Šiauliai Academy

84 Vytautas str., LT-76352 Šiauliai
Tel. 841 595 800, fax 841 595 800
E-mail: http://www.sa.vu.lt
Head – Prof. Dr Renata Bilbokaitė

STAFF
121 teachers (incl. 83 holding research degree), 6 research fellows (incl. 6 holding research degree), 22 doctoral students.

DEPARTMENTS OF THE ACADEMY
Institute of Education
Institute of Regional Development

RESEARCH AREAS
• Humanities in the Development of Society Culture
• Life Sciences and Advanced Technologies
• Socio-Economic Phenomena in the Process of Building a Welfare State: Region Resilience Research
• Strengthening an Inclusive Society by Socio-Educational Measures. Education and Training Processes
DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2022
Šetikienė. The Heterogeneous Impact of Financialisation on Long-Run Economic Growth (Economics (S 004), scientific supervisor – Prof. Dr Mindaugas Butkus).
L. Diliuvienė. Assessment of factors affecting income inequality in the EU country groups (Economics (S 004), scientific supervisor – Prof. Habil. Dr Algis Šileika (Šiauliai University, Social Sciences, Economics, S 004; since 2013-10-01 till 2015-06-30); Prof. Dr Zita Tamašauskienė (Vilnius University, Social Sciences, Economics, S 004; since 2015-07-01)).
S. Daniutė. The Relationship Between Applied Phonological Disorder Treatment Approaches and Evidence-based Speech and language Therapy Practice (Education (S 007), scientific supervisor –Assoc. Prof. Dr Lina Miltenienė (Vilnius University, Social Sciences, Education, S 007), scientific consultant – Prof. Dr Stefanija Ališauskienė, Dr Hazel Roddam.
J. Statkus. Assessment of the Impact of Functional Income Distribution on Aggregate Demand in Baltic States (Economics (S 004), scientific supervisor – Prof. Dr Zita Tamašauskienė.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2022
1. 11th national methodological and subject conference „Native language at school“, 3 March 2022. Virtual Conference.
2. International Scientific Conference „In Labyrinths of Music and Science“, 20-21 April 2022.
3. 8th Congress of Baltic States SLTs‘ „Speech And Language Therapy Across the Age Span“, 12-13 May 2022.
4. XIV International Scientific Conference „Teacherʼ Training In The Xxi Century: Changes And Perspectives“, 25 November 2022.
5. International Scietific-Practical Conference „Tomorrow‘s Economy: Can we still program it?“, 24-24 November 2022.

 

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION

84 Vytautas str., LT-76352 Siauliai
Tel. 595 735
E-mail:
Head – Assoc. Prof. Dr Irena Kaffemanienė (till 31st August), since 1st September Prof. Dr Daiva Malinauskiene

STAFF
Professors: Dr R. Bilbokaitė, Dr R. Bubnys, Dr A. Kazlauskienė, Dr V. Lamanauskas, Dr D. Malinauskienė, Dr L. Radzevičienė, Dr D. Strakšienė, Dr R. Urniežius.
Associate professors: Dr D. Alifanovienė, Dr I. Bilbokaitė-Skiauterienė, Dr R. Bakutytė, Dr N. Bražienė, G. Dapkevičius, Dr R. Gaučaitė, Dr R. Gedutienė (part-time), Dr R. Geležinienė, Dr D. Gerulaitis, Dr L. Grajauskas, V. Gevorgianienė (part-time), B. Janonienė, Dr M. Jurevičienė, Dr I. Kaffemanienė, Dr A. Kepalaitė, Dr I. Kudinova, Dr I. Kunigytė-Arlauskienė (part-time), Dr J. Lenkauskaitė, Dr E. Masiliauskienė (part-time), Dr L. Miltenienė (part-time), Dr E. Musneckienė, Dr R. Paulauskas, G. Ramanauskas, Dr K. Rūdytė, Dr V. Šlekienė, Dr L. Tomėnienė, Dr A. Vaitkevičienė, Dr V. Žalys.
Assistants: Dr A. Batūraitė-Bunka, Dr J. Charenkova (part-time), Dr S. Daniutė, Dr I. Gedminienė, Dr R. Kanatavičiūtė-Petružė, Dr R. Karvelienė, Dr S. Kovienė, Dr I. Krivienė, Dr D. Masiliauskas (part-time), Dr A. Širiakovienė.
Lecturers: R. Alūzas, L. Borščiūtė, J. Deveikytė, I. Donielienė, E. Elijošius, S. Garbenis, A. Grabauskas, A. Kardašienė, A. Kavaliauskienė, I. Kazymirkienė, J. Kedytė, Ž. Kulėšė, I. Kurmanskienė, V. Navickienė, D. Mauricas, J. Mikelionienė, Dr S. Norkus, V. Padgurskytė, A. Plaušinaitienė, D. Razmaitė, L. Remeikienė, O. Šapelytė, Dr R. Šiaučiulienė, I. Šimkutė-Karalevičienė, D. Šukienė, D. Taurienė, F, Verpečinskienė, A. Žymantienė.
Chief researchers: Dr R. Bubnys, Dr V. Lamanauskas.
Junior researchers: Dr Rūta Šiaučiūlienė
Art staff: laboratory technician A. Mažintas, Concertmaster R. Šurnienė
Doctoral students: I. Barabanova, S. Garbenis, A. Kardašienė, N. Kaunickienė, M. Kumžaitė, A. Laužonytė, L. Pečiulienė, V. Starkutė, A. Vaičiūnienė, I. Vietienė, L. Zavadskienė, U. Žilytė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Artistic education studies and research
• Didactics research
• Innovations in inclusive education and meeting special educational needs
• Research and Studies of Childhood Phenomena
• Research on psychosocial well-being and social education
• Teacher’s Education and Teaching/Learning Processes

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
International Research Projects
Erasmus+ KA201 – Strategic Partnerships for School Education. All in – International Inclusive Society in Arts (ALIISA). (2020-2023). Project coordinator: Savonia University of Applied Science (Finland). Project partners: Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy (Lithuania), University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (Austria), Kuopio Conservatory (Finland), Association' Ich bin OK' (Austria). Project coordinator at Šiauliai Academy: Prof. Dr D. Strakšienė. The ALIISA project aims to meet the development needs of general education with an international continuing education model. ALIISA is an innovation and development project for inclusive art pedagogy in international cooperation: the improvement of the social significance of art and its role in promoting social inclusion and well-being; developing pedagogical attitudes and skills; the improvement of the quality of art pedagogical teaching and ensuring the availability of qualified professionals on the field of general and art education.
Erasmus+ KA201 – Strategic Partnerships for school education.

Erasmus+ KA201 – Strategic Partnerships for school education. European Network in Nutritional Education for Acquired Disabilities (ENNEADI). (2020-2023). Project coordinator: Futura SOC CONS RL (Italy). Project partners: Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy (Lithuania), University of Bologna (Italy), Nueva Opcion Acquired Brain Injury Association of Valencia (Spain). Project coordinator at Šiauliai Academy: Prof. Dr L. Radzevičienė. The ENNEADI project predominantly addresses professionals who undertake different roles in assisting people with acquired disabilities, with particular reference to neurological disabilities resulting from a traumatic event (e.g. after a brain or spinal cord injury). Expected results: a definition of innovative educational methodologies developed in collaboration with experienced partners and validated through a peer review by the project network, particularly in the field of good qualityof-life and nutrition practices and services for people with acquired disabilities.

Contractual Research
Contract with Šiauliai municipality to implement the Natural Sciences, Technologies, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) programme: Education for Leadership. Period: 2022-03 – 2022-12. Preparation of didactic material for STEAM educators.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INOVATION) PARTNERS
Liepaja University (Latvia)
Palacky University Olomouc (Czech Republic)
Pedagogical University of Krakow (Poland)
Savonia University of Applied Science (Finland)
University of Education, Freiburg (Germany)
Ludwigsburg University of Education (Germany)
University of Maribor (Slovenia)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr R. Bubnys
• International Scientific Advisory Board Member of International Academy of Technology, Education and Development (INTED and ICERI) https://iated.org/iceri/committee
• Editor-in-Chief of the scientific journal Social welfare: interdisciplinary approach, https://www.journals.vu.lt/social-welfare/about/editorialTeam
• editorial board member of the journal American Journal of Educational Research, http://www.sciepub.com/journal/EDUCATION/editors.
• editorial board member of the Journal of Rare Cardiovascular Diseases (JRCD), https://jrcd.eu/index.php/crcd/about/editorialTeam.
• editorial board member of the journal American Journal of Educational Research, http://www.sciepub.com/journal/EDUCATION/editors
Prof. Dr A. Kazlauskienė
• Council member of Lithuania Education Research Association (LERA) (Lietuvos edukacinių tyrimų asociacija / LETA), Head of General Education Network Committee. https://lera.lt/en/about-lera/lera-board/
• editorial board member of the Journal of Education and Training, http://www.macrothink.org/journal/index.php/jet/about/editorialTeam
• editorial board member of the journal Higher Education Studies, Canadian Centre of Science and Education, http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/hes/editor
• editorial board member of the scientific journal Social welfare: interdisciplinary approach, https://www.journals.vu.lt/social-welfare/about/editorialTeam
Assoc. Prof. Dr I. Kaffemanienė
• member of Inclusive Education Network Committee, Lithuania Education Research Association (LERA) (Lietuvos edukacinių tyrimų asociacija / LETA), Network Committee – Įtraukiojo ugdymo tinklas (lera.lt)
• member of International Society on Early Intervention (ISEI), http://depts.washington.edu/isei/member-resources/membership-directory/.
Prof. Dr V. Lamanauskas
• Editor-in-Chief of the journal: Problems of Education in the 21st Century http://www.scientiasocialis.lt/pec/node/2; Journal of Baltic Science Education, http://www.scientiasocialis.lt/jbse/?q=node/11; Gamtamokslinis ugdymas / Natural Science Education, http://www.gu.puslapiai.lt/GUwww/redkolegija.htm
• editorial board member of the journal Baltic Journal of Career Education and Management, http://www.scientiasocialis.lt/bjcem/?q=node/2; Psychological Thought, https://psyct.psychopen.eu/about/displayMembership/1.
Prof. Dr D. Malinauskienė
• editorial board member of the journal Švietimas; politika, vadyba, kokybė /Education Policy, Management and Quality, http://gu.puslapiai.lt/spvk/editorial-board/ .
• member of Preschool Education Network Committee, Lithuania Education Research Association (LERA) (Lietuvos edukacinių tyrimų asociacija / LETA). Network Committee – Ikimokyklinio ugdymo tinklas (lera.lt)
Assoc. Prof. Dr E. Musneckienė
• Network Institutional Coordinator (ECO) of The European Teacher Education Network, ETEN. https://www.etenonline.org/current-members.html#lithuania.
Prof. Dr D. Strakšienė
• Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Young Scientists, https://journals.su.lt/jmd/about/editorialTeam.
• editorial board member of the journal Music Science Today: the Permanent and the Changeable, https://du.lv/zinatne-un-petnieciba/zinatniskie-izdevumi/muzikas-zinatne-sodien-pastavigais-un-mainigais.
• member of Inclusive Education Network Committee, Lithuania Education Research Association (LERA) (Lietuvos edukacinių tyrimų asociacija / LETA), Network Committee – Įtraukiojo ugdymo tinklas (lera.lt)
Assoc. Prof. Dr A. Vaitkevičienė
• member of Lithuanian Arte Therapy Association, https://menoterapija.info/apie/nariai/
• member and consultant of Lithuanian Association of Individual Psychology Consultants, https://ipi.lt/ip-konsultantai/ip-konsultantu-sarasas/.

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD (5 main reports)
1. Prof. Dr R. Bubnys - The Power and Meaning of Reflective Learning: from Technical to Reflective Education. Keynote speech. International Moldovan-Polish-Romanian congress “Education, policies, society”. Tiraspol State university, Moldova. 11-13 April, 2022.
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr E. Musneckienė - Collaborative participation of integrating the arts. ETEN conference 2022: Human Rights in Education – The Human Right to Education. Vienna, Austria. 21-23 April, 2022.
3. Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Lenkauskaitė - Die Erfahrungen des problembasierten Lernens von zukünftigen Lehrer-innen in Litauen. Teacher Training in Europe - Challenges, problems and solutions. Freiburg, Germany. 25-26 June, 2022.
4. Assoc. Prof. Dr Laima Tomėnienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr Irena Kaffemanienė, Fausta Verpečinskienė - Challenges of Teachers' Cooperation with Parents of Students with Special Educational Needs. ECER 2022 „Education in a changing world; the impact of global realities on the prospects and experiences of educational research“. Yerevan State University, Armenia. 22-25 August, 2022.
5. Prof. Dr V. Lamanauskas - Natural Science Education In Primary School: The Position Of Teachers. XX IOSTE International Symposium 2022. Recife – PE – Brazil. 25-29 July, 2022.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
1. Prof. Dr R. Bilbokaitė, Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Šlekienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Ragulienė, Dr M. Kazlauskas, Dr I. Kerienė, Dr R. Vainorienė, Ž. Valainytė and I. Donelienė were awarded the medal of the Šiauliai Association of Industrialists for “The creation and application of STEAM educational innovations” (the first operating STEAM centre in Lithuania was established in Šiauliai, and the first unique eight professional methodological STEAM books for teachers and students were prepared).

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 R. Bilbokaitė
• Head of Šiauliai City Municipality Education Council, since 2019 (https://www.siauliai.lt/index.php?490467104);
• member of Lithuania Education Council, since 2019 (https://www.lrvalstybe.lt/kontaktai/lietuvos-svietimo-taryba).
Prof. Dr R. Bubnys
• member of the Higher Education Evaluation Commission at Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education, since 2017 (https://www.skvc.lt/default/en/advisory);
• member of National Health Council under the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, since 2017 (https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/c55daaa2500811e78869ae36ddd5784f?jfwid=-11v10vtut),
• Expert of Research Council of Lithuania.
Assoc. Prof. Dr R. Geležinienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Tomėnienė
• members of Participation in working groups: 1) Regarding the preparation of the description of the organization and implementation models of (collaborative) educational/teaching groups/classes open to student diversity; 2) Regarding the update of the classification of SEN groups and disorders. Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania, since 2022.
Prof. Dr A. Kazlauskienė
• member of General Education Council, Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania, since 2020-05.
(https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/615f09b0903b11ea9515f752ff221ec9).
Dr S. Daniutė
• Participation in the activities of the subgroup of speech and language therapists, implementing the 2021 February 5 Order of the Minister of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania no. V-194 "On the creation of a working group and an advisory working group to improve the working and payment conditions of educational support specialists" Clause 4.2 and submitting proposals for improving the functions of educational support specialists, amending the legal acts governing them. Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania, since 2022

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
Prof. Dr R. Bilbokaitė
• Expert-consultation for the general education schools on updated self-assessment tools and expert-consultations for different schools on testing updated school self-assessment tools and advising schools on the application of updated school self-assessment tools and the self-assessment and improvement of performance.
Prof. Dr A. Kazlauskienė
• Expert-consultations on the updating of general curricula for developers of general curricula in all subjects: renewal of general curricula. Expert-consultations for textbook authors and content evaluators.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr R. Bilbokaitė
• VU webcast LRT radio. Science without sermons: Does school prepare for exams or life? www.lrt.lt. (https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000236035/mokslas-be-pamokslu-mokykla-paruosia-egzaminams-ar-gyvenimui).
• Expert comment: Experts assure that in a few years there will be a shortage of several thousand teachers in the country: will scholarships save? www.lrt.lt. (https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/lietuvoje/2/1767808/ekspertai-tikina-kad-po-keleriu-metu-salyje-truks-keliu-tukstanciu-mokytoju-ar-stipendijos-isgelbes).
• Education Expert comment: In Addition to Theory, Teachers Should Teach Spiritual Subjects. www.vu.lt (https://www.vu.lt/en/news-events/news/education-expert-prof-renata-bilbokaite-in-addition-to-theory-teachers-should-teach-spiritual-subjects).
Prof. Dr R. Bubnys
• Public lecture “Social work practice in Lithuania: from resolve to the subtleties of professional practice” in summer school “Digital international summer school 2022: European and international perspectives on social work", University of Vechta, Germany.
Prof. Dr A. Kazlauskienė
• Public lecture „Between Assessment and Evaluation: The Case of Creativity Competence“ in the cycle of events of the National Education Agency of the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Lithuania „Students' achievements for evaluation and expected changes". Co-author prof. Dr R. Girdzijauskienė. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu5i4EKrvA4)
Dr S. Kovienė
• Specialist's comment on the Šiauliai TV Daily news programme “Infostudija” about parents’ educational situation. 2022-01-13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3RBJFmhUL8 (13:23 – 15:50 min.)
Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Tomėnienė
• Public lecture for the teachers „Application of learning strategies in the context of inclusive education “, 2022-05-03.

MOST IMPORTANT ARTS ACTIVITIES
Assoc. Dr B. Janonienė
• The choir’s "Studium" concert program at the Gaudeamus Song and Dance Festival of the Baltic States "Mes 3000 Karta". Conducting the joint choir of Lithuanian students. 2 concerts. 06 17 – 19, 2022. Vilnius, Kalnu park stage, st. Jonų Church. (https://fb.watch/gMTcc_TEP5/).
• The choir’s "Studium" concert program at the Kaunas City Song Festival "Here the Rivers Meet". Conducting the Lithuanian United Choir. 06/04/2022. Kaunas, Žalgiris Arena (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=7913806831970604&set=pcb.7913806991970588&__cft__[0]=AZWHGmOpU2DXOdU89RN9NFsem8d3rR0xvFEXB-Cr-nTEFU3OBk2bvuhX_ZHflh80Y3PBPhcNLTQ36pO0ykODF1mY-h7fCB5ABNvxYs2_beSz8Gp_vRkLzkHhlAchBBhW40xwAqLrVlJqFbJ6odAxQaCe&__tn__=*bH-R)
• The choir’s "Studium" concert program at the 23rd Lithuanian Higher School Student Choir Festival. Conducting for the Lithuanian joint student choir. 2022.11.06. Vilnius, St. John's Church (https://youtu.be/rmMu-n-OM3s)
Assoc. Dr G. Ramanauskas
• The choir’s "Pavasaris" concert program at the Gaudeamus Song and Dance Festival of the Baltic States "Mes 3000 Karta". Conducting the joint choir of Lithuanian students. 2 concerts. 06 17 – 19, 2022. Vilnius, Kalnu park stage, st. Jonų Church. (Ištrauka iš dainų ir šokių šventės „Gaudeamus“, kūrinys „Dainų popuri“ | Didžiajame studentų dainų ir šokių šventės „Gaudeamus“ koncerte Vilniaus Kalnų parke savaitgalį vyko daugybė ypatingų momentų, prie kurių prisidėjo VU... | By VU Šiaulių akademija | Facebook).
• The choir’s "Pavasaris" concert program at the Kaunas City Song Festival "Here the Rivers Meet". Conducting the Lithuanian United Choir. 06/04/2022. Kaunas, Žalgiris Arena (https://youtu.be/rmMu-n-OM3s)
• Preparation of vocal ensemble "Pavasaris". Concerts with the "UNO COMBO" jazz ensemble of the University of Nebraska in Omaha. 07/15/2022 at Panevėžys festival "Dūdų vasara" and 07/16/2022 at Ariogala city festival.

 

INSTITUTE OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

84 Vytautas str., LT-76352 Siauliai
Tel. 595 885
E-mail:
Head – Assoc. Prof. Dr Lina Garšvienė

STAFF
Professors: Dr M. Butkus, Dr D. Cibulskienė, Dr G. Daunys, Dr D. Dzemydienė (part-time), Dr A. Lazauskienė (part-time), Dr R. Macaitienė, Dr Dž. Maskuliūnienė (part-time), Dr D. Šaparnienė (part-time), Dr I. Šaulienė, Dr D. Šiaučiūnas, Dr Z. Tamašauskienė, Dr T. Tamošiūnas, Dr S. Žičkienė.
Associate professors: Dr D. Beržinskienė-Juozainienė, Dr A. Būdvytytė, Dr M. Damkuvienė, Dr V. Garbaliauskienė, Dr L. Garšvienė, Dr D. Jakaitė, Dr V. Juknevičienė, Dr R. Kazlauskaitė, Dr K. Matuzevičiūtė - Balčiūnienė, Dr E. Petukienė, Dr D. Ruplienė, Dr S. Skunčikienė (part-time), Dr S. Sušinskienė, Dr J. Šeputienė, Dr L. Šukienė Dr R. Toleikienė, Dr J. Valuckienė, Dr J. Vaskelienė.
Assistants: Dr E. Bielskis, J, Dr K. Butkuvienė, Dr D. Dervinis, Dr V. Giedrimas, Dr L. Kaklauskas (part-time), Dr V. Kanišauskas, Dr K. Kanišauskienė, Dr V. Kiurienė (part-time), Dr R. Misiulienė (part-time), Dr L. Petrulionė, Dr M. Stoncelis, Dr E. Valiulienė.
Lecturers: Dr D. Balbonas, S. Balčiūnas, B. Poškuvienė, J. Damkus (part-time), L. Dargenytė-Kacilevičienė, A. Gumuliauskienė, V. Janišauskienė, Dr J. Karalevičienė (part-time), Dr M. Kazlauskas, A. Margienė, T. Martinaitis, R. Navickienė, Dr S. Potelienė, Dr D. Roikienė, Dr G. Saulis, V. Tubutienė (part-time).
Chief researchers: Dr M. Butkus, Dr D. Cibulskienė, Dr K. Matuzevičiūtė-Balčiūnienė, Dr R. Macaitienė, Dr I. Šaulienė, Dr Rita Regina Trimonienė.
Senior researchers: Dr M. Damkuvienė, Dr R. Kvašytė, Dr E. Petukienė, Dr D. Šiaučiūnas, Dr L. Šukienė, Dr J. Valuckienė, Dr J. Vaskelienė.
Researchers: Dr V. Juknevičienė, Dr I. Kerienė, Dr R. Vainorienė, Dr R. Toleikienė.
Junior researchers: S. Balčiūnas, L. Dargenytė-Kacilevičienė.
Laboratory assistants: Dovilė Dovydaitytė, Dr Dainius Balbonas
Doctoral students: A. Čižauskaitė-Butkaliuk, D. Dambrauskienė, L. Dargenytė-Kacilevičienė, D. Gaudinskaitė, A. Gumuliauskienė, K. Kulikauskienė, K. Kuprytė, R. Milkintas, A. Padgureckienė, G. Petružis, J. Povilaitienė, K. Puleikienė, E. Puskunigytė, V. Tubutienė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Educational management and leadership
• Environmental research
• Expression of good governance in local government
• Modelling and data science
• Problems of analytical number theory
• Quantitative modelling of macroeconomic processes
• Research of language, literature, culture, and history
• Sustainable development in the process of ensuring well-being

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2022
National Research Projects
Research on the heterogeneous growth effects of public debt (PUBDEB) (No. S-MIP-19-65). The Research Council of Lithuania. Head of the project: Prof. D. Cibulskienė. 2019-2022. Project researchers: Prof. Dr M. Butkus, Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Garšvienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Šeputienė. The aim of the project is to provide the theoretical background on the potential factors that determine the heterogeneity of the impact of public debt on growth. Having carried out the empirical research on the interactions of these factors with public debt, the aim is to identify conditions when public debt fosters (or hinders) economic growth. The practical value of this project is related to the objective to identify the indicators provided on an annual basis, which might be used to foresee the value of the fiscal multiplier, and, in turn, the nature of the impact of debt on the economy (either fostering or hindering growth).
Main publication:
1. Butkus, M., Cibulskienė, D., Garšvienė, L., & Šeputienė, J. (2022). Role of uncertainty in debt-growth nexus // Prague economic papers. Prague : Prague University of Economics and Business. ISSN 1210-0455. eISSN 2336-730X. 2022, vol. 31, iss. 1, p. 58-78. DOI: 10.18267/j.pep.790.

The evaluation of the synergistic effect of allergenic pollen and air quality on human health (LORI). (No. S-MIP-19-53). Research Council of Lithuania. Head of the project: Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė. 2019-2022. Project researchers: Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Šukienė. The project is based on the concept of clean air. It focuses on ascertaining whether persons sensitised to pollen experience any exacerbation of symptoms, not only due to the persistent effects of allergens but also because of synergy with air pollution, high air temperature, thunderstorms, or a combination of air temperature and relative humidity during the vegetation season in Lithuania. The research will use data on multi-annual allergenic airborne pollen, the Lithuanian allergic newborns/Alergemol/EuroPrevall cohort, Copernicus open-source air quality and meteorological data, and the Pollen Diary accessible via the PASYFO mobile app.
Main publication:
1. Šauliene, I., Valiulis, A., Kerienė, I., Šukienė, L., Dovydaitytė, D., Prokopciuk, N., Valskys, V., Valskiene, R., & Damialis, A. (2023). Airborne pollen and fungi indoors: Evidence from primary schools in Lithuania. Heliyon: e12668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12668

Jobless growth: the interaction between demographic, sectoral, and institutional aspects (INTERA). (No. S-MIP-22-18). The Research Council of Lithuania. Head of the project: Prof. Dr M. Butkus. 2022-2025. Project researchers: Assoc. Prof. Dr K. Matuzevičiūtė-Balčiūnienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr D. Ruplienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Šeputienė, L. Dargenytė-Kacilevičienė. The World Economic Forum emphasised that jobless growth is a global labour market issue. The main problem is that while economic downturns lead to a sharp decline in employment, during periods of growth, either no growth or only a slight increase is present. This phenomenon, previously observed only in a few developing countries, is becoming increasingly common nowadays. In response to the economic stagnation caused by COVID-19, countries are again using a range of growth-enhancing measures, so it is important to assess how labour markets will respond and why the response is changing. The conditions under which growth increases/ does not increase employment and reduces/does not reduce unemployment should also be examined. This project will deepen and add new insights to the findings of existing research by: 1) analysing how the sensitivity of employment/unemployment to economic growth is affected by education; this aspect has not been studied before; 2) applying the developed research methodology to undertake a detailed study to be conducted on the changing impact of the growth on employment/unemployment in the economic growth phase; 3) contributing to research on how specific institutional conditions and specifics of economic sectors determine the impact of economic growth on employment/unemployment. The project aims to identify the conditions under which growth increases/does not increase employment and reduces/dot not reduce unemployment. The objective of the project is to:
1) conceptually justify why the impact of growth on employment/unemployment may change during the growth phase of the economy and differ across economic sectors, as well as depend on the characteristics of the workforce and the institutional environment;
2) develop a research methodology that will enable the changing impact of economic growth on employment/unemployment to be analysed; and
3) formulate recommendations for labour market policymakers based on the results of the empirical research with the data of EU countries.
Main publications:
1. Butkus, M.,; Matuzevičiūtė-Balčiūnienė, K., Ruplienė, D., & Šeputienė, J. (2022). Heterogeneity of nonlinear growth-unemployment relationship across economic sectors. does gender and age matter? // Montenegrin journal of economics. Podgorica : Economic Laboratory Transition Research. ISSN 1800-6698. eISSN 1800-6698. 2022, vol. 18, no. 2, 1800-5845, p. 51- 59. DOI: 10.14254/1800-5845/2022.18-2.5.
2. Butkus, M., Dargenytė-Kacilevičienė, L., Matuzevičiūtė, K., Ruplienė, D., & Šeputienė, J. (2022). Do gender and age matter in employment – sectoral growth relationship over the recession and expansion // Ekonomika. Vilnius : Vilniaus universiteto leidykla. ISSN 1392- 1258. eISSN 2424-6166. 2022, t, 101, Nr. 2, p. 38-51. DOI: 10.15388/Ekon.2022.101.2.3.

Zeta functions: going beyond Riemann's case. (No. S-MIP-22-81). The Research Council of Lithuania. Coordinating faculty of the project: Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics. Head of the project: Prof. Dr Ramūnas Garunkštis. 2022-2025. Project researcher representing Šiauliai Academy: Prof. Dr Renata Macaitienė. The other three project researchers are from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics: Assoc. Prof. Dr Raivydas Šimėnas, PhD student T. Kondratavičius and Master’s student J. Putrius. The aim of the project is to get new original results on the value‐distribution of certain zeta‐functions, emphasising the studies on the primeness property of functions from the extended Selberg class and to the universality property of some zeta-functions, and to significantly advance the research front of the Lithuanian analytic number theory school. The objectives of the project are the following: to prove the primeness property of some functions belonging to the extended Selberg class; to obtain new results on the value distribution of zeta functions; to prove universality of the Riemann zeta function using some generalised shifts; to prove the Bohr–Jessen type probabilistic limit theorems with explicitly given limit measures for a collection of Epstein's zeta-functions; to prove universality theorem for the Epstein zeta-function and a collection of them using some generalied shifts from a wide class of special functions; to prove universality for some composite functions.
Main publication:
1. Laurinčikas A., & Macaitienė R., (2022). A Generalized Bohr–Jessen Type Theorem for the Epstein Zeta-Function Mathematics, MDPI 10(12), 1-11. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/10/12/2042.

International Research Projects
EUMETNET. Automatic Pollen Detection Network (AutoPollen). Head of the Project: Dr Bernard Clot (MeteoSwiss). 2018-2022. Project coordinator at Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy (Siauliai University): Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Šukienė. Project partners: ARSO, Slovenia – CHMI, Czech Republic – DHMZ, Croatia – DWD, Germany – FMI, Finland – HNMS, Greece – IMGW-PIB, Poland – Met Eireann, Ireland – MeteoLux, Luxemburg – MeteoSwiss, Switzerland – ZAMG, Austria – AERONET, Turkey – ATMO, France – Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety, Germany – Biosense Institute Research, Serbia – European Aerobiology Society – European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Association (EFA) –National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Ukraine – Red Española de Aerobiología (REA), Spain – RNSA, France – Sciensano, Belgium – Siauliai University, Lithuania – Swedish Natural History Museum, Sweden– University of Évora, Portugal – University of Latvia, Latvia – University of Worcester, UK. The AutoPollen programme seeks to take full advantage of the considerable potential for progress that automatic pollen observations provide. It brings together a consortium from across Europe with the multidisciplinary expertise needed to address the challenges along the entire information chain – from the actual observation to the final end-user-defined product. The programme is particularly innovative in its cooperation and approach of standardising from the start. It also favours convergence with the aerosol and air quality monitoring communities, which should lead to improved service provision and additional savings.

HORIZON-CL6-2021-GOVERNANCE-01-16 project ‘AI-augmented Ecosystem for Earth Observation Data Accessibility with Extended Reality User Interfaces for Service and Data Exploitation’ EO4EU). VU Šiauliai Academy is one of 16 partners in this project. The head of the Vilnius University section of the project: Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė. 2022-2025. Project researchers: Prof. Dr G. Daunys, Assoc. Dr L. Šukienė and L. Vaitkevičius. This project is an innovation project funded by the European Commission to create and raise the profile of the EO4EU Platform, which will make accessing and using Earth Observation (EO) data easier for environmental, government, and even business forecasts and operations. The project will promote pre-operational European services like DestinE and will utilise existing platforms and services through the extensive use of disruptive technologies. EO4EU is made up of 16 consortium partners from 11 countries. The consortium that will bring the platform and its initial use cases forward is led by the University of Athens. The EO4EU Platform, which will be available at www.eo4eu.eu, will connect already existing major EO data sources such as DestinE, GEOSS, INSPIRE, Copernicus, Galileo, among others and offer several tools and services to help users find and access the data they are interested in, as well as to analyse and visualise this data. The platform will leverage machine learning to support handling the characteristically-large volume of EO data, as well as a combination of Cloud computing infrastructure and pre-exascale high-performance computing to manage processing workloads. Specific attention is also given to developing user-friendly interfaces for EO4EU allowing users to intuitively use EO data freely and easily, even with the use of Extended Reality. More information about the project can be found here: https://www.eo4eu.eu/about

Horizon project ‘GENDERACTIONplus: Gender Equality Network to Develop ERA Communities To Coordinate Inclusive and sustainable policy implementatiON’(ERA). 2022-2025. The GENDERACTIONplus project, Gender Equality Network to Develop ERA Communities To coordinate Inclusive and sustainable policy implementatiON, was hosted by the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague, Czech Republic. The consortium consisting of 26 organisations operating in 21 European countries will, in line with the new ERA Policy Agenda, focus on five thematic areas, including gender-based violence in academia and inclusiveness and intersectionality with other diversity categories and potential grounds for discrimination, such as ethnicity, disability or LGBTQI+. The overall goal of GENDERACTIONplus is to contribute to advancing gender equality in the European Research Area through capacity building, policy exchange and coordination, as well as the provision of strategic policy advice. Through these activities, the project will contribute to supporting GE policy coordination and integration in the new ERA. Two Communities of Practice (CoPs) will be created to achieve these aims, one consisting of representatives of national authorities and the other of representatives of Research Funding Organisations.
The five thematic areas that the project will address are 1) intersectionality and inclusiveness; 2) gender-based violence in academia; 3) the gender dimension in R&I; 4) the monitoring of gender equality actions at the MS level in the new ERA, including the development of a monitoring mechanism and indicators; and 5) the development of a system for monitoring and evaluating the implementation and impact of gender equality plans (GEPs) as the main instrument to promote inclusive institutional changes in the new ERA.

Lithuania is represented by the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL) and Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy (VUŠA) in the GENDERACTIONplus project. The Ministry of Education, Science, and Sports is an Associated Partner. Research Professor Virginija Šidlauskienė leads the VUŠA team. More information about the project can be found here: https://genderaction.eu/.

Contractual Research
Contract with Municipal enterprise “Vilniaus planas” for real-time evaluation of bioaerosol concentrations services. Period: 2021-2025.

MAIN R&D&I (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND INOVATION) PARTNERS
International Business School (Bulgaria)
University of Johannesburg (South Africa)
University of Latvia (Latvia)
Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (Latvia)
University of Nebraska, Omaha (USA)
University of Pardubice (Czech Republic)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr D. Cibulskienė
• editorial board member of the journal Central and Eastern European Journal of Management and Economics, http://ceejme.eu/
• Deputy-Editor of the journal Socialiniai tyrimai=Social Research. https://www.zurnalai.vu.lt/social-research
• Council member of the European Regional Science Association (ERSA), president of ERSA Baltic Section, https://ersa.org/about-us/ersa-sections/baltic/
• Council member of the Lithuanian Researchers Association (Lietuvos mokslininkų sąjunga), http://lms.lt/lms-taryba/.
Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Juknevičienė
• editorial board member of the journal Science Journal of Business and Management (SJBM), www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/index?journalid=175.
• editorial board member of the journal Challenges of the Future https://www.fos-unm.si/si/dejavnosti/zaloznistvo/ip%20cf/.
• Deputy-editor of the journal Socialiniai tyrimai=Social Research. https://www.zurnalai.vu.lt/social-research.
Dr R. Kvašytė
• Editor-in-Chief of the journal Acta Humanitarica Academiae Saulensis. https://www.sa.vu.lt/mokslas/leidiniai#acta-humanitarica-academiae-saulensis.
• editorial board member of the journal Scriptus manet, https://www.liepu.lv/lv/1187.
• member of the International Society for Dialectology and Geolinguistics (SIDG), International Council of Onomastics Sciences (ICOS), Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies (AABS).
Prof. Dr R. Macaitienė
• member of American Mathematical Society, http://www.ams.org/cml.
• member of Group of Reviewers of Online Database zbMATH, http://emis.mi.sanu.ac.rs/ZMATH/zmath/en/help/search/
Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė
• Editor-in-Chief for Environmental Determinants of the journal Frontiers in Allergy, https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/1052710/overview
• editorial board member of the journal Acta Biologica Universitatis Daugavpiliensis, https://sciences.lv/en/scientific-journals/acta-biologica-universitatis-daugavpiliensis/.
• editorial board member of the journal Zemdirbyste-Agriculture, http://www.zemdirbyste-agriculture.lt/.
• Post-President of European Society of Aerobiologists, http://www.eas-aerobiology.eu/.
Prof. Dr T. Tamošiūnas
• Editor-in-Chief of the journal Socialiniai tyrimai=Social Research. https://www.zurnalai.vu.lt/social-research.
• editorial board member of the journal Scientific Papers of the University of Pardubice – Series D, https://fes.upce.cz/en/fea/research-development/scientific-journals/scipap/scientific-board.html
• editorial board member of the journal Management and Education, http://www.conference-burgas.com/journalen_mae.html
• member of ERSA Baltic Section and RSAI. https://ersa.org/
Prof. Dr S. Žičkienė
• editorial board member of the journal FIRMS’s International Journal of Economics and Management Studies, https://www.firmsindia.org/journals/index.php/fijems/about/editorialTeam
• editorial board member of the journal International Journal of Applied Research in Management and Economics https://dpublication.com/journal/IJARME/about/editorialTeam
• member of ERSA Baltic Section and RSAI. https://ersa.org/

BEST REPORTS DELIVERED AT CONFERENCES ABROAD
1. Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Šukienė, Dr I. Kerienė, D. Dovidaitytė and et. al. - Evidence from the primary schools in Lithuania on the distribution of pollen and fungi in indoor air. European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Hybrid Annual Congress 2022. Praha, Czech Republic, 1-3 July 2022.
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Juknevičienė and et. al. - Assessing the Innovation Potential of the Furniture Industry Value Chain in Bulgaria. 15th International Scientific Conference WoodEMA 2022 “Crisis Management and Safety Foresight in Forest-Based Sector and SMEs Operating in the Global Environment”. Sofia, Bulgaria. 8-10 June, 2022.
3. Prof. Dr D. Cibulskienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr M. Butkus, Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Garšvienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Šeputienė - Factors Conditioning the Turning Point of the Public Debt–Growth Relationship. 61st ERSA Congress “Disparities in a Digitalising (Post-Covid) world – Networks, Entrepreneurship and Regional Development”. Pesc, Hungary. 22-26 August, 2022.
4. Assoc. Prof. Dr R. Kvašytė – Culture-specific lexis in translations of R. Ezera’s works into Lithuanian. International Scientific Conference XXXII Scientific Readings. Daugavpils, Latvia. 27 January 2022.
5. Prof. Dr D. Dzemydienė, Saulius Maskeliūnas, Giedrė Dzemydaitė. Extention of Functionality of Geographical Information System for Integration of Assessment of Surface Water Bodies. 15th International Baltic Conference on Digital Business and Intelligent Systems (DB&IS). Riga, Latvia. 4–6 July 2022.

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

1. Prof. Dr R. Macaitienė was awarded with Zigmas Žemaitis name medal of Lithuanian Society of Mathematicians for the contribution to Lithuanian science, education, and national culture.
2. Prof. Dr R. Bilbokaitė, Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Šlekienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Ragulienė, Dr M. Kazlauskas, Dr I. Kerienė, Dr R. Vainorienė, Ž. Valainytė and I. Donelienė were awarded the medal of the Šiauliai Association of Industrialists for “The creation and application of STEAM educational innovations” (the first operating STEAM centre in Lithuania was established in Šiauliai, and the first unique eight professional methodological STEAM books for teachers and students were prepared).
3. Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Juknevičienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr R. Toleikienė were awarded by the President of the Republic of Lithuania for anti-corruption research and contribution to transparency changes. December 20, 2022

MOST IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION CASES OF RESEARCHERS IN WORKING GROUPS OR COMMISSIONS SET UP BY STATE AUTHORITIES, STATE AND MUNICIPAL INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS, BUSINESS ENTITIES
1. Prof. Dr D. Cibulskienė – Council member of Šiauliai Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (SCCIC); Member of SCCIC Executive Club; Member of the Implementation Monitoring Group on Šiauliai City Economic Development and Investment Attraction Strategy, Šiauliai Municipality; Expert of Research Council of Lithuania (Committee of Humanities and Social Sciences), expert for Lithuanian Young Researchers Union: Competition of the Best Master Thesis in the field of humanities and social sciences.
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr R. Kazlauskaitė and Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Vaskelienė – Member and Expert of State Lithuanian Language Commission under the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.
3. Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė – Expert of Lithuanian Standardization Department, Expert of CEN/TC 264/WG 28 “Ambient air and emissions – Bioaerosols” and CEN/TC 264/WG 39 “Ambient air – Airborne pollen grains and fungal spores”, Expert of Research Council of Lithuania.
4. Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Juknevičienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr R. Toleikienė – Mentors and Experts of “Transparency Academy” for teachers, Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Lithuania.
5. Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Garšvienė – member of Education Committee of Šiauliai Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (SCCIC); member of working group for preparing internet portal “Career in Šiauliai” (coordinator Šiauliai Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (SCCIC)).

CONSULTATIONS PROVIDED BY THE UNIT TO THE PUBLIC OR ECONOMIC ENTITIES
Prof. Dr D. Cibulskienė
• Expert-consultations of Šiauliai Region 2021-2030 development plan strategic issues for Šiauliai Region Council.
Assoc. Prof. Dr R. Kazlauskaitė
• Expert-Consultations on the language used and used in the past in the Šiauliai region for Siauliai tourism information centre (TIC).
Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Vaskelienė
• Expert-consultations on gravestone inscriptions for the Herman Zudermans Society of Šilutė.
Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Valuckienė
• Training and expert-consultations of municipality teams when implementing updated content (criteria for municipalities and schools). School 2030. Updating the general curriculum content.
Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė
• Consultations on informing the public about climate change and its threats to human health for Center for Health Education and Disease Prevention.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė
• Science dissemination articles: VU journal Spectrum - “Allergenic Pollen and Innovative Research Methods” https://naujienos.vu.lt/spectrum-alergenines-ziedadulkes-sukurti-novatorisku-tyrimu-metodai-ir-unikalios-ziedadulkiu-bibliotekos/; VU news “For those suffering from allergies caused by pollen - an advanced air quality measurement system” https://naujienos.vu.lt/kenciantiems-nuo-ziedadulkiu-sukeltos-alergijos-pazangi-oro-kokybes-matavimo-sistema/;
• Expert comments: LNK portal - “Interview about airborne allergenic pollen“: https://lnk.lt/zinios-1830.
• Public lecture “About climate and the air we breathe” https://srsvb.lt/paskaita-apie-klimato-kaita/
Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Juknevičienė and Dr R. Toleikienė
• Public lectures "Means, methods and tools for raising anti-corruption awareness" (2 hours). The Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania, the Special Investigations Service of the Republic of Lithuania, the Center for Informal Education of Lithuanian Students organized a repeated qualification improvement seminar for general education and non-formal education teachers "Anti-corruption awareness in modern society: how to develop it?". 22/04/2022, 20/05/2022. - https://www.lmnsc.lt/renginys/antikorupcinis-samoningumas-siuolaikineje-visuomeneje-kaip-tai-ugdyti/
• Workshop "LEGO serious play". Presentation of the teaching method" (2 hours). Remote theoretical and practical seminar of the "Transparency Academy" program for teachers "Education of anti-corruption awareness at school: relevant, simple, playful" for teachers, members of the "Transparency Academy", everyone For teachers of Lithuanian general education and vocational schools, Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Lithuania, Center for Non-formal Education of Lithuanian Students, 2022-11-03 - https://www.lmnsc.lt/renginys/antikorupcinio-samoningumo-ugdymas-mokykloje-aktualiai-paprastai-zaismingai/
Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Šeputienė
• Interview for LRT TV news „Panorama” about increase of prices - https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000207682/sios-velykos-bus-brangiausios-per-pastaruosius-5-metus-produktu-kainos-senosios-ribos-gali-nepasiekti-net-per-akcijas?fbclid=IwAR0fnW9DSG5QwADjBQ5RLsqajtiw63JGQXqSiPaTW6q61n3NdzcLues0Wmg
• Comment for LRT TV show „Laba diena, Lietuva“ about the rise in the ruble exchange rate - https://www.lrt.lt/.../irasas/2000208900/labas-rytas-lietuva
Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Valuckienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr M. Damkuvienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr E. Petukienė and S. Balčiūnas
• Presentation of the scientific monograph "Development of professional capital as the capacity of a complex adaptive system" and the analysis of education policy "How to enable municipalities to implement systemic changes in education" at the event "How to enable municipalities and schools to implement systemic changes in education" (ŠMM) March 30, 2022 - https://www.lyderiulaikas.smm.lt/lt/renginiai/kvieiame-apsilankyti/5445-lyderi-laiko-3-komanda-kvieia-rengin-kaip-galinti-savivaldybes-ir-mokyklas-gyvendinti-sisteminius-vietimo-pokyius.
Prof. Dr D. Cibulskienė, Prof. Dr M. Butkus, Assoc. Prof. Dr Lina Garšvienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Šeputienė
• Science dissemination articles: VU journal Spectrum - “Stimulating the economy with borrowed money: will it work?” https://naujienos.vu.lt/spectrum-ekonomikos-skatinimas-skolintais-pinigais-ar-pavyks/