UP explores further academic cooperation with Lithuanian universities

Posted on March 06, 2023

The University of Pretoria (UP) recently hosted delegates from several higher education institutions in Lithuania to discuss opportunities for academic cooperation and collaboration.

Delegates from the following Lithuanian universities were in attendance: the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Vilnius University, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas University of Applied Sciences, Klaipeda University, Mykolas Romeris University and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University.  

“The emergence of transdisciplinary research approaches, both locally and globally, offers a unique opportunity for universities to take the lead in creating new knowledge and new ways of doing things,” said UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Tawana Kupe in his welcome address.  

The Lithuanian representatives indicated that they would like to establish partnerships with UP in various areas, including veterinary sciences, cardiology, oncology, professional education, liberal arts, humanities, agriculture and maritime studies.

Delegates from several Lithuanian universities and the University of Pretoria and UP Vice-Chancellor Professor Tawana Kupe (left front centre) and Lithuanian ambassador to South Africa Dainius Junevičius (right front centre

The meeting included delegates from several Lithuanian universities and the University of Pretoria and UP Vice-Chancellor Professor Tawana Kupe (left front centre) and Lithuanian ambassador to South Africa Dainius Junevičius (right front centre.

“It will be interesting for UP to have strong partnership links with Lithuanian institutions as there are already collaborations in the form of co-authorships,” said Prof Sunil Maharaj, UP Vice-Principal: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education. “Partnerships can be explored in the areas of astrophysics, maritime studies, biophysics, humanities and liberal arts.”

The parties also agreed to explore the creation of an alliance that is strong in science and to encourage extensive research and student mobility.

Vaidas Dačiola of Vytautas Magnus University indicated that the institution wishes to further strengthen its partnership with UP by exploring collaboration in teacher training and agriculture.

The Lithuanian ambassador to South Africa, Dainius Junevičius, thanked Prof Kupe and all UP representatives for showing an interest in exploring collaborative activities with Lithuanian universities.

In addition, information about current collaborations between institutions was shared. Representatives from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and Vilnius University highlighted that collaborations with UP, specifically related to ERASMUS+ programmes, had already been formed.

Prof Kupe thanked Ambassador Junevičius for leading the delegation on the visit.

“UP is focused on conducting research that has an impact on society – that is why the institution is interested in exploring strategic partnerships with Lithuania that will advance the objective of positive social impact,” he added.  

- Author Xolani Mathibela

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