Faculty news

We invite VU students to participate in the ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs) exchange program selection and spend 2024-2025 academic year Fall semester or Academic year at a university in the United States America or another country of your choice.

Documents required for selection:

1. Application online; Registration is open until December 3rd.
2. Transcript of Records (in English), (Master's students provide copy of BA diploma in English or with certified translation);
3. Motivational letter in English;
4. Prepare a preliminary study plan for at least 4 institutions (for each institution complete a separate Learning Agreement sheet, all programs confirmed by the Faculty Coordinator).

International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) is a student exchange program that boasts a partnership of more than 200 higher education institutions in over 50 countries worldwide.

Who can participate in ISEP exchange?

1. VU full-time students (bachelor's and master's, preference for graduate students);
2. Have completed 2 first cycle semesters at the time of application;
3. It is graduate students must have completed the first semester of studies before the start of their exchange.

Please note: All communication is made through Vilnius University ISEP Coordinator only.

Student requests sent directly to ISEP most of the times will not be answered.

Details of the program, selection process and criteria, registration procedure and deadlines.

2023-11-13

The phrase “insider threats” is sometimes used in the public domain when talking about cyber security in organisations. But do we often think about what is behind this phrase? Insider threats are people who have or have had access to an organisation's assets or resources and whose actions could cause reputational or financial damage to the organisation. These resources could be sensitive customer data such as health records, sales and purchase transactions or the organisation's intellectual property.

ADVANCES project leader Associate Professor Agnė Brilingaitė

For three years, researchers from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Vilnius University (VU), together with an international multidisciplinary research team, have been investigating human capabilities and risks at all stages of the cyber kill-chain chain.

Can a dissatisfied employee pose a threat to the company?

The definition of insider threat may seem to refer only to malicious individuals who infiltrate an organisation to gain access to certain secrets, or to angry, vindictive employees who destroy or damage important information or equipment when they leave work. This is probably the place where the images of a famous spy movie come to mind. In fact, if we search the media historical records, we would certainly find such examples in Lithuania, too, without the need for fiction. There are various reasons why people behave as they do.

Does it seem to be just a question of values? Has anyone ever thought of themselves as an internal threat to the organisation? Someone who thinks that he or she is abiding by the existing moral norms that are valid in society and does not take some kind of revenge action that goes beyond the bounds of legality. The definition of an insider threat does not in fact include only current or former employees who are specifically malicious. Some incidents are the result of unintentional actions.

Associate Professor Linas Bukauskas together with Prof. Stefan Sütterlin

Cyberpsychologist prof. Stefan Sütterlin says: „Even any one of us can at some point be an insider threat to an organisation. A typical example is the unintended leakage of sensitive data that were negligently sent to the wrong recipient. On a different note, a very often underestimated risk factor for insider threats lies in the hand of the organisation itself, and how it reacts to possible cases. Insensitively conducted investigations amongst innocent employees cost trust and loyalty towards the employer, planting the seed of disappointment and detachment.“

How can you protect yourself from cybercrime?

Curious about enhancing cybersecurity skills, preventing insider threats, and essential consumer insights on cybersecurity? Join the event on December 7 for the concluding event of the ADVANCES project: "Stronger Together - Collaboration in Building Cyber Resilience" at the MKIC.

In the conference, we'll delve into the societal aspect, focusing on individuals targeted in cyber attacks. The agenda features presentations from partners and guests, including a panel discussion on education extending beyond the cybersecurity community. A professor will address the psychological origins of insider threats. The ADVANCES project eagerly welcomes those recognizing that cybersecurity concerns us all, emphasizing the importance of not leaving its challenges solely to professionals.

The realm of cybersecurity concerns each individual, and we must not delegate its challenges solely to experts. Please refer to the provided link for event registration and the detailed program.

2023-11-30

Vilnius University (VU) has started the admission of international students. In 2024, VU offers its international students a total of 18 bachelor's study programmes, 46 master's degree programmes and 2 integrated study programmes.

Last year 645 students were admitted through international admissions. Among the international study programmes, the most popular were Software Engineering, International Business, Medicine, Information Systems and Cyber Security, Management, Global Marketing.

Applications are now open for 18 bachelor's degree programmes, including Accounting and Auditing, Economics and Investment, Global Marketing, Information Systems and Cybersecurity, Software Engineering and others. For information on all bachelor's degree programmes and admission procedures click here.

VU also invites international students to 46 master's degree programmes, including Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Data Science, Digital Marketing, DeepTech Entrepreneurship, International and European Law, Neurobiology, Photonics and Nanotechnology and others. For information on all master's programmes and admission procedures click here.

In cooperation with other universities, VU also offers double degree studies. In bachelor's studies: International Business in collaboration with Woosong University (South Korea) and Management in collaboration with University of Granada (Spain). In master's studies: Marketing and Integrated Communication in collaboration with the Parthenope University of Naples (Italy) and Global Business and Economics in collaboration with Parthenope University of Naples (Italy) and the University of Parma (Italy).

Foreign nationals who need a visa to enter and study in Lithuania can apply until 1 May 2024. If no visa is required, applications can be submitted until 1 July 2024.

International students have the opportunity to apply for scholarships. For more information on scholarships click here.

For more information about admission of international students click here.

2023-09-22

On September 4 a meeting with international students from foreign exchange programmes took place at the VU Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics. The meeting with Justina Krauledaite, International Studies Coordinator, was attended by 24 students. A total of 36 foreign students came to VU MIF this semester. Most of them came to Lithuania under the Erasmus exchange programme, others took advantage of the Unica network and bilateral agreements. Most of the students came from Southern Europe - Spain, Italy and Greece, France. These countries are also very popular among Lithuanians, with bachelor's students choosing these fields of study, while master's students are also keen on them. This year, the faculty has also received students from other countries, such as Hungary, South Korea and Singapore. What are the reasons why foreign students choose Lithuania?

Spanish students are attracted by the choice of suitable subjects

Chavier, a Spaniard, says he chose a Vilnius university because of the similarities between the subjects in the curriculum and his home university and the good living conditions. Roberto, who believes that the subjects he will study at MIF will be useful for his future career and that Lithuania is an interesting country, echoed his sentiments. Ibai, another Spanish exchange student who came to Lithuania, was not only pleased with the wide choice of subjects, but also said he knew one of the professors who would be teaching him as well. Ibai said he expects his semester in Lithuania to be the best of his life. The reasons for choosing Lithuania as a study exchange destination include non-academic reasons - one of the Spaniards interviewed said he came here because of the snow!

Students are also attracted by Lithuania's interesting history

JingJie, who came from far away Singapore, was attracted by the country's unique history. And Ana from Hungary chose Lithuania, because she had never been to this part of Europe before and found it a great place to study and get to know another culture. She said she did not give much thought to a particular country or city, but was happy to see that Vilnius is a beautiful European city. The international students hope to integrate smoothly into the faculty’s community, learn a lot and gain valuable experience.

Registration for exchange programmes is now open!

Would you like to study at universities in other countries, make friends abroad and have a fun adventure of a lifetime? Registration for Erasmus+ exchange and ARQUS/Coimbra is open until September 21st midnight! Bilateral exchange is open until October 1st midnight!

Do you have any questions about exchanges? Join in to the online seminar about exchange:

• September 12th in Lithuanian @ 2 p.m.
• September 13th in English @ 2 p.m.

More information about exchange studies here. All the news at social media and VU website:

• Vilnius University (vu.lt)
• https://www.facebook.com/VUTarptautiniaiRysiai

2023-09-12

Dear international students, we invite you to the events of September 1 to get to know the university and the faculty better and to find out more about your studies. Join events at the faculty and start your journey here. Welcome!

Celebration of the New Academic Year 01/09/2023

FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS AND INFORMATICS

Programme of Events

9.00 Meeting of IT freshmen with the Chair of the Study Programme Committee (SPC)
Important: The meeting for this study programme will take place at Didlaukio g. 47, Room 101!

12.00 We will meet in the courtyard of Naugarduko g. 24.

12.15 A word of greeting

12.30 Meeting of first-year students with the SPC chairs and student representatives from VU SA MIF.

13.30 Preparation of the freshmen for the VU community procession.

14.00 We leave the MIF courtyard towards the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.

15.30 Meeting of Master students with the MIF Studies Office, Room 101 (Naug). or join online: https://bit.ly/3qSAF1p

16.00 Meeting of Master students with the SPC chairs:

1. Data Science – Room 101 (Naug.) or join online: https://bit.ly/3sChZUf

2. Financial and Actuarial Mathematics – Room 116 (Naug.) or join online: https://bit.ly/3EliSDq

3. Computer Modelling – Room 301 (Naug.) or join online: https://bit.ly/3L5vfXU

4. Mathematics – Room 312 (Naug.) or join online: https://bit.ly/3L50ORt

5. Informatics and Software Engineering – Room 303 (Naug.) no online meeting option.

Address for all meetings: Naugarduko g. 24

Celebration of the New Academic Year 01/09/2023

RENOVATIO STUDIORUM

Programme of Events

09.30 Raising the flag of Vilnius University in the Library Courtyard

10.00-13.00 Events to celebrate the start of the academic year in each academic unit

14.45 Procession of Vilnius University staff, students, and alumni to the Grand Courtyard of the central building (Universiteto g. 3) from the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania

15.30-16.30 Official ceremony marking the beginning of the academic year RENOVATIO STUDIORUM in the Grand Courtyard of the University
You are warmly invited to attend!

2023-08-31

L. Petkevičius, associate professor at VU MIF, personal archive photo

When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), some fear it, while others argue that it is essential to harness its potential. Will students' knowledge be replaced by written work created with AI software? It is no secret that many young people are not afraid of using AI. More specifically, using perhaps their most popular tool, the chatbot ChatGPT. How realistic are the fears for the future? Will writing research papers become meaningless?

ChatGPT - Friend or foe of education?

Since artificial intelligence has become available to the masses, its use in work or learning has rapidly gained popularity. However, this application of artificial intelligence could be better. It can give inaccurate answers and mislead. Therefore, the information you receive from ChatGPT must be verified and not completely trusted. It is not a secret that ChatGPT has become very popular among students because of its convenience, accessibility and speed.

It is well known that some students use ChatGPT not only to write regular term papers but even final papers, sometimes even letting the software do all the work for them. Not long ago, it became known in Russia that a student submitted a research paper written in ChatGPT as his own. The end of the story? The university authorities recognised the student's work and did not raise the authorship question. In other countries, the attitude is much stricter - Italy has decided to ban the use of this IoT application.

Will robots do our science for us?

Has the AI made writing scientific papers so easy that it will soon become meaningless? According to Linas Petkevičius, associate professor at Vilnius University's Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, it's not that simple. As claimed by the researcher, while ChatGPT can produce realistic-looking generalised texts on social science topics and even provide mathematical and computer science formulae or algorithms, students who unthinkingly trust in the capabilities of AI could be sorely disappointed. "Especially those writing a paper on a new, under-researched topic. ChatGPT-generated texts are then purely statistical and most likely wrong," says Assoc. Prof. L. Petkevičius, "ChatGPT texts in areas not involved in the development of the model (e.g. new research) are too abstract and may contain several factual errors and inaccuracies, not to mention violations of academic ethics. Artificial intelligence is just one tool that can help. "ChatGPT, like Grammarly or other language checkers, can speed up essay writing if the context of the topic and the academic overview are already known, but it will not write an accurate and comprehensive paper for us".

Some students think they can easily trick the system and use ChatGPT to write their papers. Experts say that it is still a problem to tell if a paper has been written by an artificial intelligence. The good news is that there are more and more tools to distinguish between human and artificial intelligence. For example, if a text is long and often repeats the same words and abstract ideas, one might suspect that it was written by ChatGPT. Researcher L. Petkevičius says that educators already use a number of AI recognition tools in their work. Another way to check whether a text was written by ChatGPT is to ask the programme itself. Unfortunately, this method is not entirely reliable. The programme is very popular, receives many queries and may give a wrong answer.

The future of artificial intelligence in the world of education

„Unsplash“ photo by Arseny Togulev

The use of artificial intelligence in everyday life, in science and work processes is becoming increasingly important. The education system must find ways to integrate AI into the learning process and reap its benefits. L. Petkevičius, associate professor at VU MIF, explained that researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have already developed an interactive version of a school application that uses chatbots and allows students to interact, ask questions and repeat tasks several times before learning them. In this way, people are gradually introduced to the use of the IoT at a young age and grow and develop with it. According to the expert, the success of this integration of AI into the learning process will significantly impact the education system's future direction.

Researcher L. Petkevčius believes that artificial intelligence applications will enable universities to learn increasingly complex concepts. It will take some time for students and researchers to figure out how this will speed up their work. Once the benefits are fully known, this will raise the level and quality of learning. Petkevičius does not doubt that we will integrate AI into almost every learning programme. "I believe that there will be chatbots in all courses at universities that will have access to student's records, and students will be able to ask the chatbots all general and course-related questions," says the lecturer. However, the changes in the delivery of learning materials will take time. The new technologies are ahead of the education system. "The knowledge taught at the university is changing, being updated and combined with all the technological innovations that promote new scientific discoveries," says L. Petkevičius.

On July 4th at 10:00 a.m. an exceptional meeting of intellectuals, various experts and decision-makers will take place in the Aula Parva of Vilnius University (VU). The international conference "European Response. The War in Ukraine and New Challenges" is conceived as an intellectual preamble to this year’s NATO summit, also held in Vilnius.

The conference will be opened by Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis and VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas.

"Vilnius University aims to contribute to the most important discussions that shape not only Lithuanian internal policy but also foreign policy. The anniversary of Vilnius city and the highly significant NATO leaders' meeting are a great opportunity to contribute to the context of serious political decisions. We are pleased to have invited not only distinguished academics and experts but also three political leaders who are influential in the region and around the world," says VU Rector.

At the conference, the three Baltic State Presidents, Dalia Grybauskaitė, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and Egils Levits, will discuss how the war in Ukraine has changed the world and the situation in the region. What challenges and threats arise for Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia? What can be done to help Ukraine win the war? What NATO actions and new defence solutions are needed to make our region more easily defended? Is it possible to influence the future of Russia and is its democratic transformation and the collapse of Putin's regime possible? The discussion will be moderated by the Director of the Center for Eastern European Studies and VU political scientist Linas Kojala.

About the idea of Europe changing the war in Ukraine, the broader consequences of the war in Ukraine for the entire continent, European politicians and strategic objectives, the threats posed to Europe by Russia, the necessary unity of Europe, what is lacking to be able to act purposefully will also be discussed. Jovita Neliupšienė, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Rasmus Brun Pedersen, Associate Professor of International Relations at the Department of Political Science, Aarhus University (Denmark), and Antero Holmila, Professor of History at the University of Jyväskylä (Finland) will cover this topic.

In the third discussion, questions about the possible course of the war and its end will be raised by Janis Sarts, Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, former Prime Minister of Latvia, current Member of the European Parliament Andrius Kubilius, Ukrainian lecturer Tetiana Boriak from the Faculty of History at Vilnius University, Andrzej Vowak, Eastern Europe expert and historian from Jagiellonian University (Poland), and Kristian Gerner, historian and Eastern Europe expert from Lund University (Sweden). They will discuss how military, economic, and social changes could be interpreted as a victory for Ukraine and what influence could force Russia to acknowledge defeat. What is missing for Ukraine to achieve a military breakthrough? Is it possible to regain control of the territories occupied in 2014? What punishments should be expected from the leaders and representatives of the Russian regime? Is punishment necessary for the whole of Russia? How can Ukraine return to normal functioning, and how far is Russia willing to go in destroying the Ukrainian people and their state?

This conference aims to review the consequences of Russian aggression and effective Ukrainian resistance in our region, including changes in geopolitical and global security systems, as well as their cultural, historical, psychological, and philosophical consequences. Looking back at the events, the conference will attempt to initiate a dialogue about possible future scenarios.

The event is open to everyone, but registration is required.

Programme

2023-06-26