Faculty of Natural Sciences

Sukurta: 05 July 2017

7 Saulėtekio al., LT-10257 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8200, fax 239 8204
E-mail:
www http://www.gf.vu.lt

Dean – Prof. Habil. Dr. Osvaldas Rukšėnas

STAFF
161 teachers (incl. 135 holding research degree), 47 research fellows (incl. 36 holding research degree), 80 doctoral students.

DEPARTMENTS OF THE FACULTY

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 2016

G. Kundrotas. Investigation of human mesenchymal stem cell genetic characteristics to ensure therapy safety.
V. Tunaitienė. Genetic structure, adaptation and invasiveness of daisy fleabane (Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers.) populations.
Antonova I. Cortical dynamics of visuospatial processing investigated by EEG microstates method.
A. Samas. Impact of the keystone species, the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber), on habitat structure and its significance to mammals.
V. Stankevičius. Dose delivery and microenvironment dependent transcriptomic profiles of tumour cells exposed to ionizing radiation.
R. Gudiukaite. Engineering and biocatalytic properties of lipases and esterases produced by Geobacillus bacteria.
A.Gegecka. Characterization and application of keratinolytic peptidases from Geobacillus sp. and Bacillus spp.
R. Kananavičiūtė. Development of a genetic transformation system for bacteria of the genus Geobacillus.
A. Jasilionis. The collagenolytic activity analysis of Geobacillus thermoleovorans DSM 15325 peptidases: characterization of M3 proteolytic enzymes family M3B subfamily oligopeptidase and U32 proteolytic enzymes family peptidase.
E. Rudnickaitė. Carbonates in the Lithuanian Quaternary sediments as lithostratigraphic criterion and indicator of palaeoclimatic conditions.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2016

AAPG Conference and Workshop Hydrocarbon exploaration in Lithuania and the Baltic Region, http://naujienos.vu.lt/mokslas/vilniaus-universitete-bus-diskutuojama-apie-skalunu-duju-paieskas/  
13th Baltic Geotechnical conference Historical experience and challenges of geotechnical problems in Baltic Sea region
2nd annual conference for PhD students of Geology
8th conference of Lithuanian Neurosciences Association
International workshop Current issues of plant conservation
Herbarium of Vilnius University - Fundamental platform for scientific research. R. Rimgailė-Voicik, M. Rasimavičius, A. Meldžiukienė. 2016. Vita scientia, Vilnius.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

7 Saulėtekio al., LT-10222, Vilnius
Tel./fax 85 239 8231
E-mail: /

Head - Prof. Dr. Edita Sužiedėlienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. J. Kadziauskas, Dr. E. Sužiedėlienė, Dr. S. Serva.
Associate professors: Dr. E. Bakienė, Dr., D. Dabkevičienė, Dr. A. Markuckas, Dr. S. Sasnauskienė, Dr. A. Sasnauskienė, Dr. A. Zimkus.
Lecturers: Dr. V. Jonušienė, Z. Žitkus.
Chief research fellows: Dr. L. Bagdonienė, Dr. V. Bendikienė.
Senior research fellows: Dr. D. Labeikytė, J. Armalytė, Dr. A. Zimkus.
Affiliated researcher: Dr. A. Četkauskaitė.
Research fellows: Dr. V. Jonušienė, Dr. A. Sasnauskienė, Dr. R. Kvietkauskaitė, V. Kiriliauskaitė.
Doctoral students: M. Jurėnaitė, A. Konovalovas, A. Mlynska, E. Kukcinavičiūtė, J. Skerniškytė, A. Mikalkėnas, J. Fadejeva, L. Kunigėnas, L. Aitmanaitė, R. Krasauskas.

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 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Investigation of Mechanisms of Cellular Homeostasis and their Clinical and Biotechnological Application. Prof. Dr. E. Sužiedėlienė, Prof. Dr. S. Serva, Assoc. Prof. A. Sasnauskienė.

Investigation of biochemical mechanisms and components conferring resistance of viruses, bacterial and eukaryotic cells against antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer compounds:

cellular response to anti-cancer treatment, cellular and molecular mechanisms of acquired chemoresistance, the role of autophagy and changes in growth factors and cytokine expression;

molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and microbial pathogenesis of gram-negative bacterial pathogens with the emphasis on novel resistance mechanisms and bacterial toxin-antitoxin systems, development of molecular techniques for detection of antibiotic resistant bacteria;

research on yeast dsRNA viruses and nucleoside/nucleotide based antivirals for retroviruses.

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.

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

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.

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.

Modus Mechanisms. Dr. S. Serva, A. Konovalovas. Project leader E. Servienė. 2015–2018.

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

Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Jouy-en-Josas Research Centre, Paris University of Pierre and Marie Currie (France),
University of Oslo (Norway)
University of Haifa (Israel)
Universite Libre de Brussels (Belgium)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. E. Sužiedėlienė –

  • member of Research Council of Lithuania.

Prof. S. Serva –

  • council member of the Lithuanian Biochemical Society;
  • member of Biomedical and Agricultural Expert Board at Lithuanian Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology.

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY AND GENETICS

7 Saulėtekio al. 7, LT-10257 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 (part-time), S. Juzėnas, A. Meldžiukienė, Dr. E. Meškauskaitė, Dr. J. Rukšėnienė (part-time), R. Šiukšta, Dr. I. Špakaitė (part-time), Dr. J. Tupčiauskaitė (part time), 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, Dr. J. Rukšėnienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: J. Butkuvienė, K. Daniūnaitė, J. Kavaliauskaitė, A. Nestarenkaitė, G. Radvilienė, R. Rimgailė-Voicik, I. Sadzevičienė, A. Skeberdytė, A. Stumbrytė, K. Stuopelytė, P. Venckus, Ž. Kapustina, R. Kubiliūtė, D. Strepetkaitė.

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 impact on plant, fungi, algae biology, ecology and distribution
Inventorization and monitoring of rare, protected and alien species
Algal biotechnology
Fungal and lichen biogeography and systematics
Fungal and botanical biodiversity of selected territories, ecosystems and habitats
Composition, structure and dynamics of lichen and plant populations
Studies of historical fungal, algae, lichen and plant collections, maintained in the Herbarium of Vilnius University

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

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.

The genotoxic potential of naturally occurring polyphenols is evaluated using various assays. DNA methylation, miRNA and gene expression are analyzed in malignant and nonmalignant human tissues. Genotoxicity of femtosecond 213nm nanosecond UV laser pulses on the DNA of murine bone marrow cells in vitro is investigated. Genome anr proteome analysis of crustacean Daphnia pulex was carried out.

Main publications:

Kundrotas, G., Gasperskaja, E., Slapsyte, G., Gudleviciene, Z., Krasko, J., Stumbryte, A., Liudkeviciene, R. 2016. Identity, proliferation capacity, genomic stability and novel senescence markers of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from low volume of human bone marrow. Oncotarget, vol. 7, p. 10788–10802.

Strepetkaitė, D., Alzbutas, G., Astromskas, E., Lagunavičius, A., Sabaliauskaitė, R., Arbačiauskas, K., Lazutka, J. 2016. Analysis of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in the genome of Crustacean Daphnia pulex. Genes, vol. 7, p. 1, doi:10.3390/genes7010001.

Fucic, A., Bonassi, S., Gundy, S., Lazutka, J., Sram, R., Ceppi, M., Lucas, J. N. 2016. Frequency of acentric fragments are associated with cancer risk in subjects exposed to ionizing radiation. Anticancer Res., vol. 36, p. 2451–2458.

Plant Polymorphism, Genome Stability and its Changing Factors. Prof. Emeritus V. Rančelis, Prof. D. Žvingila. 2016–2020.

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, and 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 publication:

Tunaitienė, V., Patamsytė, J., Naugžemys, D., Kleizaitė, V., Čėsnienė, T., Rančelis, V., Žvingila, D. 2016. Genetic and allelopathic differences between populations of daisy fleabane Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. (Asteraceae) from disturbed and stable habitats. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bse.2016.12.015.

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

Distribution, habitats and status of selected fungal species alien and invasive to Lithuania were reassessed. New localities and biological / cultural characteristics of Sarcosoma globosum, the threatened and protected fungus in Lithuania, were studied.
First time biography of botanist, a Lithuanian, graduate of Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, a polyglot and a social figure Abromas Kisinas (1899–1945) was presented with a historical context.
During the four-year field research period, we ascertained that the development of club moss populations is a long-term process, during which the unsynchronized occurrence of juvenile sporophytes from subterranean gametophytes takes place and partial elimination of juvenile sporophytes occurs. Among the gametophytes discovered, the genus Lycopodium dominated. There was a moderate positive correlation between the number of gametophytes and juvenile sporophytes present, supporting the hypothesis that the best place to look for gametophytes is where juvenile sporophytes are present.
Wastewater treatment technologies are being developed and improved all over the world. One of the ways to improve it is by using microalgae as bioremediation agents. Our aim is to use Lithuania’s microalgae strains and adopt them for treating municipal wastewater under temperate climate conditions and to investigate the possibilities to use obtained algae biomass as a biofuel or bio fertilizer.

Main publications:

Naujalis, J. R., Rimgailė-Voicik, R. 2016. Plant community associations and complexes of associations in the Lithuanian seashore: retrospective on the studies and tragic fate of the botanist Dr. Abromas Kisinas (1899–1945). Israel Journal of Plant Sciences, vol. 63(3), p. 167–175, (http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07929978.2016.1154320).

Motiejūnaitė, J., Kutorga, E., Kasparavičius, J., Lygis, V., Norkutė, G. 2016. New records from Lithuania of fungi alien to Europe. Mycotaxon, 131 (1, January–March), p. 49–60.

Hart, R., Georgian, E.M., Salick, J. 2016. Fast and cheap in the fall: phylogenetic determinants of late flowering phenologies in Himalayan Rhododendron. Am. J. Bot., vol. 103, no. 2, p. 198–206.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Use of Molecular and Cytogenetic Markers to Assess Permanent Genotoxicity of Ecologically Dangerous Soils. (No. MIP 042-15). Assoc. Prof. T. Čėsnienė. 2015–2018.

Currently, application of molecular markers is emerging in studies of genotoxicity and response to environmental factors. 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 (RAPD, ISSR, isozymes) 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. (No. 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. Three partners (VU – leading institution, NRC and MDU) collaborates in this project. 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) No. SIT-1/2015. Participants of project Dr. E. Meškauskaitė, S. Juzėnas, R. Rimgailė-Voicik. 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 at determining variation ground vegetation and insects species. In order to determine the response of forest ecosystem components to drastic changes, the complex methods 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. Participants K. Daniunaite, R. Kubiliute.

The study aims at investigation of 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.

Main publication:

Kubiliūtė, R., Šulskytė, I., Daniūnaitė, K., Daugelavičius, R., Jarmalaitė, S. 2016. Molecular features of doxorubicin-resistance development in colorectal cancer CX-1 cell line. Medicina (Lith.), vol. 52, 298–306, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.medici.2016.09.003.

International Research Projects

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. Participant of project A. Meldžiukienė, R. Rimgailė-Voicik. 2014–2016.

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

National Cancer Institute (Lithuania)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania)
Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Florence (Italy)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. E. Kutorga –

  • editor-in-chief 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 –

  • deputy editor-in-chief
  • 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: Dr. D. Veteikis, Dr. D. Krupickaitė, Dr. J. Mačiulytė, Dr. D. Burneika, Dr. V. Daugirdas, Habil. Dr. Emeritus P. Kavaliauskas.
Assoc. professors: Dr. M. Dumbliauskienė, Dr. F. Kavoliutė, Dr. R. Prapiestienė, Dr. J. Volungevičius, Dr. M. Jankauskaitė, Dr. R. Skorupskas, Dr. R. Tučas, Dr. R. Šimanauskienė
Lecturers: Dr. L. Jukna, Dr. G. Pociūtė-Sereikienė, MSc A. Jasinavičiūtė, V. Bezaras.
Research fellow: Dr. G. Godienė.
Doctoral student: 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 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Study of Lithuanian Landscape and Political, Cultural, Social and Economical Territorial Structure in the Context of Optimization of the Country’s Spatial Organization and Planning. Prof. D. Veteikis. 2016–2020.

Research involved the development of the methodology for assessing the optimality of landscape structure in the process of landscape planning. Soil classification problems were discussed. Land vegetation and urban greeneries were studied in different locations of Lithuania. Human geographical research integrated the indices of political, cultural, social and economic differences in the regional development of the Lithuanian Republic. Current and future socio-economical development of rural territories was investigated. Electoral territorial structure of Lithuania was investigated.

Main publications:

Volungevičius, J., Jukna, L., Veteikis, D., Vaisvalavičius, R., Amalevičiūtė, K., Šlepetienė, A., Skorupskas, R., Jankauskaitė, M. 2016. The problem of soil interpretation according to the WRB 2014 classification system in the context of anthropogenic transformations. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica. Section B: Soil and Plant Science, vol. 66, iss. 5, p. 452–460.

Veteikis, D., Kavaliauskas, P., Skorupskas, R. 2016. Assessing the optimality of landscape structure in a landscape plan (a Lithuanian example). In Halada, Ľ., Bača, A., Boltižiar, M. (eds.) Landscape and Landscape Ecology. Proceedings of the 17th International Symposium on Landscape Ecology, p. 348–358.

Veteikis, D. 2016. Anthropogenic and temporal components in a complex trigger of type 1 diabetes suggest active participation of antipyretics. Medical Hypotheses, vol. 93, p. 126–131, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2016.05.031.

International Research Projects

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

COST Action TU1401. Renewable Energy and Landscape Quality (RELY). 2014–2018. Management Committee member from Vilnius University – Prof. D. Veteikis.

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

Ministry of Environment (Lithuania)
State Service for Protected Areas under the Ministry of Environment (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Social Research Centre (Lithuania)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Montpellier III University (France)
Bamberg University (Germany)
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. P. Kavaliauskas (emeritus) –

Prof. D. Burneika –

Prof. D. Veteikis –

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROGEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

21/27 Čiurlionio, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8278
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Habil. Dr. Robert Mokrik

STAFF

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

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Investigation of basin scale groundwater formation in the Quaternary and pre-Quaternary aquifer systems of Baltic region
Determination of major and trace chemical elements
Groundwater resources assessment and modeling
Estimation of engineering geological and geotechnical conditions
Assessment of soil properties, urban areas sites geotechnical investigations, engineering geological mapping
Analysis of deformations and crash construction structures, solving an inverse heat conduction processes in the boreholes

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2016

Raidla, V., Kern, Z., Babre, A., Erg, K., Ivask, J., Kohan, B., Martma, T., Mokrik, R., Parn, J., Vaikmae, R. 2016. A δ18O isoscape for the shallow groundwater in the Baltic Artesian Basin. Journal of Hydrology, vol. 542, p. 254–267.

Pärn, J., Raidla, V., Vaikmäe, R., Martma, T., Ivask, J., Erg, K., Mokrik, R. 2016. The recharge of glacial meltwater and its influence on the geochemical evolution of groundwater in the Ordovician-Cambrian aquifer system, northern part of the Baltic Artesian Basin (Estonia). Applied Geochemistry, vol. 72, p. 125–135.

Lujanienė, G., Mažeika, J., Li H.-C.,  R, Petrošius, R., Barisevičiūte, R., Jokšas K., Remeikaitė-Nikienė, N., Malejevas, V., Garnaga,  G., Stankevičius, A., Povinec, P. 2016.  Δ14C and δ13C as tracers of organic carbon in Baltic Sea sediments collected in coastal waters off Lithuania and in the Gotland Deep. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, vol. 307, iss. 3, p. 2231–2237.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Research of the Geoenvironment Changes, Protection and Resources Use. Prof. Habil. Dr. R. Mokrik. 2011–2019.

Investigation of environmental isotopes and noble gases in groundwater of the Baltic Artesian Basin: determination of trace and major elements of groundwater using ICP spectrometric and ion chromatography methods; assessment of paleogroundwater ages by radioactive isotopes radiocarbon-14, tritium and noble gas isotope ratio of krypton – 81. Modeling of groundwater mass transport processes using MT3D codes and thermodynamic chemistry. 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.

International Research Projects

IAEA (Vienna) project CRP F33022 item No. 20467/R0: Integrated Studies of Crustal Permeability Based on Environmental Isotopes, Noble Gases Data and Shallow-Deep Groundwater Mass-Transport Modelling in the Surrounding Area of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. 2016–2019.

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

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

Contractual Research

Contractual research of soil and ground geotechnical parameters for soil and rocks physical-mechanical properties of urbanistic sites with Limited stock companies “Fugro Baltic”, “Geoinžinerija”, “Kelprojektas”, “Sweco Lietuva”, “Geologijos projektavimo centras”.

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Habil. Dr. R. Mokrik –

  • editorial board member of the journal Geologija. Geografija (Geology, Geography).

Assof. Prof. Dr. S. Gadeikis –

  • organizing committee member of the conference Historical Experience And Challenges Of Geotechnical Problems In Baltic Sea Region.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. S. Medzvieckas –

  • scientific committee member of the conference Historical Experience and Challenges of Geotechnical Problems in Baltic Sea Region.

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, Dr. G. Valiuškevičius.
Associate professors: Dr. G. Stankūnavičius, Dr. J. Kažys, Dr. D. Pupienis, Dr. E. Stonevičius.
Lecturers: Dr. J. Liukaitytė, Dr. R. Linkevičienė.
Doctoral students: L. Šidlauskaitė, J. Kilpys, A. Djačenko.

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 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Regional Analysis of Climate and Water Resources. Prof. Dr. 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 were analysed.

Main publications:

Basharin, D., Polonsky, A., Stankūnavičius, G. 2016. Projected precipitation and air temperature over Europe using a performance-based selection method of CMIP5 GCMs. Journal of Water and Climate Change, vol.7 (1), p. 103–113.

Jarmalavičius, D., Šmatas, V., Stankūnavičius, G., Pupienis, D., Žilinskas, G. 2016. Factors controlling coastal erosion during storm events. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 75, p. 1112–1116.

Mačiulytė V., Rimkus E. 2016. Dirvožemio terminis režimas Lietuvoje. Geologija. Geografija, vol. 2(1), p. 1–13, doi:10.6001/geol-geogr.v2i1.3291. 

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Impact Assessment of Climate Change and Other Abiotic Environmental Factors on Aquatic Ecosystems. Prof. Dr. A. Bukantis. 2015–2018.

The aim is to evaluate changes of environmental factors (water temperature, hydrological regime and water quality elements) and their impact on aquatic animal diversity and productivity, and carry out an integrated impact assessment according to the multi‐annual data and climate scenarios. Three river basins and the Curonian Lagoon have been chosen as research objects.

Main publication:

Kažys, J., Rimkus, E., Naujėkaitė, J. 2016. From case studies to policy-making: adapting to climate change in Lithuania. In Knieling, J. (ed.) Climate Adaptation Governance in Cities and Regions: Theoretical Fundamentals and Practical Evidence, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK, doi: 10.1002/9781118451694.ch12.

International Research Projects

Integrated Drought Management Programme in Central and Eastern Europe (IDMP CEE). G. Stankūnavičius. 2013–2017, http://www.droughtmanagement.info/idmp-activities/idmp_cee/.

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 publication:

Mačiulytė, V., Rimkus, E. 2016. Drought monitoring in Lithuania using NDVI. Proceedings of 1st Baltic Earth conference Multiple drivers for Earth system changes in the Baltic Sea region. Nida (Lithuania), p. 84–85.

Project: Climate Change in Peatlands: Holocene Record, Recent Trends and Related Impacts on Biodiversity and Sequestered Carbon. Prof. Dr. 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. 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:

Kažys, J., Rimkus, E., Edvardsson, J. 2016. The 21st century projections of ground water level and hydrothermal conditions in Lithuanian peatbog ecosystems. Geologija. Geografija, vol. 2(3), p. 107–121.

Rimkus, E., Kažys, J., Edvardsson, J., Pukienė, R., Corona, C., Linkevičienė, R., Stoffel, M. 2016. Future projections of pine growth dynamics at peat and mineral soils in Lithuania. Proceedings of 1st Baltic Earth conference Multiple drivers for Earth system changes in the Baltic Sea region. Nida (Lithuania), p. 209–210.

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

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have revolutionised positioning, navigation, and timing, becoming a common part of our everyday life. Aside from these well-known civilian and commercial applications, GNSS is now an established atmospheric observing system which can accurately sense water vapour, the most abundant greenhouse gas, accounting for 60-70% of atmospheric warming. 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.

COST activity: A European Network for a Harmonised Monitoring of Snow for the Benefit of Climate Change Scenarios, Hydrology and Numerical Weather Prediction. Prof. Dr. E. Rimkus. 2014–2018, http://www.cost.eu/COST_Actions/essem/ES1404.

European research teams have developed different snow measurement practices, instrumentation, algorithms and data assimilation techniques customised to their purposes. However, they lack harmonised approaches, validation and methodologies. The Action will co-ordinate efforts to address these issues, through establishing harmonized monitoring practices, enhancing the use of observations by promoting new observing strategies, bringing together different communities, facilitating data transfer, upgrading and enlarging knowledge through networking, exchange and training, and linking them to activities in international agencies and global networks.

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
European Meteorological Society
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Klaipeda University (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Energy Institute (Lithuania)
A.P. Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute (VSEGEI) (Russia)
P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Atlantic Branch (Russia)
Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia)
Road and Transport Research Institute (Lithuania)
University of Gothenburg (Sweden)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr. A. Bukantis –

Prof. Dr. E. Rimkus –

Assoc. Prof. G. Valiuškevičius –

Assoc Prof. E. Stonevičius –

Dr. R. Linkevičienė ‒

Assoc. Prof. E. Kažys –

DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

7 Sauletekio, LT-10257 Vilnius
Tel: 239 8205, 239 8206
www. http://mikrob.gf.vu.lt/lt/

Head - Prof. Dr. Lilija Kalėdienė

STAFF

Professors: Dr. L. Kalėdienė, Dr. N. Kuisienė,  Dr. A. Meškauskas.
Associate professors: J. Raugalas, G. Giedraitytė,  I. Girkontaitė, E. Lastauskienė.
Lecturers: R. Puzirauskas, R. Kananavičiūtė, R. Petkauskaitė, A. Gegeckas, R.Gudiukaitė.
Assistants: J. Lekavičiūtė, V. Norkūnas.
Doctoral students: R. Pranckutė, A. Kaunietis, A. Gricajeva, I. Burneikienė, T. Kazanova, R. Bikmurzinas, J. Lebedeva.

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

Genomics and biotechnologies: fundamental and applied research.
Research of microorganisms for innovative biotechnologies
Biocatalysts selection for biomass conversion
Procaryotes for biotechnology, biopharmacy efficiency and safety food production development

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Research Council of Lithuania. Microbiome of the World’s Deepest Cave: Analysis of Diversity, Metabolism and Antimicrobial Activity. 2014–2016.

Research Council of Lithuania. The World’s Deepest Cave Mikrobiomas: Diversity, Metabolism and Antimicrobial Activity Analysis. 2014–2016.

Project of the Towards the Future Technologies Program: Electro-Magnetoporation Mediated Biocontrol of the Microgravity Affected and Skin Infections Causative Microorganisms (No. LAT-02/2016). 2016–2018.

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr. L. Kalėdienė –

  • President of Lithuania’s Society of Microbiologists;
  • chairman of Master Microbiology and Biotechnology study programme;
  • chairman of Bachelor Microbiology and Biotechnology study programme; member of Lithuania ;
  • expert of Lithuania’s Genetically Modified Organisms Experts Committee.

Prof. Dr. N.Kuisienė –

  • vice-president of Lithuania’s Society of Microbiologists;
  • member of Biology PhD committee.

Dr. E. Lastauskiene, A. Gegeckas –

  • board members of Lithuania’s Society of Microbiologists.

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. 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 2014

Projects Supported by University Budget

Theoretical, Electrophysiological and Psychophysical Investigation of Information Coding and Processing. Prof. Dr. O. Rukšėnas. 2016–2020.

Intracellular recordings from motoneurons in slices from turtle spinal cord show that recovery duration increases when stimulus amplitude and duration increases.
Adaptation and context have different effect on working memory. Effect of adaptation and context are partially additive.
Relatively higher right cortical activity relates more to neuroticism, openness to experience and empathy, while the left one, to extraversion, agreeableness.
The cue indicating the negative valence evoked significantly higher positivity over the right centroparietal scalp area as compared to the cue indicating the positive valence.

National Research Projects

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

The aim was to evaluate the effect of clozapine use on phase-locking of 40Hz ASSR and state-sensitivity in schizophrenia patients. 48 male patients with schizophrenia (according to ICD-10 criteria) were recruited from the in-patient depmt. of Republican Vilnius Psychiatric Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: resistant to standard antipsychotic medication and treated with clozapine (Cloz, n=23); and responsive to standard antipsychotic treatment (NCloz, n=25). The comparison results propose the idea that state-sensitivity of 40 Hz ASSRs vary depending on the treatment in patients with schizophrenia, subject receiving clozapine showing response increase with eyes closure in contrast to those on standard antipsychotic treatment.

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

Over 30 electrophysiological experiments with laboratory animals (30 rats) were done. Experiments were divided into 3 parts (10 experiments per each). Four specific rat brain regions (nucleus accumbens, striatum dorsale, anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex) were studied electrophysiologicaly (recording brain local field potentials, LFPs) with chronically alcohol consuming animals and control group (deprived of alcohol) simultaneously measuring alcohol/water or water/water consumption (animal behaviour). Detailed data analysis is being done at this moment. Behavioural elements of this study (alcohol/water consumption pattern) are almost completed.

International Research Projects

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

During the project period a 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.

Lithuanian Swiss Cooperation Programme: Development of Neuroimaging Research and Clinical Skills in Lithuania. Project coordinator Prof. Dr. O. Rukšėnas. 2015–2016.

Our objective was to create an interdisciplinary platform and consortium of Lithuanian and Swiss research institutions aimed at developing clinical and research skills in neuroimaging in Lithuania. Our short-term objectives were achieved: consortium between four main Lithuanian and two Switzerland research institutions were formed. Researchers from different professional backgrounds neurobiology, biophysics, neuroradiology, neurology, neuropsychology, MRI physics and technology engineering were working together and shared conceptual, mathematical and experimental ideas. The strategies for future work on fMRI research were developed. During this project, 3 fMRI seminars and 5 secondments were conducted.

Lithuanian Swiss Cooperation Programme: State-Dependent Information Processing: Implementation of Electrical Neuroimaging Approach in Lithuania. Project coordinator Assoc. Prof. I. Griškova-Bulanova. 2015–2016.

Implementation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills on the topographical and source localization analysis of multichannel EEG/ERP were acquired. The knowledge and skills substantially advance qualification of Lithuanian neuroscientists and increase their competitiveness when preparing and submitting international funding applications.

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)
University of Oslo (Norway)
University of Houston (USA)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr. A. Alaburda –

  • member of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences;
  • European Commission expert.

Dr. R. Buišas, Assoc. Prof. I. Griškova-Bulanova, Assoc. Prof. R. Grikšienė, Assoc. Prof. V. Kisnierienė, Dr. A. Pleskačiauskas Dr. A. Šoliūnas –

  • members of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Prof. Dr. 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.

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. (HP) G. Motuza Matuzevičius, Dr. P. Šinkūnas, Habil. Dr. S. Šliaupa (part-time), Habil. Dr. Emeritus M. Kabailienė (till 2016-08-22).
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, till 2016-08-31), 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, Dr. L.Balakauskas (part-time, since 2016-09-01).
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, D. Dankina, M. Jankovska, V. Kirkliauskaitė, S. Lozovskis, M. Grendaitė, A.K. Cichon-Pupienis.

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 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy of Quaternary Deposits. Dr. G. Vaikutienė. 2016–2021.

During 2016 researchers obtained new results, which were presented in conferences and published in papers. The main results are on the following topics:
investigation and description of sedimentological and environmental conditions in the Arctic during the interstadial of Middle Weichselian;
peculiarities of sedimentological conditions of the Middle and Late Holocene in SE Baltic (Curonian Lagoon);
analysis of particular geochemical elements in the Late Weichselian sediments and topsoil layer searching for evidences of specific sedimentation conditions;
stratigraphic subdivision and spatial correlation of the Pleistocene tills on the basis of carbonate analysis.

Main publications:

Sarala, P., Väliranta, M., Eskola, T., Vaikutienė, G. 2016. First physical evidence for forested environment in the Arctic during MIS3. Scientific Reports, vol. 6: 29054, doi:10.1038/srep29054.

Zinkutė, R., Taraškevičius, R., Jankauskaitė, M., Stankevičius, Ž. 2016. Methodological alternatives for calculation of enrichment factors used for assessment of topsoil contamination. Journal of Soils and Sediments, doi:10.1007/s11368-016-1549-4.

International Research Projects:

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.

Main publications:

Radzevičius, S., Spiridonov, A., Brazauskas, A., Dankina, D., Rimkus, A., Bičkauskas, G., Kaminskas, D., Meidla, T, Ainsaar, L. 2016. Integrated stratigraphy, conodont turnover and paleoenvironments of the Upper Wenlock and Ludlow of the Vilkaviškis-134 core (Lithuania). Newsletters on Stratigraphy, vol. 49(2), p. 321–336.

Spiridonov, A., Brazauskas, A., Radzevičius, S. 2016. Dynamics of abundance of the mid- to late Pridoli conodonts from the eastern part of the Silurian Baltic Basin: multifractals, state shifts, and oscillations. American Journal of Science, vol. 316(4), p. 363–400.

Venckutė-Aleksienė, A., Radzevičius, S., Spiridonov, A. 2016. Dynamics of phytoplankton in relation to the upper Homerian (Lower Silurian) lundgreni event – an example from the Eastern Baltic Basin (Western Lithuania). Marine Micropaleontology, vol. 126, p. 31–41.

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

Investigated primary metamorphic and igneous rocks in the basement of the Mizarai impact crater and breccia (in form of fragments) affected in different degree by shock metamorphism; regularities of their distribution, with the aim to reconstruct the primary composition of the target area.
Additionally dykes met in the Silurian sequence of the Baltic offshore, their mineralogical and chemical composition, and tectonic setting were investigated. Their age by Ar-Ar method as 351±11Ma, correponding to Carboniferous period, close to the age of alkaline intrusions in NE Poland was estimated. The relation of dykes with the continuation of the Dnieper-Don aulacogene in the Baltic region was presumed. The results were published in the paper.

Main publications:

Motuza, G., Šliaupa, S., 2016. Supracrustal suite of the Precambrian crystalline crust in the Ghor Province of Central Afghanistan. Geoscience Frontiers, doi: 10.1016/j.gsf.2015.12.011.

Motuza, G., Spiridonov A., Zamžickas, R. 2016. Record of Precambrian to Cambrian life in the Mizarai impact crater lake. From Star and Planet Formation to Early Life. Abstracts. April, 2016.

Motuza G., Kirkliauskaitė V. 2016. Ultramafic Varėna Suite in the Precambrian crystalline basement of the Southern Lithuania – implications for the origin. BALTICA, vol. 29, no. 2, p. 93–106, http://dx.doi.org/10.5200/baltica.

European Pollen Database (EPD). Dr. G. Vaikutienė, Prof. Emeritus M. Kabailienė (till 2016-08-22). 1990–2016.

European Pollen Monitoring Programme – EPMP. Dr. L. Balakauskas; Prof. Emeritus M. Kabailienė (till 2016-08-22). 1996–2016.

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 2016: research and studies of the staff and students including PhD students of the Department of Geology and Mineralogy and Erasmus/Socrates foreign students were 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. E. Rudnickaitė.

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

Posters exhibition The Newest Research Results of Researches from Geology and Mineralogy Department - 2016

Exhibition  Stasys Žeiba – the first geologist graduated from Vilnius University and the Lithuanian military pilot - designed for 100-year birth anniversary - February 2016–August 2016.
Openning ceremony of Ignotas Domeika Cabinet – 10 March 2016.

Exhibition Acad. G.Motuza Matuzevičius - 50 years with geology – September 2016–December 2016.

Thin slices foto and rocks exhibition – since 2016 December.

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 University 2016 winter session.
Lantern lecture at Plungė gymnasium
Lantern lecture at Kauno College for students
Lantern lecture at Panevėžys Minties gymnasium
Lantern lecture at Plungė Saulė gymnasium
Lantern lecture at Kauno Jesiut gymnasium, etc.

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 pupil and public excursions.

Special events

 The Night of Museums – 21 May 2016.

The project funded by the European Union Researchers’ Night – 2016, 30 September, 2016:

  • Excursion Geological and historical time concept;
  • Demonstration of geo-radar – practical work Let take a look through the earth.

Open doors day of the Nature Science Faculty – twice per year, etc. ~ 10 field excursions for pupils.

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)
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 Unique Stones Museum in Mosėdis (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr. 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 – (till 2016-08-22)

  • 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. Dr. 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, Dr. K. Arbačiauskas (part-time).
Asociate professors: Dr. E. Budrys (part-time), Dr. R. Petkevičiūtė (part-time), Dr. R. R. 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, J. Danilov, M.  Adomaitis, A. Kamarauskaitė.

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. Habil. Dr. R. Rakauskas. 2012–2017.

Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) biodiversity studies in regional parks of Vilnius 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 (Conopidae, Keroplatidae, Micropezidae, Syrphidae and others) 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 period of 2011–2015 in 41 different caves (tunnels, mines, natural 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. Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Petrašiūnas.

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)
Institute of Zoology, Saint 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);
  • 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. 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 Sodiety.

Assoc. Prof. R. Aukštikalnienė –

  • member of the Lithuanian Morphological Sodiety.

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 8296, fax 239 8296
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. 

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 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

Professors: Prof. Dr. A. Ulevičius.
Associate professors: Dr. G. Ignatavičius, Dr. S. Sinkevičius, Dr. V. Oškinis, Dr. J. Satkūnas (part–time).
Lecturers: Dr. V. Kalcienė, Dr. I. Nedzveckytė, Dr. A. Samas, G. Trakimas,
Doctoral students: (part–time), G. Burlėgaitė, V. Valskys (lect. 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 Vibria Fisheri in vivo and in vitro
Patterns of wetland habitat formation in the restored ecosystems
Research measures of effectiveness of inland water anthropogenic and environmental conditions
Commensalistic relations among beaver and other organisms in the beaver-created microhabitats                                                                                                           
Impact of the keystone species, the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber), on habitat structure and its significance to mammals
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 Evaluation of surface water bodies sediment contamination

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Research in Complex Anthropogenic and Biogenic Impact on the Ecosystems Structures and their Development. Prof. Dr. A. Ulevičius, Dr. S. Sinkevičius, Dr. G. Ignatavičius, Dr. V. Oškinis, Dr. V. Kalcienė, Dr. Nedzveckytė. 2015–2020.

The studies on the interactions between environmental infrastructure and alien/invasive species. Evaluation of the environments cytogenetic influence on some animal (fisch, frogs, birds, mammals) population. Evaluation on the structures of recovering habitats in the renovation ecosystem. Research of surface water and riparian sediment contamination with heavy metals. The studies of active farming impact on meadows and preparation of recommendations for environmental situation improving. Evaluation of Lithuanian lakes sapropel formations and features. Evaluation temporal and spatial patterns of wildlife vehicles collisions. Evaluation of military training noise impact on wildlife. Evaluation problems of municipally waste handling efficiency improving.

Main publications:

Trakimas, Giedrius; Whittaker, Robert J.; Borregaard, Michael K. (2016) Do biological traits drive geographical patterns in European amphibians? Global Ecology and Biogeography, 25(10):1228–1238.

Četkauskaitė A., Vosylienė M. Z., Kazlauskienė N. Kalcienė V. Wastewater and landfill leachate testing: acute toxicity biotest results evaluation. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management. 2016, Vol. 24 (2): 143–156. DOI:10.3846/16486897.2015.1133428 (2015 Impact Factor: 0.591).

Birgėlaitė R., Valskys V., Ignatavičius G. (2016). Silicinio sapropelio naudojimas sunkiesiems metalams šalinti iš tirpalo. Mokslas – Lietuvos ateitis. Technika. Vol. 8(4), p 388–396.

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)