VGTU rektorius A. Daniūnas - apie praėjusius metus ir laukiančius iššūkius 2019-aisiais

Abstract

"Mūsų universitetui reikia labai sutelkti dėmesį į 2019 metų studentų priėmimą ir tolimesnį kokybės gerinimą. Būtina išlaikyti mokslinių tyrimų augimo tendenciją, dar stipriau koncentruotis į tarptautinius projektus, aukšto lygio publikacijas, taip pat toliau sėkmingai taikomųjų tyrimų srityje bendradarbiauti su verslu."

As the year is coming to an end, it is a good time to take a look at some of the key milestones of 2018. The most important activity of the year — the enhancement of quality in higher education. The development of quality in studies and research took two main directions. First, strengthening the network of higher education institutions in Lithuania. The underlying reason for this change is, of course, the demographic shift. It is obvious that there are too many universities and colleges; thus, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania has taken significant steps to optimise the network of higher education to utilise the full potential of research. Another direction for quality enhancement — assessment of study programmes in higher education institutions and an attempt to reduce the number of study programmes in Lithuania. It was a good step forward, though not everything has been achieved yet. During the years, many similar study programmes have been offered to students, but the global trends suggest, that they need broader education. What are the main challenges for higher education and VGTU the next year? Our university should focus on 2019 student admission and further enhancement of the quality. We must keep the trend of growing research, concentrate on international projects and on high-level publications, and continue our successful cooperation with business in the area of applied research. Undoubtedly, the merger with MRU is among the largest challenges of the next year.