Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union Hackathon “Fire Shield: Mission AI 2025” invites innovators to build the future of defence technologies

Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union Hackathon “Fire Shield: Mission AI 2025” invites innovators to build the future of defence technologies

Enough waiting for defence innovation – it’s time to build it yourself. Technology enthusiasts and professionals are invited to join the intensive defence hackathon ️“Fire Shield: Mission AI 2025”, organised by the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union and Tech-Park Kaunas. From 10-12 October, over three days, participants will tackle challenges directly linked to national security and contribute to the development of innovative solutions with the potential to shape the future of defence technologies.

This year’s spotlight is on the use of artificial intelligence on the battlefield, as participants address pressing challenges in defence, cybersecurity, and space technologies.

➡️The hackathon will bring together a diverse community of experts – from engineers, developers, and analysts to defence specialists and students. Participants will not only be solving real security challenges, but also building prototypes, working side by side with mentors, and gaining insights from leading industry experts. It is a unique opportunity to dive into fast-paced innovation, expand your network, and gain knowledge that could power your future projects.

Open to all who want to contribute to a safer Lithuania, the hackathon is free to attend, but places are limited.

Registration open until 20 September: sauliuhakatonas.en

Organisers: Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, Tech-Park Kaunas, and partners.

We invite you to follow event updates, the upcoming program, and relevant information on the Facebook event page.

Board Game Night #VMUIF

Tired of endless TV series, late-night Reels marathons, and desperate attempts to figure out “what to do tonight”? Then stop scrolling and overthinking – come to Board Game Night!

You’ll find not only games, but also snacks and drinks, so invite your friends, grab YOUR favorite board game (feel free to bring it!), and get ready for an evening that’s going to be seriously fun! P.S. If you bring your own game, be ready to explain the rules to anyone who wants to join in.

Lecturers, you’re welcome to join.

WHEN AND WHERE?

September 18, 5:00 PM;
The foyer of the VMU Faculty of Informatics (Universiteto St. 10, Akademija, Kaunas district), located next to the amphitheater auditoriums.

To keep everyone happy and satisfied, please REGISTER FOR THE EVENT by September 15 – this will help us make sure there are plenty of snacks and drinks for all!

Registration form: https://forms.gle/wtGr3DUHeXnNb31M7

Please note that the event will be photographed and/or filmed, so you may appear in event photos or videos that could be published by various media outlets.

The event is free of charge!

Memos for Bachelor’s and Master’s students

Congratulations on joining the #VMUIF community!

To make your first steps at the university easier and less chaotic, we’ve prepared a memo – a short starter pack to help you begin your studies.

In the memo, you’ll find information about registration for study subjects, academic debts, credits, key dates, the subjects you need to register for this semester, and other relevant information.

❗️First-Year Student Memo’25

❗️Master’s Student Memo’25

Invitation to Participate in the Public Defense of Final Theses

The Faculty of Informatics at Vytautas Magnus University invites you to the public defenses of bachelor’s and master’s theses.

Schedule:

Bachelor’s programs:

Mathematics and its Applications – June 3, 2025 (Tuesday), 10:00 a.m., Room 104

Multimedia and Internet Technologies – June 9, 2025 (Monday), 9:55 a.m., Room 210

Information Systems – June 10–11, 2025 (Tuesday and Wednesday), 9:55 a.m., Room 210

Master’s degree programs:

Applied Informatics – May 30, 2025 (Friday), 10:00 a.m., Auditorium 210

Applied Mathematics – June 3, 2025 (Tuesday), 10:00 a.m., Auditorium 104

The thesis defenses are open to the public, so we invite lecturers, students, and anyone interested in IT and mathematics to come and hear about the students’ projects and research.

Gamifying Teacher Education: International Internship in Kaunas Advances the EduGame Project

From May 5 to 9, 2025, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) in Kaunas, Lithuania hosted the third international internship of the EduGame – Gamification of Teacher Education project. This Erasmus+ initiative brought together educational experts from Lithuania, Spain, Italy, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Tunisia to collaboratively explore the integration of gamification and game-based learning (GBL) in Initial Teacher Education (ITE).

Day 1 – May 5: Deep Dive into Game-Based Learning and Educational Escape Rooms
The internship began at the VMU Education Academy with an introduction to the training objectives. Participants engaged in two hands-on workshops focused on Educational Escape Rooms, led by experts from Tunisia. These sessions explored how immersive escape room scenarios can enhance motivation, collaboration, and critical thinking in higher education settings. The day also included a presentation from Italy showcasing examples of gamification in higher education learning. The evening featured an official opening event complemented by a special International Food Fair, providing a welcoming atmosphere for networking and cultural exchange.

Day 2 – May 6: Deepening Game-Based Learning and Assessment
The second day continued at the VMU Education Academy, starting with a presentation on Game-Based Learning in History: Practical Assignments for Future Educators, highlighting engaging, discipline-specific gamified tasks. A workshop followed with facilitators from Albania, offering further practical applications. In the afternoon, a representative from Tunisia presented on Stealth Assessment in Serious Games, showcasing innovative methods for unobtrusive evaluation during gameplay. The day concluded with a session on applying gamification in literary analysis, demonstrating its potential to deepen engagement in literature studies.

Day 3 – May 7: Creating Practical Teaching Innovations with AI and Gamification
Day three moved to the Faculty of Informatics in Akademija (Kaunas), with a session led by a Spanish representative on Prompt Engineering for AI-Powered Educational Games and Interactive Learning. This included a thorough introduction to Large Language Models and multimodal AI, emphasizing practical techniques such as role prompting and few-shot prompting. Participants then collaborated in domain-based groups (language, history, STEM) to build AI-enhanced educational prototypes. The afternoon included a workshop on modern pedagogical approaches for game-based learning led by experts from Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other partner universities. The day ended with planning sessions for the upcoming Summer School.

Day 4 – May 8: Modeling Gamified Learning Materials
Returning to the Faculty of Informatics, the day began with a session on Gamified Environments and Virtual Characters, exploring how virtual elements can enhance learning engagement. A practical continuation workshop allowed participants to apply these concepts directly. The afternoon featured a workshop on IT Technologies in STEAM Activities, presented by representatives from the VMU STEAM Centre and the Multimedia laboratory, focusing on integrating technology into science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education. The day concluded with a Q&A session.

Day 5 – May 9: Reflecting and Looking Ahead
The final day began with a workshop on Computers as Mindtools, discussing how digital tools can support critical thinking and creativity. This was followed by an interactive session titled Case Tunisia featuring speakers from Tunisia, sharing their experiences with gamification and digital learning. A wrap-up panel then discussed future directions for the EduGame project, followed by a certification ceremony recognizing participant contributions. The internship concluded with outdoor learning activities, emphasizing experiential education and networking.

This internship successfully advanced international collaboration in gamification and innovative educational technologies, providing participants with practical skills and resources to enhance teacher education.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants for their invaluable contributions, professional expertise, and commitment throughout the internship. Their active engagement and collaborative efforts were fundamental to the success of this event and the advancement of innovative gamification methodologies in teacher education.

Funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ program (Project No. 101128757).
For more information, visit: www.edugame-project.eu

Forest4.0 Centre of Excellence Enters a New Phase

The Forest4.0 initiative has reached a significant milestone in its second year with the formal establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Kaunas, Lithuania. Under the leadership of Vytautas Magnus University and with the close collaboration of project partners, the legal structure of the Centre has now been finalized, and Dr. Nerijus Kupstaitis has been appointed as its Chief Executive Officer. With these key developments in place, the initiative enters a new chapter with high expectations for the years ahead.

The planning of upcoming activities was the focus of a two-day meeting held in Kaunas on April 7–8. The Forest4.0 team dedicated a full day to strategic discussions, reviewing project progress and aligning future priorities.

“The most significant achievement of the past year was the creation of the Centre of Excellence as a legal entity,” said CEO Nerijus Kupstaitis. “This marks a turning point for engaging researchers, fostering collaboration among universities, and building a robust network of stakeholders both within Lithuania and internationally. For the first time, we are seeing real momentum in connecting forestry professionals with digital technology experts. Looking ahead, our ambitions are even greater – we aim to expand beyond the Lithuanian ecosystem and establish Forest4.0 as a recognized international player.”

Ambitions for Growth

The potential for Forest4.0 to disseminate knowledge and influence broader ecosystems was also highlighted by Christine Ingridsdotter, Project Manager at Interior Cluster Sweden.

“Forests, and the issues of sustainability, resilience, and biodiversity, are more relevant than ever,” she noted. “Forest4.0 offers a powerful opportunity to share this knowledge – not just within Lithuania and Sweden, but more widely. Our goal is to equip policymakers, industries, and the public with a deeper understanding of the actions we must take now to preserve forests for the future. It’s essential that we voice clear and sometimes bold opinions on what must change to protect this invaluable resource.”

Cross-Project Collaboration

On the second day of the meeting, the Forest4.0 team joined the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project Diverse Gene Watch for a joint conference. A key focus was forest resilience, particularly the importance of preserving the genetic diversity of keystone tree species.

In his conference presentation, Dr. Arianit Kurti, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Media Technology at Linnaeus University, emphasized the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving innovation in forestry.

“Innovation thrives at the intersection of disciplines,” Dr. Kurti stated. “We must engage forest owners, producers, and stakeholders across the entire forestry value chain. Their insights are vital to shaping effective, forward-looking solutions. Forest4.0 is intentionally positioned at this

intersection – leveraging data and disruptive technologies to transform how we think about forests. They are not merely sources of timber and raw material; they hold far greater potential.”

Looking Ahead

With growing momentum and a range of events and initiatives planned for 2025, Forest4.0 is poised to further solidify its role as a transformative force in sustainable forest management and digital innovation. To stay updated on the project’s progress and upcoming activities, follow Forest4.0 on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Alumnus of the Faculty of Informatics to Discuss “AI vs. Liberal Arts: Navigating Today’s Job Market”

As part of the traditional Alumni Day on November 8th, Vytautas Magnus University is organizing a hybrid discussion titled “Liberal Arts: Navigating Careers, Personal Growth, and the AI Era.” This discussion aims to unite our international alumni and current students to explore the relevance of a liberal arts education, employability, personal growth, and the impact of AI on today’s job market.

The hybrid discussion will take place on Friday, November 8, from 16:00 to 17:30, both online via Microsoft Teams and onsite at VMU Senate Hall, S. Daukanto g. 28, Kaunas. The event will be conducted in English. Registration is required.

For current students, this is a fantastic chance to meet alumni working in various fields in Lithuania and around the world, network, ask questions, and engage in discussions to gain insights about today’s job market and navigating their careers.

For the professors and supervisors, this is an opportunity to learn more about their students’ growth over the years. It could also be a way to reconnect and ensure collaboration for the future.

Meet the speaker who will be discussing the topic “AI vs. Liberal Arts: Navigating Today’s Job Market.”

Ravinthiran Partheepan from India, an alumnus of the Applied Informatics MA program (2022), worked as a full-stack blockchain developer in Malta after graduating from VMU. Later, he left his blockchain position to join a former colleague in building an EdTech startup at SFIE (Netherlands). He is now the CTO of Arkhamm AI and a Senior Machine Learning Engineer at SFIE (part-time).

Besides his profession, he has authored three books: two of them are comics, and one contains more educational content.

“After graduating from VMU, I worked for a company in Malta as a full-stack blockchain developer. Then, I left my blockchain position and later joined one of my former colleagues to develop an EdTech startup idea at SFIE in the Netherlands. During and after my studies at VMU, I continued researching and writing papers related to deep learning to solve real-world problems in various domains, such as neurobehavior analysis, breast cancer cell diagnosis, and cybersecurity. I have always been passionate about using available technology to create solutions that improve consumer well-being. I am not only fond of AI but also have a passion for deep tech”.

Speaking about the connection between liberal arts education and his skills, Ravi emphasizes:

“I am a person who never limits myself to a single interdisciplinary approach. I can communicate in sign language, I have authored books in the field of mathematics, I code extensively, I run a startup in the AI field, and I create board games for kids in an age where children are increasingly drawn to video games. I believe it would be amazing to revive an era where we sit together and engage face-to-face through board game entertainment while also improving cognitive skills. I have made sci-fi short films as well. I always try different things that interest me, and I will continue to do so. So, simply put, I cannot limit myself to just one skill.”

Moreover, during 2022, Ravi was an active Unibuddy Ambassador, representing his study program and consulting prospective students interested in pursuing the same degree at Vytautas Magnus University. He was always eager to share his practical tips on how to manage full-time or part-time work alongside university studies, as well as strategies for job searching.

EduGame Project: Second Project Internship at Salerno University, Italy

We are excited to announce that the Second EduGame Project Internship will take place from 7th to 11th October 2024 at the prestigious University of Salerno, Italy. This event will bring together all the project partners for an intensive five-day program focused on the theme:

“Designing and Implementing Gamified Learning Experiences for Higher Education.”

Participants from across the project will have the chance to explore innovative approaches to teaching in higher education, with a focus on Gamification, Serious Games, and Generative AI. This internship offers a unique learning opportunity in a stimulating academic environment.

Notably, Institution 3 will have more than three lecturers and professors contributing to this rich educational experience, making significant contributions to the discussions and hands-on workshops.

Program Highlights:

- Dates: 7–11 October 2024

- Location: University of Salerno, Italy

- Focus: Gamified learning in higher education, with special emphasis on the role of Generative AI and Serious Games.

- Open to Public: 9–10 October 2024 (Two days open to the general public)

The first three days of the internship are exclusively for participants of the EduGame project. However, we are delighted to open the sessions on the 9th and 10th of October to a wider audience, offering the public an opportunity to engage with these forward-thinking educational methods.

We look forward to seeing all partners and attendees at the University of Salerno for this inspiring and educational event!

More information about the project

Academic Focus Towards AI: University Theses on AI increased by 60 %

“Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) role in education is profound,” says Vytautas Barzdaitis, CEO at Adroiti Technologies and lecturer at the Faculty of Informatics (Vytautas Magnus University), referring to a remarkable shift in the university’s thesis.

“A year ago, few graduate students ventured into AI for their theses. Fast forward to this year, and over 60% of student projects delve into the intricacies of AI. This transformation underscores the growing importance of AI skills. By engaging deeply with AI, students learn cutting-edge skills and contribute to advancements that drive industry innovation. This dramatic increase signals a broader trend where AI is becoming an integral part of the educational fabric.” – says Vytautas.

Among Vytautas, bachelor students have created products that implement AI in various innovative ways. Their work covered such topics as:

AI-Assisted Test Creation and Evaluation: Developing systems where AI creates tests and checks them, integrating multilingual support in student testing systems to enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
Machine Learning for Medical Diagnostics: Conduct extensive research using magnetoencephalography data to create automated diagnosis systems for Parkinsonian patients, aiming to revolutionize the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnostics.

Master’s theses are pushing the boundaries even further. By leveraging AI, students are addressing complex challenges and creating solutions that have the potential to impact multiple industries profoundly.

Their work includes:

AI in Software Quality Assessment: Crafting and refining AI models that evaluate code quality offers developers tools to improve software reliability and performance.
Cyber security is also among the top topics: Zero-Day Attacks Detection Method with Combined Classifiers Creation and Development; Advanced Threat Detection.
Formation of cargo delivery routes in a dynamic environment: analyzing the relevance of optimizing the formation of delivery routes and the limitations of existing solutions and evaluating the effectiveness of using electric cargo bicycles as an alternative to trucks for transporting small consignments in the city.

“Adroiti” is proud to witness and support this wave of innovation. Integrating AI into academic projects enriches the learning experience and prepares students to tackle real-world challenges.

Invitation to Students: Visit of International Expert Panel

VISIT OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERT PANEL

On April 22, 2024, an International Expert Panel, reviewing the study field of Informatics, will visit VMU Faculty of Informatics.

Members of the Expert Panel:

Prof. dr. Steven Bradley (UK)
Doc. dr. Torben Ægidius Mogensen (Denmark)
Doc. dr. Jānis Pekša (Latvia)
Andrius Plečkaitis (Lithuania)
Felix Ferchhumer, student representative (Austrija)

Expert meeting with students of the Informatics Systems, Multimedia and Internet Technologies and Applied Informatics study programmes will take place 14:10-15:10, University 10, room 154. Students are invited to attend!