Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy (AA) is a public university established in 1924. ASU includes 5 Faculties (Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Bioeconomy Development, Forestry and Ecology, Water and Land Management) and other units. It is the only state institution of higher education and research in Lithuania awarding the diplomas and degrees at PhD, MSc and BSc levels in the fields of socio-economic management of rural areas, bioeconomy development, food sciences, agriculture, forestry, water and land resources management, climate change and sustainable use of natural resources, agricultural engineering. Expertise of the teachers and researchers in the fields of life sciences, economics, management and engineering guarantee the high quality education and research. At present VMU AA have over 4500 students and 350 teachers and researchers. Internationalisation of studies in VMU AA becoming important part of University Strategy and it is realized by the participation in EU study networks and accepting of international students for full degree studies. VMU AA mission is to create and disseminate the scientific knowledge, striving for safe and healthy food and full-fledged living environment for society.
More information are here: https://zua.vdu.lt/en/faculties/faculty-of-bioeconomy-development/
Vilma Atkočiūnienė is professor, doctor of social (economics) sciences, at the Vytautas Magnus University, Agriculture Academy, Faculty of Bioeconomy development, Business and Rural Development Management Department. As a member of the department, she is involved in pedagogical, scientific and consultancy work. She is responsible for the study programme “Administration of Rural Development”, participation in PhD study committee of Management. Scientific research in the field of rural development management, rural regional development, sustainable development of rural social infrastructure, local marketing and local food systems, social partnership. She is Leader of European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project "Management of short supply chains for bio-valuable products and development of local markets" of Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture. She is an expert in Rural Development management LEADER method, social business development. Her previous tasks involved various scientific projects. The most recent projects are the international scientific projects “Rethinking the links between farm modernization, rural development and resilience in a world of increasing demands and finite resources (RETHINK, 7th Framework Programme, 2013 – 2016), “Small farms, small food businesses and sustainable food security” (SALSA, Horizon 2020, 2017-2019).
Contact info: vilma.atkociuniene(at)vdu.lt
Sigitas Vaitkevicius (PhD) is currently a Research Professor (Senior researcher) at the Department of Business and Rural Development Management of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU). As a member of the department, he is involved in numerous projects. His research interests and expertise include Methodology of Business and Economic Thinking, Management Systems Development, Strategic Management Methodology and Strategic Thinking. He is a member of the European Association of Methodology and a member of Lithuanian Education Council.
Contact info: sigitas.vaitkevicius(at)vdu.lt
Palmira Papsiene is currently a Junior Researcher at the Business and Rural Development Management Department the Bioeconomy Development Faculty at Agriculture Academy of Vytautas Magnus University. As a member of the department, she is involved in the EU funded projects. She holds a graduate master degree of Management and Business Administration in Siauliai University. She is currently pursuing a PhD degree. Her research interests and expertise include Organizational Reflex and Human Resources Research. In addition, her skills include of data analysis.
Contact info: palmira.papsiene@vdu.lt
