory board member of the Annales Geographicae (Geographical Yearbook), www.geo.lt/metrastis.htm;

Prof. D. Burneika –

  • editor-in-chief of the Annales Geographicae (Geographical Yearbook), www.geo.lt/metrastis.htm;

Prof. D. Veteikis –

Prof. D. Krupickaitė – 

Participation in the organizing commitee for the national scientific conference 2013 Geography: science and education, http://www.lgd.lt/sites/default/files/2013-11-22%20Konferencija%20Geografija%20-%20mokslas%20ir%20edukacija.pdf ;

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROGEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

21/27 Čiurlionio, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 239 82 80, 239 82 78, fax 239 0987
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Habil. Dr. Robert Mokrik

STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. Robert Mokrik, Dr. K. Dundulis.
Associate professors: Dr. S. Gadeikis, Dr. S. Gadeikytė, Dr. K. Jokšas, Dr. M. Gregorauskas (part-time), Dr. J. Medzvieckas (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. A. P. Klizas, Dr. V. Račkauskas (part-time), Dr. V. Jakimavičiutė Maselienė (part-time), Dr. G. Žaržojus, Dr. J. Arustienė (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. V. Jakimavičiutė Maselienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: D. Urbaitis, D. Gribulis, Ž. Palaitis.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Investigation of the underground hydrosphere palaeohydrogeology of the Baltic Basin using environmental isotopes data Determination of trace and major elements of groundwater using atomic absorption spectrometric and ion chromatography methods Determination of groundwater gaseous content using gas chromatography method Modelling of groundwater resources and thermodinamic chemistry Development of Human activity and geological environment interaction researches Investigation of statical and dynamical ground properties using laboratory and field tests methods

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Research of the Geoenvironment Changes, Protection and Resources Use. Prof. R. Mokrik. 2011–2015.

Lithuanian Quaternary aquifers hydrochemistry-isotopic studies for the Baltic Basin deep groundwater paleohydrogeological assessment in cooperation with the Estonian Tallinn Technical University (Estonia), Bern University (Swiss) and Heidelberg University (Germany) scientists were performed, and evaluation of engineering geology parameters changes influenced by geoenvironmental factors that determine the dynamics of the ground geotechnical processes was carried out.

National Research Projects

Project: BIOGEONAUDA –D -acquaired gas chromatograph „Clarus-580“.

Contractual Research

Contractual research of ground geotechnical parameters with JSC “Fugro Baltic”. 

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Tallinn Technical University (Estonia)
Bern University (Swiss)
Heidelberg University (Germany)
Latvian University (Latvia)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. R. Mokrik –

  • editorial board member of the journal Baltica (Baltic sea) and Geologija (Geology).

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROLOGY AND CLIMATOLOGY

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8292, fax 239 8292
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Dr. Arūnas Bukantis

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Bukantis, Dr. E. Rimkus.
Associate professors: Dr. G. Stankūnavičius, Dr. G. Valiuškevičius, Dr. J. Kažys, Dr. D. Pupienis, Dr. E. Stonevičius.
Lecturers: Dr. J. Liukaitytė, Dr. R. Linkevičienė.

Doctoral students: D. Valiukas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Climate change, quantitative and qualitative fluctuations of Lithuanian water resources
Indices of climate change in Lithuania and the response of hydrosphere (lakes water levels and sediments, rivers discharges, the Baltic Sea water levels, temperature and salinity, coastline and coast sediment budget) to the long-term climate fluctuations

Extreme climatic phenomena, climatic resources dynamics and forecasting
Regional anthropogenic climate changes, climate change impact on environment and economy
Applied and road meteorology, human biometeorology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Climate Change and Quantitative and Qualitative Fluctuations of Lithuanian Water Resources. Prof. A. Bukantis. 2009–2013.

Identification of the tendencies of the regional climate change and the hydrological processes, assessment of the climate change impact on the Baltic Sea coasts, analysis of the measures to facilitate adequate adaptation strategies, verification of numerical weather prediction outputs under different atmospheric circulation background were realized. Also North Atlantic oscilliation effects and its tendency on mean air temperature, precipitation, hygrotermic index and snow cover duration in Lithuania in 1961–2010 was analysed.

Main publications:

Jaagus. J., Briede. A., Rimkus. E., Remm. K., 2013. Variability and trends in daily minimum and maximum temperatures and in the diurnal temperature range in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in 1951–2010. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, doi: 10.1007/s00704-013-1041-7.

Pupienis, D., Jonuškaitė, S., Jarmalavičius, D., Žilinskas, G., 2013. Klaipėda port jetties impact on the Baltic Sea shoreline dynamics, Lithuania. In: Conley, D.C., Masselink, G., Russell, P.E. and O’Hare, T.J. (eds.), Proceedings 12th International Coastal Symposium (Plymouth, England), Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 65, 2167–2172

Pupienis, D., Buynevich, I.V., Jarmalavičius, D., Žilinskas, G., Fedorovič, J., 2013. Regional distribution of Heavy mineral concentrations along the Curonian Spit coast of Lithuania In: Conley, D.C., Masselink, G., Russell, P.E. and O’Hare, T.J. (eds.), Proceedings 12th International Coastal Symposium (Plymouth, England), Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 65, 1844–1849.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Climate Change in Peatlands: Holocene Record, Recent Trends and Related Impacts on Biodiversity and Sequestered Carbon . Prof. E. Rimkus. 2013–2016.

The CLIMPEAT project will hence explore the interconnections and interdependencies of peatlands ecosystems with climate (change), anthropogenic activity and sequestered carbon. It will contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of this resource through a better appraisal of impacts, and/or feedback loops between pedospheric, atmospheric, and anthropogenic activities. In the first stage of the project data base of meteorological and hydrological parameters was formed. Relationships between tree rings width and climate conditions in three different peatlands of Lithuania were determined.

Main publications:

Taminskas, J., Petrošius, R., Šimanauskienė, R., Satkūnas, J., Linkevičienė, R., 2013. Prediction of change in wetland habitats by groundwater: case study in Northeast Lithuania. Estonian Journal of Earth Sciences, vol. 62 (2), 57–72.

International Science Programmes and Projects

Integrated Drought Management Programme in Central and Eastern Europe (IDMP CEE). G. Stankūnavičius. 2013–2015.

Drought preparedness measures (investment and non-investment measures, like for example drought insurance systems). Enhancement (and/or development) of drought monitoring and early warning systems. Development of capacity building programs for water managers and farmers. Development of case studies to document good practices in application of integrated drought management as an integral part of water and land management (including transboundary basins).

Main publications:

Rimkus, E., Stonevičius, E., Korneev, V., Kažys, J., Valiuškevičius, G., Pakhomau, A., 2013. Dynamics of meteorological and hydrological droughts in the Neman river basin. Environ. Res. Lett. 8 045014, 10 p., doi:10.1088/1748-9326/8/4/045014.

Kažys, J., Valiukas, D., Lutikas, D., 2013. Methodology for Territorial Vulnerability Assessment in Agriculture in Panevėžys District, Lithuania. International Journal of Ecosystems and Ecology Science (IJEES), vol. 3(4), 637–644.

Mickevičius, V., Bukantis, A., 2013. Effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation on Lithuanian Climate. Vandens ūkio inžinerija, vol. 42 (62), 5–13.

Project: Management of the Niemen River basin with account of adaptation to climate change in the programme of pilot projects on adaptation to climate change in transboundary basins under the UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention). 2011–2013. E. Rimkus, E. Stonevičius http://www1.unece.org/ehlm/platform/display/ClimateChange/Neman

The main goal is improvement of the integrated water resources management using the basin approach in the climate change context by the example of the Niemen River. During the project activity statistical analysis and evaluation of changes of meteorological and hydrological characteristics was made. Also assessment of the future climate conditions and runoff changes in the Niemen River basin and forecast for near-term future (2035; mean value of 2021–2050) according to A1B and B1 emission scenarios using regional CCLM climate model outputs was performed.

Main publications:

Kažys, J., Leal Filho, W., Stonevičius, E., Valiuškevičius, G., Rimkus, E., 2013. Climate change impact on small coastal river basins: from problem identification to adaptation in Klaipėda City. Climate and Development, vol. 5 (2), 113–122. DOI:10.1080/17565529.2013. 789789.

Šimkevičiūtė, A., Bukantis, A., 2013. Šaltojo laikotarpio stichiniai ir katastrofiniai meteorologiniai reiškiniai 1971–2010 metais (Severe and Catastrophic Metereological Events in Lithuania in the Cold Half of the Year in 1971–2010). Geografija, vol. 49 (1), 33–44.

Rimkus, E., Kažys, J., Stonevičius, E., Valiuškevičius, G., 2013. Adaptation to Climate Change in the Smeltale. Climate Change Adaptation in Practice: From Strategy Development to Implementation, ed. Philipp Schmidt-Thome and Johannes Klein, 111–122.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS 

Temple University (USA)
Institute for Environment and Sustainability (EC Joint Research Centre)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Global Water Partnership presence in Central and Eastern Europe 

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Bukantis –

  • member of National Climate Change Committee, http://www.am.lt/;
  • member of Climate Broadcasters Network – Europe, http://ec.europa.eu/environment/networks/index_en.htm;
  • editorial board member of the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, http://www.vgtu.lt/leidiniai/?id=29.

Prof. E. Rimkus –

  • editorial board member of the journal Geografija (Geography), http://www.gf.vu.lt/geografija/Geo/.

Assoc. Prof. G. Valiuškevičius –

  • editorial board member of the journal Annales Geographicae, http://www.geo.lt/geo/index.php.
  • member of the Nordic Hydrological Association, www.nhf-hydrology.org.

Assoc. Prof. E. Stonevičius –

  • secretary of editorial board of the journal Geografija (Geography), http://www.gf.vu.lt/geografija/Geo/.

DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

21/27 M.K.Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel: 239 8205, 239 8206
www. http://mikrob.gf.vu.lt/lt/ 

Head - Prof. Habil. Dr. Lilija Kalėdienė 

STAFF

Professors: D. Čitavičius, L. Kalėdienė, G. Biziulevičienė, A. Meškauskas, N. Kuisienė.
Associate professors: J. Raugalas, G. Giedraitytė, M. Jodinskienė, I. Girkontaitė, I. Pumputienė.
Lecturers: R. Puzirauskas, E. Lastauskienė.
Assistants: J. Lekavičiūtė, V. Norkūnas, R. Kananavičiūtė, A. Gricajeva, I. Burneikienė.
Doctoral students: V. Černyšiov, J. Paškovska, A. Jasilionis, R. Petkauskaitė, A. Gegeckas, R. Gudiukaitė, R. Pranckutė, A. Kaunietis, T. Kazanova.

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

Genomics and biotechnologies: fundamental and applied research

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Prokaryotes Biodiversity and Biotechnological Potential in Molecular Microbiology Aspect . Dr. N. Kuisienė. January 01, 2011–December 31, 2015.

Evaluation of prokaryotic biodiversity and their biotechnological potential, the applying of the molecular microbiology research strategy - molecular taxonomy and new, biotechnologically important enzymes in terms of analysis of gene and protein level. The assessment of Gram-positive thermophilic bacteria growth with intention to evaluate their possibility to synthesize the important polysaccharides and proteins deteriorating enzymes.

Main publications:

Turillo-Muyo, S., Jasilionis, A., Domagalski, M. J., Chruszcz, M., Minor, W., Kuisiene, N., Arolas, J. L., Solà, M., Gomis-Rüth, F. X., 2013. Ultratight crystal packing of a 10 kDa protein, Acta Cryst., D69, 464–470.

Krilavičiūtė, A., Kuisienė, N., 2013. Characterization and evaluation of tandem repeats for the identification of Geobacillus. Central European Journal of Biology. Warsaw: Versita, Vol. 8, no. 6, 549–560.

Sulima, S.O ., Gülay, S.P.,Anjos, M.,Patchett, S.,Meskauskas, A.,Johnson, A.W., Dinman, J.D., 2013. Eukaryotic rpL10 drives ribosomal rotation. Nucleic Acids Res., Nov 8, 1–15.

Engineering of Microorganisms Cellular and Extracellular Proteins. Prof. D. Čitavičius. 2011– 2015.

The evaluation of genetic and environmental factors that influence the micro-cellular enzymes functionality and specificity. The analysis of cyclic AMP metabolism genes that control the influence of protein prion structure formation. The comparison of the enantioselectivic primary structure of Yeast and bacterial enzymes according to data bases.

Selection and Analysis of Microorganisms for Inovative Biotechnology Development . Prof. L.Kalėdienė. 2011–2015.

Selection of microorganisms in order to create the active producers for environmental biotechnology development. The research of important microorganism and their products for environmental biotechnological processes and the analysis of their metabolic products

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. P roject of National Research Programme Healthy and Safe Food Development of novel prebiotic oligosaccharides using thermophilic enzymes (ThermozymOS). 2011–2013.

2011–2013 – project of Industrial biotechnology development programme for Lithuania for 2011–2013 Development of completely novel approach for the cosmetics (COSMETIZYM ), participant, funding institution ‑ Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology (MITA).

BIOKONVERSA. Biocatalysts selection and development for biogas production and utilization of biomass conversion processes control Nr. VPI-3.1-ŠMM-10-V. Project manager Prof. L. Kalėdienė. 2013–2015.

Biotechnology and Biopharmacy: basic and applied research . BIOTEFA.VPI-3.1-ŠMM-08-K. Project group manager Prof. O. Rukšėnas. 2012–2015.

Novel antifungal lactic acid bacteria bioproduct for health of cereal grains in organic farming (BIOEKOTECH). Project group manager Prof. L. Kalėdienė. 2010–2013.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

St Petersburg State University (Russia)
Milano University (Italy)
Maryland University (USA)
Kaunas technological university (Lithuania)
JSC „Biocentras“ (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. D. Čitavičius –

  • editorial board member of the journal Biologija (Biology).

Prof. L. Kalėdienė-

  • member of Lithuania GMO Expert Committee;
  • president of the Lithuanian Microbiologists Society.

DEPARTMENT OF NEUROBIOLOGY AND BIOPHYSICS

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8222, Fax: 2398216
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Osvaldas Rukšėnas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Alaburda, Dr. D. Kirvelis, Dr. D. Matulis (part-time), Dr. O. Rukšėnas.
Associate professors: Dr. V. Bukelskienė (part-time), Dr. I. Griškova-Bulanova, Dr. A. Pleskačiauskas, Dr. V. Sakalauskas, Dr. G. Svirskis (part-time), Dr. A. Šoliūnas, Dr. V. Vengelienė (part-time).
Lecturers: K. Beitas, R. Buišas, A. Daktariūnas, R. Grigonis, Dr. R. Grikšienė, Dr. V. Kisnierienė.
Senior research fellows: Dr. I. Griškova-Bulanova, Dr. A. Pleskačiauskas, Dr. V. Sakalauskas, Dr. A. Šoliūnas.
Research fellows: Dr. R. Grikšienė, Dr. V. Kisnierienė.
Junior research fellows: A. Daktariūnas, R. Guzulaitis, L. Mačiukaitė, A. Vaičeliūnaitė, A. Voicikas.
Doctoral students: I. Antonova, D. Dankin, R. Guzulaitis, A. Jarmalavičiūtė, Ž. Lukošius, L. Mačiukaitė, S. Petrošiūtė, R. Rudys, O. Sevriukova, R. Sokolova, A. Šlėktaitė, V. Valiulis, L. Mazrimaitė, V. Kulbokaitė, V. Morkūnaitė, R. Grigonis, E. Janėnaitė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Neurophysiology and psychophysics of visual information coding and processing mechanisms

Functional organization and realization of information coding/processing and decision making in human and animal nervous system

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

General Programme:

Theoretical, Electrophysiological and Psychophysical Investigation of Information Coding and Processing . Prof. O. Rukšėnas. 2011–2015.

Investigating if threshold for action potential generation changes during fictive scratch the integrated spinal cord preparation from adult turtle was used. Motoneurons were responding by bursts of action potentials during fictive scratch. The threshold for action potential generation was depolarizing up to 10 mV during each burst. Our findings show that the threshold for action potential generation in motoneurons changes significantly during spinal network activity.

Main publications:

Danieliene, E., Gabryte, E., Danielius, R., Vengris, M., Vaiceliunaite, A. Morkunas, V., Ruksenas, O., 2013. Corneal Stromal Ablation with Femtosecond UV Pulses in Rabbits. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, Vol.: 39, Iss. 2, 258–267.

Jurkus, P., Ruksenas, O., Heggelund, P., 2013. Temporally advanced dynamic change of receptive field of lateral geniculate neurons during brief visual stimulation: effects of brainstem peribrachial stimulation. Neuroscience, vol. 42, 85–96.

Zakevicius, M., Liesiene, V., Griksiene, R., Masaitiene, R., Ruksenas, O., 2013. Arousals and Macrostructure of Sleep: Importance of NREM Stage 2 Reconsidered. Sleep Sci., vol. 6 (3), 91–97.

Griskova-Bulanova I, Dapsys K, Maciulis V., 2013. Does brain ability to synchronize with 40Hz auditory stimulation change with age? Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis. Polska Akademia Nauk. Vol. 73, 564–570.

Projects, Programmes, Issues Supported by the Research Council of Lithuania

Changes and Regulation of Action Potential Threshold in Spinal Motoneurons. Prof. A. Alaburda, 2013–2015.

We were investigating if threshold for action potential generation changes during fictive scratch. The integrated spinal cord preparation from adult turtle was used. Motoneurons were responding by bursts of action potentials during fictive scratch. The threshold for action potential generation was depolarizing up to 10 mV during each burst. Our findings show that the threshold for action potential generation in motoneurons changes significantly during spinal network activity.

The aim of the project is to examine how several simultaneously presented visual objects influence the identification of each other.

Facilitating context effect was demonstrated in the semantic object categorization tasks but not in the non-semantic figure identification tasks. Experimental data are explained by parallel analyses of category features in the visual field.

Main publications:

Guzulaitis, R., Alaburda, A., Hounsgaard, J., 2013. Increased activity of pre-motor network does not change the excitability of motoneurons during protracted scratch initiation. Journal of Physiology. London, Vol. 591, Iss. 7, 1851–1858.

Context and parallel analyses principles in the recognition of simultaneously presented objects. Assoc. Prof. A. Šoliūnas, 2011–2013.

International Science Programmes and Projects

EU Structural Funds

Establishment and Renewal of Infrastructure for Research and Education in Biotechnology and Biopharmacy (BIOTEFA C/D). Project Co-ordinator Prof. O. Rukšėnas.

COOPERATION

University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
University of Helsinki, University of Kuopio (Finland)
University of Tuebingen (Germany)
Oslo University (Norway)
University of Houston (USA)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Alaburda –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Dr. R. Buišas –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Assoc. Prof. I. Griškova-Bulanova –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Dr. R. Grikšienė –

  • secretary of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Prof. D. Kirvelis –

  • member of the Parliamentary Commission for National Development of Knowledge Society;
  • member of International Scientific Committee for Computing Anticipatory Systems.

Dr. V. Kisnierienė –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Assoc. Prof. A. Pleskačiauskas –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Prof. O. Rukšėnas –

  • President of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences;
  • Council member of the Baltic Laboratory Animal Science Association (Balt-LASA);
  • vice-president of the Lithuanian Laboratory Animal Science Association (Lith-LASA);
  • editorial board member of the journal Laboratorinė medicina (Laboratory Medicine).

Assoc. Prof. A. Šoliūnas –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY

21 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8272, 239 8277, fax 239 8272
E-mail ,

Head – Prof. Dr. Petras Šinkūnas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. G. Motuza Matuzevičius, Dr. P. Šinkūnas, Habil. Dr. S. Šliaupa (part-time), Habil. Dr. Emeritus M. Kabailienė.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Brazauskas, Dr. D. Kaminskas, Dr. J. Lazauskienė (part-time), Dr. S. Radzevičius (since September 01, 2013).
Lecturers: G. Bičkauskas (part-time), Dr. A. Čečys (part-time), Ž. Dėnas (part-time), Dr. R. Guobytė (part-time), Dr. A. Kleišmantas (part-time), J. Kličius (part time), Dr. D. Michelevičius (part-time), Dr. D. Kisielienė (part time), Dr. S. Radzevičius (till August 31, 2013), E. Rudnickaitė (part-time), A.Spiridonov.
Research fellows: Dr. A. Čečys (part-time), E. Rudnickaitė (part-time), Dr. G. Vaikutienė. In research projects: Dr. A.Brazauskas (part-time), Dr. S. Radzevičius (part-time), A.Spiridonov (part-time), Habil.Dr. S.Šliaupa (part-time), Dr. A. Venckutė-Aleksienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: P. Černakauskas, S. Saarmann (till October 01, 2013), A. Spiridonov, I. Janutytė, E.Šinkūnė, A.Ekleris, E.Rudnickaitė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Geology of Precambrian crystalline basement

Petrology, chronology, tectonic structure and evolution of Precambrian crystalline crust

Palaeontology and stratigraphy

Ordovician graptolite and brachiopod, Silurian graptolite, conodonts, vertebrata and brachiopod taxonomy and early Paleozoic stratigraphy

Late Glacial and Holocene diatom taxonomy and stratigraphy, climatic and Baltic Sea level change

Lithostratigraphy of Quaternary tills based on lithological, sedimentological and geochronological data.

Glacial sedimentology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Event Stratigraphy in Silurian Sedimentary Basin of Lithuania. Assoc. Prof. A. Brazauskas. 2011–2015.

Assoc. Prof. A. Brazauskas, Dr. D. Kaminskas, Dr. D. Michelevičius, Dr. S. Radzevičius, G. Bičkauskas. A.Spiridonov, PhD stud.

Graptolites and conodonts were investigated in samples of Viduklė 61 borehole. Condonts fauna species composition and its stratigraphic prevalence in Viduklė 61 and Ledai 179 boreholes were revised. The samples for the stable isotope analysis were collected from four boreholes. Stable isotope analyzes were carried out in samples from Ledai 179 and Bebirva 111 boreholes. All these studies were carried out with the purpose to assess the biotic and abiotic factors change during Mulde and Lau bioevents.

Main pubications:

Kiipli, T., Kallaste, T., Kiipli E., Radzevičius, S., 2013. Correlation of Silurian bentonites based on the immobile elements in the East Baltic and Scandinavia. GFF. Stockholm : Taylor & Francis Scandinavia, vol. 135, iss. 2, 152–161.

Kaminskas, D., Bitinas, A., 2013. Rare earth elements of Holocene sediments in the South-Eastern Baltic Region (Nida VI borehole, Lithuania). Geologija, Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla, vol. 55, no. 1, 1–7.

Kiipli, T., Kallaste, T., Kiipli, E., Radzevičius, S., 2013. Correlation of Silurian bentonites based on the immobile elements in the East Baltic and Scandinavia. GFF. Stockholm : Taylor & Francis Scandinavia, vol. 135, iss. 2, 152–161.

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy of Quaternary Deposits. Dr. G.Vaikutienė researcher, 2011–2015.

Dr. G.Vaikutienė, Prof. P.Šinkūnas, Prof. emeritus M. Kabailienė, S.Saarmann, PhD stud, Dr. L. Balakauskas, E. Rudnickaitė, PhD stud., E.Šinkūnė, PhD stud.

Researchers have got new results in several research areas: paleobotanical and geochemical investigations for stratigraphy and paleoenvironmental reconstructions in Late Glacial and Holocene sediments of NW and S Lithuania; carbonates analysis in Pleistocene sediments for correlation of heterochronous tills in SE Lithuania; sedimentological environment reconstruction and correlation of Pleistocene glacigenic deposits; paleogeography of SE Baltic Sea and Lithuanian maritime region.

Main publications:

Emelyanov Emelyan M., Vaikutienė, G., 2013. Holocene environmental changes during transition Ancylus-Litorina stages in the Gdansk Basin, south-eastern Baltic Sea. Baltica. Vilnius : Lietuvos geografų draugija, vol. 26, no. 1, 71–82.

Gaigalas, A., Pazdur, A., Michczyński, A., Pawlyta, J., Kleišmantas, A., Melešytė, M., Rudnickaitė, E., Kazakauskas, V., Vainorius, J., 2013. Peculiarities of sedimentation conditions in the oxbow lakes of Dubysa River (Lithuania). Geochronometria: journal on methods and applications of absolute chronology, vol. 40, no 1, 22–32.

Balakauskas, L., Taminskas, J., Mažeika, J., Stančikaitė, M., 2013. Lateglacial and early-Holocene palaeohydrological changes in the upper reaches of the Ūla River: An example from southeastern Lithuania. The Holocene, vol. 23, no. 1, 117–126.

Impact Craters in Lithuania . Prof. Dr. G. Motuza Matuzevičius. 2013–2014.

Prof. Dr. G. Motuza Matuzevičius, PhD stud. R. Zamžickas, PhD stud. A. Druskytė.

Scientists are considering Mizarai and Vepriai impact crater formation models. Mineralogy of rocks was investigated using SEM and microprobe, while geochemical methods applied for the assesment of tectonic setting. The publication is under preparation.

Main publications:

Janutytė, I., Kozlovskaya, E., Motuza Matuzevičius, G.. Study of local seismic events in Lithuania and adjacent areas using data from the PASSEQ experiment. Pure and applied geophysics, vol. 170, iss. 5. 797–814.

Motuza Matuzevičius, G., Kirkliauskaitė, V., 2013. Ar Lietuvoje yra "aukštųjų technologijų metalų" telkinių? Geologijos akiračiai. Vilnius : Lietuvos geologų sąjunga, nr. 3, 33–39.

Zamžickas, R. Mizarų smūginio kraterio sandara. BIOATEITIS: gamtos ir gyvybės mokslų perspektyvos, jaunųjų mokslininkų konferencija. Vilnius: Lietuvos mokslų akademija Biologijos, Medicinos ir Geomokslų skyrius, December 5, 2012, Vilnius.

National Research Projects:

Research Council of Lithuania.The Early to Middle Paleozoic Revolution (MIP-034/2012). Asssoc. Prof. S. Radzevičius 2012–2014.

Mulde biotic secundo-secundo event was distinguished in the previous studies. It occurred in the investigated time interval. Its synonyms are lundgreni extinction and the Great Crisis. During this event sea level sharply dropped and synchronously numerous genera of marine organisms went extinct. In Lithuania the analogue of the Mulde beds is Gėluva regional stage.

The investigations of 3 deep cores were done. We erected several graptolite biozones: parvus, nassa, praedeubeli, deubeli and ludensis.

Main publications:

Kiipli, T., Kallaste, T., Kiipli, E., Radzevičius, S., 2013. Correlation of Silurian bentonites based on the immobile elements in the East Baltic and Scandinavia. GFF, 135(2), 152–161.

Kozłowska, A., Radzevičius, S., 2013. Upper Homerian and Gorstian (Silurian) Retiolitidae (Graptolithina) from Lithuania and Latvia. Memoirs of the Association of Australasian Palaeontologists, vol. 44, 11–23.

Radzevičius, S., 2013. Silurian graptolite biozones of Lithuania: present and perspectives. Geologija, vol. 55; 2(82), 41–49.

International Research Projects

International Geoscience Programme (IGCP – 591): The Early to Middle Paleozoic Revolution (Bridging the Gap between the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event and the Devonian Terrestrial Revolution). Participants: Assoc. Prof. A. Brazauskas, Assoc. Prof. S. Radzevičius, Dr. A. Venckutė - Aleksienė, A. Spiridonov, G. Bičkauskas.

The studies of conodont paleontology in the given geological sections shown that species Ctenognathodus murchissoni originated right after the Mulde event. In the previous studies it was postulated that C. murchisoni originated much later, after the extinction of another species of conodonts K. ortus absidata. It was believed that origination of C. murchisoni marked the final stage of recovery after biotic event. This finding will alter standard worldwide conodont biozonation of the given time interval.

International Geoscience Programme (IGCP – 596): Climate change and biodiversity patterns in the Mid-Palaeozoic . Participants: Assoc. Prof. A. Brazauskas, Assoc. Prof. D. Kaminskas, Assoc. Prof. S. Radzevičius, A. Spiridonov.

During the cyclostratigraphic study of the Geluva stage in the Viduklė-61 section we distinguished two putatively astronomically forced sedimentary periodicities of the periods of 16.7 and 6.7 m accordingly. Those periodicities most probably are caused by climatic perturbations which are forced by two Milankovich eccentricity cycles: 400 Ka and 100 Ka long. In this time interval, those astronomical cyclicities were described first time in the world.

We also used ecological associations of conodonts reconstructing sea level changes in the Silurian Baltic basin. During the beginning of the Mulde event we found that sea level dropper sharply and already at the middle part of the Gėluva time, sea level rose to the previous level. This sea level roconstruction was done first time for the Silurian sections of the South-Eastern part of Baltic basin.

European Pollen Database (EPD). Prof. M. Kabailienė, G. Vaikutienė. 1990–2013.

European Pollen Monitoring Programme – EPMP . Prof. M. Kabailienė, L. Balakauskas. 1996–2013.

Activities of the Deep Geology Research Centre

Deep Geology Research Centre (DGRC) is a division at the Department of Geology and Mineralogy with the Statute approved by the Senate of Vilnius University. The main purpose of the DGRC is to initiate and organize scientific research of fundamentals and particularly applied character in co-operation with other scientific institutions and enterprises.
The main activities in 2013: research and studies of the staff and students including PhD students of the Department of Geology and Mineralogy and Erasmus/Socrates foreign students where supported providing processing and interpretation of seismic and other geophysical and geological data using Promax and PC software.
Promax and PC software geological and geophysical database was revised and updated. Dr. D. Kaminskas, Dr. D. Michelevičius.

Activity of the Museum of Geology of Vilnius University ( Eugenija Rudnickaitė)

Museum of Geology at the Department of Geology and Mineralogy of Vilnius University. The main goals of the Museum are: to collect the geological objects of scientific and tutorial value and contribute to scientific activity, teaching and promoting the geology among students, pupils and wider society.

Exhibitions

Posters exhibition The Newest Research Results of Researches from Geology and Mineralogy Department - 2013

Exhibition Paintings created by nature in minerals, May 2013

Postal cards exibition Geological Maps in Postcards, Prof. G. Motuza Matuzevičius’ collection, October–November 2013

Exhibition Romanas Simonavičius – the first head of Department of Mineralogy dedicated to 250th birth anniversary, December 2013

Fotoexhibitions from various expeditions and field practices (Poland, Estonia, Norway, Finland, etc.) prepared by students, PhD students et al.

Lectures

Lantern lectures in grammar, secondary schools of Lithuania (~ 10).

Lantern lecture at Vilnius University Children’s University 2013 winter session.

Lantern lecture at Švenčionių secondary school

Lantern lecture at Kauno College for students

Lantern lecture at Marijampolės centre „Žiburėlis

Lantern lecture at Kauno “Vėtrungė” primary-school, etc,

Participation in the exhibition at LITEXPO School-2013, December 2013.

Participation in the exhibition at the National Museum of Lithuania 150 year of Vilnius Antiquity Museum. The fragments of over 200-years-old mineralogical collection of Vilnius University were demonstrated.
Maintenance of permanent and temporary exhibition of the Geological Museums, guiding excursions for students and public.

Main publications:

Rudnickaitė, E. The “Anniversaries” of exibits from meteorites collection of Geological Museum of Vilnius University: Historic and Geologic time juncture. Natural science education at a general school – 2013, proceedings of the 19th national conference, April 26–27, 2013. Šiauliai, 83–91.

COOPERATION

St. Petersburg State University (Russia)

Institute of Geological Sciences of National Academy of Sciences (Belarus)

Silesian University of Technology (Poland)

University of Wroclaw (Poland)

University of Gdansk (Poland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. G. Motuza Matuzevičius –

  • honourable member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
  • foreign member of the Polish Academy of Art and Sciences;
  • member of the European Geoscience Union;
  • member of the Lithuanian Geothermal Association;
  • editorial board member of the journal Geologija (Geology).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Brazauskas –

  • member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
  • member of the Lithuanian Commission on Silurian Stratigraphy.

Prof. Emeritus Habil. Dr. M. Kabailienė –

  • expert of the Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation;
  • national representative of the project European Pollen Data Base;
  • chairwoman of the Lithuanian Palynological Commission;
  • associated member of the Russian Palynological Commission;
  • national chief of the Palynological Comission;
  • editorial board member of the edition History of Lakes (Russia);
  • member of the Lithuanian Geographical Society;
  • honourable member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
  • national representative of project EPMP etc.

Assoc. Prof. D. Kaminskas –

  • editor-in-chief of the journal Geologija (Geology);
  • webmaster of VU FNS Geology and Mineralogy Department;
  • director of Deep Geology Research Centre at VU;
  • member of the Geological Society of Lithuania.

Assoc. Prof. J. Lazauskienė –

  • member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
  • secretary of the Lithuanian Commission on Silurian Stratigraphy;
  • expert consultant for the Lithuanian Science and Encyclopaedia Publishing;
  • expert consultant for the Lithuanian National Geography.

Assoc. Prof. S. Radzevičius –

  • editorial board member of the international journal Geological Quarterly;
  • secretary of the journal Geologija (Geology);
  • the corresponding member of the International Subcomision on Silurian Stratigraphy;
  • the head of the Lithuanian Comission on Stratigraphy;
  • member of the Lithuanian National Geological Committee;
  • member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
  • participant of the International Geosciences Programme (IGSP) Project 503;
  • member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).

Prof. P. Šinkūnas -

  • chairman of the Lithuanian National INQUA Committee;
  • chairman of Lithuanian National Committee of Geologists (IUGS);
  • member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
  • member of the Lithuanian Geographical Society;
  • editorial board member of the journal Geologija (Geology);
  • editorial board member of the journal Baltica;
  • editorial board member of the journal Geologijos akiračiai.

DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-2009 Vilnius
Tel.: 239 8269, 239 8264, fax 239 8204
E-mail:

Head – Prof. Habil. Dr. Rimantas Rakauskas

 STAFF

Professors: Dr. S. Podėnas, Habil. Dr. R. Rakauskas.
Associate professors: Dr. K. Arbačiauskas (part-time), Dr. E. Budrys (part-time), Dr. R. Petkevičiūtė (part-time), Dr. E. Bukelskis, Dr. J. Turčinavičienė (part-time), Dr. R. Aukštikalnienė, Dr. V. Podėnienė, Dr. R. Bernotienė (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. A. Kaupinis (part-time), Dr. G. Skujienė, Dr. A. Petrašiūnas, Dr. M. Biteniekytė, S. Skuja (part-time), E. Tijušas (part-time), V. Rakauskas (part-time).
Research fellow: Dr. J. Bašilova-Havelka.
Doctoral students: I. Kibildienė, V. Kuznecova, V. Grajevskaja, R. Radzevičiūtė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ecosystems and global change
Mapping and catalogization of the Lithuanian fauna
Rare and endangered species both in terrestrial and limnic systems. Biosystematic studies in insects ( Hemiptera, Sternorrhycha: Aphididae and Diptera: Tipulomorpha), snails and slugs (Mollusca: Gastropoda).

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Animal Biodiversity and Ecology. Prof. R. Rakauskas. 2012–2017.

Research activities in 2013: Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) biodiversity studies in regional parks of Vilnius were continued. Analysis of the biodiversity of spiders and dipterous insects of Lithuania was continued. Studies on the bionomics and ecology of molluscs in Žuvintas preserve were performed. Monitoring of black storks, birds of prey and owls in forests of eastern and southern Lithuania were continued. Distribution of helminthoses in populations of big game species in eastern Lithuania was evaluated.

Main publications:

Podenas, S., Gelhaus, J. K., Podeniene, V., 2013. An overview of the Tipulomorpha and Ptychopteromorpha crane flies (Diptera) of Mongolia. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, vol. 162, 111–123.

Petrašiūnas, A., Paramonov, N.M., 2013. New data on the distribution of winter gnats (Diptera, Trichoceridae) in Russia. Zoologicheskii zhurnal, vol.92(8), 901–909.

Rakauskas, V., Pūtys, Ž., Dainys, J., Lesutienė, J., Ložys, L., Arbačiauskas, K., 2013. Increasing population of the invader round goby, Neogobius melanostomus (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Gobiidae), and its trophic role in the Curonian Lagoon, SE Baltic Sea. Acta Ichtyologica et Piscatoria, vol. 43(2), 95–108.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Impact of the Invazive Species on the Local Cosortium of Plum Aphid Species (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (No. LEK-04/2012). Prof. R. Rakauskas. 2012–2014.

Nine aphid (Hemiptera, Aphididae) species were registered as inhabiting hosts of the genus Prunus in Lithuania in 2013:Brachycaudus divaricatae, B. cardui, B. helichrysi, Hyalopterus pruni, Phorodon humuli, Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae, R. padi, Myzus cerasi, Aphis aff. spiraecola. Despite low molecular heterogeneity, B. divaricatae appeared to be successful invader. It has enlarged the invasive area (new finding sites in Latvia, Poland and Denmark were fixed, Kästrup in Denmark being c.a. 900 km westwards from the earlier known western border of the species distribution area).

Main publications:

Rakauskas, R., Bašilova, J., Zaremba, A. Mitochondrial COI and morphological specificity of the mealy aphids

Hyalopterus ssp.) collected from different hosts in Europe (Hemiptera, Aphididae). In: Popov A., Grozeva S.,

Simov N., Tasheva E. (Eds) Advances in Hemipterology. ZooKeys, 2013, vol. 319, 255–267.

doi: 10.3897/zookeys.319.4251.

Rakauskas, R., Bašilova, J., 2013. Barcoding of aphids (Hemiptera, Aphididae and Adelgidae): proper usage of

the global data set. Molecular ecology resources, vol. 13(1), 6–9.

COOPERATION

Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences (Lithuania)
Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Silesian University, Katowice (Poland)
Institute of Entomology, Czech Academy of Sciences (Czech Republic)
State University of Belarus, Minsk (Belarus)
Zoological Museum, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg (Russia)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Assoc. Prof. E. Bukelskis –

  • member of the National Council for the Fishing Management.

Prof. S. Podėnas –

  • assoc. researcher of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA (USA).

Prof. R. Rakauskas –

  • editorial board member of the journal Aphids and Other Hemipterous Insects.

Assoc. Prof. J. Turčinavičienė –

  • expert of Supervision Committee of Genetically Modified Organisms;
  • editorial board member of the journal New and Rare for Lithuania Insect Species;
  • member of the Lithuanian Entomological Society.

Assoc. Prof. R. Aukštikalnienė –

  • member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

Dr. G. Skujienė –

  • member of the Lithuanian Entomological Society;
  • external expert of Molluscs of the Commission of the Lithuanian Language;
  • member of the Council of the Invasive Species of Lithuania;
  • member of ETHOS, Lithuanian Ethical Culture Society;
  • member of Bioethics Society;
  • member of Family Planning and Sexual Health Association.

Dr. A. Petrašiūnas –

  • president of the Lithuanian Entomological Sodiety;
  • editorial board member of the journal New and Rare for Lithuania Insect Species.

CENTRE OF CARTOGRAPHY

21/27 M.K.Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 82 96, fax 239 82 967
E-mail:

Head - Prof. habil.Dr. Algimantas Česnulevičius

STAFF

Professors: Dr. G. Beconytė. Habil. Dr. A.Česnulevičius.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Bautrėnas,
Lecturer: Dr. L.Bevainis.
Research fellows: R. Bugorevičienė, V. Krikščiūnienė, N. Mačiulevičiūtė – Turlienė, V. Markevičius, Dr. A. Pilipaitis, L. Šutinienė, G. Šutinys, R. Svilienė, J. Vaitkevičienė (part-time).

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ecosystems and climate changes Preservation of environment and use of natural resources Geographical differentiation of Lithuania’s territory in terms of state development and territorial planning

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Cartographic Modeling of Lithuania Natural and Social Phenomenon. Prof. A. Česnulevičius. 2013.

A series of thematic maps for secondary schools, geographic and historic atlases were created. Geoinformation for National Atlas of Lithuania creation was analyzed and completed.

Main publications:

Šinkūnas, P., Česnulevičius, A., Švedas, K., 2013. Periglacial cover deposits and Mikališkės glaciofluvial delta. Palaeolandscapes from Saalian to Weichselian, South Eastern Lithuania. 39–43.

Palaeolandscapes from Saalian to Weichselian, South Eastern Lithuania: excursion guide: International field symposium, June 25–30, 2013, Lithuania. Vilnius : Lithuanian Geological Society, 2013, 39–42.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

GIS – Centre (Lithuania)
Hnit – Baltic (Lithuania)
International Cartographic Association

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. G. Beconytė –

  • member of Commission on Geovisualization (International Cartographic Association);
  • editorial board member of the journal Geografija (Geography);
  • executive secretary of Lithuanian Cartographic Society.

Prof. A. Česnulevičius –

  • editorial board member of the journal Geografija (Geography);
  • editorial board member of the journal Geodesy and Cartography;
  • editorial board member of the journal Polski Przegląd cartograficzny (Polish Cartographic Revue);
  • President of the Lithuanian Cartographic Society.

CENTRE FOR ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-2009 Vilnius
Tel/ fax 239 8299
E–mail

Head – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stanislovas Sinkevičius

 STAFF

Professors: Habil. Dr. V. Būda, Habil. Dr. E. Lekevičius.
Associate professors: Dr. G. Ignatavičius, Dr. S. Sinkevičius, Dr. V. Oškinis, Dr. A. Ulevičius, Dr. J. Satkūnas (part–time).
Lecturers: Dr. V. Kalcienė, R. Rakauskienė (part–time), G. Trakimas, D. Augutis (part–time).
Doctoral students: A. Čepukienė, A. Ložytė, J. Launikonienė, A. Samas, G. Burlėgaitė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Organisms’ interaction with secondary metabolisms
Identification of the toxic effect of the binary mixture of anthropogenic pollutant (Arcolor 1248) and natural compounds (oleic acid and sulphur) on bioluminescence of V. Fisheri in vivo and in vitro
Modelling of climate change impact to Lithuania’s forests
Patterns of wetland habitat formation in the restored ecosystems
Functional relationships of ecosystems key species in natural and anthropogenic habitats
Invasive species and their impact to habitats
Research measures of effectiveness of inland water anthropogenic and environmental conditions
Preservation of grassland conservation value in active farming meadows
Improving the prevention of large mammals collision in the roads
Research of the acidity and heavy metals distribution in the soil layer near train rails

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2013

Projects Supported by University Budget

Research in Complex Anthropogenic and Biogenic Impact on the Ecosystems Structures and Their Development . Prof. V. Būda, Prof. E. Lekevičius, Dr. S. Sinkevičius, Dr. A. Ulevičius, Dr. G. Ignatavičius 2011–2015.

Effects of alpha-solanin on potato cyst nematodes.
Analysis of toxicodynamic effects of environmental pollutants. The task for 2012 years: to evaluate the effects of environmental pollutants (AROCLOR 1248 as a mixture of polichlorinated biphenyls, oleic acid and elemental sulphur) on the state of Vibrio fischeri oxidoreductive enzyme systems.
The studies on the interactions between environmental infrastructure and alien/invasive species.
Evaluation of the environments cytogenetic influence on some animal population. Evaluation on the structures of recovering habitats in the renovation ecosystem.
The research of surface water contamination with heavy metals. The studies of active farming impact on meadows and preparation of recommendations for environmental situation improving.

Projects Supported by Lithuanian Ministry of Education and Science

Metabolomics in Ecology (acronym METECO) (2013–2014) METECO aims at developing and applying novel and ecologically relevant methodologies to studies of information transfer processes, allelopathy, antipredation, anifouling, antimicrobial, and other possible functions of secondary metabolites to better understand their diversity and what environmental factors trigger increased production of these compounds. Habil. Dr. V. Būda.

Main publications:

Radžiutė, S., Būda, V., 2013. Host feeding experience affects host plant odour preference of the polyphagous leafminer Liriomyza bryoniae. Entomologia experimentalis et applicata, vol. 146, 289–292.

Mozūraitis, R., Būda, V., 2013. Intra- and interspecific activities of semiochemicals from the sex pheromone gland of the Welsh Clearwing, Synanthedon scoliaeformis.Journal of Chemical Ecology, vol. 39, 1066–1069.

Projects Supported by National paying agency under the Ministry of agriculture

Influence of deformed wing virus and Nosema ceranae on honey bee disappearance during ovwerwintering in Lithuanian apiaries. 2012–2013. The aim of the project was to search for deformed wing virus and Nosema ceranae in apiaries where honey bee disappearace during 2012–2013 winter period was registered. Spread of the virus and the parasite were planned to be revealed using molecular methods. Habil. Dr. V. Būda, Dr. V. Kalcienė.

Participation in a project led by Vytautas Magnus UniversityInvazion, Genomic Changes and Adaptation of Alien Mammals in of Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecotons . A. Ulevičius, A. Samas.

Implication of Project Development and Up-dating of Infrastructure of R&D Technologies and Use of Biological and Land Resources (BIOGEONAUDA- (In part A- C- D) of state projects funded according to the measure VP2-1.1-ŠMM-04-V Strengthening of the general infrastructure of research and studies of priority 1 “R&D intended for the growth of business competitiveness and economy’ of the Program of Economic Growth for 2007–2013” of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION) PARTNERS

Nature Research Centre, State Scientific Research Institute (Lithuania)
Military Academy of the Republic of Lithuania (Lithuania)
Ministry of Environment (Lithuania)
Environmental Protection Agency (Lithuania)