Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3101
E-mail:
www http://www.chgf.vu.lt

Dean – Prof. Dr Aldona Beganskienė

 

 

INSTITUTES OF THE FACULTY
Institute of Chemistry
Institute of Geosciences

 

INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 233 0987, 219 3100, 219 3101, 219 3102, 219 3105
E-mail:
www http://www.chgf.vu.lt
Director – Prof. Dr Habil. Aivaras Kareiva

STAFF

123 teachers (incl. 115 holding research degree), 26 research fellows (incl. 20 holding research degree), 65 doctoral students.

DEPARTMENTS OF THE INSTITUTE

Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry
Department of Applied Chemistry
Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Department of Organic Chemistry
Department of Physical Chemistry
Department of Polymer Chemistry

RESEARCH AREAS

Synthesis and Investigation of Novel Materials and Nanostructures, Development of Analysis Methods

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2021

Aušra Čiuladienė. Investigation of paints and binding media of ancient written sources.
Ligita Valeikienė. Synthesis of new layered double hydroxides, modification and investigation of properties.
Akvilė Ežerskytė-Misevičienė. Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of calcium hydroxyapatite.
Ramūnas Levinas. Electrodeposition and characterization of photo-/electrocatalytic MoS2 and WO3 films for water splitting catalysis.
Modestas Vainoris. Co-based, Fe and Cu electrodeposited foams with large specific area suitable for catalytic, sensing, and electrowinning applications.
Aura Kisieliūtė. Scanning electrochemical microscopy for the investigation of biosensors.
Inga Gabriūnaitė. Formation and characterisation of phospholipid bilayers on metal oxide surfaces.
Domas Balčiūnas. Synthesis and investigation of glyphosate sensitive molecular imprints in a polypyrrole matrix.
Lauryna Sinušaitė. Tricalcium phosphate polymorphs: The role of ionic substitutions and processing conditions on phase-selective synthesis and properties.
Ričardas Golubevas. Fabrication and evaluation of inorganic-organic composites for bone tissue engineering.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2021

International conference-school Advanced Materials and Technologies 2021. Palanga, Lithuania.
16th International Conference of Lithuanian Chemical Society. Vilnius, Lithuania.
22nd International conference EcoBalt 2021 Riga, Latvia.

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2021

Prof. Aldona Beganskienė and Prof. Aivaras Kareiva. Research Award of the Republic of Lithuania.
Prof. Aivaras Kareiva. Medal of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. 

DEPARTMENT OF ANALYTICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3117, 219 3114
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Stasys Tautkus

STAFF

Professors: Dr Habil. A. Padarauskas, Dr A. Katelnikovas, Dr A. Ramanavičienė, Dr S. Tautkus, Dr V. Vičkačkaitė.
Associate professors: Dr A. Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė, Dr V. Olšauskaitė, Dr E. Naujalis (part-time), Dr I. Plikusienė (post-doc researcher).
Assistant professors: Dr A. Popov, Dr V. Poškus, Dr A. Žarkov.
Researcher: Dr A. Popov (part-time).
Doctoral students: B. Brasiūnas, B. Bugelytė, J. Grigorjevaitė, V. Kavaliauskas, A. Kizalaitė,V. Lisytė, L. Sakalauskienė, L. Sinušaitė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Development of UPLC-MS techniques for the characterization and determination of organic and bioorganic compounds
Novel microextraction techniques for gas chromatographic analysis
Development of biosensors and immunosensors
Inorganic, solid state, materials and analytical chemistry; wet chemical synthesis of calcium phosphates, sol-gel synthesis and characterization of multicomponent metal oxide systems Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
Up-conversion phosphors for bio-imaging
Quantum cutting phosphors
Phosphors for white LEDs
Rare earth and transition metal doped phosphors and anti-counterfeiting pigments
Hydrothermal synthesis of luminescent nanoparticles
Perovskite nanoparticles for solar cells

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for the Investigation of Organic and Bioorganic Compounds. Prof. A. Padarauskas, Assoc. Prof. V. Olšauskaitė.

Although the efficiency record of perovskite solar cells is already above 25%, long-term stability is a key challenge for their commercialization. A strategy to stabilize perovskite films and solar cells against photodegradation by using an organic cation, S-methylthiouronium (SMT) was proposed. Replacing 20% of methylammonium (MA) by S-methylthiouronium in mixed leadhalide perovskites enables a fivefold increase in the stability of perovskite solar cells against degradation in ambient air under full solar irradiation. This partial exchange of cations also contributes to the improvement in film formation quality. The investigation results, including high-performance liquid chromatography measurements, suggest that the material stability improvement is related to the structural rather than chemical stabilization of the perovskite lattice.

Main publication:

Kavaliauskaitė, G., Kuksėnaitė, G., Gegevičius, R., Pakštas, V., Selskis, A., Strazdienė, V., Padarauskas, A., Orentas, E., Gulbinas, V., Franckevičius M. S-Methylthiouronium Improves the Photostability of Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskites. ACS Applied Energy Materials. 2021, 4: 6466–6473.

Development and Investigation of Bioanalytical Systems. Prof. Dr A. Ramanavičienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr A. Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr I. Plikusienė, Assist. Dr A. Popov, PhD students: B. Brasiūnas, L. Sakalauskienė, V. Lisytė.

The colorimetric sensors for reducing sugars based on a redox reaction between AuCl₄- ions and fructose, glucose, lactose, or mannose was developed and characterized. Different reducing sugars exhibited distinct reaction rates for gold nanoparticles formation, with the rate decreasing in the order fructose > glucose > lactose > mannose. The colorimetric sensor was evaluated for use in real samples of beverages, milk, and saliva.
An electrochemical immunosensor signal amplification strategies using metal nanoparticles (MNPs) and quantum dots (Qdots) as tags were overviewed, focusing on recent developments in the ultrasensitive detection of biomarkers. MNPs and Qdots can be used separately or in combination with other nanostructures, while performing the function of nanocarriers, electroactive labels, or catalysts.
Electrochemical glucose biosensor based on electrochemically on a graphite rod electrode deposited dendritic gold nanostructures was successfully developed. This glucose biosensor showed a quick response, a high saturation current, appropriate linear range, good repeatability, low limit of detection and good stability. Additionally, the Prussian blue, poly(pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid), and glucose oxidase biocomposite modified graphite rod electrode as a potential biocathode for single enzyme biofuel cell fuelled by glucose was developed and characterized.

Main publications:

Brasiunas, B., Popov, A., Ramanavicius, A., Ramanaviciene, A. Gold nanoparticle based colorimetric sensing strategy for the determination of reducing sugars. Food Chemistry. 2021, 351: 129238.

Popov, A., Brasiunas, B., Kausaite-Minkstimiene, A., Ramanaviciene, A. Metal nanoparticle and quantum dot tags for signal amplification in electrochemical immunosensors for biomarker detection. Chemosensors. 2021, 9(4): 85.

Kausaite-Minkstimiene, A., Kaminskas, A., Popov, A., Ramanavicius, A., Ramanaviciene, A. Development of a new biocathode for a single enzyme biofuel cell fuelled by glucose. Scientific Reports. 2021, 11: 18568.

Deep Eutectic Solvents: Synthesis, Investigation and Application. Prof. Dr Vida Vičkačkaitė, Assist. Dr Vilius Poškus.

Fifteen low volatility deep eutectis solvents were prepared using microwave heating. The behaviour of the solvents at elevated temperatures was examined and it was determined that at 80oC temperature all the eutectic solvents tested except choline chloride-imidazole were stable with no peaks in their headspace chromatograms.
For hexanal determination in fat-rich food by coupling microwave assisted extraction and static headspace gas chromatography, choline chloride-glucose-water showed the best extraction efficiency. Microwave assisted extraction and headspace gas chromatographic conditions for hexanal determination were optimized.
For β-caryophyllene determination in different fat-rich matrices solid-phase microextractions has been applied. Choline chloride-urea was determined to be the best deep eutectic solvent for samples dispersion and preparation of calibration solutions.
Under optimized conditions analytical characteristics of the suggested techniques have been determined. The developed techniques were applied to determine hexanal in fat-rich food and to determine β-caryophyllene in cannabis oil and in cannabis seeds.

Main publications:

Lebedeva, J., Jukneviciute, G., Čepaitė, R., Vickackaite, V., Pranckutė, R., Kuisiene, N. Genome Mining and Characterization of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in Two Cave Strains of Paenibacillus sp. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2021, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.612483.

Poškus, V., Vičkačkaitė, V., Rokaitė, J. Silver-coated monolitic silica column for separation of benzo[a]pyrene from petroleum. Chemija. 2021, 32(2): 49–56.

Vičkačkaitė, V., Lukoševičiūtė, M., Poškus, V. Headspace gas chromatographic determination of β-caryophyllene in Epilobium angustifolium L. extracts. Chemija. 2021, 32(3–4): 100–106.

Synthesis of Ion-Substituted Calcium Phosphates for Biomedical Applications. Assist. Dr Aleksej Zarkov.

Different calcium phosphates were synthesized by precipitation and dissolution-precipitation methods. The influence of ion substitution on crystallization of amorphous calcium phosphate was investigated.

Main publications:

Kizalaite, A., Grigoraviciute-Puroniene, I., Asuigui, D. R. C., Stoll, S. L., Cho, S. H., Sekino, T., Kareiva, A., Zarkov, A. Dissolution–Precipitation Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Whitlockite with Variable Metal Content. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering. 2021, 7(8): 3586–3593.

Griesiute, D., Sinusaite, L., Kizalaite, A., Antuzevics, A., Mazeika, K., Baltrunas, D., Goto, T., Sekino, T., Kareiva, A., Zarkov, A. The influence of Fe3+ doping on thermally induced crystallization and phase evolution of amorphous calcium phosphate. CrystEngComm. 2021, 23: 4627–4637.

Sinusaite, L., Kareiva, A., Zarkov, A. Thermally induced crystallization and phase evolution of amorphous calcium phosphate substituted with divalent cations having different size. Crystal Growth & Design. 2021, 21(2): 1242–1248.

Rare Earth and Transition Metal Doped Phosphors. Prof. A. Katelnikovas.

The year 2021 was dedicated to the synthesis and investigation of the novel phosphors doped with Cr³⁺, Tb³⁺, Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺, Er³⁺, Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ ions. The research has led to finding several high quality and efficient red phosphors suitable for application as colour converters in near UV based LEDs and luminescent security pigments. Four articles were published in the framework of this project in 2021.

Main publications:

Tomina, V. V., Stolyarchuk, N. V., Katelnikovas, A., Misevicius, M., Kanuchova, M., Kareiva, A., Beganskienė, A., Melnyk, I. V. Preparation and Luminescence Properties of Europium(III)-loaded aminosilica spherical particles. Colloids and Surfaces A. 2021, 608: 125552. DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2020.125552.

Sinusaite, L., Antuzevics, A., Popov, A. I., Rogulis, U., Misevicius, M., Katelnikovas, A., Kareiva, A., Zarkov, A. Synthesis and Luminescent Properties of Mn-Doped Alpha-Tricalcium Phosphate. Ceramics International. 2021, 47: 5335–5340. DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2020.10.114

National Research Projects

Vilnius University Science Promotion Fund. Synthesis and Characterization of New Calcium Phosphates with Whitlockite Structure by NMR and EPR Methods (MSF- JM- 5/2021). Assist. Dr Aleksej Zarkov. November 2021–December 2022.

European Regional Development Fund (project No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-05-0038) under grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania. The Investigation, Evaluation, and Practical Application Aspects of SARS-CoV-2 Virus Protein Interaction with Specific Antibodies. Prof. A. Ramanavičienė. 2021–2023.

European Social Fund (project no. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0106) under a grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania. Determination of Biologically Active Substances Using Spectroscopic Ellipsometry Enhanced by Plasmonic Exitations. Post-doc fellow Dr I. Plikusienė; supervisor: Prof. A. Ramanavičienė. 2020–2022.

Research Council of Lithuania. Measure No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-25-0075 Development of competences of scientists, other researchers and students through practical research activities, activity Development of students’ abilities to conduct R&D activities, sub-activities Development of students’ abilities by conducting research during the semester project Gold Nanoparticles for Sensitive Heparin Detection by Optical and Piezoelectric Signal Recording Methods. Prof. A. Ramanavičienė. 2021–2022.

Research Council of Lithuania. Measure No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-25-0013 Development of competences of scientists, other researchers and students through practical research activities, activity Development of students’ abilities to conduct R&D activities, sub-activities Development of students’ abilities by conducting research during the semester project Development and Research of a Single Enzyme Glucose Biofuel Cell. Assoc. Prof. A. Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė. 2021–2022.

Research Council of Lithuania. Measure No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-25-0074 Development of competences of scientists, other researchers and students through practical research activities, activity Development of students’ abilities to conduct R&D activities, sub-activities Development of students’ abilities by conducting research during the semester project Evaluation of Conjugation of Specific Antibodies to Quantum Dots. Assist. A. Popov. 2021–2022.

Perovskite-Based Quantum-Cutting Materials and Their Application for Efficient Composite Solar Cells. Project financed by the European Regional Development Fund according to the supported activity ‘Research Projects Implemented by World-class Researcher Groups’ under Measure No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718. Grant No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-03-0048, implementing institution: Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (project leader Dr V. Gulbinas); partner institution: Vilnius University (project leader at partner institution: Prof. Dr A. Katelnikovas).

The aim of the project is to synthesize quantum cutting inorganic perovskite nanoparticles and apply them on the surface of solar cells in order to increase their efficiency.

International Research

Horizon 2020 Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Action Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (H2020-MSCA-RISE-2017) project Novel 1D Photonic Metal Oxide Nanostructures for Early Stage Cancer Detection (No. 778157). Prof. A. Ramanavičienė. 2018–2023.

Research Council of Lithuania. The Lithuanian-Ukrainian Cooperation Programme in the Fields of Research and Technologies according to the bilateral collaboration agreement. Development of Biosensors and Biofuel Cells Based on Redox Enzymes (No. S-LU-20-11/2020). Assoc. Prof. A. Kaušaitė-Minkštimienė. 2020–2021.

Contractual Research

UAB Elme metalas (Lithuania)

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

Osaka University (Japan)
Georgetown University, Washington D.C. (USA)
University of Latvia (Latvia)
State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine (Lithuania)
Malmo University (Sweeden)
Tailorlux GmbH (Germany)
Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
Gazi University (Turkey)
University of Latvia (Latvia)
Biosensor S.R.L. (Italija)
Université D’Artois (France)
Münster University of Applied Sciences (Germany)
Université du Québec (Canada)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Padarauskas –

• editorial board member of the journal Chemija (Chemistry).

Prof. A. Ramanavičienė –

• editorial board member of the journal Sensors MDPI, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors/sectioneditors/biosensors;
• guest editor of special issue of the journal Polymers MDPI,
  https://www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers/special_issues/polymers_sensors_biosensors_ design;
• scientific committee member of the 4th International Congress on Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Turkey, http://icabc2021.firat.edu.tr/.

Assist. Prof. Dr A. Žarkov –

• guest editor for the special issue Sol-Gel Technology Applied to Materials Science: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of the Materials (2021–2022);
• guest editor for the special issue Advances in Functional Inorganic Materials Prepared by Wet Chemical Methods (Volume II) of the Crystals (2021–2022);
• guest editor for the special issue Advances in Functional Inorganic Materials Prepared by Wet Chemical Methods of the Crystals (2020–2021).

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES

• Assist. Dr Aleksej Zarkov - Young Scientist Scholarship of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (2021).

DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 2193176
E-mail:
Head - Prof. Dr Rimantas Raudonis

STAFF

Professors: Dr R. Raudonis, Dr S. Šakirzanovas (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr A. Žalga, Dr L. Vilčiauskas, Dr A. Vyšniauskas (part-time).
Assistant professors: Dr Kiuberis, Dr. Ž Stankevičiūtė.
Researcher: Dr S. Šakirzanovas (part-time).
Doctoral students: G. Gaidamavičienė, A. Diktanaitė, G. Merkininkaitė, A. Lyskoit, D. Tediashvili, J. Januškevičius, L. Šerpytis

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Film and powder synthesis by wet chemistry methods; surfaces and interfaces; nanostructural materials; sol-gel chemistry
Ceramics/bioceramics, biocomposites
Luminescent materials for solid state lighting, upconverting materials for theranostics
Solid state materials
Synthesis and investigation of different metal molybdates, vanadates, tungstates and phosphates

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

Synthesis of Calcium Phosphates by Sol-Gel Method. Ž. Stankevičiūtė. 2015–2021.

Synthesis of calcium phosphate powders with silver, hydroxyapatite composites, sol-gel synthesis. PhD student Justinas Januškevičius.

Main publications:

Garškaitė, E., Stoll, S. L., Forsberg, F., Lycksam, H., Stankevičiūtė, Ž., Kareiva, A., Quintana, A., Jensen, C. J., Liu, K., Sandberg, D. The accessibility of the cell wall in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood to colloidal Fe3O4 nanoparticles. ACS Omega. 2021, 6(33): 1–11. DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c03204.

Januškevičius, J., Stankevičiūtė, Ž., Baltrūnas, D. A., Mažeika, K., Beganskienė, A., Kareiva, A. Aqueous sol-gel synthesis of different iron ferrites: from 3D to 2D. Materials: special issue: Innovative Technologies and Materials for Coatings and Surface Treatments. 2021, 14: 1554. DOI: 10.3390/ma14061554.

Advanced Precursors for Fabrication of Novel Nano/Micro Non-Stoichiometric Boron Carbide Ceramic Structures Using Laser 3D Printing Technology. Prof. Dr S. Šakirzanovas.

Precursors possessing the proper chemical and physical properties are an essential prerequisite for the formation of 3D micro- and nano-dimension ceramic structures by laser lithography. Thus, finding new chemical precursors suitable for laser 3D polymerisation remains an urgent and timely task. The aim of this project is to prepare and investigate mixtures of boron-organic compounds with various composition and stoichiometry in order to employ it for printing 3D derivatives.

Synthesis and Investigation of Different Metal Molybdates, Vanadates, Tungstates, Phosphates, and Titanates. Assoc. Prof. Dr Artūras Žalga, Dr Giedrė Gaidamavičienė and PhD student Austėja Diktanaitė.

The development of the aqueous sol-gel synthesis technique for the preparation of different oxide materials (MgMoO₄, CaMoO₄, SrMoO₄, BaMoO₄, La₂Mo₂O₉, 5Bi₂O₃·V₂O₅, La_2/3–_xLi_3xTiO₃, LiTi₂(PO₄)₃, La₃Li₇Zr₂O₁₂, Fe₃O₄, Au#Fe₃O₄). Nano and micro-sized ceramics have been successfully synthesized by an aqueous sol-gel synthesis method using a tartaric acid as a ligand. Thermal analysis of both as-prepared gel precursors and oxides annealed at different temperatures was performed. The electrical properties of as-synthesized ceramics were additionally investigated by a broadband high temperature impedance spectroscopy techniques.

Fundamental Studies and Applications of Na- and Li-ion Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems by the Methods of Structural Analysis, Electrochemistry and Molecular Modelling. Assoc. Prof. L. Vilčiauskas, PhD student D. Tediashvili. 2017–2022.

The search, synthesis, characterization and applications of novel phosphate framework materials suitable for the Na-ion battery electrodes.

Contractual Research

Synthesis and Developement of Precursors for Laser 3D Additive Manufacturing. UAB Femtika.

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

UAB Femtika (Lithuania)
UAB Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics (Lithuania)

DEPARTMENT OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3110
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Habil. Aivaras Kareiva

STAFF

Professors: Dr J. Barkauskas, Dr A. Beganskienė, Dr Habil. A. Kareiva, Dr R. Pauliukaitė (part-time), Dr R. Skaudžius (part-time).
Associate professors: Dr I. Grigoravičiūtė-Puronienė, Dr V. Kubilius, Dr V. Plaušinaitienė (part-time).
Assistant professors: Dr G. Gaidamavičienė (part-time), Dr J. Gaidukevič (part-time), Dr A. Laurikėnas (part-time), Dr M. Misevičius, Dr J. Pilipavičius (part-time).
Senior researchers: Dr A. Zarkov, Dr E. Raudonytė-Svirbutavičienė.
Researchers: Dr V. Plaušinaitienė (part-time), Dr A. Laurikėnas (part-time), M. Vagner (part-time).
Assistant professors: J. Grigorjevaitė (part-time), G. Inkrataitė (part-time), D. Karoblis (part-time), A. Pakalniškis (part-time).
Doctoral students: R. Aukštakojytė, G. Rimkutė, G. Inkrataitė, A. Pakalniškis, M. Vagner, R. Diliautas, A. Afonina, D. Budrevičius, R. Raišelienė, R. Karalkevičienė, M. Bajoras, L. Lukavičiūtė, E. Brimas, M. Baublytė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Developments of metal-organic chemical vapour deposition technique for oxide films
Transparent conducting oxides
Dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials
Magnetic and magnetoresistant materials
Sol-gel processing of luminescent and biomaterials
Conservation and restoration chemistry
Synthesis, investigation and application of carbon nanomaterials
Synthesis of nanoparticles of metal, semiconductors and upconversion nanoparticles for biomedical and optic applications
New materials and procedures for conservation and preservation of cultural heritage
Synthesis, investigation and application of lanthanide doped garnets
Hybrid surface formation by plasma polymerization
Reduction of biological polution by cold plasma
Wood hardness and flame-retardancy properties

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

New Functional Materials and Chemical Compounds: Synthesis, Self-Order and Investigation of Properties

1. Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Polycrystalline Materials. Prof. A. Kareiva. Prof. A. Beganskienė, Prof. J. Barkauskas, Prof. R. Skaudžius. 2020–2025.

Synthesis, characterization and investigation of catalytic properties of metal-substituted (M=Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Na⁺) calcium hydroxyapatite have been performed. The luminescence and vacuum ultraviolet excitation spectroscopy of samarium doped SrB4O7 have been investigated. Also, acrylate-gelatin–carbonated hydroxyapatite (cHAP) composites for dental bone-tissue applications have been synthesized and characterized. Antibacterial properties for chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate and electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water-based mouthwashes have been studied. Alkaline earth metal substitution effects in sol-gel derived mixed-metal oxides and Mg_2-xM_x/Al₁ (M=Ca, Sr, Ba)-layered double hydroxides have been also investigated.

Main publications:

Garskaite, E., Stoll, S. L., Forsberg, F., Lycksam, H., Stankeviciute, Z., Kareiva, A., Quintana, A., Jensen, C. J., Liu, K., Sandberg, D. The Accessibility of the Cell Wall in Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Sapwood to Colloidal Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles. ACS Omega. 2021, 6: 21719–21729.

Pandey, A., Yang, T.-S., Yang, T.-I., Belem, W. F., Teng, N.-C., Chen, I.-W., Huang, C.-S., Kareiva, A., Yang J.-C. An Insight into Nano Silver Fluoride-Coated Silk Fibroin Bioinspired Membrane Properties for Guided Tissue Regeneration. Polymers. 2021, 13: 2659.

Kizalaite, A., Grigoraviciute-Puroniene, I., Asuigui, D. R. C., Stoll, S. L., Cho, S., Sekino, T., Kareiva, A., Zarkov, A. Dissolution-Precipitation Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Whitlockite with Variable Metal Content. ACS Biomater. Sci. Eng. 2021, 7: 3586–3593.

2. Synthesis of Functional Oxide Films and Heteroepitaxial Structures by MOCVD (Metalorganic Chemical Vapour Deposition). Assoc. Prof. V. Plaušinaitienė. 2011–2021.

Transparent and conductive La-doped barium stannate for optoelectronic applications in the form of thin films and obtained by chemical vapor deposition were studied. The hybrid system consisting of two different magnetoresistive materials – nanostructured Co-doped manganite La_1-xSr_x(Mn_1-yCo_y)_zO₃ and single- and few- layer graphene – were combined and investigated as potential system for magnetic field sensing.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. New Generation Materials for Light Technologies: Frontier Research on the Correlation of Optical Properties and Structure for the Purposive Synthesis (NEGEMAT) (No. S-MIP-19-59). Prof. A. Kareiva. 2019–2022.

The single-phase novel garnets were synthesized and characterized. The crystal parameters were determined.

Main publications:

Pakalniskis, A., Skapas, M., Grigoraviciute-Puroniene, I., Ramanauskas, R., Skaudzius, R., Kareiva, A. A Novel Synthetic Approach for the Preparation of Bulk Bi₃Fe₅O₁₂ on the Y₃Ga₅O₁₂ Core. Integrated Ferroelectrics. 2021, 220: 71–79.

Laurikenas, A., Sakalauskas, D., Marsalka, A., Raudonis, R., Antuzevics, A., Balevicius, V., Zarkov, A., Kareiva A. Investigation of lanthanum substitution effects in yttrium aluminium garnet: Importance of solid state NMR and EPR methods. J. Sol-Gel. Sci. Technol. 2021, 97: 479–487.

Research Council of Lithuania. MOCVD Growth and Investigations of New Generation Transparent Conducting Oxides, (TCO), (S-MIP-19-45). V. Plaušinaitienė. May 2019–March 2022.

The MOCVD technologies for the deposition of new generation transparent conducting oxides (TCO) - doped perovskite stanates films were developed. To optimize the synthesis process for electrical and optical properties of films were investigated.

Research Council of Lithuania. Novel Bulk and NanoComposite Materials – A Way towards Superior Multiferoic Properties (No. S-MIP-19-9). Prof. A. Beganskienė. 2019– 2022.

A series of powdered Y_1-xGd_xFeO₃ solid solutions (x from 0 to 1) was prepared by an aqueous sol-gel method. It was demonstrated that single-phase compounds can be obtained in the whole compositional range between the end members of the series. Room-temperature magnetic properties were shown to be strongly dependent on the ratio of Y³⁺ and Gd³⁺ ions in analyzed species. Also, solid solutions of BiFe_1-xMn_xO₃ (BiFeMnO; x from 0 to 0.5) were prepared by low temperature sol-gel processing. It was demonstrated that structural, magnetic and morphological properties of BiFeMnO samples are dependent on the chemical composition of the synthesized BiFe _1-xMn_xO₃ solid solutions.

Main publications:

Karoblis, D., Diliautas, R., Mazeika, K., Baltrunas, D., Niaura, G., Talaikis, M., Beganskiene, A., Zarkov, A., Kareiva, A. Lanthanum and Manganese Co-Doping Effects on Structural, Morphological, and Magnetic Properties of Sol-Gel Derived BiFeO₃. Materials. 2021, 14: 4844.

Karoblis, D., Zarkov, A., Mazeika, K., Baltrunas, D., Niaura, G., Beganskiene, A., Kareiva, A. YFeO₃-GdFeO₃ solid solutions: Sol-gel synthesis, structural and magnetic properties. Solid State Sci. 2021, 118: 106632.

Januskevicius, J., Stankeviciute, Z., Baltrunas, D., Mazeika, K., Beganskiene, A., Kareiva, A. Aqueous sol-gel synthesis of different iron ferrites: From 3D to 2D. Materials. 2021, 14: 1554.
Karoblis, D., Zarkov, A., Garskaite, E., Mazeika, K., Baltrunas, D., Niaura, G., Beganskiene, A., Kareiva, A. Study of gadolinium substitution effects in hexagonal yttrium manganite YMnO₃. Scientific Reports. 2021, 11: 2875.

Diliautas, R., Beganskiene, A., Karoblis, D., Mazeika, K., Baltrunas, D., Zarkov, A., Raudonis, R. and Kareiva, A. Reinspection of formation of BiFe_1-xMnxO₃ solid solutions via low temperature sol-gel synthesis route Solid State Sci. 2021, 111: 106458.

Research Council of Lithuania. The Formation of Thin Films Electrodes from Graphene-Based Materials and Applications to (Bio)Sensors (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0050). Assist. Prof. Dr J. Gaidukevič. 2020–2022.

The aim of this project is to study and develop effective thin film electrodes of graphene-based materials and to provide a scalable process to yield nanostructured graphene and its related materials for biosensor applications.

International Research Projects

HORIZON 2020 MSCA-RISE-2017: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) project TransFerr: Transition Metal Oxides with Metastable Phases: A Way towards Superior Ferroic Properties. Prof. A. Kareiva. 2017–2021.

The magnetic samples were synthesized using sol-gel combustion method with citric acid as fuel and complexing agent. Evolution of the crystal structure and magnetic properties of doped BiFeO₃ ceramics across the phase boundary region has been investigated. Magnetic properties of nanopowders and nanoceramics were investigated. Nanoscale ferroelectricity in pseudo-cubic sol-gel derived barium titanate - bismuth ferrite (BaTiO₃-BiFeO₃) solid solutions was recently determined.

Main publications:

Pakalniškis, A., Skaudžius, R., Sikolenko, V., Zhaludkevich, D. V., Silibin, M., Mažeika, K., Baltrūnas, D., Niaura, G., Talaikis, M., Karpinsky, D. V., Kareiva, A. Pressure induced phase transitions in Sm-doped BiFeO3 in the morphotropic phase boundary. Mater. Chem. Phys. 2022, 277: 125458.

Karpinsky, D. V., Silibin, M. V., Zhaludkevich, D. V., Latushka, S. I., Sysa, A. V., Sikolenko, V. V., Zhaludkevich, A. L., Khomchenko, V. A., Franz, A., Mazeika, K., Baltrunas, D., Kareiva, A. Magnetic properties of BiFeO3–BaTiO3 ceramics in the morphotropic phase boundary: A role of crystal structure and structural parameters. J. Magnet. Magnet. Mater. 2021, 539: 168409.

Morozovska, A. N., Karpinsky, D. V., Alikin, D. O., Abramov, A., Eliseev, E. A., Glinchuk, M. D., Yaremkevich, A. D., Fesenko, O. M., Tsebrienko, T. V., Pakalniškis, A., Kareiva, A., Silibin, M. V., Sidski, V. V., Kalinin, S. V., Kholkin, A. L. A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Phase Coexistence and Morphotropic Boundaries in Ferroelectric-Antiferroelectric-Antiferrodistortive Multiferroics. Acta Materialia. 2021, 213: 116939.

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

Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw (Poland)
Nanoceramics Spolka Akcyjna, Wroclaw (Poland)
Kyushu University, Fukuoka (Japan)
Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius (Lithuania)
University of Aveiro, Aveiro (Portugal)
Semiconductor Electronic Department, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Kareiva –

• member of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
• deputy editor of the journal Chemija (Chemistry);
• editorial board member of the Materials Science (Medžiagotyra);
• editorial board member of the Scientific Reports;
• editorial board member of the Eurasian Journal of Physics and Functional Materials;
• editorial board member of the Coatings;
• editorial board member of the Materials.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD

• Karoblis, Dovydas; Zarkov, Aleksej; Mažeika, Kęstutis; Baltrūnas, Dalis Antanas; Niaura, Gediminas; Beganskienė, Aldona; Kareiva, Aivaras. Structural and magnetic study of YFeO3-GdFeO3 solid solutions. Open Readings 2021: 64th international conference for students of physics and natural sciences, March 16–29 2021, Vilnius, Lithuania. http://www.openreadings.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Abstract_book_2021S.pdf
• Karoblis, Dovydas; Žarkov, Aleksej; Beganskienė, Aldona; Kareiva, Aivaras. Preparation of ruddlesden-popper calcium manganites applying molten salt synthesis. Ecobalt 2021: 22nd international scientific conference, October 21–23 2021, Riga, Latvia. DOI: 10.22364/isceb.2021
• Diliautas, Ramūnas; Beganskienė, Aldona; Karoblis, Dovydas; Baltrūnas, Dalis Antanas; Mažeika, Kęstutis; Žarkov, Aleksej; Kareiva, Aivaras. Structural, morphological and magnetic investigation of Bi_1-xGd_xFe_0.85Mn_0.15O₃ solid-solutions. Ecobalt 2021: 22nd international scientific conference, October 21–23 2021, Riga, Latvia. DOI: 10.22364/isceb.2021.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES

• Prof. Aldona Beganskienė and Prof. Aivaras Kareiva. Research Award of the Republic of Lithuania.
• Prof. Aivaras Kareiva. Medal of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

• Kareiva. Impressive World of Chemical Elements. Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, Vilnius, 2021, 552 p.
• Kareiva. 10 most expensive metals in the world. News of Lithuanian Academy of Science, 2021, (http://www.lma.lt/news/1105/38/Desimt-pasaulyje-brangiausiu-metalu).

DEPARTMENT OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3192, 223 4528
E-mail:
Head - Prof. Dr Edvinas Orentas

STAFF

Professors: Dr V. Masevičius, Dr E. Orentas (part-time), Dr Habil. S. Tumkevičius, Dr A. Žilinskas.
Professor Emeritus: Dr Habil. P. Vainilavičius.
Associate professors: Dr A. Brukštus, Dr J. Dodonova-Vaitkūnienė, Dr V. Jakubkienė, Dr R. Vaitkus.
Assistant professors: Dr I. Karpavičienė, Dr D. Sokol.
Lecturer: Dr S. Višniakova.
Researchers: Dr R. Bukšnaitienė, Dr E. Orentas (part-time), Dr G. Petraitytė.
Doctoral students: P. Kaziukonytė, I. Misiūnaitė, M. Malikėnas, I. Fiodorova, A. Jozeliūnaitė, A. Jankūnaitė, D. Naruševičius.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Metal-catalyzed organic reactions
Heterocyclic chemistry
Design, synthesis and transformations of novel nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulphur heterocycles, their functional derivatives and structural analogs of natural compounds
Design, synthesis and characterization of AdoMet analogues
Enantioselective synthesis of polycyclic molecules
Chiroptical properties
Functional supramolecular systems
Photochemistry
Self-assembly of organic molecules
Synthesis of supramolecular structures based on chiral bicyclic frameworks fused with heteroaromatic fragments
Light-emitting organic materials
Charge-transporting organic materials
Biological activity of organic compounds
Crystal engineering
X-ray diffraction
NMR, FTIR, Raman, UV, CD spectroscopy of organic compounds
Quantum chemical methods

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Development and Investigation of Functional Heteroaromatic Materials. Prof. S. Tumkevičius, Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Dodonova-Vaitkūnienė, PhD student I. Fiodorova. 2014–2021.

Novel carbazole-pyrimidine and carbazole-pyrazine conjugates as TADF emitters for OLED application were designed and synthesized by using transition metal catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Influence of electronic and steric peculiarities of substituents in a diazine moieties and their substitution patern on electronic, photophysical characteristics was investigated. The findings are important for further optimization of TADF compounds with diverse molecular structures.

Synthesis of Functionalized Propargylic Substrates and their Application in Construction of Heterocyclic Structures. Dr I. Karpavičienė, Dr. R. Bukšnaitienė, I. Misiūnaitė.

Our research focuses on the electrophile-initiated cyclization reactions of propargylic substrates combined with imidazole moiety. The investigation includes the evaluation of influence on the reaction outcome of substituents on the starting material and reaction conditions as well as the scope and limits of chosen substrates in use for the formation of new condensed imidazole systems. As a result, unprecedented oxidative N-N dimerization of imidazole derivatives has been discovered.

Synthesis of 4,6-Disubstituted Benzene-1,3-Dioles as Potential Hsp90 (Heat Shock Protein) Inhibitors. Assoc. Prof. A. Brukštus, P. Kaziukonytė.

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) belongs to the family of chaperones. Recent data showed that the amount of this chaperone significantly increases in cancerous cells, therefore it was concluded that Hsp90 is necessary for the growth of malignant cells. Treatment for these types of diseases is expected to be found by inhibiting the protein. In earlier works we demonstrated, that compounds carrying 2-alkylbenzene-1,5-diol moiety is crucial for the inhibition of Hsp90. Based on these results, our ongoing research is concentrated on the synthesis of new 4-(1-aryl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-6-alkylbenzene-1,3-dioles as possible inhibitors of Hsp90 chaperone.

Nucleic Acids Tagging Technologies. Prof. V. Masevičius, Dr G. Petraitytė, M. Malikėnas.

Synthesis and enhanced functionalities of AdoMet analogues for nucleic acids labeling biological methylation is a methyl group transfer from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) onto N-, C-, O- or S-nucleophiles in DNA, RNA, proteins or small biomolecules. The reaction is catalyzed by enzymes called AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases (MTases).
To expand the practical utility of this important enzymatic reaction, cofactors containing sulfonium-bound side-chains with various functional or signal groups instead of methyl group were synthesized. These AdoMet analogues serve as cofactors for a variety of wild-type and mutant DNA, RNA or protein MTases enabling covalent attachment of these chains to their target sites in DNA, RNA or proteins (the approach named methyltransferase-directed Transfer of Activated Groups, mTAG).
Compounds containing sulfonium-bound propargyl moiety has proved to be efficient alkylating agents for labeling of DNA and RNA alike. While DNA MTases even engineered ones like E119H M.HhaI efficiently uses AdoMet analogues with only medium size side-chains, some RNA MTazes, e.g. Hen1 can use as cofactors even large signal groups (Biotin, Cy3) possessing AdoMet analogues.

Synthesis of Polycyclic Scaffolds Fused with Heteroaromatic Metal Coordinating Units. Prof. A. Žilinskas, Dr S. Višniakova.

Vegetables as biocatalysts were screened for the stereoselective biotransformation of racemic bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-diol diacetate. The best results were obtained using the roots of carrot (Daucus carota) and parsnip (Pastinaca saliva) and the rootstocks of ginger (Zingiber officinale). During the biotransformation of racemic bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-diol diacetate the enzymatic hydrolysis took place. Under different reaction conditions, i.e. the reaction temperature and time, and using different plant material as biocatalyst, (1R,2R,5R,6R)-(+)-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-diol monoacetate or (1S,2S,5S,6S)-(-)-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-diol monoacetate were obtained as reaction products. (-)- Enantiomer with the optical purity of 29.3% was obtained at 25 degrees C using parsnip as biocatalyst for 2 days and (+)- enantiomer with the optical purity of 44.1% was obtained at 30 degrees C using carrot for 3 days.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Development of Advanced Optoelectronic Materials via Smart Molecular Engineering (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-718-01-0026). Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Dodonova-Vaitkūnienė, Prof. S. Tumkevičius.

Novel phenoxazine-pyrimidine conjugates of type D-s-A-s-D, where D and A are electron donor and acceptor, respectively, s - spacer, were designed and their optical properties investigated. An optimum molecular geometry was revealed with a balanced ratio between the singlet−triplet energy splittings and corresponding coupling strengths, showing the submicrosecond solid-state TADF lifetime and high emission yield. The optimized TADF compounds were employed in OLED devices as emitters with tunable emission color from sky-blue to green. Outstanding peak EQE values from 26% to nearly 30% were obtained with minimized EQE roll-off.
A series of purines, substituted at C2 and C6 positions with electron acceptor and donor groups of different strengths were developed, and their photophysical and complex forming properties with metal ions studied. A new concept of a ratiometric chemical fluorescence sensor for metal ions involving the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) between branches of different ligands as a mechanism of fluorescence modulation has been proposed.

Main publications:

Serevicius, T., Skaisgiris, R., Kreiza, G., Dodonova, J., Kazlauskas, K., Orentas, E., Tumkevicius, S., Jursenas, S. TADF Parameters in the Solid State: An Easy Way to Draw Wrong Conclusions. J. Phys. Chem. A. 2021, 125: 1637.

Serevičius, T., Skaisgiris, R., Fiodorova, I., Kreiza, G., Banevičius, D., Kazlauskas, K., Tumkevičius, S., Juršėnas, S. Single-Exponential Solid-State Delayed Fluorescence Decay in TADF Compounds with Minimized Conformational Disorder. J. Mater. Chem. C. 2021, 9(3): 836.

Research Council of Lithuania. Next Generation Fluorescent Viscosity Sensors (No-S-MIP-19-6). Assoc. Prof. J. Dodonova-Vaitknienė. Vilnius University - partner of CPST (FTMC) Dr A. Vyšniauskas. 2019–2022.

We developed a new red-emitting, viscosity-sensitive, BODIPY fluorophore BP-PH-2M-NO₂ that is suitable for reliable intracellular viscosity imaging of lipid droplets in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The design of BP-PH-2M-NO₂ was aided by DFT calculations that allowed a successful prediction of the viscosity sensitivity of fluorophores before synthesis. New red viscosity probe possesses monoexponential fluorescence decay that makes it attractive for lifetime-based viscosity imaging.

Main publication:

Maleckaitė, K. Dodonova, J. Toliautas, S. Žilėnaitė, R. Jurgutis, D. Karabanovas, V. Tumkevičius, S. Vyšniauskas A. Chem. Eur. J. 2021, 27: 16768.

Research Council of Lithuania. New Entries into the Chemistry of Organic Free-Radicals (GoRadical) (S-MIP-17-46). Prof. E. Orentas.

New organo-photocatalysts for redox-neutral transformation were designed and synthesized building on the principle of intramolecular electron-shuffling. High photoactivity and recyclability in photooxidative transformations has been demonstrated for cheap off-the-shelf heterogeneous catalyst- fullerene soot. To expand its practical utility, flow-reaction setup has been developed with heterogeneous catalyst within the mobile phase.
New versatile Electrophilic-Nucleophilic Thioamination (ENTA) sulfenamide based reagents were developed for the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant morpholine compounds.

Main publications:

Orentas, E. Four-membered Rings with One Oxygen and One Nitrogen Atom. Comprehensive Heterocyclic Chemistry IV. |Book Chapter|, 2021.

Javorskis, T., Jurys, A., Bagdžiūnas, G. and Orentas, E. Synthesis of C- and N-Substituted 1, 5, 2, 6-dithiadiazocanes–Electrophilic-Nucleophilic Thioamination (ENTA) Reagents. Adv. Synth. & Cat. 2021, 363: 3329.

Jozeliūnaitė, A., Valčeckas, D., Orentas, E. Fullerene Soot and Fullerene Nanodispersion as Recyclable Heterogeneous Off-the-Shelf Photocatalysts. RSC Advances. 2021, 11: 4104.

Research Council of Lithuania. Triplet State Engineering in Organic Optoelectronics Compounds (09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0084, Dr K. Kazlauskas). Prof. E. Orentas, Dr T. Javorskis, A. Jozeliūnaitė, V. Vaitkevičius.

In-depth understanding of factors governing NIR-to-vis light upconversion processes has been acquired by investigating a collection of rubrene derivatives substituted with bulky groups. Record value of upconversion yield has been obtained using rationally modified emitters and applying new film preparation techniques.
A series of TADF emitters possessing naphthyridine acceptors have been designed and synthesized.

Main publications:

Kreiza, G., Berenis, D., Banevičius, D., Juršėnas, S., Javorskis, T., Orentas, E., Kazlauskas, K. High efficiency and extremely low roll-off solution- and vacuum-processed OLEDs based on isophthalonitrile blue TADF emitter. Chem. Eng. J. 2021, 412: 128574.

Serevicius, T., Skaisgiris, R., Kreiza, G., Dodonova, J., Kazlauskas, K., Orentas, E., Tumkevicius, S., Jursenas, S. TADF Parameters in the Solid State: An Easy Way to Draw Wrong Conclusions. J. Phys. Chem. A. 2021, 125: 1637.

Radiunas, E., Dapkevičius, M., Naimovičius, L., Baronas, P., Raišys, S., Juršėnas, S., Jozeliūnaitė, A., Javorskis, T., Šinkevičiūtė, U., Orentas, E. and Kazlauskas, K. NIR-to-vis photon upconversion in rubrenes with increasing structural complexity. J. Mat. Chem. C. 2021, 9: 4359.

Characterization of SupramolecularAaggregates by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy (09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0022). Dr V. Klimavičius; supervisor Prof. E. Orentas.

Main publication:

Klimavičius, V., Kuliešius, F., Orentas, E., Balevičius, V. Secular and Semi-Nonsecular Models of Cross-Polarization Kinetics for Remote Spins: An Application for Nano-Structured Calcium Hydroxyapatite. Lith. J. Phys. 2021, 61: 27.

International Research Projects

ERC grant Bridging the Gap in Our Understanding of Genomic Methylation (EpiTrack). Prof. S. Klimašauskas, Prof. V. Masevičius, G. Petraitytė, M. Malikėnas.

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

University of Oxford (UK)
University of Tokyo (Japan)
Ludwig Maximilians Universität München (Germany)
University of Lund (Sweden)
Nanjing Tech University (China)
University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (Latvia)
Riga Technical University (Latvia)
UAB Sanobiotec
UAB DeltaBiosciences

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Prof. E. Orentas –

• member of Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences,
  http://www.lma.lt/young-academy;
• chair of organizing committee of international conference Balticum Organicum Syntheticum (BOS); https://boschem.eu/bos2020/committees/.

Prof. S. Tumkevičius –

• editorial board member of the journal Chemija, https://www.lmaleidykla.lt/ojs/index.php/chemija/about.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD

• Prof. E. Orentas. Invited lecture, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
• Prof. E. Orentas. Invited lecture, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia.

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 233 4628, 219 3181
E-mail:
Head - Prof. Dr Habil. Arūnas Ramanavičius

STAFF

Professors: Dr Habil. Arūnas Ramanavičius, Dr Henrikas Cesiulis.
Associate professors: Dr Aušra Valiūnienė, Dr Deivis Plaušinaitis, Dr Ieva Plikusienė.
Assistants: Dr Lina Mikoliūnaitė, Dr Urtė Samukaitė-Bubnienė, Dr Inga Gabriūnaitė.
Teaching assistant: Povilas Virbickas.
Doctoral students: Sigita Bendinskaitė, Gabija Kavaliauskaitė, Viktorija Liustrovaitė, Margarita Poderytė, Povilas Virbickas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Sensors
Biosensors
Biofuel cells
Bioelectrochemistry
Bioelectrochemical systems
Conducing polymers
Gas sensors
Electrochromic materials
Scanning electrochemical microscopy
Ellipsometry
Surface plasmon resonance
Investigation of the electrodeposition and properties of obtained tungsten- and molybdenum-containing alloys
Metals and alloys electrodeposition
Corrosion of metals and alloys
Template-assisted deposition
Electrooxidation of cyanides
Electrochemical treatment of titanium, tungsten
Photoelectrochemistry
Electrocatalysis
Electrodeposition and corrosion behaviour of metals and alloys

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

National Research Projects

Lithuanian Research Council. Glucose Fuel Cells (GlucoFuelCell) (No. S-MIP-20-18). Prof. Dr Habil. Arūnas Ramanavičius.

Main publications:

Liustrovaitė, V., Valiūnienė, A., Valinčius, G., Ramanavičius, A. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy based Evaluation of Chlorophyll a Reconstitution within Tethered Bilayer Lipid Membrane. Journal of the Electrochemical Society. 2021, 168: 066506. https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ac0262.

Ramanavicius, S., Ramanavicius, A. Conducting Polymers in the Design of Biosensors and Biofuel Cells. Polymers. 2021, 13: 49. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13010049.

Ramanavicius, S., Ramanavicius, A. Charge transfer and biocompatibility aspects in conducting polymers based enzymatic biosensors and biofuel cells. Nanomaterials. 2021, 11: 371.

MITA. Application of Titanium Compounds in Gas (01.2.1-MITA-T-851). Prof. Dr Habil. Arūnas Ramanavičius.

Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT). Project from European Regional Development Fund (project No 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-01-0063).

Main publications:

Virbickas, P., Valiūnienė, A., Baryševa, D., Ramanavičius, A. Determination of cyanide concentration by chronoamperometry, cyclic voltammetry and fast Fourier transform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry. 2021, 895: 115449. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2021.115449.

Valiūnienė, A., Kavaliauskaitė, G., Virbickas, P., Ramanavičius, A. Prussian blue based impedimetric Urea biosensor. Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry. 2021, 895: 115473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2021.115473.

Dronina, J., Samukaite-Bubniene, U., Ramanavicius, A. The application of DNA polymerases and Cas9 as representative of DNA-modifying enzymes group in DNA sensor design (Review). Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 2021, 175: 112867. DOI:10.1016/j.bios.2020.112867.

European Social Fund under grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT) (No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0153).

Main publication:

Samukaite-Bubniene, U., Valiūnienė, A., Bucinskas, V., Genys, P., Ratautaite, V., Ramanaviciene, A., Aksun, E., Tereshchenko, A., Zeybek, B., Ramanavicius, A. Towards supercapacitors: Cyclic voltammetry and fast Fourier transform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy based evaluation of polypyrrole electrochemically deposited on the pencil graphite electrode. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 2021, 610: 125750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2020.125750.

Research by European Regional Development Fund under Promotion of Centers of Excellence and Innovation and Technology Transfer Centers program No. 01.2.2-CPVA−K-703, grant No. 01.2.2-CPVA-K-703-03-0010.

Main publication:

Gabriunaite, I., Valiūnienė, A., Sabirovas, T. and Valincius, G. Mixed Silane-based Self-assembled Monolayers Deposited on Fluorine Doped Tin Oxide as Model System for Development of Biosensors for Toxin Detection. Electroanalysis. 2021, 33: 1315–1324. https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.202060578.

European Social Fund (no. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0106) under a grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT).

Main publication:

Plikusiene, I., Maciulis, V., Ramanaviciene, A., Balevicius, Z., Buzavaite-Verteliene, E., Ciplys, E., Slibinskas, R., Simanavicius, M., Zvirbliene, A., Ramanavicius, A. Evaluation of Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Interaction between Immobilized SARS-CoV-2 Nucleoprotein and Specific Antibodies by Total Internal Reflection Ellipsometry. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. 2021, 594: 195–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2021.02.100.

International Research

Lithuanian-Latvian-Taiwan project with Research Council of Lithuania. Flow-Through System Based Immunoanalytical Devices for the Diagnosis of Viral Infections (No S-LLT-21-3). Prof. Dr Habil. Arūnas Ramanavičius.

Research Council of Lithuania, GILIBERT 2021 program agreement No S-LZ-21-4 and co-founded by Campus France grant No. 46593RA (PHC GILIBERT 2021). Composite Materials for Immunosensors. Prof. Dr Habil. Arūnas Ramanavičius.

HORIZON 2020 program Research and Innovation Staff Exchanges (RISE). Multiscaled Smart Metallic and Semiconductor Electrodes for Electrochemical Processing and Devices (SMARTELECTRODES). Prof. Dr Henrikas Cesiulis.

Demand of “smart” electrodes/systems has recently increased due to significant role of various devices/equipment based on these electrodes - urgent needs of present and forthcoming human activities. The multi- and interdisciplinary project SMARTELECTRODES is proposing elaboration of advanced systems covered under umbrella of “smart” electrodes which will be involved and play significant roles in several important electrochemical/electrophysical applications as catalysis/electrocatalysis, sensoring, thermoelectrics, electrowinning, electrochemical machining and electrospark alloying. The development of multiscaled (from nano- to macro-; from nanodot to volumized 3D-) metallic and semiconductor electrodes and integration of them into working systems/equipment is the main target of the project.
The project SMARTELECTRODES is highly innovative R&D training network, which aims: to develop long lasting collaborations between four academic (Vilnius University, Lithuania; Institute of Applied Physics, Moldova; Clarkson University, USA; Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of BSU, Belarus) and two companies (JSC Topaz, Moldova and JSC “Electronics Treatment Technologies”, EPT, Lithuania); to develop new electrodes based on chalcogenides, iron group metals and “technological” electrodes; to increase career perspectives of each participant that will lead to benefit of each member and partnership as a whole.

Main publications:

Mažeika, K., Reklaitis, J., Nicolenco, A., Vainoris, M., Tsyntsaru, N., Cesiulis, H. Magnetic state instability of disordered electrodeposited nanogranular Fe films. Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials. 2021, 540: 168433.

Nicolenco, A., Chen, Y., Tsyntsaru, N., Cesiulis, H., Pellicer, E., Sort, J. Mechanical, magnetic and magnetostrictive properties of porous Fe-Ga films prepared by electrodeposition. Materials&Design. 2021, 208: 109915.

Belevskii, S., Silkin, S., Tsyntsaru, N., Cesiulis, H., Dikusar, A. The Influence of Sodium Tungstate Concentration on the Electrode Reactions at Iron–Tungsten Alloy Electrodeposition. Coatings. 2021, 11: 981. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11080981.

Patent application:

I. Gabriūnaitė, A. Valiūnienė, G. Valinčius, A. Žilinskas. Phospholipid biosensor and method for its fabrication on the surface of silanized oxides (FOSFOBIO), No. LT 2021 533.

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

Clarkson University (USA)
University Autonoma Barcelona (Spain)
Belarus State University (Belarus)
Institute of Applied Physics of MAS (Moldova)
Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
JSC Elektronikos Perdirbimo Technologijos (Lithuania)
Montpelier University (France)
Institute of Applied Mechanics, National Taiwan University (Taiwan)
Latvia University (Latvia)
Riga technical University (Latvia)
Poznan Adam Myzkevic University (Poland)
University of Tartu (Estonia)
Talin technological University (Estonia)
Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center (Lithuania)
Central Laboratory for Solar Energy and New Energy Sources, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (Bulgaria)
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Dumlupınar University (Turkey)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Prof. H. Cesiulis –

• editorial board member of the journal Surface Engineering and Applied Electrochemistry;
• editorial board member of the journal Corrosion Protection.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES

• VU Rector’s award to Prof. Dr Habil. Arūnas Ramanavičius for outstanding scientific achievements.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES

• Prof. Dr Habil. A. Ramanavičius: member and chairman (from October 2019) of Council of Technology Committee in MITA (National Science and Technology Foundation).

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES

• Prof. Dr Habil. A. Ramanavičius: expert evaluator in ERA-NET program.
• Prof. Dr Habil. A. Ramanavičius: expert evaluator in National Science Centre, Poland (NCN).
• Assoc. Prof. A. Valiūnienė: expert of several research proposals which were submitted to the National Science Centre, Poland; expert in the Committee ‘Nanotechnologies, Advanced materials, Biotechnology, Advanced manufacturing and processing’ of the Horizon 2020 program; expert in the best dissertation competition.

DEPARTMENT OF POLYMER CHEMISTRY

Naugarduko 24, LT-03225 Vilnius
Tel. 219 3227
E-mail:
Head - Prof. Dr Ričardas Makuška

STAFF

Professors: Dr R. Makuška, Dr S. Budrienė.
Associate professors: Dr A. Vareikis, Dr T. Kochanė.
Assistant professors: Dr A. Bočkuvienė, Dr J. Jonikaitė-Švėgždienė, Dr V. Klimkevičius (part-time), Dr M. Steponavičiūtė (part-time).
Researchers: Dr T. Krivorotova, Dr V. Klimkevičius (part-time), Dr M. Steponavičiūtė (part-time).
Doctoral students: M. Jurkūnas, L. Pastarnokienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Synthesis and modification of polymers
Controlled radical polymerization
Polyelectrolytes from natural and synthetic building blocks
Amphiphilic and charge-carrying brush polymers
Surface modification by polymeric nanostructures
Polymeric carriers for bioactive compounds
Immobilization of biocatalysts onto polymeric carriers
Encapsulation of hydrophilic and lipophilic materials within polymeric shells
Synthesis and investigation of elastomers for artificial polymeric tissues
Self-healing coatings for industrial applications
Design and synthesis of polymer-inorganic hybrid optical nanomaterials for biomedical applications

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

Synthesis and Study of Brush Polymers for Surface Modification. Prof. Dr R. Makuška.

Cationic gradient brush copolymers carrying PEO side chains and catechol moieties were synthesized by RAFT copolymerisation of PEO macromonomer and DMAEMA with succeeding quaternisation, and the copolymers were characterised by SEC, NMR, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. Catechol-containing diblock brush copolymers were synthesized, and wear resistance of such copolymer layers in water was evaluated and compared with that of statistical copolymers with similar composition. The presence of catechol groups in the structure of the neutral diblock copolymers gave the highest underwater wear resistance of the adsorbed layers.

Main publications:

Steponaviciute, M., Klimkevicius, V., Makuska, R. Synthesis and properties of cationic gradient brush copolymers carrying PEO side chains and catechol moieties. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics. 2021, 222(4): 2000364. DOI: 10.1002/macp.202000364.

Dobryden, I., Steponaviciute, M., Hedman, D., Klimkevicius, V., Makuska, R., Dedinaite, A., Liu, X., Corkery R. W., Claesson, P. M. Local wear of catechol-containing diblock copolymer layers: wear volume, stick-slip, and nanomechanical changes. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C. 2021, 125(38): 21277–21292. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c06859.

Macernis, M., Bockuviene, A., Gruskiene, R., Krivorotova, T., Sereikaite, J. Raman study for beta-ring positioning in beta-carotene complexes with cyclodextrins and Cchitooligosaccharides. Journal of Molecular Structure. 2021, 1226: 129362. DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.129362.

Synthesis and Investigation of Elastomers for Artificial Polymeric Tissues. Prof. Dr. S. Budrienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr T. Kochanė.

PVA with different molecular weights was modified with various epoxy compounds: diepoxy-PDMS with different molecular weights, monoepoxy-PDMS, glycidyl methacrylate, and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether. Films of the elastomers were cured by UV-irradiation. Structure of the copolymers and films was determined. Hydrophilicity, porosity, biocompatibility, mechanical properties and thermal degradation of the films were evaluated.

Main publications:

Maciulyte, S., Mamaviciute, I., Straksys, A., Kochane, T., Budriene, S. New poly(urethane-urea) microcapsules from PVA modified with APTES: preparation, characterization and enzyme encapsulation. Polymer Bulletin. 2021, 78: 1867–1886.

Straksys, A., Kochane, T., Maciulyte, S., Budriene, S. Porous poly(urethane urea) microparticles for immobilization of maltogenic alpha amylase from Bacillus stearothermophilus. Chemija. 2021, 32(3–4): 127–136.

Synthesis of Amphiphilic Stimuli-Responsive Polymers and Investigation of Their Solution Properties. Dr. V. Klimkevičius.

Temperature response of amphiphilic (co)polymers in aqueous solutions was evaluated. The effect of composition of the copolymers on conformational changes in aqueous solutions was investigated by measuring particle size by dynamic light scattering. Surface of optically active nanoparticles was modified by using amphiphilic copolymers. The effect of polymer architecture on particle surface potential and colloidal stability was investigated.

Main publication:

Klimavicius, V., Dagys, L., Klimkevicius, V., Lengvinaitė, D., Aidas, K., Balciunas, S., Banys, J., Chizhik, V., Balevicius V. Solid-state NMR and impedance spectroscopy study of spin dynamics in proton-conducting polymers: an application of anisotropic relaxing model. The Journal of Physical Chemistry B. 2021, 125(45): 12592–12602. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c06533.

National Research Projects

Lithuanian Business Support Agency at the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of Lithuania. Innovative Anti-Corrosion Coatings for Industrial and Transport Applications (No S-J05-LVPA-K-03-0139). Prof. Dr R. Makuška. 2018–2021.

Implementing the project, four different innovative anti-corrosion coatings that are either scratch-resistant, or underwater-curing, or contaminant-repelling, or do not contain volatile organic compounds were developed and tested. Prototypes of the novel anti-corrosion coatings for industrial applications were prepared and tested under real exploitation conditions.

Lithuanian Business Support Agency at the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of Lithuania. Polyaspartic Coatings without Volatile Organic Compounds for Wooden Surfaces (No 01.2.1-LVPA-K-856-01-0089). Prof. Dr R. Makuška. 2021–2023.

Implementing the project, 3 new closely related products – polyaspartic coatings without volatile organic compounds (VOC) for wooden surfaces, encapsulated active compounds providing self-healing for polymer coatings, and self-healing polyaspartic coatings without VOC for wooden surfaces – will be developed. Prototypes of the products will be prepared and improved making them ready for industrial production.

International Research Projects

Contractual Research

UAB Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics. Dr V. Klimkevičius.

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

Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics (Lithuania)
UAB Litnobiles (Lithuania)
Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Centre, Vilnius University (Lithuania)
Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (Lithuania)
Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Prof. R. Makuška –

• member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences;
• editorial board member of the journal Chemija (Chemistry).

 

INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCES

M. K. Čiurlionio 21/27, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8268
e-mail:
Director – Prof. Dr Egidijus Rimkus

STAFF

DEPARTMENTS OF THE INSTITUTE

Department of Cartography and Geoinformatics
Department of Geography and Land Management
Department of Geology and Mineralogy
Department of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology
Department of Hydrology and Climatology

RESEARCH AREAS

Geographical differentiation of Lithuania’s territory in terms of state development and territorial planning
Changes in ecosystems and climate, conservation of the environment and the use of natural resources

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2021

J. Kilpys. Determination of snow cover characteristics in flat land areas using remote sensing methods.
D. Dankina. Late Permian fish from Baltic States and Poland: taxonomy, palaeoecology and biostratigraphy.
S. Lozovskis. Petrography and petrophysical properties of the Lower Silurian shales of West Lithuania – geological assessment of gas shale prospects.
A. Cichon-Pupienis. Reconstruction of depositional environments in time, organic matter enrichment and thermal maturity of the lower Palaeozoic mudstones in the Lithuanian part of the Baltic Basin.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2021

5th IMERP (The International Meeting of Early-stage Researchers in Palaeontology). 18–21 May 2021.
IX national conference Geography: science and education. Vilnius, Lithuania, 10 September 2021.

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2021

Prof. Sigitas Radzevičius. Vilnius University Rector’s prize for outstanding scientific achievements. 


DEPARTMENT OF CARTOGRAPHY AND GEOINFORMATICS

M. K. Čiurlionio 21/27, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8296
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Habil. Algimantas Česnulevičius

STAFF

Professors: Dr G. Beconytė, Dr Habil. A. Česnulevičius.
Associate professor: Dr A. Bautrėnas.
Assistant professors: Dr A. Balčiūnas, Dr L. Bevainis, Dr D. Ovodas, Dr K. Papšys (part-time).
Lecturers: N. Mačiulevičiūtė -Turlienė (part-time), L. Šutinienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: N. Mačiulevičiūtė-Turlienė, R. Skapaitė, L. Šutinienė, R. Viliuvienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Methods of complex cartographic visualization
Unmanned aircraft vehicles using for dynamic surface research
History of Lithuanian cartography
Mapping of natural, social and economic phenomena of Lithuanian territory
Investigation of mental maps

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

Development of Ground-Based Topographic Methods and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Aerial Imagery Methodologies to Assess the Condition and Stability of River Outcrops and Dunes. Prof. A. Česnulevičius. 2019–2024.

The aim of the project is to develop a methodology for assessing the condition and stability of river outcrops and blow out dunes based on ground-based topographic measurements and aerial imagery of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Surface topographic measurements are based on repeated surface measurements in blown dune repeated and river outcrops. Aerial image analysis is performed using achromatic and chromatic aerial photographs of unmanned aerial vehicles. Tasks include methodologies for planning the optimal flight routes of unmanned aircraft (optimal flight altitude, aerial photography overlay, selection of the spectrum of aerial photographs), development of methods for optimizing achromatic histograms of aerial photographs, methods of photogrammetric measurement of aerial photographs that allow. Accurately estimate surface changes. The purpose of river cover studies is to assess the rates of decay and possible changes in their position in the near future.

Main publication:

Česnulevičius, A., Bautrėnas, A., Morkūnaitė, R., Bevainis, L., Kumetaitienė, A., Ovodas, D., Mačiulevičiūtė-Turlienė, N., Šutinienė, L., Karaliūnas, V., Baubinienė, A., Baužienė, I. Investigation and mapping of the temporary dynamics of the highest Lithuanian outcrop using ground-based measurements and UAV imagery. Baltica. 2021, 34(1): 108–122. 

Research of Mental Maps. Prof. G.Beconytė. 2019–2024

Purpose of investigation is to assess how geographical reality is reflected in people’s consciousness. 2021 research focuses on a study of symbols and emotions in children’s consciousness maps.
Were examined 130 sources of information related to the analysis of symbols of mental maps. The structure of the performed source analysis is related to the consistent disclosure of mental map styles: the analysis of the concept of mental map styles, the importance of style, the visualization of local place and space. Have been formulated the methodology, which applied for the evaluation of mental maps and the analysis of individual functional criteria.
The maps created by the children for the International Barbara Petchenik children’s map competition (national selection stage) were digitized for the study of mental maps. A structured map database has been created.

Main publication:Beconyte, G., Govorov, M., Balciunas, A., Vasiliauskas, D. Spatial distribution of criminal events in Lithuania in 2015–2019. Journal of Maps. 2021, 17(1): 153–161.

Contractual Research

Compilation, editing and preparation for publication of Lithuania, the World, Europe and Scandinavia maps.
Contractual - closed joint stock company Infoface.

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

Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Klaipeda University (Lithuania)
State enterprise GIS – center
Closed joint stock company Hnit- Baltic
International Cartographic Association

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Dr A. Balčiūnas –

• President of Lithuanian Cartographic Society.

Dr A. Bautrėnas –

• member of the Board of the Lithuanian Cartographic Society.

Prof. G.Beconytė –

• member of AGILE International Conference on Geographic Information Science, Scientific committee;
• editorial board member of the journal Kartographische Nachrichten – Journal of Cartography and Geographic Information;
• editorial board member of the journal Geodesy and Cartography;
• member of Commission for Geovisualization and Commission for Children and Cartography (International Cartographic Association);
• editorial board member of the Journal of Maps;
• Executive secretary of Lithuanian Society of Cartographers.

Dr Linas Bevainis –

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

Prof. A.Česnulevičius –

• international editorial board member of the journal Baltica;
• editorial board member of the journal Geology, Geography;
• editorial board member of the journal Geodesy and Cartography;
• editorial board member of the journal Polish Cartographical Review.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES

• Beconytė G. Member of United Nations group of experts on geographical names (National Land Service).
• Bevainis L. Chairman of the Digital Geographic Information Technical Committee of the Lithuanian Standardization Department.
• Česnulevičius A. Member of United Nations Lithuanian group of experts on geographical names (National Land Service).

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES

• Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania
• Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania
• Lithuanian Geography Teachers Association
• National Land Service

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES

• Two consultations for Lithuanian Radio.
• Three consultations for the website Delfi.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

• More than 5 interviews, radio and TV broadcasts.
• More than 10 public lectures.

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND LAND MANAGEMENT

M. K. Čiurlionio 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8286
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Darijus Veteikis

STAFF

Professors: Dr D. Veteikis, Dr D. Krupickaitė, Dr J. Mačiulytė (part-time), Dr D. Burneika (part-time), Dr Habil. P. Kavaliauskas (emeritus).
Associate professors: Dr R. Prapiestienė, Dr F. Kavoliutė, Dr R. Šimanauskienė, Dr R. Tučas, Dr R. Skorupskas, Dr J. Volungevičius.
Assistant professors: Dr L. Jukna, Dr G. Godienė (part-time), Dr I. Misiūnė (part-time, postdoc), Dr S. Šabanovas (part-time), Dr M. Jankauskaitė (part-time), E. L. Dvilevičius (part-time).
Lecturer: V. Baranauskienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: A. Jasinavičiūtė, G. Kurmilavičienė, E. Piškinaitė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Remote sensing and spatial analysis of landscape, ecosystems and soils
History and monitoring of landscapes
Land use/land cover change analysis
Spatial analysis of political, social, and economical processes
Prognoses of spatial changes of society
Urban geography
Migration studies
Rural geography
Ecosystem services and their social demand
Optimization of land management and strategic planning
Geographical groundings of regional policy
Medical and health geography
Electoral geography
Mapping and visualization of geographical processes

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2020

Projects Supported by University Budget

Landscape Anthropogenization and Justification of the Need for Ecosystem Services. Prof. D. Veteikis. 2019–2024.

The aim of the project is to assess the extent, direction and impact of landscape change on the quality and need for ecosystem services. There are several parallel studies carried on within the scope of the project. One is to evaluate the influence of landscape instability caused by anthropogenic disturbances on the quality of ecosystem services on a national level. The classification of the landscapes under anthropogenic impact in local level is being created in order to get the knowledge on landscape variety in the country. The trajectories of landscape structure change having started from the middle of the 19th century are being under evaluation using the historical maps.

Main publication:

Misiune, I., Julian, J. P., Veteikis, D. Pull and push factors for use of urban green spaces and priorities for their ecosystem services: Case study of Vilnius, Lithuania, Urban Forestry and Urban Greening. 2021, 58: 126899, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126899.

Changes in Soil Properties and Their Impact on Landscape Structure and Rational Use. Assoc. Prof. J. Volungevičius. 2019–2024.

The aim of the research is to determine the tendencies of changes in Lithuanian soil properties under the conditions of their different use. The identification of trends is relevant to assess the sustainability of the use of soil resources and to predict changes in their quality. This is relevant when substantiating agro-ecosystem spatial planning measures and recommendations for use intensity. It is important to study not only the soils of agricultural areas, but also the soils in protected areas in order to compare how the properties of the soil change with its use. During the study, changes in soil profile morphology, chemical, physical properties and moisture regime were analysed. Intensive use of soil in agriculture has been found to cause loss of soil organic carbon, deterioration of its structure and disruption of the hydrothermal regime. Researchers also cooperated with the Nature Research Centre while investigating nearshore sandbars.

Main publication:

Janusaite, R., Jukna, L., Jarmalavicius, D., Pupienis, D., Zilinskas, G. A Novel GIS-Based Approach for Automated Detection of Nearshore Sandbar Morphological Characteristics in Optical Satellite Imagery. Remote Sensing. 2021, 13(11): 2233. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13112233

Ecological Living as a Strategy for the Survival of Regions. Prof. D. Krupickaitė. 2019–2024.

The objective of the project is to explore the potential of ecological lifestyles for sustainable regional development. Among the other tasks developed by the project team were (1) the problem of territorial integration of gated communities in Lithuania, (2) territorial processes of residents in Lithuania, (3) optimization of the network of electoral territories (constituencies and wards); (4) evaluation of condition of heritage objects in protected areas; (5) city image studies.

Main publication:

Žalalytė, V., Šabanovas, S. The application of new urbanism ideas in Vilnius. The Geographical Yearbook. 2021, 54: 1–14.

Geographical Research of Lithuanian Countryside in the Context of European Socio - Economic Changes. Prof. J. Mačiulytė. 2019–2024.

Since 1990, Lithuanian rural society has been undergoing profound economic and social changes. The aim of the research is to analyse the development of Lithuanian rural areas and the current dynamics based on the diversification of social and economic functions in the EU context. The study uses statistical data (demographic, socio-economic) that allow assessing the functions and development of the territory.

Main publication:

Dictionary of Geography (Aiškinamasis geografijos terminų žodynas). Eds.: Paulius Kavaliauskas and Dovilė Krupickaitė. Authors of texts: Paulius Kavaliauskas, Dovilė Krupickaitė, Giedrė Beconytė, Donatas Burneika, Algimantas Česnulevičius, Vidmantas Daugirdas, Marytė Dumbliauskienė, Margarita Jankauskaitė, Darius Jarmalavičius, Edis Kriaučiūnas, Jurgita Mačiulytė, Albinas Pilipaitis, Donatas Pupienis, Egidijus Rimkus, Gintaras Stankūnavičius, Rasa Šimanauskienė, Rolandas Tučas, Gintaras Valiuškevičius, Darijus Veteikis, Jonas Volungevičius. - Vilnius : Vilnius University Press, 2021.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Quality Assessment of Urban Public Green Spaces: Ecological Value and Visit Attraction (No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0174 20). Postdoctoral project. Postdoctoral funding call. I. Misiūnė (supervisor D. Veteikis). 2021 September –2023 September.

International Research Projects

Algae Service for Life (Algae – Economy Based Ecological Service of Aquatic Ecosystems LIFE17 ENV/LT/000407). R. Skorupskas. 2017–2022.

Aerial photography of sample water bodies, image data analysis initiation.

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

Lithuanian Social Research Centre (Lithuania)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Ruhr University Bochum (Germany)
Montpellier III University (France)
Bamberg University (Germany)
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland)
Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany)
Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (Poland)
Klaipėda University (Lithuania)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Prof. D. Veteikis –

• editorial board member of the journal The Geographical Yearbook;
• editorial board member of Administration Locorum series of the Acta Scientiarum Polonorum.

Prof. D. Krupickaitė –

• deputy editor of the journal The Geographical Yearbook;
• a member of Scientific Committee of EUGEO in Prague 2021, https://www.eugeo2021.eu/committees/.

Assoc. Prof. R. Šimanauskienė –

• editorial board member for The Geographical Yearbook.

Dr I. Misiūnė –

• invited editor for the SPRINGER NATURE book edition entitled Exploring the Multiple Values of Nature - Connecting Ecosystems and People across Landscapes.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD

• Godienė G. Survive, share and co-create at the Pandemic lock-down: Participatory joint GIS mapping of personal experience. 6 May 2021. ARQUS academy week. Citizen Science. Granada University.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES

• Prof. D. Krupickaitė (chairwoman), Prof. D. Veteikis, Prof. D. Burneika. Members of the commission for preparation of Descriptor of the study fields of physical and human geography (Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education).
• Prof. D. Krupickaitė. An expert at the Research Council of Lithuania; an expert at National Science Centre (Narodowe Centrum Nauki, Poland).
• Prof. J. Mačiulytė. Expert in international scientific database Lituanistika of bibliographic records, abstracts and full-text documents; an associate member of the Centre for Russian, Caucasian and Central European Studies of the School of Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences in France and the scientific laboratory UMR 5281 ART-Dev of Montpellier III at the Paul Valéry University.
• Assoc. Prof. R. Skorupskas, Assoc. Prof. J. Volungevičius. Experts for evaluation of the solutions (landscape, environmental, protected areas, soil, agriculture and forestry parts) offered in the Comprehensive Plan of the Republic of Lithuania (Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania).
• Assoc. Prof. J. Volungevičius. An expert in the Decarbonation Task Force, dedicated to updating the National Energy and Climate Plan (Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania); and expert in a working group on the draft action plan for sustainable soil use (Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania); a consultant for Agriculture, food, rural development and fisheries development programs 2021–2030.
• Assoc. Prof. R. Tučas. An independent expert for working group of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania on the Review of Electoral Systems.
• Assist. Prof. G. Godienė. A member of national expert groups National Landscape policy amendment group (Ministry of Environment of LR) and Landscape and Protected areas sectorial group of the Process of National Forest agreement (Ministry of Environment of LR), etc.
• Assist. Prof. S. Šabanovas. A member of General Education Council at the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport and a member of General Education Curriculum Implementation Research Group at National Agency for Education.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

• 73 popular media publications and media posts;
• 34 interviews, radio and TV broadcasts;
• 13 public lectures;
• +10 excursions for public.

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY

M. K. Čiurlionio 21/27, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8292
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Andrej Spiridonov

STAFF

Professors: Dr P. Šinkūnas, Dr S. Radzevičius, Dr A. Spiridonov.
Associate professors: Dr D. Kaminskas, Dr G. Skridlaitė (part-time), Associate professor of practice Dr A. Kleišmantas (part-time).
Lecturer: Dr D. Kisielienė (part-time).
Assistant professors: Dr L.Balakauskas, Dr A. Čečys, Dr N.Dobrotin (part-time), Dr J. Lazauskienė (part-time), Dr D. Michelevičius (part-time).
Researchers: Dr G. Vaikutienė, Dr I. Bagdanavičiūtė, Dr S. Bekeraitė.
Professor emeritus: Dr Gediminas Motuza-Matuzevičius.
Assoc. prof. emeritus: Dr Antanas Brazauskas.
In research projects: Dr A. Venckutė-Aleksienė, Dr E. Rudnickaitė, Dr P. Musteikis.
Doctoral students: E. Šinkūnė, J. Debesiūnaitė, Ž. Stankevičius, D. Dankina, V. Kirkliauskaitė, S. Lozovskis, M. Grendaitė, A. Cichon-Pupienis, A. Zans, T. Gečas, R. Stankevič, S. Rinkevičiūtė, T. Žeglaitis, L. Daumantas, J. Putnaitė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Geology of Precambrian crystalline basement:
Petrology, chronology, tectonic structure and evolution of Precambrian crystalline crust
Palaeontology, stratigraphy, and sedimentology:
Taxonomy, evolutionary dynamics, macroecology and stratigraphy of early Paleozoic graptolite and brachiopods, conodonts and other vertebrates
Global patterns of macroevolutionary change
Relation of plate tectonics and palaeobiogeography
Geochemistry and sedimentalogy of Silurian deposits of the Silurian Baltic Basin
Late Permian vertebrate paleontology and sedimentology of the north-eastern Zechstein basin
Devonian conodonts and biotic events
Cretaceous extinction events and geobiological perturbations
Late Glacial and Holocene diatom taxonomy and stratigraphy, changes in climate and sea level of the Baltic Sea
Lithostratigraphy of Quaternary tills based on lithological, sedimentological and geochronological data

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

Impact of the Earth System on Evolutionary Radiation, Species Extinction and Ecosystem Reorganization. Prof. A. Spiridonov. 2019–2024.

The main task of the project is the comprehensive understanding of the scaling of the biotal evolution in connection to the tectonic and climatic processes. The main time periods which will be analysed are the Permian and Cretaceous. The diversity dynamics of fossil fishes, and the first crabs were analysed.

Main publication:

Dankina, D., Spiridonov, A., Stinkulis, Ģ., Manzanares, E. and Radzevičius, S. A late Permian ichthyofauna from the Zechstein Basin, Lithuanian–Latvian Region. Journal of Iberian Geology. 2021, 47(3): 461–481.

The Later Silurian Bioevents. Prof. Dr Sigitas Radzevičius. 2019–2024.

The main goal of the topic is to identify regional stratigraphic events in Silurian sections of Lithuanian. Determinate bioevents correlate with global events and analyse their biotic and abiotic nature.

Main publication:

Cichon-Pupienis, A., Littke, R., Lazauskienė, J., Baniasad, A., Pupienis, D., Radzevičius, S. and Šiliauskas, L. Geochemical and sedimentary facies study–Implication for driving mechanisms of organic matter enrichment in the lower Silurian fine-grained mudstones in the Baltic Basin (W Lithuania). International Journal of Coal Geology. 2021,103815.

The Lower Paleozoic Carbonate Systems of the Baltic Sedimentary Basin. Assoc. Prof. D. Kaminskas. 2019–2024.

The main goal of the project is to study the peculiarities of carbonate sedimentation and diagenesis of the Baltic Silurian Basin. The carbonate analysis was applied for 399 samples. The carbonate content (calcite and dolomite) was determined for bulk samples. It was suggested that the increase in carbonate content, and also increase in variability of carbonate content, as well as decrease in LOI and magnetic susceptibility is associated with the Klonk excursion. The variation of carbonate content vs terrigenous material was established in Milaiciai 103 well. The lithological along with the carbonate analysis of probable relative depth changes revealed a long term shallowing trend, which was related to the final phases of the development of the Silurian Baltic Basin.

Main Publication:

Balčiūnaitė, I., Ignatjev, I., Kaminskas, D., Niaura, G. and Norkus, E. Characterization of natural silicate garnets by means of non-destructive testing methods. Chemija. 2021, 32: 3–4.

Mesoproterozoic Igneous and Ore Complexes in the Crystalline Base of Lithuania and Surrounding Regions. Assoc Prof. Gražina Skridlaitė. 2019–2024.

The main goal was to identify and link mesoproterozoic igneous, metamorphic and ore geological events in the crystalline bedrock of eastern and southern Lithuania. The origin and age of granitoids crossing the rocks of the Varėna iron ore deposit were studied. The age of two granitoids from D9 and 987 wells was determined by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) at NORDSIM Laboratory in Stockholm. Both circular granite (D9) and walled granite (987) formed about 1.50 billion years ago. Dated zircons have been depleted by hydrothermal solutions and radioactive decay, making the dating of such zircons quite complex. An article has been prepared with a proposal to solve this problem.

Palaeogeography of the Quaternary Period. Prof. P. Šinkūnas. 2019–2021.

The main research task is to determine the development of palaeogeographical environment during the Late Pleistocene - Early Holocene based on the study of deposit sequences. The research group studied sedimentary records in the south eastern Baltic Sea region to reconstruct the climatic fluctuations and the abiotic responses to them during the Lateglacial and Early Holocene. The results obtained contribute to a deeper understanding of how the local sediment sequences reveal the global climatic trends.

Main publication:

Balakauskas, L., Gaižutytė, J., Valskys, V. and Vaikutienė, G. Analysis of pollen across the surface sediments of Lake Imbradas, Lithuania. Quaternary Research. 2021, 1–6.

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Ecosystem Construction and Collapse in the Silurian – Survival of Biodiversity in the Extreme Climate (No. S-MIP-19-15). Prof. Dr Sigitas Radzevičius, Prof. Andrej Spiridonov, PhD student Tomas Ževlvys, PhD student Anna Cichon-Pupienis, Prof. Petras Musteikis. 2019–2022.

Silurian is one of the shortest and most dynamic periods in the history of the Earth. Although, this period was one of the shortest, it witnessed several large scale paleobiological, paleoclimatic and global carbon cycle perturbations. It can be argued that during the Silurian period the first modern marine ecosystems appeared with vertebrates as top predators. During this time interval vegetation started to actively spread on land. With the spread of terrestrial vegetation intensified weathering of rocks and the sequestration of the carbon dioxide in the earth's crust, this led to the global atmospheric compositional changes that have had an impact on the global climate. Three glacial episodes are recognised during the early Silurian. The direct evidence of glaciations in the Late Silurian were not recognized in the geological record. Though, sudden and cyclical sea level falls and the fluctuations in the stable carbon and oxygen isotopes point to their possible existence.

Main publication:

Whittingham, M., Spiridonov, A. and Radzevičius S. Dynamic ecophenotypy in the Silurian Monograptidae (Graptolithina). Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. 2021, 1–10.

Research Council of Lithuania. The Role of Spatial Structuring in Major Transitions in Macroevolution (No S-MIP-21-9). Prof. Dr Andrej Spiridonov, Assist. Prof. Dr Lauras Balakauskas, PhD student Robertas Stankevič and Liudas Daumantas, student Gabrielė Tijūnaitytė. 2021–2024.

Evolutionary history of life on Earth is marked by a series of volatile environmentally mediated major transitions in individuality, modes of information transfer, and most importantly rates of macroevolution which determine innovation potential of the biota. Phanerozoic eon is the most recent half a billion years, which is characterized by the origination, and expansion of all modern complex multicellular plant and animal taxa. This largest scale evolution of the biota was characterized by multiple episodes of mass extinctions and evolutionary radiations that followed them. There is growing body of evidence that shows mass extinction episodes as the major transitions in the modes of macroevolution and diversity dynamics. Nevertheless the spatial impact of macroevolution on the systemic changes in origination and extinction rates and their mutual coherence is almost completely unknown at the global scale.

International Research Projects

Polish-Lithuanian collaboration group (DAINA) project Ichnological and Sedimentological Evidence of Late Glacial and Holocene Environmental Changes in the Eastern Part of the European Sand Belt. Prof. Andrej Spiridonov - principal investigator, members: Prof. Petras Šinkūnas, Dr Eugenija Rudnickaitė and Liudas Daumantas. 2018–2020.

The planned research is based on the field work. Special attention will be paid to humic horizons, including palaeosols, where the most abundant trace fossils and bioturbation structures are expected. Such studies will be accompanied by parallel sedimentological and stratigraphical analyses, with an application of optically stimulated luminescence and radiocarbon datings, georadar and statistical methods. This will allow presentation of the dynamics of the aeolian sediments in space and time and to integrate them with results from the ichnological research.

Main publication:

Balakauskas, l., Vaikutienė, G., Paškevičiūtė, M., Valskys, V., Spiridonov, A. The effects of spatial heterogeneity on the estimation of diatom assemblage composition, an example of the Imbradas Lake (NE Lithuania). Baltica. 2021, 34(1): 123–134.

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

McGhill University (Canada)
Geological Survey of Utah (USA)
Kansas University (USA)
Carleton University (Canada)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Klaipeda University (Lithuania)
Krakow University (Poland) Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kaliningrad (Russia)
Tartu University (Estonia)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Institute of Geology and Geography (Lithuania)
Geological Survey of Lithuania (Lithuania)
Institute of geography, Moscow (Russia)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Prof. S. Radzevičius –

• editorial board member of the international journal Geological Quarterly, https://gq.pgi.gov.pl/index;
• corresponding member of the International Subcommision on Silurian Stratigraphy, http://silurian.stratigraphy.org/;
• Head of the Lithuanian Commission on Stratigraphy.

Prof. Dr P. Šinkūnas –

• chairman of the Lithuanian National INQUA Committee;
• chairman of Lithuanian National Committee of Geologists (IUGS);
• editorial board member of the journal Baltica, http://www.gamtostyrimai.lt/lt/publications/listingCategory/category.20;
• editorial board member of the journal Geologijos akiračiai, http://www.lgeos.lt/geologijos-akiraciai/geologijos-akiraciai/zurnalo-geologijos-akiraciai-numeriai.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD

• Spiridonov A., Stankevič R., Rinkevičiutė S., Daumantas L., Gečas T., Radzevičius S. Recurrence plots and recurrence quantification analyses generate significant insights about a key paleobiological hypothesis. In: Rysak A., Litak G., Marwan N., Webber Ch. (Eds.): 9th International Symposium on Recurrence Plots, Lublin, Poland.
• Spiridonov A., Stankevič R. Finding a pattern in a wiggle. Searching for synchronization in palaeocommunities in space and time using recurrence theory. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge.
• Spiridonov A. and Lovejoy S. Macroevolution and megaclimate: revealing the domains of the Court Jester and biotic equilibration. EGU General Assembly 2021, EGU21-11148 https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu21-11148.
• Bekeraitė S., Spiridonov A. Multi-scale causal analysis of biotic and abiotic drivers of Cenozoic mammalian evolution. Haris Saslis, Catalina Pimiento, Faysal Bibi, Ignacio Lazagabaster, Martin Aberhan, Sara Varela, and Carl Reddin (Eds.). CPEG 2nd Crossing the Palaeontological-Ecological Gap.

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES

• Prof. Andrej Spiridonov. Working group member of the strategic development of the Vilnius University.
• Assoc. Prof. Jurga Lazauskienė. Consulting Lithuanian government and EU strategic sectors in the Brussels on the strategic questions of geoscientific development.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES

• Ministry of Environment
• Lithuanian Geological Survey
• Lithuanian Geography Teachers Association
• National Parks of Lithuania

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

• Organization of National and International Geoscience Olympiad 2021.
• Eugenija Rudnickaitė, more than 100 excursions in the Geology museum and Siberian mammoth “Goša” exhibition.
• Prof. Andrej Spiridonov - New 6 TV series about geology and deep Earth created.
• Prof. Andrej Spiridonov – new podcast “Planet on the hand” created – 6 episodes.

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROGEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

M. K. Čiurlionio 21/27, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. 239 82 78
E-mail:
Head – Assoc. Prof. Dr Gintaras Žaržojus

STAFF

Professor (emeritus): Dr Habil. Robert Mokrik.
Associate professors: Dr S. Gadeikis, Dr S. Gadeikytė, Dr K. Jokšas (part-time), Dr G. Žaržojus.
Assistant professors: Dr Ž. Skuratovič (part-time), Dr M. Gregorauskas (part-time).
Teaching assistant: V. Samalavičius (part-time).
Researcher: Dr V. Jakimavičiūtė Maselienė (part-time).
Research assistants: V. Samalavičius (part-time), D. Gribulis (part-time).
Lecturer: Dr J. Arustienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: V. Samalavičius, I. Lekstutytė, R. Kanopienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Assessment of groundwater resources of the Quaternary aquifer system
Baltic artesian basin groundwater flow formation
Regional mathematical flow modelling of pre-quaternary aquifer systems
Isotopes and geochemistry of the groundwater
Investigation of engineering geological conditions of urbanized territories and technogenic loading influence to the geo-environment
Geotechnical properties of natural and filled soils

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

Research of the Geoenvironment Changes, Protection and Resources Use. Prof. R. Mokrik, Dr G. Žaržojus.

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 groundwater environmental isotopic ages by radioactive isotopes radiocarbon-14, tritium and noble gas isotope ratios of He 4. Modelling of groundwater flow and mass transport processes using MT3D codes GROUNDWATER VISTAS v 6. Solving heat conduction processes according to mesh less numerical scheme as a radial basic function. Engineering geological investigation of soil physical-mechanical properties by static loading, dynamical penetration tests and using laboratory and field tests methods.

Main publication:

Mokrik, R., Samalavicius, V., Gregorauskas, M., Bujanauskas, M. Environmental isotopes and noble gas ages of the deep groundwater with coupled flow modelling in the Baltic artesian basin. Lithuanian Journal of Physics. 2021, 61(1): 53–65.

Contractual Research

Soil and Ground Geotechnical Parameters for Soil and Rocks Physical-Mechanical Properties of Urbanistic Sites. Limited stock companies Geotestus. Fugro Baltic, Geoinžinerija, Kelprojektas, Sweco Lietuva.

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

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Lithuania)
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
IAEA, Vienna (Austria)
Tallinn Technical University (Estonia)
Bern University (Swiss)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Dr S. Gadeikis –

• editorial board member of the journal Geologijos akiračiai (Spheres of Geology).

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES

• Dr G. Žaržojus – member of Lithuanian standards board, Technical committee 59, Geotechnics.

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES

• Dr G. Žaržojus, V. Samalavičius, D. Gribulis: Additional engineering geological investigations at Vilties str. 15, Vilnius district. UAB AR REMA (No. (1.57) 15600-INS-19).
• Dr G. Žaržojus, V. Samalavičius. Investigation of soil permeability in Jogeliskiu str. 5-15. UAB Intelektualios sistemos (No. (1.57) 15600-INS-155).

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

• G. Žaržojus, D. Gribulis and V. Samalavičius - Spaceship Earth Science Festival 2021. 

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROLOGY AND CLIMATOLOGY

M. K. Čiurlionio 21/27, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8292
E-mail:
Head – Prof. Dr Egidijus Rimkus

STAFF

Professors: Dr A. Bukantis, Dr E. Rimkus,
Associate professors: Dr J. Kažys, Dr D. Pupienis, Dr G. Stankūnavičius, Dr E. Stonevičius, Dr. G. Valiuškevičius.
Assistant professor: Dr R. Linkevičienė (part-time).
Lecturer: Dr J. Liukaitytė-Kukienė (part-time).
Doctoral students: A. Dubikaltienė, D. Grendaitė, D. Karlonienė, J. Kilpys, V. Mačiulytė, S. Pipiraitė-Januškienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Indices of climate change in Lithuania and the response of hydrosphere 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
Use of satellite information for the assessment of hydroclimatic resources
Change and modelling of deposits and morphology of sea shore
Applied and road meteorology, human biometeorology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2021

Projects Supported by University Budget

Use of Satellite Information for the Assessment of Hydroclimatic Resources. Prof. E. Rimkus. 2019–2024.

The main research task is to develop new algorithms and methods to determine snow water equivalent, melting snow water freshwater ice parameters and soil moisture from Sentinel-1 SAR. The ground based freshwater ice, snow cover and soil moisture observations have declined in number over last decades. Satellite remote sensing with large spatial coverage and frequent revisit time might be the most robust replacement of in situ measurements of snow and freshwater ice cover parameters. Up to date satellite information provides new assessment capabilities of environment condition. This project aims to explain the uncertainties emanating from atmospheric correction (AC) product selection and how they influence chlorophyll α concentration retrieval in lakes of Lithuania.

Main publication:

Grendaitė, D., Stonevičius, E. Uncertainty of atmospheric correction algorithms for chlorophyll α concentration retrieval in lakes from Sentinel-2 data. Geocarto International. 2021, DOI: 10.1080/10106049.2021.1958014.

Study of the Natural and Social Effects of Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Region. Prof. A. Bukantis. 2019–2024.

The purpose of the present project was to investigate the potential impact of climate change on nutrient (total nitrogen and total phosphorus) loads from four large-scale river catchments in Lithuania. The impact on nitrogen and phosphorus was chosen because they are the main nutrients responsible for the eutrophication of surface waters including the Baltic Sea. The results indicate a decreasing trend in the stream flow and nutrient loads in most of the studied Lithuanian rivers under the projected climate change.
Also accuracy of air temperature and precipitation monthly and seasonal forecasts generated for the territory of Lithuania using the NOAA's Climate Forecast System was investigated.

Main publication:

Bukantis, A., Valaika, G. Accuracy of monthly and seasonal forecasts generated for the territory of Lithuania using NOAA’s Climate Forecast System version 2. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management. 2021, 29(3): 337–345. https://doi.org/10.3846/jeelm.2021.15580.

Investigations of the Effects of Environmental Change on Inland Water Systems. Prof. G. Valiuškevičius. 2019–2024.

In 2021, the mechanism of interrelationships between the regime of inland water bodies and changes in the structure of the terrestrial landscape and ecosystem was studied. The issues of the dependence of water level and temperature of surface water bodies on environmental indicators and the impact on them were considered. Long-term changes in water temperature In Nemunas River were also investigated.

Main publication:

Choiński, A., Ptak, M., Volchak, A., Kirvel, I., Valiuškevičius, G., Parfomuk, S., Kirvel, P., Sidak, S. Effect of Air Temperature Increase on Changes in Thermal Regime of the Oder and Neman Rivers Flowing into the Baltic Sea. Atmosphere. 2021, 12(4): 498. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12040498.

Sea Coast Litho-Morpholgy Dynamic and Modeling. Assoc. Prof. D. Pupienis. 2019–2020.

Coastal geodynamic processes lead to beach sediment erosion or accumulation. The coast’s dynamic tendencies determine the changes in the volume of beach sediments; grain size; mineralogical; and geochemical composition of sediments. In addition to lithological and mineralogical analysis of sediments, geochemical analysis can provide valuable information about the local and regional patterns of sediment transport, distribution, provenance, and coasts’ conditions. The research aims to assess trace metals’ temporal and spatial distribution determined in the sandy beach sediments along the south-eastern Baltic Sea coast (Lithuania) during 2011–2018.

Main publication:

Karlonienė, D., Pupienis, D., Jarmalavičius, D., Dubikaltinienė, A., Žilinskas, G. The Impact of Coastal Geodynamic Processes on the Distribution of Trace Metal Content in Sandy Beach Sediments, South-Eastern Baltic Sea Coast (Lithuania). Applied Sciences. 2021, 11(3): 1106. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031106.

Use of SENTINEL-1 SAR Poliarimetry to Determine Snow and Ice Cover Characteristics. Prof. E. Rimkus. 2019–2021.

The aim of the project is to develop new algorithms for freshwater ice detection and snow water equivalent determination using ESA Sentinel-1 SAR high temporal and spatial resolution polarimetry. Simulation of the microwave scattering in the snowpack using SMRT snowpack model and the deep learning algorithms to relate the SAR backscattering signal to snow cover characteristics have been used. Project team developed lake and river ice detection algorithms based on the threshold values of SAR single polarization products and classify ice type using H Alpha Wishart and Cloude-Potter dual polarization decomposition methods.

International Research Projects

COST activity (CA17109). Understanding and Modelling Compound Climate and Weather Events. Dr E. Stonevičius. 2018–2022.

The tasks of activity are: to develop a common understanding of Compound Events; to create awareness in climate and climate impact communities about the inherent modelling challenges associated with Compound Events; to provide complementary training for Early Career Investigators (ECIs) in dynamical modelling, multivariate statistics, and extremes, all inherently relevant for studying Compound Events; to improve stakeholders' understanding of Compound Events and limitations to modelling these, enabling them to plan more targeted; to improve stakeholders’ awareness of the importance to document physical and/or monetary impacts of Compound Events to foster scientific progress.

COST activity (CA19109). European Network for Mediterranean Cyclones in Weather and Climate. Dr G. Stankūnavičius. 2020–2024.

Cyclones are the main weather modulators in the Mediterranean region and constitute a major environmental risk, often producing windstorms and heavy rainfall. Moreover, cyclones play a key role in the regional climate variability by controlling the oceanic circulation and regional water cycle, and by mobilizing and transporting large amounts of dust from North Africa.
Efficient networking between stakeholders, operational weather forecasters and researchers is timely and essential to address both challenges of research coordination and operational implementation of scientific results into weather and climate services. This Action coordinates the activities of researchers in meteorology and climatology and scientists from weather/climate services with the main aims to provide a deeper understanding of Mediterranean cyclones and to improve significantly the European capacity to predict their environmental and climate impacts. In this context, the network will identify, and involve in the network, relevant stakeholders with different backgrounds (e.g. civil protection, re-insurance companies) and co-develop cyclone prediction products tailored to their needs.

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

Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Klaipeda University (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Energy Institute (Lithuania)
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany)
Temple University (USA)
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun (Poland)
Tartu University (Estonia)
University of Latvia (USA)
Institute for Environment and Sustainability (EC Joint Research Centre)
JSC Road Maintenance (Lithuania)
NGO Lithuanian Fund for Nature (Lithuania)

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Prof. A. Bukantis –

• editorial board member of the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management;
• editorial board member of the Journal of Water Security (JWS).

Dr E. Kažys –

• editorial board member of the journal International Journal of Ecosystems and Ecology Science (IJEES);
• editorial board member of The International Journal of Climate Change: Impacts and Responses;
• representative in Lithuania of The European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR).

Dr E. Stonevičius –

• national Correspondent of Euromediterranean Network of Experimental and Representative Basins (ERB).

Dr R. Linkevičienė ‒

• editorial board member of the journal Limnological Review (Polish Limnological Society).

Dr. D. Pupienis –

• member of the elite International Sediment Club (ISC).

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES

• Prof. A. Bukantis: member of National Committee on Climate Change.
• Prof. E. Rimkus: member of the Interinstitutional Working Group on the Impact of Climate Change on Public Health.
• Prof. E. Rimkus, Dr J. Kažys: members of the Climate Change Group of the National Forest Agreement.
• Dr J. Kažys: expert member of STRATA in “Lithuania's Progress Strategy – Lithuania 2050”; evaluator of ES H2020 EASME/B/02 projects (first stage).

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES

• Ministry of Environment
• Lithuanian Geography Teachers Association

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES

• Advising Lithuanian business leaders and media representative on climate change issues.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES

• More than 100 interviews, radio and TV broadcasts;
• More than 30 public lectures;
• More than 10 excursions to meteorological station at VU.