Šiauliai Academy

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

STAFF
124 teachers (incl. 84 holding research degree), 5 research fellows (incl. 5 holding research degree).

DEPARTMENTS OF THE ACADEMY
Institute of Education
Institute of Regional Development

RESEARCH AREAS
• Education and Processes of Teaching and Learning
• Humanities in Public Culture
• Natural Sciences and Advanced Technologies
• Socio-Economic Phenomena in the Process of Building a Welfare State: Region Resilience Studies
• Strengthening an Inclusive Society by Socio-Educational Measures

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2023
K. Puleikienė. Assessment of the impact of capital structure on business value in the maritime sector companies (Economics (S 004), scientific supervisor – Assoc. Prof. Dr Dalia Rudytė, scientific consultant – Prof. Dr Mindaugas Butkus).
D. Gaudinskaitė. Derivative Synonyms and Derivative Variants of the Nominal Personal Names in the Lithuanian Language (Philology (H 004), scientific supervisor – Assoc. Prof. Dr Jolanta Vaskelienė.
N. Kaunickienė. The framework of personal professional development at school: experiences of teacher professional growth (Education (S 007), scientific supervisor – Prof. Dr Remigijus Bubnys.
A. Kardašienė. Creation of Inclusive Culture in Gymnasiums through Non-formal Music Education (Education (S 007), scientific supervisor – Prof. Dr Diana Strakšienė.

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2023
1. 12th national methodological and subject conference „Lithuanian studies at school“, 13 April 2023.
2. XII International Interdisciplinary Scientific Conference „Region: History, Culture, Language“, 18-19 May 2023.
3. The XVI Jonas Pranas Aleksa international interdisciplinary scientific conference “Development of the State Role in the XXI Century: National and International Context”, 29 September 2023.
4. „International Scientific Conference Social Welfare: Interdisciplinary Approach: Empowerment, Equality, Inclusion“, 24 November 2023.
5. National scientific-practical conference "Education and educational support for diversity in the open school: theoretical approaches and practical strategies", 21 December 2023.

 

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION
84 Vytautas str., LT-76352 Siauliai
Tel. 595 735
E-mail:
Head –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. Geležinienė, Dr D. Gerulaitis, Dr L. Grajauskas, Dr V. Gevorgianienė (part-time), B. Janonienė, Dr M. Jurevičienė, Dr I. Kaffemanienė, Dr A. Kepalaitė, Dr I. Kunigytė-Arlauskienė (part-time), Dr J. Lenkauskaitė, Dr E. Masiliauskienė (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 S. Daniutė, 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, Dr 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, S. Radavičienė, D. Razmaitė, L. Remeikienė, O. Šapelytė, I. Šimkutė-Karalevičienė, D. Šukienė, 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, M. Kumžaitė, A. Laužonytė, L. Pečiulienė, V. Starkutė, A. Vaičiūnienė, I. Vietienė, M. Šinkūnas, L. Zavadskienė, U. Žilytė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Art education studies and research
• Didactics research
• Innovations in inclusive education and meeting special educational needs
• Research on psychosocial well-being and social education.
• Studies and researches of childhood phenomena
• Teacher training and general education processes.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2023
International Research Projects
All in – International Inclusive Society in Arts (ALIISA). Erasmus+ KA201 – Strategic Partnerships for school education. (2020-2023). Project coordinator: Savonia University of Applied Science (Finland). Project partners: Vilnius University Siauliai Academy (Lithuania), University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (Austria), Kuopio Conservatory (Finland), Association „Ich bin OK“(Austria). Project coordinator at Siauliai Academy: Prof. Dr D. Strakšienė. The aim of the ALIISA project is 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: improvement the social significance of art and its role in promoting social inclusion and well-being; developing pedagogical attitudes and skills; improvement the quality of art pedagogical teaching and ensure the availability of qualified professionals on the field of general and art education.

European Network in Nutritional Education for Aquired Disabilities (ENNEADI). Erasmus+ KA201 – Strategic Partnerships for school education. (2020-2023). Project coordinator: Futura SOC CONS RL (Italy). Project partners: Vilnius University Siauliai Academy (Lithuania), University of Bologna (Italy), Nueva Opcion Acquired Brain Injury Association of Valencia (Spain). Project coordinator at Siauliai Academy: Prof. Dr L. Radzevičienė. The ENNEADI project is mainly addressed to professionals who, with different roles, work and assist 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's network, in particular on the field of good quality-of-life and nutrition practices and services for the people with acquired disabilities.

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
1. Prof. Dr R. Urniežius - Wind Band Compositions by Eduardas Balsys. Keynote speech. The 17th international scientific conference Music Science Today: The Permanent and the Changeable. Daugavpils University, Latvia. 11-12 May, 2023.
2. Prof. Dr D. Strakšienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr E. Musneckienė - Research and application of Aliisa results: Lithuanian perspective. Symposium „All in – International Inclusive Society in Arts (ALIISA). Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien (MDW), Austria. 12 June, 2023.
3. Prof. Dr R. Bubnys - Becoming a teacher: a phenomenological hermeneutical analysis of student experiences in their university studies. P.PIC'23 Porto Pedagogical Innovation Conference. Center of Pedagogical Innovation, Polytechnic of Porto, Portugal. 6-7 July, 2023.
4. Assoc. Prof. Dr E. Musneckienė - A "Way of Seeing": Constructing the Meaning of Images Through Walking Practices and Visual Diaries. InSEA World Congress 2023 „Fault Lines“.The International Society for education through arts; Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey. 2-5 September, 2023.
5. Dr R. Karvelienė - Organisation of Distance Education for Schoolchildren with ASD. TSTT 2023 International Conference ‘Rethinking How We Train Teachers of Tomorrow’. Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. 15-17 September, 2023.

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 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).
2. 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.
3. Assoc. Prof. Dr R. Geležinienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Tomėnienė – member 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.
4. 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).
5. 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
1. 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.
2. Prof. Dr R. Bubnys – Expert-consultation on the methodological principles of research instrument development. Target group: high school teachers.
3. Prof. Dr A. Kazlauskienė – Expert-consultations on assessment of student learning achievements and progress; on organization of the educational process according to the updated General Programs. Expert-consultations for teachers.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr R. Bilbokaitė
• Participation in the TV show “Good day, Lithuania” with Expert comment: The professor is sceptical about the popular celebration of Halloween: there is a high risk that we will "play" with pumpkins. www.lrt.lt. (https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/irasas/2000301154/profesore-skeptiskai-vertina-populiarejanti-helovino-sventima-didele-rizika-kad-uzsizaisime-su-moliugeliais).
• Participation in the TV show “Good day, Lithuania” with Expert comment: Education professor about children's vacation: meaningful rest is necessary for a successful new academic year. www.lrt.lt. https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/gyvenimas/13/2015873/edukologijos-profesore-apie-vaiku-atostogas-norint-sekmingu-nauju-mokslo-metu-butinas-prasmingas-poilsis).
• Education Expert comment: As the world is changing, it is necessary to preserve our traditions. www.klaipeda.diena.lt (https://www.pozicija.org/renata-bilbokaite-pasauliui-panasejant-butina-issaugoti-savas-tradicijas/).
• Education Expert comment: Investments in children's education pays the highest dividends. www.bernardinai.lt (https://www.bernardinai.lt/prof-r-bilbokaite-investicija-i-vaiku-svietima-duoda-didziausius-dividendus/).
• Education Expert comment: So that the new school year is not stressful: the professor advises how to get back into the rhythm. BNS press center. (https://sc.bns.lt/view/item/468189).
• Education Expert comment: Advised how to choose clubs to make the child happy. TV3.lt (https://www.tv3.lt/naujiena/gyvenimas/patare-kaip-pasirinkti-burelius-kad-vaikas-butu-laimingas-n1239357).
Prof. Dr R. Bubnys
• Science dissemination articles: VU journal Spectrum - “Reflection at work: why is it important to reflect on professional experience?” 2023-05, https://www.vu.lt/naujienos/spectrum/straipsniai/refleksija-darbe-kodel-svarbu-reflektuoti-profesine-patirti.

MOST IMPORTANT ARTS ACTIVITIES
Assoc. B. Janonienė
• The choir’s “Studium“concert program at the "Lithuanian Adult Choir Competition - 2023". Awarded the Lithuanian National Cultural Center’s 1st degree diploma. 25.02.2023. Polyphony concert hall. Šiauliai.
• The choir’s “Studium” concert program at the International Music Project “Baltic Unity Day”. Conducting the Joint Choir of Lithuania and Latvia. 23.09.2023. Liepaja “Lielais dzintars” concert hall. Latvia.
• The choir’s “Studium” concert program at the International Festival of Women's Choirs and Vocal Ensembles “Vox Maris”. Conducting the Joint Choir of Lithuania and Latvia. 24.09.2023. Fishermen's Cultural Center. Klaipeda.
• The choir’s “Studium” concert program at the 4th North Lithuanian Choir Festival. Conducting the United Choir of Lithuania. 27.03.2023. Pasvalis park stage.
• The choir’s “Studium” concert program at the 24th Lithuanian Higher School Student Choir Festival. Conducting the Lithuanian joint student choir. 12.11.2023 Concert hall of the Klaipeda Faculty of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater. Klaipeda. The award is the Director's Appreciation of the Lithuanian National Cultural Center. Thanks from the Rector of Klaipėda University.
Assoc. G. Ramanauskas
• The choir’s “Pavasaris” concert program at Paris (France) “Madeleine” church on 09.10.2023
• The choir’s "Pavasaris" concert program the 24th Lithuanian Higher School Student Choir Festival. 12.11.2023 Concert hall of the Klaipeda Faculty of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theater. Klaipeda.
• 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.
Assoc. G. Dapkevičius
• Author of music and video – “In the Eyes of Thunder” Part III of the series “Songs of Creation”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZgSUxEgpuw.
• Author of music and video - "A SUFI DREAM" (audiovisual composition). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATsqOhgd6iU
• Music author. – Autumn (for cankles quartet, from the cycle “Four Seasons”). Premiere - Vilnius. John's Church. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARwnWD3nwOQ.

 

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 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 (part-time), Dr R. Kazlauskaitė, Dr I. Kerienė, 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 D. Balbonas, 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 S. Turskienė, Dr E. Valiulienė.
Junior assistant: L. Dargenytė-Kacilevičienė.
Lecturers: S. Balčiūnas, J. Damkus (part-time), A. Gumuliauskienė, Dr J. Karalevičienė (part-time), A. Margienė, T. Martinaitis, B. Poškuvienė, Dr S. Potelienė, Dr G. Saulis, V. Tubutienė (part-time).
Chief researchers: Dr M. Butkus, Dr D. Cibulskienė, Dr R. Macaitienė, Dr I. Šaulienė, Dr Rita Regina Trimonienė.
Senior researchers: Dr M. Damkuvienė, Dr R. Kvašytė, Dr K. Matuzevičiūtė-Balčiūnienė, Dr E. Petukienė, Dr D. Šiaučiūnas, Dr L. Šukienė, Dr J. Valuckienė, Dr J. Vaskelienė.
Researchers: Dr R. Toleikienė, Dr R. Vainorienė.
Junior researchers: L. Dargenytė-Kacilevičienė.
Laboratory assistants: Dovilė Dovydaitytė, Dr Dainius Balbonas
Postoctoral Researcher: Dr I. Bartuševičienė.
Doctoral students: A. Čižauskaitė-Butkaliuk, L. Dargenytė-Kacilevičienė, A. Gumuliauskienė, K. Kulikauskienė, K. Kuprytė, G. Mockevičienė, R. Milkintas, A. Padgureckienė, G. Petružis, J. Povilaitienė, E. Puskunigytė.

RESEARCH INTERESTS
• Analytic number theory problems
• Educational management and leadership
• Environmental research
• Good governance at local self-government
• Modelling and data science
• Quantitative modelling of macroeconomic processes
• Research of language, literature, and culture
• Sustainable Development in the process of ensuring well-being

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2023
National Research Projects
Jobless growth: interaction between demographic, sectoral, and institutional aspects (INTERA) (No. S-MIP-22-18) 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 emphasized that jobless growth is a global labor market issue. The main problem is that while the economic downturn is leading to a sharp decline in employment, no or just a slight increase is present during the period of growth. This phenomenon, previously observed only in a few developing countries, becomes increasingly common nowadays. In response to the economic stagnation caused by COVID-19, countries are once again using a range of growth-enhancing measures, so it is important to assess not only how labor market will respond, but why the response is changing and to identify conditions under which growth (does not) increase employment and (does not) reduce unemployment. This project will deepen and add new insights to the findings of existing research, as 1) it will analyze how the sensitivity of employment/unemployment to economic growth is affected by education, the aspect of which has not been studied in principle; 2) the developed research methodology will allow to study in detail the changing impact of growth on employment/unemployment in the economic growth phase; 3) contribute to research on how specific institutional conditions and specifics of economic sectors determine the impact of economic growth on employment/unemployment. The aim of the project is to identify the conditions under which growth (does not) increase employment and (does not) reduce unemployment. The project objective will: 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 allow analyzing the changing impact of economic growth on employment/unemployment; 3) based on the results of the empirical research with the data of the EU countries, recommendations for labor market policymakers will be formulated.
Main publications:
1. Butkus, M., Dargenytė-Kacilevičienė, L.,Matuzevičiūtė, K., Ruplienė, D., & Šeputienė, J. (2023) The role of labor market regulations on the sensitivity of unemployment to economic growth // Eurasian economic review. Heidelberg : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. ISSN 1309-422X. eISSN 2147-429X. 2023, first published online, p. [1-55]. DOI: 10.1007/s40822-023-00235-x. [Emerging Sources Citation Index (Web of Science); Scopus] [CiteScore: 5,50; SNIP: 1,177; SJR: 0,574; Q1 (2022, Scopus Sources)]
2. Butkus, M., Dargenytė-Kacilevičienė, L., Matuzevičiūtė, K., Ruplienė, D., & Šeputienė, J. (2023) Age- and gender-specific output-employment relationship across economic sectors // Ekonomický časopis / Journal of economics. Bratislava: Institute of Economic Research of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. ISSN 0013-3035. eISSN 2729-7470. 2023, vol. 71, no. 1, p. 3-22. DOI: 10.31577/ekoncas.2023.01.01. [Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science); Scopus] [Citav. rod.: 0,400, benDr cit. rod.: 3,700, Q4 (2022, Clarivate JCR SSCI)] [CiteScore: 0,90, SNIP: 0,189, SJR: 0,156, kvartilis: Q4 (2022, Scopus Sources)]

Zeta functions: going beyond the Riemann’s case (No. S-MIP-22-81) 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. Other three project researchers are from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics: Assoc. Prof. Dr Raivydas Šimėnas, PhD student T. Kondratavičius and master student J. Putrius. The aim of the project is to get new original results on value‐distribution of certain zeta‐functions, emphasizing 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 distrubution of zeta functions; to prove universality of the Riemann zeta function using some generalized 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 generalized shifts from a wide class of special functions; to prove universality for some composite functions.
Main publications:
1. Balčiūnas, A., Jasas, M., Macaitienė, R., & Šiaučiūnas, D. (2023) On the Mishou theorem for zeta-functions with periodic coefficients // Mathematics. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2227-7390. 2023, vol. 11, iss. 9, art. no. 2042, p. ]1-10]. DOI: 10.3390/math11092042. [Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Scopus] [IF: 2,400; AIF: 1,300; IF/AIF: 1,846; Q1 (2022, InCites JCR SCIE)] [CiteScore: 3,50; SNIP: 1,008; SJR: 0,446; Q1 (2022, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: N 001]
2. Garbaliauskienė, V., Macaitienė, R., & Šiaučiūnas, D. (2023) On the functional independence of the Riemann zeta-function // Mathematical modelling and analysis. Vilnius : Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. ISSN 1392-6292. eISSN 1648-3510. 2023, vol. 28, iss. 2, p. 352-359. DOI: 10.3846/mma.2023.17157. [Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Scopus; Dimensions] [IF: 1,800; AIF: 1,300; IF/AIF: 1,384; Q1 (2022, InCites JCR SCIE)] [CiteScore: 2,60; SNIP: 1,100; SJR: 0,451; Q2 (2022, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: N 001]
3. Laurinčikas, A. & Macaitienė, R. (2023) A generalized discrete Bohr–Jessen-type theorem for the Epstein zeta-function // Mathematics. Basel : MDPI. eISSN 2227-7390. 2023, vol. 11, no. 4, art. no. 799, p. [1-13]. DOI: 10.3390/math11040799. [Science Citation Index Expanded (Web of Science); Scopus] [IF: 2,400; AIF: 1,300; IF/AIF: 1,846; Q1 (2022, InCites JCR SCIE)] [CiteScore: 3,50; SNIP: 1,008; SJR: 0,446; Q1 (2022, Scopus Sources)] [M.kr.: N 001].

International Research Projects
A SYstem for reaL-time obserVation for Aeroallergen (SYLVA) HORIZON-CL6-2022-GOVERNANCE-01 project. The head of the Vilnius University part of the project: Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė. Project team consists of researchers from VU Šiauliai Academy and VU CHGF Institute of Geosciences. 2023-2026. The overall goal of SYLVA is to achieve a radical improvement and fill gaps in temporal resolution, timeliness, coverage, and availability of information about aeroallergens and other bioaerosols. SYLVA technological innovations will be accompanied with new infrastructure, distribution and exploitation pathways, and links with stakeholders to ensure technology uptake and sustainability beyond the lifetime of the project. To achieve this goal, the project will: (i) develop cutting-edge bioaerosol monitoring technologies; (ii) create bioaerosol monitoring ICT infrastructure and software following open-source principles and connect it to European environmental observing systems; (iii) validate the operational maturity and added-value of bioaerosol monitoring technology through Demonstration Pilots in three European regions; (iv) maximise impact by demonstrating SYLVA innovations to key stakeholders related to climate, health, agriculture, silviculture, and the environment; (v) ensure the long-term sustainability of bioaerosol technology and infrastructure across Europe. Vilnius University supervises the key activities of the project: the formulation of new monitoring standards and the analysis of the project's impact. Vilnius University also plays an important role in implementing other work packages of SYLVA: improving bioaerosol monitoring methods by developing devices and new research methodology (use of eDNA), performing data integration with information provided by satellite observations and digital models. Vilnius University team will prepare educational materials and training aimed at introducing the innovations created during the project to researchers and end users in the field. https://sylva.bioaerosol.eu/

AI-augmented ecosystem for Earth Observation data accessibility with Extended reality User Interfaces for Service and data exploitation“ (EO4EU) HORIZON-CL6-2021-GOVERNANCE-01-16 poject. VU Šiauliai Academy is one of 16 partners in this project. The head of the Vilnius University part 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 European Commission funded innovation project bringing forward the EO4EU Platform which will make access and use of 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 of 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 project can be found here: https://www.eo4eu.eu/about

GENDERACTIONplus: Gender Equality Network to Develop ERA Communities To coordinate Inclusive and sustainable policy implementatiON (ERA) Horizon project. 2022-2025. Gender Equality Network to Develop ERA Communities To coordinate Inclusive and sustainable policy implementatiON project 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. To organise this work, two Communities of Practice (CoPs) will be created, 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) genderbased 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; 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 Research Council of Lithuania (RCL) and Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy (VUŠA) in the GENDERACTION plus project. Ministry of Education, Science and Sports plays role of associated partner. VUŠA team is leaded by Research Professor Virginija Šidlauskienė. More information about project can be found here: https://genderaction.eu/.

E-leadership in municipal administrations: the post-pandemic analysis (E-LEADER) Scientific research project funded by Baltic-German University Liaison Office, which is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funds from the Foreign Office of the Federal Republic Germany. The leader of the scientific research project – Assoc. Prof. Dr Rita Toleikienė. Project researcher – Assoc. Prof. Dr Vita Juknevičienė. Project partners: Vilnius University (Lithuania) - project coordinator, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences (Germany), University of Latvia (Latvia). 2023-02-01– 2023-10-30. The goal of the project is to continue the collaboration in research of a Baltic-German expert group of e-leadership in public sector contexts; to prepare a research instrument of e-leadership for the focus group method (post-pandemic qualitative country-comparison); and to conduct a focus-group based study of e-leadership, comprising German, Lithuanian and Latvian municipal administrations. This research is focused on determining how the application of information and communication technologies (hereinafter - ICT) affected leadership processes and how the e. leadership develops: how processes and content have changed, what measures in municipal administrations are aimed to reduce the social isolation of employees and to increase their motivation in the post-pandemic period. This is a continuous project of the group of researchers – the first project was implemented in 2019, analyzing e-leadership practices in self-government in the pre-pandemic period. So the research on the topic of e-leadership will be continued in order to analyze post-pandemic practices of leadership using ICT in municipal administrations in Lithuania, Latvia and Germany.

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/.
• editorial board member of the journal Aerobiology, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/aerobiology/editors
• 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. Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Šeputinė, Prof. Dr M. Butkus, Assoc. Prof. Dr D. Ruplienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr K. Matuzevičiūrtė-Balčiūnienė and L. Dargenytė-Kacilevičienė. The role of labor market regulations on unemployment sensitivity to economic growth. 43rd EBES Conference – Madrid. April 12-14, 2023.
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Juknevičienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr R. Toleikienė and V. Šmitas - Seeking for The Resilient Governance: Integration of the Anti-Corruption Environment in the Municipality’s Human Resources Management System. XVIII International Scientific Conference “Sustainable Development – Circular Economy, Critical Infrastructures, Green Transition”. Sofia, Bulgaria. 19 May, 2023.
3. Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė - Joint Statement. Need for an EU One Health-in-all-policies approach: addressing the allergy and asthma epidemic. Need for an EU One Health-in-all-policies approach: addressing the allergy and asthma epidemic: Panel Discussion on European Parliament. Brussels, Belgium. 4 July 2023.
4. Prof. Dr D. Šiaučiūnas – On joint universality of Dirichlet L-functions. Workshop Universality, Zeta-Functions, and Chaotic Operators Universalité, fonctions zêta et opérateurs chaotiques. Centre International de Rencontres Mathematiques (CIRM). Marseille, France. 7-11 August, 2023.
5. Prof. Dr D. Cibulskienė, Prof. Dr M. Butkus, Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Garšvienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Šeputienė - Factors and their interactions determining the impact of public debt on economic growth. 62st ERSA Congress “Urban Challenges and Sustainable Technical Revolition”. Alicante, Hungary. 28 August-1 September, 2023.

MOST IMPORTANT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS RECEIVED FOR R&D ACTIVITIES
1. Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Šukienė, Prof. Dr G. Daunys and L. Vaitkevičius, were awarded by the Rector of Vilnius University for best Vilnius University International Scientific project. July 1, 2023.
2. Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Šukienė, Prof. Dr G. Daunys, Assoc. Prof. Dr G. Valiulis, L. Vaitkevičius and D. Dovidaitytė were awarded the medal of the Šiauliai Association of Industrialists for “The advanced scientific and applied research in aerobiology, assessing the impact on climate change, ecosystems and public health“. Septemer 7, 2023.

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 J. Vaskelienė – Member and Expert of State Commission of the Lithuanian Language (Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation Subcommittee).
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 in Inter-agency working group to address the public health impacts of climate change, Expert of Research Council of Lithuania.
4. Assoc. Prof. Dr L. Šukienė – Expert of Lithuanian Standardization Department, Expert of CEN/TC 264/WG 1 N 57 “Mitigation”.
5. 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.
6. 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
1. Prof. Dr D. Cibulskienė – Expert-consultations of Šiauliai Region 2021-2030 development plan strategic issues for Šiauliai Region Council.
2. Prof. Dr M. Butkus – Expert-consultations: Economic consultation for quality assurance of the company's products for Ltd. ROL Lithuania.

MOST IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES
Prof. Dr I. Šaulienė
• Expert comments: LRT portal – “The scientist warns: this year, people with allergies will face a test - several plants will bloom at the same time” https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/sveikata/682/1933802/mokslininke-perspeja-siemet-alergisku-zmoniu-laukia-isbandymas-zydeti-vienu-metu-ims-keli-augalai; “Professor on the beginning of the allergy season: nothing is blooming around, and pollen is already in the air” https://www.lrytas.lt/sveikata/gyvenu-sveikai/2023/04/05/news/profesore-apie-alergiju-sezono-pradzia-aplink-niekas-nezydi-o-ziedadulkiu-ore-jau-yra-26645708; “Warning to those who have pollen allergies: due to a rare occurrence in nature, symptoms may worsen” https://tv.lrytas.lt/zinios/lietuvos-diena/2023/04/24/news/perspeja-turincius-alergija-ziedadulkems-del-reto-reiskinio-gamtoje-simptomai-gali-paumeti-26831577?fbclid=IwAR1kYG6Vl6zUM6iIPLeOLJID0vhhm9dthPFY0T3tQw-8gVguhXRlM87tBPg
• Expert comment: Made in Vilnius portal - “Professor about the beginning of the pollen season: pollen from thousands of kilometers away can also cause allergies” https://madeinvilnius.lt/naujienos/miestas/profesore-apie-prasidedanti-ziedadulkiu-sezona-alergija-gali-sukelti-ir-is-uz-tukstanciu-kilometru-atklydusios-ziedadulkes
• Expert comment: LRYTAS.LT Health (Health News) – “It is noticed a rare phenomenon in Lithuanian nature - it poses a danger to some people” https://www.lrytas.lt/sveikata/medicinos-zinios/2023/04/28/news/lietuvos-gamtoje-pastebejo-reta-reiskini-daliai-zmoniu-jis-kelia-pavoju-26844344
Assoc. Prof. Dr V. Juknevičienė
• with S. Balčiūnas – Expert comment on the „Žinių radijas“ show „Experts advise“. Topic “Is the voice of women heard in Lithuanian politics?“ https://www.ziniuradijas.lt/laidos/ekspertai-pataria/ar-lietuvos-politikoje-girdimas-moteru-balsas?video=1&fbclid=IwAR3fKTqgnlAZPtJdwmzW1hugqP-WaM9nkVJz7qxkCcH5_0sCfareMXe40yU
• Expert comment on the „Žinių radijas“ show “A dose of feminism“. Topic „What would be different if there were more women in politics?“ https://www.ziniuradijas.lt/laidos/feminizmo-doze/kas-butu-kitaip-jei-moteru-politikoje-butu-daugiau?video=1
• with Assoc. Prof. Dr R. Toleikienė - Science dissemination article in Science Lithuania “Experience of electronic management in municipalities of Lithuania, Latvia and Germany after the pandemic” http://mokslolietuva.lt/2023/11/elektroninio-vadovavimo-patirtis-lietuvos-latvijos-ir-vokietijos-savivaldybese-po-pandemijos/
Assoc. Prof. Dr R. Kazlauskaitė – Interview about dialetcs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oNQB3PPv1Y
Dr R. Vainorienė
• Science dissemination article “You've never seen such beautiful geraniums”. https://ukininkopatarejas.lt/naujienos/tokiu-graziu-pelargoniju-dar-nematete/
• Interview for the article “The popularity of cultural blueberries” in Mano ūkis.lt. https://www.manoukis.lt/naujienos/maistas/populiareja-kulturines-bruknes
Assoc. Prof. Dr J. Vaskelienė
• Public lecture – “Characteristic violations of Lithuanian common language” https://www.sa.vu.lt/renginiai/1377-paskaita-budingi-lietuviu-bendrines-kalbos-pazeidimai
• Public lecture – “Lithuanian language for Lithuania and the world” https://www.sa.vu.lt/renginiai/1381-paskaita-lietuviu-kalba-lietuvai-ir-pasauliui
• Public lecture – “The richness of the Lithuanian language” https://www.sa.vu.lt/renginiai/1376-paskaita-lietuviu-kalbos-turtingumas