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

119 teachers (104 holding research degree), 33 research fellows (24 holding research degree), 80 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 2015

A. Ložytė.  The influence of agri-environmental measures based grassland management on grassland plant communities.

A. Čepukienė. Small mammal community changes during early forest succesion stages.

V. Kiriliauskaitė. Extended investigation of lipases for biotechnological application.

M. Rasimavičius. Equisetum variegatum Schleich. ex Weber et Mohr in Lithuania: distribution and populiation's structure.

R. Šiukšta. Inherited phenotypic instability of barley homeotic single and double mutants and its possible sauses.

V. Valatka. Residential differentiation in Post-Soviet Lithuania (on the basis of small area Census data).

Ž. Dėnas. Interpretation of large massifs of geological data using GIS tools.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2015

National conference-expedition Soil-forming peculiarities of Northwest Lithuania.

34th International gemmological Conference, IGC 2015, http://www.igc-gemmology.net/venue/.

Annual conference for PhD students at Geology.

IUGS-GEM (Comission on Geoscience for Environmental Management) Workshop Use of Fresh Groundwater for Drinking Water Supply of Population in Emergency situations.

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2015

Preparation of LithuanianNationalAtlas second volume (historical part).


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. D. Baltriukienė (part-time), Dr. I. Girkontaitė (part-time), Dr., D. Dabkevičienė, Dr. A. Markuckas, Dr. S. Sasnauskienė, Dr. A. Sasnauskienė, Dr. S. Serva, Dr. A. Zimkus, G. Žvirblis (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. V. Jonušienė, Z. Žitkus.
Chief research fellows: Dr. L. Bagdonienė, Dr. V. Bendikienė.
Senior research fellows: Dr. D. Labeikytė, Dr. K. Sužiedėlis (part-time).
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, V. Kiriliauskaitė.
Junior research fellow: N. Daugelavičienė.
Doctoral students: N. Daugelavičienė, V. Gėgžna, M. Jurėnaitė, V. Stankevičius, A. Konovalovas, A. Mlynska, E. Kukcinavičiūtė, J. Skerniškytė, A. Mikalkėnas, J. Fadejeva.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Molecular Determinants of Virus Cycle. Antivirals

Biochemical Mechanisms of Cellular Response to Photooxidation and Cytotoxic Treatment

Bacterial Stress Responses, Pathogenesis, Antibiotic Resistance

Enzymatic Catalysis and Conversion of Biomass

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

General Programme:
Genomics, biomolecules and biotechnologies

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Applied aspects of DNA and RNA biosynthesis towards uncovering molecular mechanisms of virus-host interactions during replication of viral genome. Investigation of lipolytic enzymes: hydrolysis, esterification and transesterification processes of fats and oils; the effect of reaction media and parameters. A comparative study on the impact of different lipid extraction methods on current microalgae lipid research.

Investigation of type II toxin antitoxin systems in bacterial pathogens, antibiotic resistance mechanisms to novel antibiotics.

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

Investigation of  photosensitizers-induced hallmarks of apoptosis and autophagy in the human normal and cancer cells.

National  Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Carcinoma Cells Resistance to Chemotherapy in Vitro: Autophagy, Cytokines and Oxidative Stress (No MIP-029/2014). Prof. V. Kirvelienė. 2014–2016.

Cytokine expression changes induced by chemotherapeutic treatment were determined in colorectal carcinoma cells and their chemotherapy-resistant subline.

Main publication: 

Dabkeviciene D, Jonusiene V, Zitkute V, Zalyte E, Grigaitis P, Kirveliene V, Sasnauskiene A. 2015. The role of interleukin-8 (CXCL8) and CXCR2 in acquired chemoresistance of human colorectal carcinoma cells HCT116. Med Oncol., 2015 Dec, vol. 32(12), p. 258.

Research Council of Lithuania. Detection of Food-Born Pathogens by Molecular Techniques (No SVE-2012/04). Prof. E. Sužiedėlienė. 2012–2015.

Multiplex real-time PCR assays for most common food patogens were developed allowing to detect bacteria with high specificity and sensitivity. Immobilized putative adhesins of bacteriophages have been demonstrated to be suitable tools for specific concentration of bacteria including food poisoning E. coli O157:H2 serotype.

Main publication:

Skerniskyte J, Armalyte J, Kvietkauskaite R, Seputiene V, Povilonis J and Suziedeliene E. 2015. Detection of Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp. by real-time multiplex PCR using amplicon DNA melting analysis and probe. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, vol. 51, p. 519–529.

Research Council of Lithuania. Global Grant Program: Change or Die: Reconstruction of Oxidoreductases. Assoc. Prof. S. Serva. Project leader Dr. R. Meškys. 2013–2015.

Four series of new, previously unpublished nucleoside and nucleotide compounds were sinthesized and properties for inhibition of DNA synthesis and incorporation into DNA were established. Two non-cannonical nucleotides, capable for hybridization with regular bases, were identified and DNA biosynthesis analyzed in details.

Main publication:

Tauraitė, D., Dabužinskaitė, J., Ražanas, R., Urbonavičius, J., Stankevičiūtė, J., Serva, S., Meškys, R. 2015. Synthesis of novel derivatives of 5-carboxyuracil. Chemija, vol. 26, No. 2, p.120–125.

Research Council of Lithuania. Universal Antiviral Compounds: Design, Selection and Mechanism of Action. Assoc. prof. S. Serva. 2014–2016.

Several nucleotides, possessing both regular nucleotide compound and conjugated small DNA polymerase-inhibiting substance, were synthesized and evaluated for various aspects of DNA biosynthesis. Polymerase inhibition at both single nucleotide resolution and global cytotoxic effects were determined; modified nucleotides were also applied in novel eukaryote virus restriction assay. 

Research Council of Lithuania. Influence of Intensive Farming on the Emergence, Persistence and Spread of Antibiotic and  Biocide-Resistant Bacteria in Soil and Water (Nr. SIT-15013). Dr. J. Armalytė. Project leader Dr. M. Ružauskas. 2015–2018.

The project aims at determining the influence of extensive farming on development, persistence and spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in soil and water. Additionally to the detection of resistant bacteria using classical microbiological methods, metagenomics approaches will be employed for detection of non-culturable microorganism portion of the resistance genes. In 2015, soil samples from extensive and ecological farming environment were colected, which will later be used for the antimicrobial resistance analysis of microbial communities.

Research Council of Lithuania. New Markers for Personalized Therapy of Colorectal Cancer: Proteomics, Rnomics, Clinic. Dr. A. Sasnauskienė, Dr. V. Jonušienė. Project leader Prof. A. Laurinavičius. 2015–2018.

Oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil resistant colorectal carcinoma cells were established which will be used for investigation of chemotherapy-resistance specific molecular markers.

Research Council of Lithuania. Microbiota of Agrosystems under Changing Climate Conditions: Structure and Modus Mechanisms.  Dr. S. Serva, A. Konovalovas. Project leader E. Servienė. 2015–2018.

Samples from several agrosystems, representing modelled conditions for moderate level of climate change, were collected and analysed for composition of microbiota at both microorganism and viral levels. Several novel eukaryote viruses were identified and subjected to cloning and detailed characterization.

Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology (MITA) Innovation vouchers: Detailed Investigation of Composition and Characteristics of Sapropel and Materials Isolated Therefrom.  Nr. VP2-1.3.ŪM-05-K-03-009. Dr. V. Bendikienė. 2014–2015.

Different sapropel dewatering methods were investigated in order to determine the optimal process parameters. The composition of various sapropel bioproducts was established and antioxidant ability of some components (humic and fulvic acids, phenolic compounds, lipids and flavonoids) was evaluated during investigation.

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 (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. V. Kirvelienė–

  • member of Council of Institute of Oncology.

Prof. E. Sužiedėlienė –

  • member of Research Council of Lithuania;
  • member of Science Europe Research integrity working  group;
  • member of the advisor committee of ombudsmen of  academic ethics  and procedures  at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.

Assoc. Prof. S. Serva –

  • council member of the Lithuanian Biochemical Society;
  • member of Biomedical and Agricultural Expert Board of Lithuanian Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology;
  • council member of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of Vilnius University.

 

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, Dr. A. Lubys (part-time), Habil. Dr. J. R. Naujalis, Habil. Dr. I. Pašakinskienė (part-time), Habil. Dr. V. Rančelis (emeritus), Dr. G. Slapšytė, Dr. D. Žvingila.
Associate professors: Dr. T. Čėsnienė, Dr. J. Kostkevičienė, Dr. V. Morkūnas (part-time), Dr. I. Prigodina Lukošienė.
Lecturers: E.M. Georgian, S. Juzėnas, A. Meldžiukienė, Dr. E. Meškauskaitė, Dr. J. Rukšėnienė, R. Šiukšta, Dr. I. Špakaitė (part-time), Dr. J. Tupčiauskaitė, P. Venckus (part-time).
Senior research fellow: Dr. V. Kleizaitė.
Research fellows: Dr. V. Dedonytė, Dr. J. Mierauskienė, Dr. V. Morkūnas (part-time), Dr. D. Naugžemys, Dr. J. Patamsytė, Dr. V. Vaitkūnienė.
Junior research fellows: K. Daniūnaitė, M. Rasimavičius.
Doctoral students: J. Butkuvienė, K. Daniūnaitė, R. Demidenko, J. Kavaliauskaitė, G. Kundrotas, A. Nestarenkaitė, G. Radvilienė, R. Rimgailė-Voicik, I. Sadzevičienė, A. Skeberdytė, A. Stumbrytė, K. Stuopelytė, V. Tunaitienė, P. Venckus.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Search and application of the most effective biomarkers for genetic monitoring of human, animal and plant populations

Investigation of mutagenic and antimutagenic effects of chemical compounds in human cells in vitro and experimental model systems in vivo

Analysis of epigenetic changes in human malignancies

Studies of DNA polymorphism in plant populations

Plant developmental, population genetics and phylogenetics

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

Investigation of fungi, algae, lichen and plant biodiversity, populations and communities

Research of algae biotechnological use

Studies of historical fungal, algae, lichen and plant collections, maintained in the Herbarium of Vilnius University

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Function, Variability and Genome Structure In Higher Eukaryotes. Prof. J. R. Lazutka, Prof. G. Slapšytė, Prof. S. Jarmalaitė. 2014–2018.

Study of the genotoxicity of 205 nm femtosecond and 213 nm nanosecond UV laser pulses on the DNA of murine bone marrow cells in vitro revealed a similar damaging effect of both types of radiation. The studies revealed frequent DNA methylation (5mC) changes in tumour suppressor and ABC transporter genes in prostate adenocarcinomas. Higher DNA hydroxymethylation (5hmC) levels were detected in primary cancerous tissues than in cancer cell lines, while adult stem cells showed an intermediated level of 5hmC.

Main publications:

Danieliene, E., Ruksenas O. 2015. DNA damage in bone marrow cells induced by femtosecond and nanosecond ultraviolet laser pulses. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 33 (12), p. 1–7, doi: 10.1089/pho.2015.3897.

Demidenko, R., Razanauskas, D., Daniunaite, K., Lazutka, J.R., Jankevicius, F., Jarmalaite, S. 2015. Frequent down-regulation of ABC transporter genes in prostate cancer. BMC Cancer, vol. 15, p. 683, doi: 10.1186/s12885-015-1689-8.

Juzenas, S., Salteniene, V., Kupcinskas, J., Link, A., Kiudelis, G., Jonaitis, L., Jarmalaite, S., Kupcinskas, L., Malfertheiner, P., Skieceviciene, J. 2015. Analysis of deregulated microRNAs and their target Genes in Gastric Cancer. PLOS One, 10: e0132327. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132327.

Plant Polymorphism, Genome Stability and its Changing Factors. Prof. Emeritus V. Rančelis, prof. D. Žvingila. 2011–2015.

Genetic polymorphism is very important in the situation of the global climate change and is exploited in plant breeding. We studied DNA variability in the populations of Lonicera caerulea, Erigeron annuus, assessed changes in Tradescantia genome caused by genotoxic agents. Further studies were carried out on the analysis of barley homeotic mutants and the role of phytohormones in the development of floral organs was investigated. We also started research of fast evolutionary genomic changes that are caused by biological invasions.

Main publications:

Šiukšta, R., V., Kaselytė, G., Okockytė, V., Žukauskaitė, J., Žvingila, D., Rančelis, V. 2015. Inherited phenotype instability of inflorescence and floral organ development in homeotic barley double mutants and its specific modification by auxin inhibitors and 2,4-D. Annals of Botany, vol. 115(4), p. 651‒663.

Tunaitienė, V., Naugžemys, D., Patamsytė, J., Žvingila, D. 2015. Gradient of genetic diversity of Erigeron annuus in the part of invasive European range. Botanica Lithuanica, 21(2), p. 81‒88.

Vyšniauskienė, R., Naugžemys, D., Patamsytė J., Rančelienė V., Čėsnienė T., Žvingila D. 2015. ISSR and chloroplast DNA analyses indicate frequent hybridization of alien Medicago sativa subsp. sativa and native M. sativa subsp. falcata. Plant Systematics and Evolution, doi: 10.1007/s00606-015-1232-z.

The Structure, Functioning in Ecosystems and Conservation of Vegetation, Algobiota and Mycobiota. Prof. J. R. Naujalis, Prof. E. Kutorga. 2014–2018.

Status of alien pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus in Lithuania and its close relative ascomycete H. albidus was reassessed. Macromycete species diversity and composition in localities of protected fungus Sarcosoma globosum were studied. Studies on juvenile club moss and subterranean gametophyte populations in nature were concluded and results published. Research data on diversity of desmids in Aukštumala raised bog as well as research data on Chlorella vulgaris appliance for municipal wastewater of Vilnius City treatment and biomass composition were summarised.

Main publications:

Rimgailė-Voicik, R., Naujalis, J. R., Voicikas, A. 2015. Organization of club moss gametophytes and juvenile sporophyte populations in pine forests. Polish Journal of Ecology, vol. 4, p. 311–324, doi: 10.3161/15052249PJE2015.63.4.001.

Rimgailė-Voicik, R., Naujalis, J. R. 2015. Reporting on first genus Diphasiastrum subterranean gametophyte findings in Lithuania. Botanica Lithuanica, vol. 21(2), p. 133‒135.

Briškaitė, R. 2015. Desmids flora of Aukštumala raised bog (Nemunas River Delta, Western Lithuania). Bot. Lith., vol. 21(2), p. 150‒159.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Use of Molecular and Cytogenetic Markers to Assess Permanent Genotoxicity of Ecologically Dangerous Soils. (MIP 042-15). Doc. T. Čėsnienė. 2015–2018.

In order to adopt new markers in the study of polluted territories it is essential to compare their effectiveness with the traditionally approved methods of environmental genotoxicology. Comparison of cytogenetic and molecular markers is used to assess the effect of genotoxic compounds in soil samples collected from areas with different type and level of pollution and intensive human activity areas.

Research Council of Lithuania. Human Impact on Stability of Vegetation in Chosen River Ecosystems in Lithuania. (SIT-02/2015). Prof. D. Žvingila. 2015–2018.

SIT-2/2015 project is aimed at evaluation of influence of anthropogenic factors on stability of vegetation as the core component of water ecosystems. During execution of the project recreation activity, stream way modification and incoming chemical pollution effects will be analyzed employing parameters of genetic diversity, genetic structure of populations and ecological adaptation of ten plant species representing main aquatic niche. 

Research Council of Lithuania. Impact of Clear Cuttings on Transformation of Biodiversity in Forest Ecosystems (MEKODINA, SIT-1/2015). Dr. E. Meškauskaitė, S. Juzėnas, R. Rimgailė-Voicik (participants of the project). 2015–2018.

Vytautas Magnus University (leading institution), Vilnius University and Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry collaborate in this project. This study aims at investigating dynamic of forest soil chemical composition and soil microbiota and determining variation ground vegetation and insects’ species. In order to determine the response of forest ecosystem components to drastic changes complex methods of agrochemistry, entomology, chemistry, and geobotany will be applied.

Research Council of Lithuania. Enhancement of the Efficiency of Antibacterial and Cytostatic Compounds Strengthening Interaction with Cells (MIP-040/2015).  K. Daniunaitė, R. Kubiliutė (participants of the project). 2015.

The study aims at investing the influence of selected daily household products on the activity of ABC transporters and other cellular pumps. Results of the study will assist in identification and elimination of the compounds that might reduce the efficiency of antibiotics and cytostatic compounds. Molecular mechanisms of such interactions between cytostatics and modulating compounds will be investigated.

International Research Projects

European Council for Conservation of Fungi (ECCF) project: Mapping and Monitoring of Macromycetes in Europe. Dr. E. Kutorga, J. Rukšėnienė (participants of the Project). 2002–2015.

Distribution, ecology and status of selected macromycete species in Lithuania were reassessed. 

Nordic Council of Ministers and NOBANIS project: Invasive Alien Species: Pathway Analysis and Horizon Scanning for Countries in Northen Europe. 2014–2015 (participant of the project Dr. E. Kutorga).

The pathway analysis was carried out to identify and prioritise pathways of introduction by which alien species were introduced in Lithuania. In order to examine which new alien species may be introduced and established in Lithuania, a number of potential door knocker species were assessed. 

European Social Fund under National Integrated Programme Biotechnology & Biopharmacy. Noncoding RNA for Diagnostics of Cancer (Grant VP1-3.1-SMM- 08-K01-005, subaction 111.2). Prof. S. Jarmalaitė. 2012–2015.

We aimed at identification of miRNA expression profile of prostate cancer. Genome-wide profiling of miRNA expression was used for identification of cancer-specific biomarkers, and selected miRNAs were assessed in urine sediments from cancer patients. 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.

Lithuania-Norway Project: Processing of Scattered Data on Protected Species and Entering it into Single Protected Species Information System (EEE-LT03-AM-01-K- 01-001). A. Meldžiukienė, R. Rimgailė-Voicik (participants of the project). 2014–2016. 

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

National Cancer Institute (Lithuania)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania)
The Cell Factory, CryoSave Group (Belgium)
Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Florence (Italy)

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).

Prof. J. R. Lazutka –

  • vice-editor of the journal Biologija (Biology);
  • editor of the journal Open Life Sciences (formerly Central European Journal of Biology.

Prof. J. R. Naujalis –

  • editorial board member of the journal Biologija;
  • editorial board member of the journal Scripta Horti Botanici Universitatis Vytauti Magni;
  • member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

Prof. V. Rančelis –

  • editorial board member of the journal Ecological Genetics (Russian Academy of Sciences);
  • member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

 

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND LAND MANAGEMENT

21/27 M. K. Čiurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8286, 239 8288,
E-mail:  

Head - Prof. Dr. Darijus Veteikis

STAFF

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

RESEARCH INTERESTS 

Remote sensing and 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 2015

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 development of the methodology for assessing the optimality of landscape structure in the process of landscape planning. Evaluation of landscape and land use change in a local level basing on 100 samples dispersed in different landscape types was repeated for the monitoring purposes on Lithuanian territory.

Main publications:

Šlepetienė A., Amalevičiūtė K., Šlepetys J., Volungevičius J. 2015. Stocks of total, humified and labile carbon as influenced by re-naturalisation of previously differently used peat soil Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, vol. 24, no 6a, p. 2152–2157.

Volungevičius J., Amalevičiūtė K., Liaudanskienė I. Šlepetienė A., Šlepetys J. 2015. Chemical properties of Pachiterric Histosol as influenced by different land use. Žemdirbystė (Agriculture), vol. 102, no. 2, p. 123–132.

Edvardsson, J., Šimanauskienė, R., Taminskas, J., Baužienė, I., Stoffel, M. 2015. Increased tree establishment in Lithuanian peat bogs - insights from field and remotely sensed approaches. Science of the Total Environment, vol. 505, p. 113–120, doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.09.078.

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. Research included analysis of structural and cultural features of Lithuanian emigrants. The social residential differentiation (segregation) in Lithuania was investigated employing small area Census data et al.

Main publications:

Marcinczak S., Tammaru T., Novak J., Gentile M., Kovacs Z., Temelova J., Valatka V., Kahrik A., Szabo B. 2015. Patterns of socioeconomic segregation in the capital cities of fast-track reforming postsocialist countries. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, vol. 105, Issue 1, p. 183–202.

Krupickaitė, D. 2015. Lietuvių diasporos struktūra ir jos atspindys projekto tyrime. In Ramonienė, M. (red.). Emigrantai: kalba ir tapatybė. Vilnius: Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. p. 19–29.

Krupickaitė, D., Pociūtė-Sereikienė, G., Peciukonytė, L. 2015. Gated neighbourhoods in Vilnius region: socio-spatial residential differentiation. Condie, J., & Cooper, A. M. (eds.), Dialogues of Sustainable Urbanisation: Social Science Research and Transitions to Urban Contexts. Penrith, N.S.W.: University of Western Sydney, http://researchdirect.uws.edu.au/islandora/object/uws:30908.

National Research Projects 

Lithuanian Research Council. Long-Term Influence of Varying Intensity Exploitation of Resources to the Soils of Different Origin and the other Components of Agro-Ecosystems (AGROTVARA).  Assoc. Porf. J. Volungevičius (representative of Vilnius University as partner). 2015–2018. 

International Research Projects

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

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

Ministry of Environment (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Social Research Centre (Lithuania)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Montpellier III University (France)
Bamberg University (Germany)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. P. Kavaliauskas –

Prof. D. Burneika –

Prof. D. Veteikis –

 

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), emeritus Habil. Dr. M. Kabailienė.
Associate professors: Dr. A. Brazauskas, Dr. D. Kaminskas, Dr. J. Lazauskienė (part-time), Dr. G. Skridlaitė (part-time), Dr. S. Radzevičius.
Lecturers: G. Bičkauskas (part-time), Dr. A. Čečys (part-time), dr. Ž. Dėnas (part-time), N.Dobrotin (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), E. Rudnickaitė (part-time), dr. A.Spiridonov.
Research fellows: Dr. A. Čečys (part-time), E. Rudnickaitė (part-time), Dr. G. Vaikutienė.
Doctoral students: P. Černakauskas, E. Šinkūnė, A. Ekleris, E. Rudnickaitė, J. Debesiūnaitė, Ž. Stankevičius, Ž. Dėnas (till March 20, 2015), D. Dankina (since October 01, 2015), M. Jankovska (since October 01, 2015), V. Kirkliauskaitė (since October 01, 2015), S. Lozovskis (since Ocotber 01, 2015).

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 Palaeozoic 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 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

The main results are as follows: investigation of problematic lower boundary of the Pleistocene period in the Eastern Lithuania according to sedimentological, geochemical and carbonates analysis data; stratigraphical subdivision and spatial correlation of the Pleistocene tills on the basis of carbonate analysis; geochemical and sedimentological investigation of the Late glacial sediments for the detail description of environmental conditions in the sedimentary basin; palaeoenvironmental conditions on the NW Lithuanian coast during the Neolithic time according to palaeobotanical data.

Main publications:

Andronikov, A. V., Rudnickaitė, E., Lauretta, D. S., Andronikova, I. E., Kaminskas, D., Šinkūnas, P., Melešytė, M. 2015. Geochemical evidence of the presence of volcanic and meteoritic materials in Late Pleistocene lake sediments of Lithuania. Quaternary International, vol. 386, p. 18–29.

Bitinas, A., Katinas, V., Gibbard, P. L, Saarmann, S. Damušytė, A., Rudnickaitė, E., Baltrūnas, V., Satkūnas, J. 2015. The problem of lower boundary of the Pleistocene in Eastern Lithuania. Quaternary International, vol. 386, p. 89–101.

Rudnickaitė, E., Slauto, L., Guobytė, R. 2015. Švenčionių aukštumos paviršių sudarančių glacialinių nuogulų karbonatingumo tyrimai. Geologija. Geografija, vol. 1(2), p. 78–92.

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

The main task was to determine the variability of the amount of organic matter in the Pridoli of Milaičiai-103 drill core. The observation points out to possible depositional and or climatic asymmetries which perhaps occurred during different stages of sedimentary cycles in the observed time span. Alternatively it could be an artefact of a low number of replicates which were used for the estimation of system tracts on the preservation of TOC.

Main publication: 

Gelūnaitė, A., Spiridonov, A. 2015. The preservation of total organic carbon of the Silurian Pridoli strata in the Milaičiai-103 well core of Western Lithuania. Geologija. Geografija, vol. 1, nr. 2, 69–77. 

Impact Craters in Lithuania. Prof. G. Motuza Matuzevičius. 2015–2017.

Primary metamorphic and igneous rocks in the basement of the Mizarai impact crater and breccia affected at different degree by shock metamorphism, regularities of their distribution, with the aim to reconstruct the primary composition of the target area were investigated.

Main publication:

Motuza, G., Šliaupa S., Timmerman M. J. 2015. Geochemistry and 40Ar/39Ar age of Early Carboniferous dolerite sills in the southern Baltic Sea. Estonian Journal of Earth Sciences, vol. 64, iss.3, p. 233–248 doi: 10.3176/earth.2015.

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. Assoc. Prof. A. Brazauskas, Assoc. Prof. S. Radzevičius, Dr. A. Venckutė-Aleksienė, A. Spiridonov, G. Bičkauskas (participants).

The studies of conodont paleontology in the given geological sections show that species Ctenognathodus murchissoni originated right after the Mulde event. The previous studies postulated that C. murchisoni originated much later, after the extinction of another species of conodonts K. ortus absidata. This finding will alter standard worldwide conodont biozonation of the given time interval.

Main publications

Spiridonov, A., Brazauskas, A., Radzevičius, S. 2015. The role of temporal abundance structure and habitat preferences in the survival of conodonts during the Mid-Early Silurian Ireviken mass extinction event. PLoS ONE, vol. 10(4), p. 1–24, doi:10.1371.

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

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. In addition, we 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 dropped sharply and already in the middle part of the Gėluva time sea level rose to the previous level. This sea level reconstruction was done first for the Silurian sections of the South-Eastern part of Baltic basin.

European Pollen Database (EPD). Prof. emeritus M. Kabailienė, G. Vaikutienė. 1990–2015.

European Pollen Monitoring Programme – EPMP. Prof. emeritus M. Kabailienė, L. Balakauskas. 1996–2015.

Activities of the Deep Geology Research Centre

The Centre is a division at the Department of Geology and Mineralogy.

The main activities in 2015: research and studies of 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.

Activity of the Museum of Geology 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, pupil and wider society.

Exhibitions

Poster exhibition The Newest Research Results of Researchers from Geology and Mineralogy Department - 2015.

Exhibition Romanas Simonavičius – the First  Head of  the Department of Mineralogy - Dedicated to 250th birth anniversary – December 2013–December 2015.

Foto-exhibitions from various expeditions and field practices (Poland, Estonia, Norway, Finland, etc.) prepared by students, PhD students etc.

Lectures

Lantern lectures in grammar, secondary schools of Lithuania (20).

Lantern lecture at Vilnius University Children’s University 2015 winter session.

Participation in the exhibition of the National Museum of Lithuania 150 years 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 pupils’ and public excursions. 10 field excursions for pupils.

Main publications:

Rudnickaitė, E. 2015. The Collections of the Mineralogy Cabinet of Vilnius University in the Vilnius Museum of Antiquites [Vilniaus universiteto Mineralogijos kabineto rinkiniai Vilniaus senienų muziejuje]. The Struggle for History: The Vilnius Museum of Antiquites (1855–1915). Proceedings of international conference, Vilnius, 7–8 May, p. 97–98.

G. Skridlaitė, 2015. Australijos geologija ir 1700 mln. metų kelionė į geologinę praeitį Kvinslande (Australian geology ang 1700 million years of Earth history in Queensland). Geologijos akiračiai, vol. 3 (99), p. 33–47.

G. Skridlaitė, 2015. „Kur uolienos, mineralai...“ – jaunųjų geologų vasaros stovykla Viekšniuose. Geologijos akiračiai, vol. 3 (99), p. 83–84.

Special events

The Night of Museums – 16 May 2015.

Science festival Spaceship Earth, Panevėžys, 10 September, 2015.

International science festival Spaceship Earth, 17 September, 2015 in Vilnius on the base of Geology museum, etc.

The project funded by the European Union “Researcher’ Night – 2015”, 25 September, 2015:

Excursion “The variety of Minerals”;

Demonstration of geo-radar – practical work “Let’s take a look through the earth”.

Open Doors Day of the Nature Science Faculty – twice per year, etc.

COOPERATION

Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona (USA)

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)

Aarhus University (Denmark)

University of Durham (UK)

Warsaw University (Poland)

Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kaliningrad (Russia)

Tartu University (Estonia)

Geological Survey of Estonia (Estonia)

University of Latvia (Latvia)

Institute of Geology and Geography (Lithuania)

Centre of Research of the Lithuanian Castles (Lithuania)

Oulu University (Finland)

Helsinki University (Finland)

Lund University (Sweden)

Uppsala University (Sweden)

Polish Institute of Geology (Poland)

Geological Survey of Lithuanian

Lithuanian institute of History (Lithuania)

JSC Geonafta (Lithuania)

JSC Minijos nafta (Lithuania)

The Vaclovas Intas Stones Museum in Mosėdis (Lithuania) 

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 and reviewer 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 Encyclopedia Publishing;
  • expert consultant for the Lithuanian National Geography.

Assoc. Prof. S. Radzevičius –

  • editorial board member of the international journal Geological Quarterly;
  • secretary of the international journal Geologija;
  • 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 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. R. Mokrik.
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. Jakimavičiutė Maselienė (part-time), Dr. G. Žaržojus, Dr. J. Arustienė (part-time), Dr. V. Račkauskas (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. V. Jakimavičiutė Maselienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: D. Urbaitis, D. Gribulis, Ž. Palaitis, A. Indriulionis. 

RESEARCH INTERESTS 

Cconceptualization of groundwater flow in the Quaternary and pre-Quaternary aquifer systems of Lithuania: data analysis of hydraulically tested aquifers hydraulic parameters, simulation of flow and mass- transport models with calibration and verification based on groundwater - surface water balance methods with coupled isotopic investigations

Determination of major and trace elements using ion chromatography, ICP spectrometric, spectrophotometric methods

Solving an inverse heat conduction processes in the underground hydrosphere

Investigation and evaluation of the soil and ground physical-mechanical parameters

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Investigation of environmental isotopes and noble gases in groundwaters of the Baltic Artesian Basin. Solving heat conduction processes according to meshless numerical scheme as a radial basic function. Engineering geological investigation of ground and soil physical-mechanical properties by static loading, dynamical penetration tests and using laboratory and field tests methods. Estimation of soil properties using optimization of data sets on the principle of statistical learning algorithms.

Main publications:

Mokrik, R., Mažeika, J., Juodkazis, V., Štuopis, A. 2014. Isotope geochemistry and modelling of the multi - aquifer system in the eastern part of Lithuania. Hydrogeology Journal, vol. 22, iss. 4, p. 925–941. Springer Verlag, doi:10.1007/s 10040-014-1120-6.

Lujanienė, G., Mazeika, J., Li Hong-Chun, Petrosius, R., Barisevičiūtė, R., Joksas, K., Remeikaitė-Nikienė, N., Malejevas, V., Gamaga, G., Stankevičius, A. 2015. Delta C-14 and delta C-13 variations in organic fractions of Baltic Sea sediments. Radiocarbon, vol. 57, iss. 3, p. 479–490. Special Issue: SI DOI:10.2458/azu_rc.57.18358.

Cidzikienė, V., V. Jakimavičiūtė-Maselienė, V., Girgždienė, R., Ivanec-Goranina, R.  2015. An assessment of fluorescent tracer dyes used for groundwater tracing. Open Chemistry, vol. 13, p. 497–501, doi:10.1515/chem-2015-0073.

International Research Projects 

Wide further technical cooperation with Tallinn Technological University Isotopes Laboratory in the project Groundwater Flow History, Global Palaeoclimate Signals and Anthropogenic Influence in the Baltic Artesian Basin: Synthesis of Numerical Models and Hydrogeochemical Data. Research program project of the Estonian Research Council 2014–2019 (prof. R. Vaikmae group).

Research outputs are related with study and paper preparation about the hydrochemistry and isotopes (radiocarbon, tritium, stable isotopes and noble gases) investigations of the deep groundwater for paleohydrogeological assessment in the Baltic artesian basin.

Contractual Research 

Contractual research of soil and ground geotechnical parameters with Ltd company 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 journals Geologija, Geografija (Geology, Geography).

 

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 student: 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 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Regional Analysis of Climate and Water Resources. Prof. A. Bukantis. 2014–2018. 

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 NAO and QBO oscilliations effects and its tendency on mean air temperature, precipitation, hygrotermic index and snow cover duration in Lithuania was analysed.

International Science Programmes and Projects 

Integrated Drought Management Programme in Central and Eastern Europe (IDMP CEE). G. Stankūnavičius. 2013–2015, http://www.droughtmanagement.info/idmp-activities/idmp_cee/.

Drought preparedness measures, enhancement (and/or development) of drought monitoring and early warning systems, development of capacity building programs for water managers and farmers, as well as of case studies to document good practices in application of integrated drought management as an integral part of water and land management.

Project: Climate Change in Peatlands: Holocene Record, Recent Trends and Related Impacts on Biodiversity and Sequestered Carbon. E. Rimkus. 2013–2016, http://www.climpeat.lt/.

The CLIMPEAT project will hence explore the interconnections and interdependencies of peatlands ecosystems with climate (change), anthropogenic activity and sequestered carbon, 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.

COST activity: Advanced Global Navigation Satellite Systems Tropospheric Products for Monitoring Severe Weather Events and Climate (GNSS4SWEC). G. Stankūnavičius, 2012–2016. http://www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/essem/Actions/ES1206.

For the first time, the synergy of the three GNSS systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) will be used to develop new, advanced tropospheric products, exploiting the full potential of multi-GNSS water vapour estimates on a wide range of temporal and spatial scales, from real-time monitoring and forecasting of severe weather, to climate research.

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Bukantis –

Prof. E. Rimkus –

Assoc. Prof. G. Valiuškevičius –

Assoc. Prof. E. Stonevičius –

Dr. R. Linkevičienė –

 

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, R. Meškys.
Associate professors: N. Kuisienė, J. Raugalas, G. Giedraitytė, M. Jodinskienė, I. Girkontaitė, I. Pumputienė.
Lecturers: R. Puzirauskas, E. Lastauskienė.
Assistants: J. Lekavičiūtė, V. Norkūnas.
Doctoral students: V. Norkūnas, S. Sakalauskas, V. Černyšiov, R. Kananavičiūtė,  J. Paškovska, A. Jasilionis, R. Petkauskaitė (from October 01, 2012), A. Gegeckas, R. Gudiukaitė, R. Pranckutė.

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

Genomics and biotechnologies: fundamental and applied research

Structure, functions and mutations of biomolecules in model and live systems

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Prokaryotes Biodiversity and Biotechnological Potential in Molecular Microbiology Aspect. Dr. N. Kuisienė. 2011–2015.

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.

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

Evaluation of genetic and environmental factors that influence the micro-cellular enzymes functionality and specificity, analysis of cyclic AMP metabolism genes that control the influence of protein prion structure formation, 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. Research of important microorganism and their products for environmental biotechnological processes and the analysis of their metabolic products.

COOPERATION

Institute of Biochemistry (Lithuania)
Institute of Botany (Lithuania)
St Petersburg State University (Russia)
Milano University (Italy)
Maryland University (USA)
Kaunas Technological University (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 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. Matulis (part-time), Dr. O. Rukšėnas.
Associate professors: Dr. V. Bukelskienė (part-time), Dr. R. Grikšienė, Dr. I. Griškova-Bulanova, Dr. V. Kisnierienė, Dr. V. Sakalauskas, Dr. G. Svirskis (part-time), Dr. V. Vengelienė (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. R. Buišas, A. Daktariūnas, R. Grigonis.
Senior research fellows: Dr. I. Griškova-Bulanova, Dr. V. Sakalauskas.

Research fellow: Dr. V. Kisnierienė.

Junior research fellows: A. Daktariūnas, L. Mačiukaitė, A. Voicikas.

Doctoral students: I. Antonova, D. Dankin, Ž. Lukošius, L. Mačiukaitė, A. Šlėktaitė, L. Mazrimaitė, V. Kulbokaitė, V. Morkūnaitė, R. Grigonis, E. Janėnaitė, M. Baranauskas, D. Leščiūtė-Krilavičienė, I. Lapeikaitė, A. Kalnaitytė, A. Voicik, S. Mėlynytė, R. Mončiunskaitė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Investigation whether threshold for action potential generation changes during fictive swim in integrated spinal cord preparation from adult turtle was performed.

Influence of spatial frequencies on categorisation of several simultaneously presented visual objects was investigated in psychophysical experiment in two tasks.

Combined effect of aluminium (Al) and tritium on the voltage dependant Cl- current during AP initiation was studied.

National Research Projects 

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

Affect of increased membrane conductance on the adaptation, gain and threshold of action potential generation was studied. The findings showed that up to 40% pharmacologically increased membrane conductance increases the adaptation ratio, decreases the stationary gain and does not affect the threshold of action potential generation.

Research Council of Lithuania. Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: Identification of Electrophysiological Markers. Assoc. Prof. I. Griškova-Bulanova. 2014–2016.

The project aims at the identification of biomarkers of treatment-resistatnt schizophrenia. Auditory steady-state responses are selected as potential targert. We show that in healthy subjects ASSRs are not trait-dependent. Preliminary results in patients show show that while with closed eyes auditory steady-state responses are increased; this is not seen in healthy subjects.

Research Council of Lithuania. Effect of Chronic Ethanol Ingestion on Regional Neurophysiological Function of the Brain. Assoc. Prof. V. Vengeliene. 2014–2016. 

Behavioural animal model of long-term voluntary alcohol taking behaviour was used. We measured neurophysiological activity changes in the dorsal and ventral striatum during the actual drinking bout (measured by the lickometer device) in voluntary alcohol consuming rats following chronic alcohol experience.

The results showed that changes in animal behaviour, such as voluntary alcohol consumption, as well as treatment-induced changes in behaviour, can be monitored as neurophysiological activity changes in certain brain areas. 

International Research Projects

Florida Children Hospital project: Normative Data Set of Electromagnetic Brain Signatures. Assoc. Prof. I. Griškova-Bulanova. 2014–2019.

Normative data sets of auditory steady-state responses are collected in healthy subjects. MEG data is analized in conjunction with individual MRI images and localization of major components and subcomponents performed.

World Scientist Federation project: Modulation of Electrophysiological Correlates of Response Inhibition by Female Sex Hormones: Implications for Brain Disorders. Assoc. Prof. I. Griškova-Bulanova. 2014–2015.

The project aims at evaluation of the effects of sex hormones concentrations on excitation/inhibition as measured in Go/NoGo task. A group of 30 females participated; EEG was recorded and estradiol and progesterone concentrations measured in the saliva. Results show that progesterone modulates excitation/inhibition responses in females.

Sciex-NMSch project EegSchCt: Electrophysiological Study of Brain Activity in Schizophrenic Patients during Two Different Visuospatial "Clock Tasks”. Assoc. Prof. I. Griškova-Bulanova. 2013–2015.

The project aims at comparison of paradigms to test visual spatial attention in schizophrenia. Multichannel EEG data of healthy subjects show that task difficulty levels of two paradigms tested are different.  This knowledge would let to optimizme data collection in both healthy and schizophreniac groups.

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

Republican Vilnius Psychiatric Hospital (Lithuania)
University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
Florida Children Hospital (USA)
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;
  • European Commission expert.

Dr. R. Buišas –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Assoc. Prof. I. Griškova-Bulanova –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Assoc. Prof. R. Grikšienė –

  • secretary of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Assoc. Prof. V. Kisnierienė –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Dr. 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);
  • European Commission expert.

Dr. A. Šoliūnas –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

 

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. E. Bukelskis, Dr. J. Turčinavičienė, 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), Dr. V. Rakauskas (part-time).     
Junior research fellow: Dr. J. Bašilova-Havelka.
Doctoral students: R. Radzevičiūtė, M. Adomaitis, J. Danilov, A. Kamarauskaitė, V. Umbrasaitė.

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 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) biodiversity studies in regional parks of Vilnius were accomplished. Analysis of the biodiversity of spiders and dipterous insects of Lithuania continued. Studies on the bionomics and ecology of molluscs in Biržai forest were terminated. Specimens of different Diptera families in Lithuania were identified, adding 7 species new for the Lithuanian fauna. Monitoring of black storks, birds of prey and owls in forests of eastern and southern Lithuania continued. Winter gnats, collected during the 5-year period of in 41 different caves in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg were identified, four species new for the fauna of Luxembourg were found.

International Research Projects

EU SYNTHESYS programme, project: HU-TAF-4804: Winter Gnat (Diptera: Trichoceridae) and Crane-Fly (Diptera: Limoniidae) Fauna of East Palaeartic and Oriental Regions.

Collections of the Natural History Museum of Hungary of Trichoceridae and Limoniidae from Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, Mongolia, Hungary and other countries were inspected, new additions to the faunas of several countries distinguished along with new species for science.  

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

Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Silesian University, Katowice (Poland)
Institute of Entomology, Czech Academy of Sciences (Czech Republic)
Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
National History Museum, London (UK) 

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);
  • expert of the National Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education.

Prof. R. Rakauskas –

  • editorial board member of the journal Aphids and Other Hemipterous Insects;
  • expert of the National Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education;
  • expert of the Research Council of Lithuania.

Assoc. Prof. R. R. Budrys –

  • member of the Lithuanian Council of Animals’ Common Welfare;
  • member of the Russian Group of Geese Research (RGG);
  • member of the European Group for Crane Research.

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.

Asssoc. Prof. R. Aukštikalnienė –

  • member of the Lithuanian Morphological Society.

Dr. G. Skujienė –

  • curator of the Museum of Zoology of Vilnius University;
  • 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 professor: Dr. A. Bautrėnas.
Lecturers: Dr. A.Balčiūnas (part-time), Dr. L. Bevainis, Dr. D. Ovodas (part-time) Dr. K. Papšys (part-time). 
Research fellows: R. Bugorevičienė, V. Krikščiūnienė, N. Mačiulevičiūtė-Turlienė, V. Markevičius, R. Svilienė, L. Šutinienė, G. Šutinys.

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 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Cartographic Modeling of Lithuania Natural and Social Phenomenon. Prof. A. Česnulevičius. 2014–2018.

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

National Research Projects

MITA project: Scientific Research andExperimental DevelopmentPromotion. (No. 31V-24/LSS–1410-939). 2015.

Project funds are used to purchase computer software, mappingequipment and appliances, to improve tripstoforeign researchcenters, to purchase necessary mappingtoolsandmaterials, for project-engaged stafffinancial incentives. 

Contractual Research

National Land Service under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania.

National Atlas of Lithuania, 2nd volume: preparation of atlas historical maps, explanatorytexts, cartography symbols codes; publication of examples  of atlas maps and explanatorytexts. 

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

GIS – Center (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);
  • editorial board member of the Journal of Maps;
  • executive secretary of Lithuania 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 Lithuania Cartographic Society.

Dr. L. Bevainis –

  • editorial board member of the journal Surveying and Mapping Engineering (JSME). 

 

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

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

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 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

The task for year 2015: 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 impact of the keystone species, Eurasian beaver, to landscape structure and mammal community in semi-natural/natural habitats; importance of beaver-made infrastructure elements (lodges and burrows) to medium size, semi-aquatic and small mammals.

Projects Supported by Lithuanian Ministry of Education and Science

Metabolomics in Ecology (acronym METECO)  Prof. V. Būda. 2013-2015.

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.

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

COOPERATION

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