Professor Dr. Valentina Dagienė, from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Vilnius University, has been honoured with the Vilnius City Scientists’ Prize. This award is presented by the Municipality of Vilnius to recognize scientists for their long-standing, active, and significant research work, exceptional scientific achievements at both national and international levels, as well as for their innovative ideas and their implementation and dissemination within the city. Prof. Dr. V. Dagienė’s work has made a significant contribution to strengthening computer science and its education in Lithuania and beyond.
Vilnius Vice-mayor Simona Bieliūnė congratulates laureate Prof. Dr. Valentina Dagienė
Teachers and Role Models Who Shaped a Scientific Path
The professor has often emphasized that her journey into science was influenced by strong teachers, role models, and an early curiosity to understand the world more deeply.
“My conscious path as a scientist began with having an excellent supervisor and teacher, Dr. Gintautas Grigas, who was able to bring together a team of young researchers and inspire us with the fascinating aspects of computer science is and the potential for achievement,” says Prof. Dr. V. Dagienė.
While completing her studies at Vilnius University, she initially considered mathematics, drawn to its logic and theoretical thinking. However, her encounter with Dr. G. Grigas led her to explore computer science instead.
“I was not particularly interested to hardware or large computing machines. But Dr. G. Grigas opened our eyes to the richness of computer science. I became intriqued by programming languages – their syntax, semantics, and principles of compiler design,” she recalls.
Her curiosity about creating and solving complex problems traces back to her school years.
“I not only loved solving problems but also enjoyed creating them – puzzles and tasks. Even in school, I developed mathematical Olympiad problems that were published in foreign journals,” she says.
Her school teachers played an important role in her development, particularly her mathematics teacher Dora Tallat-Kelpšienė.
“While studying at Varniai Secondary School, I had an excellent mathematics teacher who constantly supported me and provided more challenging tasks. The desire to explore and understand deeply began at school, thanks to teachers who encouraged and nurtured enthusiasm,” Prof. Dr. V. Dagienė says.
Strengthening Computer Science Education in Lithuania
According to Prof. Dr. V. Dagienė, Lithuania has a unique and proud history of computer science education. It began earlier than in many European countries, which has allowed Lithuania to become a leader in this field for a long time.
“This year, we should celebrate forty years of computer science education in Lithuanian schools. It’s a long and remarkable journey – we can be proud of it,” she says.
Important decisions were made as early as the late 20th century. In 1986, compulsory computer science education was introduced in grades 10 and 11, textbooks were prepared and translated, and teacher training began. Young Programmer's School by Correspondence also played a significant role in nurturing talented students for decades.
One of Prof. Dr. V. Dagienė’s main professional goals has been to systematically strengthen the role of computer science in Lithuanian education.
“After independence, there was a strong need for an innovative, systemic approach to introducing information technologies into schools. We needed research in computer science didactics, teacher training, evidence-based methods, and learning materials. So we began working on it,” she recalls.
This effort was not only about providing technology but also about building a comprehensive educational system: training teachers, updating curricula, preparing methodological materials, and shaping a new understanding of computer science as an independent discipline.
She also notes that it took nearly a decade to establish the importance of research in computer science education within academia.
“We had to put in a lot of effort to prove that integrating computer science with education is also a science, worthy of research, publications, and dissertations,” she says.
Her work has contributed to a broader understanding of computer science education today emphasizing the development of creativity, problem-solving, and algorithmic and computational thinking.
Educating the Next Generation
A significant part of Prof. De. V. Dagienė’s work involves mentoring young scientists and teachers. She takes pride in the fact that her former doctoral students are now teaching in Lithuanian schools.
“I am very proud that two of my former PhD students are successfully working as teachers – Bronius Skūpas at Vilnius Lyceum and Eglė Jasutė at Vilnius Jesuit Gymnasium. It is wonderful to see how they bring research ideas to students,” she says.
When discussing current challenges, Prof. Dr. V. Dagienė emphasizes the need to educate creators:
“There is an increasing demand for developers of new technologies and creative users.”
According to her, the most important goal in modern schools is not merely to use technology but to create it.
“The biggest changes in updating computer science curricula involve fostering computational thinking and emphasizing the creation of digital content – rather than just its usage.”
The Bebras Initiative and Science Outreach
Prof. Dr. V. Dagienė is one of the leading researchers in computer science education in Lithuania. She is closely associated with promoting computational thinking, enhancing programming education in schools, and the overseeing the international Bebras competition, which engages students from all over the world.
“The Bebras competition that we developed attracts worldwide attention. However, it requires continous work – creating new tasks, programming, preparing teaching materials, and assisting new countries in joining,” she says.
Among her most significant achievements, she also highlights the international scientific journal Informatics in Education.
“I am particularly proud of developing the journal Informatics in Education, which integrates research in computer science and education,” she shares.
Over more than two decades, the journal has become a prestigious international publication and fostered a robust global academic community.
Recognition Important for Vilnius and Lithuania
For the Prof. Dr. V. Dagienė, this recognition also has personal significance.
“I have lived in Vilnius for more than half a century. Many places and people dear to me are here – I love this city, so receiving an award from Vilnius feels truly meaningful,” she explains.
She emphasizes that Vilnius has always been a city of culture, science, ideas, and diversity.
Moreover, Prof. Dr. V. Dagienė believes that such recognition conveys an important message:
“It signifies that Vilnius values not only business but also scientific achievements and recognizes their importance for the city’s and society’s development.”
She adds that the award serves as encouragement for young people to pursue scientific careers in Lithuania.
2026-04-15