91桃色

Faculty of Natural Sciences

Sukurta: 05 July 2017

7 厂补耻濒臈tekio al., LT-10257 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8200, fax 239 8204
E-mail:
www

Dean 鈥 Prof. Habil. Dr. Osvaldas Ruk拧臈nas

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

DEPARTMENTS OF THE FACULTY

RESEARCH AREAS

Genomics, Biomolecules and Biotechnologies: Fundamental and Applied Research
Territorial Differentiation of Lithuanian Landscape Structure in Terms of Environment Protection and Planning Concepts
Ecosystems and Climate Changes, Preservation of Environment and Use of Natural Resources
Investigation of Nervous System and Behaviour

DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS MAINTAINED IN 2016

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

MAIN CONFERENCES ORGANIZED IN 2016

AAPG Conference and Workshop Hydrocarbon exploaration in Lithuania and the Baltic Region,  
13th Baltic Geotechnical conference Historical experience and challenges of geotechnical problems in Baltic Sea region
2nd annual conference for PhD students of Geology
8th conference of Lithuanian Neurosciences Association
International workshop Current issues of plant conservation
Herbarium of 91桃色 - Fundamental platform for scientific research. R. Rimgail臈-Voicik, M. Rasimavi膷ius, A. Meld啪iukien臈. 2016. Vita scientia, Vilnius.

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

7 厂补耻濒臈tekio al., LT-10222, Vilnius
Tel./fax 85 239 8231
E-mail: /

Head - Prof. Dr. Edita Su啪ied臈lien臈

STAFF

Professors: Dr. J. Kadziauskas, Dr. E. Su啪ied臈lien臈, Dr. S. Serva.
Associate professors: Dr. E. Bakien臈, Dr., D. Dabkevi膷ien臈, Dr. A. Markuckas, Dr. S. Sasnauskien臈, Dr. A. Sasnauskien臈, Dr. A. Zimkus.
Lecturers: Dr. V. Jonu拧ien臈, Z. 沤itkus.
Chief research fellows: Dr. L. Bagdonien臈, Dr. V. Bendikien臈.
Senior research fellows: Dr. D. Labeikyt臈, J. Armalyt臈, Dr. A. Zimkus.
Affiliated researcher: Dr. A. 膶etkauskait臈.
Research fellows: Dr. V. Jonu拧ien臈, Dr. A. Sasnauskien臈, Dr. R. Kvietkauskait臈, V. Kiriliauskait臈.
Doctoral students: M. Jur臈nait臈, A. Konovalovas, A. Mlynska, E. Kukcinavi膷i奴t臈, J. Skerni拧kyt臈, A. Mikalk臈nas, J. Fadejeva, L. Kunig臈nas, L. Aitmanait臈, R. Krasauskas.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Molecular determinants of virus cycle, antivirals
Biochemical mechanisms of cellular response to photooxidation and cytotoxic treatment
Bacterial stress responses, pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance
Enzymatic catalysis and conversion of biomass

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Investigation of Mechanisms of Cellular Homeostasis and their Clinical and Biotechnological Application. Prof. Dr. E. Su啪ied臈lien臈, Prof. Dr. S. Serva, Assoc. Prof. A. Sasnauskien臈.

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

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

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

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

National Research Projects

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

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

Research Council of Lithuania. Influence of Intensive Farming on the Emergence, Persistence and Spread of Antibiotic and Biocide-Resistant Bacteria in Soil and Water (Nr. SIT-15013). Dr. J. Armalyt臈. Project Leader Dr. M. Ru啪auskas. 2015鈥2018.

Research Council of Lithuania. New Markers for Personalized Therapy of Colorectal Cancer: Proteomics, Rnomics, Clinic. Dr. A. Sasnauskien臈, Dr. V. Jonu拧ien臈. Project leader Prof. A. Laurinavi膷ius. 2015鈥2018.

Modus Mechanisms. Dr. S. Serva, A. Konovalovas. Project leader E. Servien臈. 2015鈥2018.

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. E. Su啪ied臈lien臈 鈥

  • member of Research Council of Lithuania.

Prof. S. Serva 鈥

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

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY AND GENETICS

7 厂补耻濒臈tekio al. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8257
E-mail:

Head 鈥 Prof. Habil. Dr. Juozas Lazutka

STAFF

Professors: Dr. S. Jarmalait臈, Dr. E. Kutorga, Dr. A. Lubys (part-time), Habil. Dr. J. R. Naujalis, Habil. Dr. I. Pa拧akinskien臈 (part-time), Habil. Dr. V. Ran膷elis (emeritus), Dr. G. Slap拧yt臈, Dr. D. 沤vingila.
Associate professors: Dr. T. 膶臈snien臈, Dr. J. Kostkevi膷ien臈, Dr. V. Mork奴nas (part-time), Dr. I. Prigodina Luko拧ien臈.
Lecturers: E. M. Georgian (part-time), S. Juz臈nas, A. Meld啪iukien臈, Dr. E. Me拧kauskait臈, Dr. J. Ruk拧臈nien臈 (part-time), R. 艩iuk拧ta, Dr. I. 艩pakait臈 (part-time), Dr. J. Tup膷iauskait臈 (part time), P. Venckus (part-time).
Senior research fellow: Dr. V. Kleizait臈.
Research fellows: Dr. V. Dedonyt臈, Dr. J. Mierauskien臈, Dr. V. Mork奴nas (part-time), Dr. D. Naug啪emys, Dr. J. Patamsyt臈, Dr. V. Vaitk奴nien臈.
Junior research fellows: K. Dani奴nait臈, M. Rasimavi膷ius, Dr. J. Ruk拧臈nien臈 (part-time).
Doctoral students: J. Butkuvien臈, K. Dani奴nait臈, J. Kavaliauskait臈, A. Nestarenkait臈, G. Radvilien臈, R. Rimgail臈-Voicik, I. Sadzevi膷ien臈, A. Skeberdyt臈, A. Stumbryt臈, K. Stuopelyt臈, P. Venckus, 沤. Kapustina, R. Kubili奴t臈, D. Strepetkait臈.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Search and application of the most effective biomarkers for genetic monitoring of human, animal and plant populations
Investigation of mutagenic and antimutagenic effects of chemical compounds in human cells in vitro and experimental model systems in vivo
Analysis of epigenetic changes in human malignancies
Studies of DNA polymorphism in plant populations
Plant developmental, population genetics and phylogenetics
Research of environmental impact on plant, fungi, algae biology, ecology and distribution
Inventorization and monitoring of rare, protected and alien species
Algal biotechnology
Fungal and lichen biogeography and systematics
Fungal and botanical biodiversity of selected territories, ecosystems and habitats
Composition, structure and dynamics of lichen and plant populations
Studies of historical fungal, algae, lichen and plant collections, maintained in the Herbarium of 91桃色

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Function, Variability and Genome Structure in Higher Eukaryotes. Prof. J. R. Lazutka, Prof. G. Slap拧yt臈, Prof. S. Jarmalait臈. 2014鈥2018.

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

Main publications:

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

Strepetkait臈, D., Alzbutas, G., Astromskas, E., Lagunavi膷ius, A., Sabaliauskait臈, R., Arba膷iauskas, K., Lazutka, J. 2016. Analysis of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation in the genome of Crustacean Daphnia pulex. Genes, vol. 7, p. 1, doi:.

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

Plant Polymorphism, Genome Stability and its Changing Factors. Prof. Emeritus V. Ran膷elis, Prof. D. 沤vingila. 2016鈥2020.

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

Main publication:

Tunaitien臈, V., Patamsyt臈, J., Naug啪emys, D., Kleizait臈, V., 膶臈snien臈, T., Ran膷elis, V., 沤vingila, D. 2016. Genetic and allelopathic differences between populations of daisy fleabane Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. (Asteraceae) from disturbed and stable habitats. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, doi: .

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

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

Main publications:

Naujalis, J. R., Rimgail臈-Voicik, R. 2016. Plant community associations and complexes of associations in the Lithuanian seashore: retrospective on the studies and tragic fate of the botanist Dr. Abromas Kisinas (1899鈥1945). Israel Journal of Plant Sciences, vol. 63(3), p. 167鈥175, ().

Motiej奴nait臈, J., Kutorga, E., Kasparavi膷ius, J., Lygis, V., Norkut臈, G. 2016. New records from Lithuania of fungi alien to Europe. Mycotaxon, 131 (1, January鈥March), p. 49鈥60.

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

National Research Projects

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

Currently, application of molecular markers is emerging in studies of genotoxicity and response to environmental factors. In order to adopt new markers in the study of polluted territories it is essential to compare their effectiveness with the traditionally approved methods of environmental genotoxicology. Comparison of cytogenetic and molecular markers (RAPD, ISSR, isozymes) is used to assess the effect of genotoxic compounds in soil samples collected from areas with different type and level of pollution and intensive human activity areas.

Research Council of Lithuania. Human Impact on Stability of Vegetation in Chosen River Ecosystems in Lithuania. (No. SIT-02/2015). Prof. D. 沤vingila. 2015鈥2018.

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

Research Council of Lithuania. Impact of Clear Cuttings on Transformation of Biodiversity in Forest Ecosystems (MEKODINA) No. SIT-1/2015. Participants of project Dr. E. Me拧kauskait臈, S. Juz臈nas, R. Rimgail臈-Voicik. 2015鈥2018.

Vytautas Magnus University (leading institution), 91桃色 and Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry collaborate in this project. This study aims at investigating dynamic of forest soil chemical composition and soil microbiota and at determining variation ground vegetation and insects species. In order to determine the response of forest ecosystem components to drastic changes, the complex methods agrochemistry, entomology, chemistry, and geobotany will be applied.

Research Council of Lithuania. Enhancement of the Efficiency of Antibacterial and Cytostatic Compounds Strengthening Interaction with Cells. MIP-040/2015. Participants K. Daniunaite, R. Kubiliute.

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

Main publication:

Kubili奴t臈, R., 艩ulskyt臈, I., Dani奴nait臈, K., Daugelavi膷ius, R., Jarmalait臈, S. 2016. Molecular features of doxorubicin-resistance development in colorectal cancer CX-1 cell line. Medicina (Lith.), vol. 52, 298鈥306,

International Research Projects

Lithuania-Norway project: Processing of Scattered Data on Protected Species and Entering It into Single Protected Species Information System EEE-LT03-AM-01-K- 01-001. Participant of project A. Meld啪iukien臈, R. Rimgail臈-Voicik. 2014鈥2016.

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. E. Kutorga 鈥

  • editor-in-chief of the journal Botanica Lithuanica;
  • editorial board member of the journal Folia Cryptogamica Estonica;
  • editorial board member of the journal Acta Mycologica;
  • editorial board member of multivolume edition Lietuvos grybai (Mycota Lithuaniae);

Prof. J. R. Lazutka 鈥

  • deputy editor-in-chief
  • editor of the journal Open Life Sciences (formerly Central European Journal of Biology;

Prof. J. R. Naujalis 鈥

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

Prof. V. Ran膷elis 鈥

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

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND LAND MANAGEMENT

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

Head - Prof. Dr. Darijus Veteikis

STAFF

Professors: Dr. D. Veteikis, Dr. D. Krupickait臈, Dr. J. Ma膷iulyt臈, Dr. D. Burneika, Dr. V. Daugirdas, Habil. Dr. Emeritus P. Kavaliauskas.
Assoc. professors: Dr. M. Dumbliauskien臈, Dr. F. Kavoliut臈, Dr. R. Prapiestien臈, Dr. J. Volungevi膷ius, Dr. M. Jankauskait臈, Dr. R. Skorupskas, Dr. R. Tu膷as, Dr. R. 艩imanauskien臈
Lecturers: Dr. L. Jukna, Dr. G. Poci奴t臈-Sereikien臈, MSc A. Jasinavi膷i奴t臈, V. Bezaras.
Research fellow: Dr. G. Godien臈.
Doctoral student: A. Luko拧evi膷ien臈.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Remote sensing and spatial analysis of landscape and natural geosystems
Spatial analysis of political, social and economical units
Quantitative and qualitative estimation of environmental processes
Quantitative and qualitative estimation of political, social and economical processes
Prognoses of landscape changes
Prognoses of spatial changes of society
Optimization of land management and strategic planning
Geographical groundings of regional policy
Visualization of geographical processes

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

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

Main publications:

Volungevi膷ius, J., Jukna, L., Veteikis, D., Vaisvalavi膷ius, R., Amalevi膷i奴t臈, K., 艩lepetien臈, A., Skorupskas, R., Jankauskait臈, M. 2016. The problem of soil interpretation according to the WRB 2014 classification system in the context of anthropogenic transformations. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica. Section B: Soil and Plant Science, vol. 66, iss. 5, p. 452鈥460.

Veteikis, D., Kavaliauskas, P., Skorupskas, R. 2016. Assessing the optimality of landscape structure in a landscape plan (a Lithuanian example). In Halada, 慕., Ba膷a, A., Bolti啪iar, M. (eds.) Landscape and Landscape Ecology. Proceedings of the 17th International Symposium on Landscape Ecology, p. 348鈥358.

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

International Research Projects

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

COST Action TU1401. Renewable Energy and Landscape Quality (RELY). 2014鈥2018. Management Committee member from 91桃色 鈥 Prof. D. Veteikis.

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. P. Kavaliauskas (emeritus) 鈥

  • editorial advisory board member of the Central European Journal of Geosciences (CEJG);
  • international advisory board member of the Annales Geographicae (Geographical Yearbook), ;
  • editorial board member of the journal Geologija. Geografija, .

Prof. D. Burneika 鈥

  • editor-in-chief of the Annales Geographicae (Geographical Yearbook), .

Prof. D. Veteikis 鈥

  • editor-in-chief of the journal Geologija. Geografija, ;
  • editorial board member of the journal Annales Geographicae (The Geographical Yearbook), .

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROGEOLOGY AND ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

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

Head - Prof. Habil. Dr. Robert Mokrik

STAFF

Professor: Habil. Dr. R. Mokrik.
Associate professors: Dr. S. Gadeikis, Dr. S. Gadeikyt臈, P. Klizas, Dr. K. Jok拧as, Dr. G. 沤ar啪ojus, Dr. M. Gregorauskas (part-time), Dr. J. Medzvieckas (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. V. Jakimavi膷iut臈 Maselien臈 (part-time), Dr. J. Arustien臈 (part-time), D. Urbaitis (part-time).
Research fellows: Dr. V. Jakimavi膷iut臈 Maselien臈, V. Samalavi膷ius.
Doctoral students: D. Gribulis, 沤. Palaitis, A. Indriulionis.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

MAIN SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2016

Raidla, V., Kern, Z., Babre, A., Erg, K., Ivask, J., Kohan, B., Martma, T., Mokrik, R., Parn, J., Vaikmae, R. 2016. A 未18O isoscape for the shallow groundwater in the Baltic Artesian Basin. Journal of Hydrology, vol. 542, p. 254鈥267.

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

Lujanien臈, G., Ma啪eika, J., Li H.-C.,  R, Petro拧ius, R., Barisevi膷i奴te, R., Jok拧as K., Remeikait臈-Nikien臈, N., Malejevas, V., Garnaga,  G., Stankevi膷ius, A., Povinec, P. 2016.  螖14C and 未13C as tracers of organic carbon in Baltic Sea sediments collected in coastal waters off Lithuania and in the Gotland Deep. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, vol. 307, iss. 3, p. 2231鈥2237.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Investigation of environmental isotopes and noble gases in groundwater of the Baltic Artesian Basin: determination of trace and major elements of groundwater using ICP spectrometric and ion chromatography methods; assessment of paleogroundwater ages by radioactive isotopes radiocarbon-14, tritium and noble gas isotope ratio of krypton 鈥 81. Modeling of groundwater mass transport processes using MT3D codes and thermodynamic chemistry. Solving heat conduction processes according to meshless numerical scheme as a radial basic function. Engineering geological investigation of ground and soil physical-mechanical properties by static loading, dynamical penetration tests and using laboratory and field tests methods. Estimation of soil properties using optimization of data sets on the principle of statistical learning algorithms.

International Research Projects

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

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

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

Contractual Research

Contractual research of soil and ground geotechnical parameters for soil and rocks physical-mechanical properties of urbanistic sites with Limited stock companies 鈥淔ugro Baltic鈥, 鈥淕eoin啪inerija鈥, 鈥淜elprojektas鈥, 鈥淪weco Lietuva鈥, 鈥淕eologijos projektavimo centras鈥.

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Habil. Dr. R. Mokrik 鈥

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

Assof. Prof. Dr. S. Gadeikis 鈥

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

Assoc. Prof. Dr. S. Medzvieckas 鈥

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

DEPARTMENT OF HYDROLOGY AND CLIMATOLOGY

21/27 M. K. 膶iurlionio, LT-01513 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8292, fax 239 8292
E-mail:

Head 鈥 Prof. Dr. Ar奴nas Bukantis

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Bukantis, Dr. E. Rimkus, Dr. G. Valiu拧kevi膷ius.
Associate professors: Dr. G. Stank奴navi膷ius, Dr. J. Ka啪ys, Dr. D. Pupienis, Dr. E. Stonevi膷ius.
Lecturers: Dr. J. Liukaityt臈, Dr. R. Linkevi膷ien臈.
Doctoral students: L. 艩idlauskait臈, J. Kilpys, A. Dja膷enko.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Climate change, quantitative and qualitative fluctuations of Lithuanian water resources
Indices of climate change in Lithuania and the response of hydrosphere (lakes water levels and sediments, rivers discharges, the Baltic Sea water levels, temperature and salinity, coastline and coast sediment budget) to the long-term climate fluctuations
Extreme climatic phenomena, climatic resources dynamics and forecasting
Regional anthropogenic climate changes, climate change impact on environment and economy
Applied and road meteorology, human biometeorology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

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

Identification of the tendencies of the regional climate change and the hydrological processes, assessment of the climate change impact on the Baltic Sea coasts, analysis of the measures to facilitate adequate adaptation strategies, verification of numerical weather prediction outputs under different atmospheric circulation background were realized. Also NAO and QBO oscilliations effects and its tendency on mean air temperature, precipitation, hygrotermic index and snow cover duration in Lithuania were analysed.

Main publications:

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

Jarmalavi膷ius, D., 艩matas, V., Stank奴navi膷ius, G., Pupienis, D., 沤ilinskas, G. 2016. Factors controlling coastal erosion during storm events. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 75, p. 1112鈥1116.

Ma膷iulyt臈 V., Rimkus E. 2016. Dirvo啪emio terminis re啪imas Lietuvoje. Geologija. Geografija, vol. 2(1), p. 1鈥13, doi:10.6001/geol-geogr.v2i1.3291. 

National Research Projects

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

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

Main publication:

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

International Research Projects

Integrated Drought Management Programme in Central and Eastern Europe (IDMP CEE). G. Stank奴navi膷ius. 2013鈥2017, .

Drought preparedness measures (investment and non-investment measures, like for example drought insurance systems). Enhancement (and/or development) of drought monitoring and early warning systems. Development of capacity building programs for water managers and farmers. Development of case studies to document good practices in application of integrated drought management as an integral part of water and land management (including transboundary basins).

Main publication:

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

Project: Climate Change in Peatlands: Holocene Record, Recent Trends and Related Impacts on Biodiversity and Sequestered Carbon. Prof. Dr. E. Rimkus. 2013鈥2016, .

The CLIMPEAT project will hence explore the interconnections and interdependencies of peatlands ecosystems with climate (change), anthropogenic activity and sequestered carbon. It will contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of this resource through a better appraisal of impacts, and/or feedback loops between pedospheric, atmospheric, and anthropogenic activities. In the first stage of the project data base of meteorological and hydrological parameters was formed. Relationships between tree rings width and climate conditions in three different peatlands of Lithuania were determined.

Main publications:

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

Rimkus, E., Ka啪ys, J., Edvardsson, J., Pukien臈, R., Corona, C., Linkevi膷ien臈, R., Stoffel, M. 2016. Future projections of pine growth dynamics at peat and mineral soils in Lithuania. Proceedings of 1st Baltic Earth conference Multiple drivers for Earth system changes in the Baltic Sea region. Nida (Lithuania), p. 209鈥210.

COST activity: Advanced Global Navigation Satellite Systems Tropospheric Products for Monitoring Severe Weather Events and Climate (GNSS4SWEC). Assoc. Prof. Dr. G. Stank奴navi膷ius. 2012鈥2016, .

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have revolutionised positioning, navigation, and timing, becoming a common part of our everyday life. Aside from these well-known civilian and commercial applications, GNSS is now an established atmospheric observing system which can accurately sense water vapour, the most abundant greenhouse gas, accounting for 60-70% of atmospheric warming. For the first time, the synergy of the three GNSS systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) will be used to develop new, advanced tropospheric products, exploiting the full potential of multi-GNSS water vapour estimates on a wide range of temporal and spatial scales, from real-time monitoring and forecasting of severe weather, to climate research.

COST activity: A European Network for a Harmonised Monitoring of Snow for the Benefit of Climate Change Scenarios, Hydrology and Numerical Weather Prediction. Prof. Dr. E. Rimkus. 2014鈥2018, .

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

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

Temple University (USA)
Institute for Environment and Sustainability (EC Joint Research Centre)
Global Water Partnership presence in Central and Eastern Europe
European Meteorological Society
Nature Research Centre (Lithuania)
Klaipeda University (Lithuania)
Lithuanian Energy Institute (Lithuania)
A.P. Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute (VSEGEI) (Russia)
P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Atlantic Branch (Russia)
Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia)
Road and Transport Research Institute (Lithuania)
University of Gothenburg (Sweden)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr. A. Bukantis 鈥

  • member of National Climate Change Committee, ;
  • editorial board member of the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, ;
  • editorial board member of the Journal of Water Security (JWS), .

Prof. Dr. E. Rimkus 鈥

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

Assoc. Prof. G. Valiu拧kevi膷ius 鈥

  • member of the Nordic Hydrological Association, .

Assoc Prof. E. Stonevi膷ius 鈥

  • executive editor of the journal Geologija. Geografija (Geology. Geography), ;
  • national Correspondent of Euromediterranean Network of Experimental and Representative Basins (ERB), .

Dr. R. Linkevi膷ien臈 鈥

  • editorial board member of the journal Limnological Review, .

Assoc. Prof. E. Ka啪ys 鈥

  • editorial board secretary of the journal Geologija. Geografija (Geology. Geography), ;
  • editorial board member of the journal International Journal of Ecosystems and Ecology Science (IJEES), .

DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

7 Sauletekio, LT-10257 Vilnius
Tel: 239 8205, 239 8206
www.

Head - Prof. Dr. Lilija Kal臈dien臈

STAFF

Professors: Dr. L. Kal臈dien臈, Dr. N. Kuisien臈,  Dr. A. Me拧kauskas.
Associate professors: J. Raugalas, G. Giedraityt臈,  I. Girkontait臈, E. Lastauskien臈.
Lecturers: R. Puzirauskas, R. Kananavi膷i奴t臈, R. Petkauskait臈, A. Gegeckas, R.Gudiukait臈.
Assistants: J. Lekavi膷i奴t臈, V. Nork奴nas.
Doctoral students: R. Pranckut臈, A. Kaunietis, A. Gricajeva, I. Burneikien臈, T. Kazanova, R. Bikmurzinas, J. Lebedeva.

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

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

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

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

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr. L. Kal臈dien臈 鈥

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

Prof. Dr. N.Kuisien臈 鈥

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

Dr. E. Lastauskiene, A. Gegeckas 鈥

  • board members of Lithuania鈥檚 Society of Microbiologists.

DEPARTMENT OF NEUROBIOLOGY AND BIOPHYSICS

21/27 M. K. 膶iurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8222, Fax: 2398216
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Dr. Osvaldas Ruk拧臈nas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. A. Alaburda, Dr. D. Matulis (part-time), Dr. O. Ruk拧臈nas.
Associate professors: Dr. V. Bukelskien臈 (part-time), Dr. R. Grik拧ien臈, Dr. I. Gri拧kova-Bulanova, Dr. V. Kisnierien臈, Dr. V. Sakalauskas, Dr. G. Svirskis (part-time), Dr. V. Vengelien臈 (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. R. Bui拧as, A. Daktari奴nas, R. Grigonis.
Senior research fellows: Dr. I. Gri拧kova-Bulanova, Dr. V. Sakalauskas.
Research fellow: Dr. V. Kisnierien臈.
Junior research fellows: A. Daktari奴nas, L. Ma膷iukait臈, A. Voicikas.
Doctoral students: I. Antonova, D. Dankin, 沤. Luko拧ius, L. Ma膷iukait臈, A. 艩l臈ktait臈, L. Mazrimait臈, V. Mork奴nait臈, R. Grigonis, E. Jan臈nait臈, M. Baranauskas, D. Le拧膷i奴t臈-Krilavi膷ien臈, I. Lapeikait臈, A. Kalnaityt臈, A. Voicik, S. M臈lynyt臈, R. Mon膷iunskait臈.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

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

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2014

Projects Supported by University Budget

Theoretical, Electrophysiological and Psychophysical Investigation of Information Coding and Processing. Prof. Dr. O. Ruk拧臈nas. 2016鈥2020.

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

National Research Projects

Research Council of Lithuania. Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: Identification of Electrophysiological Markers. Project coordinator Assoc. Prof. I. Gri拧kova-Bulanova. 2014鈥2016.

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

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

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

International Research Projects

Florida Children Hospital project: Normative Data Set of Electromagnetic Brain Signatures. Project coordinator Assoc. Prof. I. Gri拧kova-Bulanova. 2014鈥2019.

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

Lithuanian Swiss Cooperation Programme: Development of Neuroimaging Research and Clinical Skills in Lithuania. Project coordinator Prof. Dr. O. Ruk拧臈nas. 2015鈥2016.

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

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

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

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

Republican Vilnius Psychiatric Hospital (Lithuania)
University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
Florida Children Hospital (USA)
University of Helsinki, University of Kuopio (Finland)
University of Tuebingen (Germany)
University of Oslo (Norway)
University of Houston (USA)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr. A. Alaburda 鈥

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

Dr. R. Bui拧as, Assoc. Prof. I. Gri拧kova-Bulanova, Assoc. Prof. R. Grik拧ien臈, Assoc. Prof. V. Kisnierien臈, Dr. A. Pleska膷iauskas Dr. A. 艩oli奴nas 鈥

  • members of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences.

Prof. Dr. O. Ruk拧臈nas 鈥

  • President of the Lithuanian Society for Neurosciences;
  • council member of the Baltic Laboratory Animal Science Association (Balt-LASA);
  • vice-president of the Lithuanian Laboratory Animal Science Association (Lith-LASA);
  • editorial board member of the journal Laboratorin臈 medicina (Laboratory Medicine);
  • European Commission expert.

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY

21 M. K. 膶iurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8272, 239 8277, fax 239 8272
E-mail ,

Head 鈥 Prof. Dr. Petras 艩ink奴nas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. (HP) G. Motuza Matuzevi膷ius, Dr. P. 艩ink奴nas, Habil. Dr. S. 艩liaupa (part-time), Habil. Dr. Emeritus M. Kabailien臈 (till 2016-08-22).
Associate professors: Dr. A. Brazauskas, Dr. D. Kaminskas, Dr. J. Lazauskien臈 (part-time), Dr. G. Skridlait臈 (part-time), Dr. S. Radzevi膷ius.
Lecturers: G. Bi膷kauskas (part-time), Dr. A. 膶e膷ys (part-time), Dr. 沤. D臈nas (part-time), N. Dobrotin (part-time), Dr. R. Guobyt臈 (part-time, till 2016-08-31), Dr. A. Klei拧mantas (part-time), J. Kli膷ius (part time), Dr. D. Michelevi膷ius (part-time), Dr. D. Kisielien臈 (part time), E. Rudnickait臈 (part-time), Dr. A.Spiridonov, Dr. L.Balakauskas (part-time, since 2016-09-01).
Research fellows: Dr. A. 膶e膷ys (part-time), E. Rudnickait臈 (part-time), Dr. G. Vaikutien臈.
Doctoral students: P. 膶ernakauskas, E.艩ink奴n臈, A.Ekleris, E. Rudnickait臈 , J. Debesi奴nait臈, 沤. Stankevi膷ius, D. Dankina, M. Jankovska, V. Kirkliauskait臈, S. Lozovskis, M. Grendait臈, A.K. Cichon-Pupienis.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Geology of Precambrian crystalline basement

Petrology, chronology, tectonic structure and evolution of Precambrian crystalline crust

Palaeontology and stratigraphy

Ordovician graptolite and brachiopod, Silurian graptolite, conodonts, vertebrata and brachiopod taxonomy and early Palaeozoic stratigraphy

Late Glacial and Holocene diatom taxonomy and stratigraphy, climatic and Baltic Sea level change

Lithostratigraphy of Quaternary tills based on lithological, sedimentological and geochronological data.

Glacial sedimentology

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy of Quaternary Deposits. Dr. G. Vaikutien臈. 2016鈥2021.

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

Main publications:

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

Zinkut臈, R., Tara拧kevi膷ius, R., Jankauskait臈, M., Stankevi膷ius, 沤. 2016. Methodological alternatives for calculation of enrichment factors used for assessment of topsoil contamination. Journal of Soils and Sediments, doi:10.1007/s11368-016-1549-4.

International Research Projects:

International Geoscience Programme (IGCP 鈥 596): Climate Change and Biodiversity Patterns in the Mid-Palaeozoic. Participants: Assoc. Prof. A. Brazauskas, Assoc. Prof. D. Kaminskas, Assoc. Prof. S. Radzevi膷ius, A. Spiridonov.

Main publications:

Radzevi膷ius, S., Spiridonov, A., Brazauskas, A., Dankina, D., Rimkus, A., Bi膷kauskas, G., Kaminskas, D., Meidla, T, Ainsaar, L. 2016. Integrated stratigraphy, conodont turnover and paleoenvironments of the Upper Wenlock and Ludlow of the Vilkavi拧kis-134 core (Lithuania). Newsletters on Stratigraphy, vol. 49(2), p. 321鈥336.

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

Venckut臈-Aleksien臈, A., Radzevi膷ius, S., Spiridonov, A. 2016. Dynamics of phytoplankton in relation to the upper Homerian (Lower Silurian) lundgreni event 鈥 an example from the Eastern Baltic Basin (Western Lithuania). Marine Micropaleontology, vol. 126, p. 31鈥41.

Impact Craters in Lithuania. Prof. Dr. G. Motuza Matuzevi膷ius. 2015鈥2017.

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

Main publications:

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

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

Motuza G., Kirkliauskait臈 V. 2016. Ultramafic Var臈na Suite in the Precambrian crystalline basement of the Southern Lithuania 鈥 implications for the origin. BALTICA, vol. 29, no. 2, p. 93鈥106,

European Pollen Database (EPD). Dr. G. Vaikutien臈, Prof. Emeritus M. Kabailien臈 (till 2016-08-22). 1990鈥2016.

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

Activities of the Deep Geology Research Centre

Deep Geology Research Centre (DGRC) is a division at the Department of Geology and Mineralogy with the Statute approved by the Senate of 91桃色. The main purpose of the DGRC is to initiate and organize scientific research of fundamentals and particularly applied character in co-operation with other scientific institutions and enterprises.

The main activities in 2016: research and studies of the staff and students including PhD students of the Department of Geology and Mineralogy and Erasmus/Socrates foreign students were supported providing processing and interpretation of seismic and other geophysical and geological data using Promax and PC software.

Promax and PC software geological and geophysical database was revised and updated. Dr. D. Kaminskas, Dr. D. Michelevi膷ius.

Activity of the Museum of Geology of 91桃色. E. Rudnickait臈.

The main goals of the Museum are: to collect the geological objects of scientific and tutorial value and contribute to scientific activity, teaching and promoting the geology among students, pupil and wider society.

Exhibitions

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

Exhibition  Stasys 沤eiba 鈥 the first geologist graduated from 91桃色 and the Lithuanian military pilot - designed for 100-year birth anniversary - February 2016鈥揂ugust 2016.
Openning ceremony of Ignotas Domeika Cabinet 鈥 10 March 2016.

Exhibition Acad. G.Motuza Matuzevi膷ius - 50 years with geology 鈥 September 2016鈥揇ecember 2016.

Thin slices foto and rocks exhibition 鈥 since 2016 December.

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

Lectures

Lantern lectures in grammar, secondary schools of Lithuania (~ 20).
Lantern lecture at 91桃色 Children University 2016 winter session.
Lantern lecture at Plung臈 gymnasium
Lantern lecture at Kauno College for students
Lantern lecture at Panev臈啪ys Minties gymnasium
Lantern lecture at Plung臈 厂补耻濒臈 gymnasium
Lantern lecture at Kauno Jesiut gymnasium, etc.

Participation in the exhibition at the National Museum of Lithuania 150 year of Vilnius Antiquity Museum. The fragments of over 200 years old mineralogical collection of 91桃色 were demonstrated.

Maintenance of permanent and temporary exhibition of the Geological Museums, guiding pupil and public excursions.

Special events

 The Night of Museums 鈥 21 May 2016.

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

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

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

COOPERATION

Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona (USA)
St. Petersburg State University (Russia)
Institute of Geological Sciences of National Academy of Sciences (Belarus)
Silesian University of Technology (Poland)
University of Wroclaw (Poland)
University of Gdansk (Poland)
Aarhus University (Denmark)
University of Durham (UK)
Warsaw University (Poland)
Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kaliningrad (Russia)
Tartu University (Estonia)
University of Latvia (Latvia)
Institute of Geology and Geography (Lithuania)
Centre of Research of the Lithuanian Castles (Lithuania)
Oulu University (Finland)
Helsinki University (Finland)
Lund University (Sweden)
Uppsala University (Sweden)
Polish Institute of Geology (Poland)
Geological Survey of Lithuanian
Lithuanian Institute of History (Lithuania)
JSC Geonafta (Lithuania)
JSC Minijos nafta (Lithuania)
The Vaclovas Intas Unique Stones Museum in Mos臈dis (Lithuania)

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. Dr. G. Motuza Matuzevi膷ius 鈥

  • honourable member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
  • foreign member of the Polish Academy of Art and Sciences;
  • member of the European Geoscience Union;
  • member of the Lithuanian Geothermal Association;
  • editorial board member of the journal Geologija (Geology).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Brazauskas 鈥

  • member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
  • member of the Lithuanian Commission on Silurian Stratigraphy.

Prof. Emeritus Habil. Dr. M. Kabailien臈 鈥 (till 2016-08-22)

  • expert of the Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation;
  • national representative of the project European Pollen Data Base;
  • chairwoman of the Lithuanian Palynological Commission;
  • associated member of the Russian Palynological Commission;
  • national chief of the Palynological Comission;
  • editorial board member of the edition History of Lakes (Russia);
  • member of the Lithuanian Geographical Society;
  • honourable member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
  • national representative of project EPMP etc.

Assoc. Prof. D. Kaminskas 鈥

  • editor-in-chief and reviewer of the journal Geologija (Geology);
  • webmaster of VU FNS Geology and Mineralogy Department;
  • director of Deep Geology Research Centre at VU;
  • member of the Geological Society of Lithuania.

Assoc. Prof. J. Lazauskien臈 鈥

  • member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
  • secretary of the Lithuanian Commission on Silurian Stratigraphy.
  • expert consultant for the Lithuanian Science and Encyclopedia Publishing;
  • expert consultant for the Lithuanian National Geography.

Assoc. Prof. S. Radzevi膷ius 鈥

  • editorial board member of the international journal Geological Quarterly.
  • secretary of the international journal Geologija;
  • the corresponding member of the International Subcomision on Silurian Stratigraphy;
  • the head of the Lithuanian Comission on Stratigraphy;
  • member of the Lithuanian National Geological Committee;
  • member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
  • participant of the International Geosciences Programme (IGSP) Project 503;
  • member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).

Prof. Dr. P. 艩ink奴nas -

  • chairman of the Lithuanian National INQUA Committee;
  • chairman of Lithuanian National Committee of Geologists (IUGS);
  • member of the Geological Society of Lithuania;
  • member of the Lithuanian Geographical Society;
  • editorial board member of the journal Geologija (Geology);
  • editorial board member of the journal Baltica;
  • editorial board member of the journal Geologijos akira膷iai.

DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY

21/27 M. K. 膶iurlionio, LT-2009 Vilnius
Tel.: 239 8269, 239 8264, fax 239 8204
E-mail: .

Head 鈥 Prof. Habil. Dr. Rimantas Rakauskas

STAFF

Professors: Dr. S. Pod臈nas, Habil. Dr. R. Rakauskas, Dr. K. Arba膷iauskas (part-time).
Asociate professors: Dr. E. Budrys (part-time), Dr. R. Petkevi膷i奴t臈 (part-time), Dr. R. R. Budrys (part-time), Dr. E. Bukelskis, Dr. J. Tur膷inavi膷ien臈, Dr.V. Pod臈nien臈, Dr. R. Bernotien臈 (part-time).
Lecturers: Dr. A. Kaupinis (part-time), Dr. G. Skujien臈, Dr. A. Petra拧i奴nas, Dr. M. Biteniekyt臈, S. Skuja (part-time), E. Tiju拧as (part-time), Dr. V. Rakauskas (part-time).      
Junior research fellow: Dr. J. Ba拧ilova-Havelka.
Doctoral students: R. Radzevi膷i奴t臈, J. Danilov, M.  Adomaitis, A. Kamarauskait臈.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ecosystems and global change                                                                                                     
Mapping and catalogization of the Lithuanian fauna
Rare and endangered species both in terrestrial and limnic systems                                             
Biosystematic studies in insects (Hemiptera, Sternorrhycha: Aphididae and Diptera: Tipulomorpha), snails and slugs (Mollusca: Gastropoda).

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Animal Biodiversity and Ecology. Prof. Habil. Dr. R. Rakauskas. 2012鈥2017.

Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) biodiversity studies in regional parks of Vilnius accomplished. Analysis of the biodiversity of spiders and dipterous insects of Lithuania continued. Studies on the bionomics and ecology of molluscs in Bir啪ai forest were terminated. Specimens of different Diptera families (Conopidae, Keroplatidae, Micropezidae, Syrphidae and others) in Lithuania were identified, adding 7 species new for the Lithuanian fauna. Monitoring of black storks, birds of prey and owls in forests of eastern and southern Lithuania continued. Winter gnats, collected during the period of 2011鈥2015 in 41 different caves (tunnels, mines, natural caves) in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg were identified, four species new for the fauna of Luxembourg were found.

International Research Projects

EU SYNTHESYS programme, project: HU-TAF-4804: Winter Gnat (Diptera: Trichoceridae) and Crane-fly (Diptera: Limoniidae) Fauna of East Palaeartic and Oriental Regions. Assoc. Prof. Dr. A. Petra拧i奴nas.

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

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

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

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Assoc. Prof. E. Bukelskis 鈥

  • member of the National Council for the Fishing Management.

Prof. S. Pod臈nas 鈥

  • assoc. researcher of the Academy of Natural Sciences (Philadelphia, PA, USA);
  • expert of the National Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education.

Prof. R. Rakauskas 鈥

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

Assoc. Prof. J. Tur膷inavi膷ien臈 鈥

  • expert of Supervision Committee of Genetically Modified Organisms;
  • editorial board member of the journal New and Rare for Lithuania Insect Species;
  • member of the Lithuanian Entomological Sodiety.

Assoc. Prof. R. Auk拧tikalnien臈 鈥

  • member of the Lithuanian Morphological Sodiety.

Dr. G. Skujien臈 鈥

  • curator of the Museum of Zoology of 91桃色;
  • member of the Lithuanian Entomological Society;
  • external expert of Molluscs of the Commission of the Lithuanian Language;
  • member of the Council of the Invasive Species of Lithuania; 
  • member of ETHOS, Lithuanian Ethical Culture Society;
  • member of Bioethics Society;
  • member of Family Planning and Sexual Health Association.

Dr. A. Petra拧i奴nas 鈥

  • president of the Lithuanian Entomological Sodiety;
  • editorial board member of the journal New and Rare for Lithuania Insect Species.

CENTRE OF CARTOGRAPHY

21/27 M.K.膶iurlionio, LT-03101 Vilnius
Tel. 239 8296, fax 239 8296
E-mail:

Head - Prof. Habil. Dr. Algimantas 膶esnulevi膷ius

STAFF

Professors: Dr. G. Beconyt臈, Habil. Dr. A. 膶esnulevi膷ius.
Associate professor: Dr. A. Bautr臈nas.
Lecturers: Dr. A.Bal膷i奴nas (part-time), Dr. L. Bevainis, Dr. D. Ovodas (part-time) Dr. K. Pap拧ys (part-time).  
Research fellows: R. Bugorevi膷ien臈, V. Krik拧膷i奴nien臈, N. Ma膷iulevi膷i奴t臈-Turlien臈, V. Markevi膷ius, R. Svilien臈, L. 艩utinien臈, G. 艩utinys.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ecosystems and climate changes, preservation of environment and use of natural resources geographical differentiation of Lithuania鈥檚 territory in terms of state development and territorial planning

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2015

Projects Supported by University Budget

Cartographic Modeling of Lithuania Natural and Social Phenomenon. Prof. A. 膶esnulevi膷ius. 2014鈥2018.

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

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

GIS 鈥 Center (Lithuania)
Hnit 鈥 Baltic (Lithuania)
International Cartographic Association

OTHER SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES

Prof. G. Beconyt臈 鈥

  • member of Commission on Geovisualization (International Cartographic Association);
  • editorial board member of the journal Geografija (Geography);
  • editorial board member of the Journal of Maps;
  • executive secretary of Lithuania Cartographic Society.

Prof. A. 膶esnulevi膷ius 鈥

  • editorial board member of the journal Geografija (Geography);
  • editorial board member of the journal Geodesy and Cartography;
  • editorial board member of the journal Polish Cartographic Revue;
  • President of Lithuania Cartographic Society.

Dr. L. Bevainis 鈥

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

CENTRE FOR ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH

21/27 M. K. 膶iurlionio, LT-2009 Vilnius
Tel/ fax 239 8299
贰鈥搈补颈濒

Head 鈥 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stanislovas Sinkevi膷ius

STAFF

Professors: Prof. Dr. A. Ulevi膷ius.
Associate professors: Dr. G. Ignatavi膷ius, Dr. S. Sinkevi膷ius, Dr. V. O拧kinis, Dr. J. Satk奴nas (part鈥搕ime).
Lecturers: Dr. V. Kalcien臈, Dr. I. Nedzveckyt臈, Dr. A. Samas, G. Trakimas,
Doctoral students: (part鈥搕ime), G. Burl臈gait臈, V. Valskys (lect. part鈥搕ime).

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Organisms鈥 interaction with secondary metabolisms
Identification of the toxic effect of the binary mixture of anthropogenic pollutant (Arcolor 1248) and natural compounds (oleic acid and sulphur) on bioluminescence of Vibria Fisheri in vivo and in vitro
Patterns of wetland habitat formation in the restored ecosystems
Research measures of effectiveness of inland water anthropogenic and environmental conditions
Commensalistic relations among beaver and other organisms in the beaver-created microhabitats                                                                                                           
Impact of the keystone species, the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber), on habitat structure and its significance to mammals
Improving the prevention of large mammals collision in the roads
Research of the acidity and heavy metals distribution in the soil layer near train rails Evaluation of surface water bodies sediment contamination

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN 2016

Projects Supported by University Budget

Research in Complex Anthropogenic and Biogenic Impact on the Ecosystems Structures and their Development. Prof. Dr. A. Ulevi膷ius, Dr. S. Sinkevi膷ius, Dr. G. Ignatavi膷ius, Dr. V. O拧kinis, Dr. V. Kalcien臈, Dr. Nedzveckyt臈. 2015鈥2020.

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

Main publications:

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

膶etkauskait臈 A., Vosylien臈 M. Z., Kazlauskien臈 N. Kalcien臈 V. Wastewater and landfill leachate testing: acute toxicity biotest results evaluation. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management. 2016, Vol. 24 (2): 143鈥156. DOI:10.3846/16486897.2015.1133428 (2015 Impact Factor: 0.591).

Birg臈lait臈 R., Valskys V., Ignatavi膷ius G. (2016). Silicinio sapropelio naudojimas sunkiesiems metalams 拧alinti i拧 tirpalo. Mokslas 鈥 Lietuvos ateitis. Technika. Vol. 8(4), p 388鈥396.

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

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