黑料不打烊

On April 20鈥�24 of this year, the Department of Mathematical Statistics at the Faculty of Fundamental Sciences of 黑料不打烊 hosted Fabian Contreras Barraza, a mathematics lecturer from Universidad T茅cnica Federico Santa Mar铆a (Chile), during an ERASMUS+ teaching visit. The purpose of the visit was to share experience in teaching higher mathematics, present innovative teaching methods, and strengthen international cooperation in the field of mathematics didactics. Such visits contribute to improving the quality of studies and encourage the integration of modern technologies into the teaching process. During the visit, the guest lecturer conducted classes for third-year students of the 鈥淒ata Analysis Technologies鈥� study programme. Active teaching methods were applied to encourage student engagement and independent thinking. Students participated in: group work scientific discussions experimental activities the use of virtual reality (VR) tools and GeoGebra The eight-hour lecture cycle was designed based on the principles of the semiotic representation theory developed by Raymond Duval. These principles emphasize the importance of multiple representations of mathematical objects and the ability to transition between them. Such transitions are considered essential for achieving deeper mathematical understanding. These principles were applied in lectures focused on directional derivatives and gradient concepts of multivariable functions. The learning process incorporated discussions, group work, and interactive virtual reality environments that enabled students to visualize multidimensional mathematical structures and better understand complex concepts. During the lectures, individual attention was given to each student, and open discussions at the end of the sessions encouraged reflection and critical thinking. Observing students鈥� activity, engagement, and positive working atmosphere, it can be concluded that the applied methodology is effective in increasing student motivation and improving learning outcomes. In addition to teaching activities, meetings and discussions were held within the Department of Mathematical Statistics regarding mathematics teaching methodologies and research topics. Opportunities for further international cooperation were discussed, including potential joint projects and academic exchanges. The Head of the Department of Mathematical Statistics expresses sincere gratitude to colleagues, the Faculty of Fundamental Sciences administration, and the Multimedia Design Laboratory for their support and cooperation, which ensured the smooth implementation of the visit activities.

A Purdue University Northwest graduate, Davina Jackson, moved from the American Midwest to Lithuania 鈥� and found not only a Master鈥檚 degree but also a career, a community, and a more relaxed way of life. Although the decision was a big surprise to her family and moving across the world required determination and planning, she never regretted it. Instead, this big adventure reminded her of her long-held dream of giving back through teaching. Given Davina鈥檚 determination, this dream sounds quite real. Breaking the news to the family Most American students do not tell their families every day that they are moving to Lithuania. When Davina prepared to share the news, she made a strategic choice: 鈥淭he first person I told was my mother, knowing she would take it more calmly than the rest of my family,鈥� the student recalls. 鈥淪he helped introduce the idea to the rest of my family.鈥澛� Davina鈥檚 close friends, already familiar with her long-standing curiosity about the country, were far easier to convince. They were excited and supportive. Davina鈥檚 curiosity had a very specific origin: a Lithuanian exchange student she had befriended while they were visiting in the US. That friendship sparked an interest, a visit confirmed it, and soon she was researching universities. 黑料不打烊 stood out quickly. 鈥淭he Information Systems Software Engineering programme鈥檚 curriculum matched both my experience and my strengths,鈥� she explains. 鈥淚t felt like the right fit, both academically and professionally.鈥� The differences in learning and personal life Davina had visited Lithuania twice before making the move, so culture shock was minimal. What she had expected most 鈥� the abundance of nature 鈥� proved entirely accurate. However, the academic environment held a few surprises. 鈥淚n the US, my Bachelor鈥檚 programme did not include a thesis or defence; assessments were primarily through exams and projects,鈥� she says. 鈥淎djusting to the idea of writing a thesis and publicly defending it was the biggest shift for me.鈥� The second surprise was more welcome: the richness of student life. The Erasmus Student Network 鈥� something with no real American equivalent 鈥� opened doors to a truly international community. The most enduring lesson from her studies was deeply personal. 鈥淭he most important lesson has been learning to take care of myself,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 tend to overwork and occasionally neglect basic needs, such as meals and rest. I鈥檝e learned that maintaining balance and well-being is essential to long-term success.鈥� Balancing studies and an early career Managing a Master鈥檚 programme alongside full-time employment is no easy choice. Davina has done exactly that, working as an IT engineer in Voice and Real Time Services at SEB Bank 鈥� a role she actively sought on LinkedIn after gaining experience at Western Union. Before taking the job, she ensured she could handle the combined workload. 鈥淲hen I joined SEB, the team was aware of my academic commitments and adjusted my role to part-time,鈥� Davina explains. Her schedule was relentless: work every weekday morning, then an hour鈥檚 gap before lectures starting at 16:20 or 18:10, then homework until sleep, then repeat. 鈥淚t sometimes means missing out on social activities, but I remind myself that this is temporary and will pay off once my studies are complete.鈥� Davina鈥檚 day-to-day work centres on managing SEB鈥檚 telephony systems 鈥� extensions, desk phones, soft phones, and group call queues 鈥� while also handling Microsoft-related tasks and broader IT support within an Agile team. The field is evolving quickly. 鈥淐loud solutions, automation, and AI are shaping the future of telephony,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hese areas have become essential for me to understand to stay aligned with the industry鈥檚 direction.鈥� She keeps pace through continuous training, technical documentation, and guidance from senior colleagues. What Lithuania gets right Now that Davina has worked in both countries, she sees a striking contrast in workplace culture. 鈥淭he key difference is work-life balance,鈥� she says. 鈥淚n the US, maintaining a healthy balance often feels impossible. In Lithuania, mandatory holiday blocks, generous annual leave, and encouraged lunch and break times create a much healthier environment.鈥澛� She also notes that diversity and equal opportunities stand out. 鈥淚鈥檝e held two roles since moving to Lithuania and have never experienced inequality or prejudice,鈥� Davina says. Technology remains a male-dominated field globally, yet she has observed strong representation of women and professionals from diverse backgrounds. If Davina could give her past self one piece of advice, it would be linguistic: 鈥淚f I could change one thing, I would have started learning Lithuanian earlier, rather than only beginning after moving.鈥� With her thesis in its final chapter, Davina is already thinking about what comes next. The options she is weighing reflect both ambition and a desire to give back. 鈥淚鈥檓 interested either in becoming a programmer or advancing within my current field towards an L3 role,鈥� she says. But there is a third path that has never quite left her mind: 鈥淚 also still have an interest in teaching. As a child, I wanted to become a teacher, but I didn鈥檛 pursue it due to concerns about financial stability. If the opportunity arose to teach or assist in a technology-related academic setting, I believe it would be deeply fulfilling.鈥� For any American student tempted to follow her path, Davina鈥檚 advice is both clear and encouraging. 鈥淚 would encourage them to research their decision thoroughly and be certain it鈥檚 what they truly want,鈥� Davina says. 鈥淢oving across the world requires determination and planning.鈥� If commitment is there, she is happy to discuss public transport, social life, and cultural differences with fellow foreigners navigating life in Lithuania.

Debates regarding immigrants鈥攖heir numbers and their impact on the labor market and national culture鈥攔emain a focal point of discussion across Europe and Lithuania. According to data from the Migration Department, 24,830 foreign nationals have been authorized to arrive for work in Lithuania in 2025, approximately 100 fewer than this year. Crucially, these quotas do not include high-value-added specialists. According to the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, Lithuania currently faces a shortage of specialists across 85 professions, primarily in IT, engineering, robotics, and chemistry. While the most visible face of migration may be food delivery couriers, others, like Ramil Balaghayev from Azerbaijan, arrived specifically because his home country lacked the necessary infrastructure for cybersecurity studies and employment at the time. Today, he marks six years of professional experience in his field. Repaying a Debt to the National Economy Ramil is currently employed at his fifth workplace in Lithuania: the U.S.-based global healthcare solutions company, Cencora. Having received a state scholarship that covered both his tuition and living expenses, he feels a strong sense of responsibility to "repay the debt to the country鈥檚 economy." Ramil moved to Lithuania to pursue a Master鈥檚 degree in Cybersecurity at 黑料不打烊, building upon his Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Computer Engineering from Baku. "I wanted to specialize in nanotechnology, network security, and cybersecurity. In 2019, cybersecurity was not yet a prominent field in Azerbaijan, and opportunities for advanced study were limited. I began searching for international universities, with a full scholarship being a primary criterion. This was a challenge, as there was only one state scholarship available for the entire country at that time," Balaghayev recalls. Despite 200 to 300 applicants vying for the spot, Ramil secured the scholarship. Shortly after, he received further confirmation from the Education Exchanges Support Foundation regarding a state grant that ensured both free tuition and a monthly stipend. "I accepted the state鈥檚 offer. I had heard positive things about Lithuania from friends and family who had visited the Baltics, but I also conducted my own research. I liked what I found: the country provides quality education, it is safe, and it is experiencing rapid growth in technology and cybersecurity," says the 黑料不打烊 alumnus. "If a Family Is Adopting You, You Must Also Put in the Effort" During his studies, one of Ramil鈥檚 professors suggested a summer internship in Rostock, Germany. The Azerbaijani student seized the opportunity to attend a specialized summer school there. "The following year, I completed my studies, which were highly practical, focusing on areas such as intrusion detection. My thesis explored identifying signs of hacking based on system user behavior," Balaghayev explains. After graduating, Ramil began his career as a cybersecurity risk analyst at Baltic Assist. He emphasizes that the knowledge gained at the university allowed for a seamless transition into the workforce, as the professional tasks closely mirrored his academic training. "The bigger challenge was the restriction on full-time work for certain foreign nationals. Companies, even small ones, wanted a security specialist on-site full-time. It took many attempts, but I have never been someone to let setbacks stop me," he says. Today, Ramil serves as a Security Engineer at Cencora. He monitors processes to ensure security protocols are followed and guides colleagues through incident resolution. When asked if he faced skepticism due to his origin, he notes that "initial barriers" and preconceptions typically dissolved once he demonstrated his technical capabilities. "It can feel isolating when Lithuanian colleagues speak their native language around you. However, I never took it personally鈥攑eople simply forget that someone might not understand them. I took it upon myself to learn the language and passed the official exam," says Balaghayev. "I would compare the process to being adopted by a family鈥攜ou also have to put in the effort for the relationship to succeed." Support for Language Requirements Ramil fully supports the recent requirement for foreign nationals to pass a Lithuanian language exam. He credits the language courses offered by 黑料不打烊 as being immensely helpful. He has already passed both the Lithuanian language and the Constitution exams. "Some ask why it should be mandatory. But other countries, like Germany, have similar requirements. In supermarkets or on the street, you encounter people of all ages; you cannot expect them to speak English in their own country just because you don't speak Lithuanian," says Ramil, who passed his language exam last year after two months of intensive daily study. "When people consider studying abroad, they often dream of major powers like the US or the UK. They don't realize that smaller countries can offer a comparable level of education and international experience. Regarding opportunities in Lithuania: if you have a solid education, you can achieve anything. The market is not large, but there are many startups and major international companies establishing operations here. I plan to stay for at least several more years," he adds. A Rigorous Selection Process Dovil臈 Jodenyt臈, Director of the International Studies Center at 黑料不打烊, explains that international applicants must navigate a complex selection process. "The admission process for international students is distinct; they apply nearly a year in advance due to the length of the necessary procedures," says Jodenyt臈. Applicants upload documentation remotely, which is then evaluated by university experts. This includes the formal recognition of foreign qualifications. "Our experts have extensive experience and collaborate with the Center for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC) when dealing with applications from more remote regions, such as the Comoros. High school certificates are equated to the Lithuanian maturity diploma, and grades are converted into the Lithuanian system to calculate an entry score," Jodenyt臈 explains. Applicants must also submit a recorded interview. This allows the university to assess motivation, experience, and English proficiency, though formal English language certificates are also required. While the highest volume of applications comes from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Nigeria, these candidates do not form the majority of the admitted student body. Currently, 黑料不打烊 hosts a diverse population of students from Ukraine, India, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. Students Represent Only 3% of Arrivals Once an applicant clears these hurdles, they must pay for their first year of tuition upfront. Only then does the university coordinate with the Migration Department to facilitate the student's legal entry. "This procedure takes 4鈥�5 months and presents significant challenges. Statistically, international students represent only about 5% of all foreigners arriving to live and work in Lithuania鈥攔oughly 4,000 students per year," Jodenyt臈 reveals. She notes that the Migration Department works with other institutions, meaning applications can be rejected by the State Security Department (VSD). Furthermore, the Department maintains a "two-strike" rule: if an applicant makes two errors in their application, they are barred from reapplying for four months. "We lose potential students this way. An 18-year-old often lacks experience in navigating complex foreign bureaucracy," Jodenyt臈 admits. Cultivating Talent for the Global Market Prospective students are most attracted to 黑料不打烊鈥檚 programs in IT, Artificial Intelligence, multimedia, computer design, robotics, mechanics, and civil engineering. Regarding whether these students stay in Lithuania, Jodenyt臈 notes: "While I don't have exact statistics, I would estimate about half choose to stay, while the other half leave. Our goal is for them to remain, as they are high-qualified specialists with local degrees. Often, they move to other European countries where there are more job opportunities. This may be partly due to Lithuanian companies being hesitant to hire foreign nationals for full-time roles. Collectively, we must work to create a more welcoming environment for them."

European Space Agency (ESA) invites Master鈥檚 and PhD students to apply for the ESA Academy training course 鈥淒isruptive Innovation and Commercialisation in Earth Observation鈥�, which will take place on 6鈥�9 July 2026 at the ESA Education Training Centre (ESEC-Galaxia) in Belgium. This four-day course is designed for students in engineering, natural sciences, business, and Earth observation鈥搑elated fields. During the programme, participants will deepen their understanding of innovation development and commercialisation, gain hands-on experience in applying artificial intelligence in Earth observation, and work in teams to develop ideas and build prototypes. The course also focuses on strengthening entrepreneurial skills. At the end of the training, participants will present their projects to ESA 桅-lab experts and industry representatives. Selected participants will receive ESA Academy funding, which covers accommodation, meals, and partial reimbursement of travel expenses. The application deadline is 19 April 2026. More information about the course and the application process is available on the official ESA website. Additional information can also be found on LinkedIn.

When Carolyne Ignatio left India to study Business Management at 黑料不打烊, she didn鈥檛 arrive with a five-year plan. What she brought was curiosity, an openness to the unfamiliar, and a willingness to figure things out as she went. More than a decade later, she is now a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst at Danske Bank, working at the crossroads of data, compliance, and financial crime prevention. Her journey wasn鈥檛 straight forward 鈥� and that鈥檚 exactly why it worked. A step into the unknown For Carolyne, choosing Lithuania wasn鈥檛 the obvious choice. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 something I knew much about at first, but that also made it interesting 鈥� it felt like stepping out of my comfort zone,鈥� she recalls. What drew her to 黑料不打烊 was a mix of its practical, skills-first approach to education and a scholarship that made the decision financially feasible. 鈥淟ooking back, it turned out to be a very good choice for both my personal and professional growth.鈥� The early adjustment wasn鈥檛 without its difficulties. The communication style in Lithuania initially felt unfamiliar 鈥� more reserved and less immediately warm than what she was used to. Over time, Carolyne realised it wasn鈥檛 unfriendliness 鈥� just a different way of interacting. The academic shift was equally noticeable: less rote learning, more independent thinking. 鈥淚t felt unfamiliar at first, but it helped me become more adaptable and open-minded,鈥� she says. Both proved to be skills she would draw on for years.聽 She feels grateful to the entire academic community, especially the International and Erasmus office staff who guided and supported her throughout the journey.聽 The skills that quietly mattered most When asked which part of the Master鈥檚 programme was most valuable in her career, Carolyne surprises with her answer: not a lecture on strategy or a module on leadership, but something more technical 鈥� Excel, data, and analytical thinking. 鈥淎t the time, I didn鈥檛 fully realise how relevant it would be,鈥� she recalls. 鈥淏ut those skills turned out to be very important. They helped me move into more technical roles and build a strong foundation in data analysis and problem-solving, which I use almost every day now.鈥� An unplanned path into financial crime prevention 鈥淗onestly, this wasn鈥檛 something I had clearly planned from the beginning,鈥� Carolyne says of her career in AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and financial crime prevention. 鈥淥ver time, things evolved through the opportunities I seized and the skills I developed.鈥� Today, as a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst at Danske Bank, her work is at the intersection of data, compliance, and technology. Day to day, that involves analysing transaction data, refining sanctions and PEP screening processes, and working with IT teams to make risk detection more effective and practical,鈥� Carolyne explains. 鈥淚 translate complex regulatory requirements into clear logic that both business and technical teams can actually use.鈥澛� The work carries true moral significance, something she doesn鈥檛 take lightly. Knowing that it helps prevent financial crime makes her more attentive to accuracy and quality. It鈥檚 something she takes pride in 鈥� being involved in work that truly makes a difference. The project that didn鈥檛 go to plan Not every chapter of Carolyne鈥檚 journey has been straightforward. One of the most formative moments of her career did not come from a success but from a large cross-functional project that was eventually deprioritised after significant investment from multiple teams. 鈥淚t felt like a setback, especially after putting in a lot of effort. It affected my confidence at the time,鈥� Carolyne admits.聽 What changed everything was a conversation with her manager, who offered a reframe she has carried with her ever since: the quality of your contribution matters more than the outcome of the project. 鈥淪ince then, I try to view my work that way, especially in complex team environments,鈥� she says. What keeps it interesting Financial crime is a constantly evolving field. New sanctions, emerging fraud techniques, and regulatory demands continuously reshape the landscape. Early in her career, she found it overwhelming. Now, she values it most because it drives her to keep learning and improving. 鈥淭here鈥檚 always something different to work on, which keeps it interesting,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 also like the fact that I can contribute in a meaningful way 鈥� whether it鈥檚 solving a problem or improving something. That sense of impact keeps me going.鈥� Advice for the next generation For students from India, or anywhere else, standing on the verge of a decision about studying abroad, Carolyne鈥檚 advice would be practical and well-considered: 鈥淪tay open-minded and proactive. Focus on building skills, but also explore different roles instead of limiting yourself too early. Networking is very important, especially as an international student 鈥� it genuinely helps open doors and understand how things work. And don鈥檛 worry if you don鈥檛 have everything figured out. Confidence builds with experience.鈥� Carolyne discovered that the credibility did not come from where she was from, but from the quality of her work and the consistency of her effort.聽

Startup World Cup is coming back - your golden ticket to global recognition 馃弳 What鈥檚 waiting for you: 馃帳 Compete for a $1M investment: Win the regional final and this autumn fly to Silicon Valley 馃嚭馃嚫 to compete for a $1M investment. 馃�� Expand your global network: Build meaningful connections with investors and industry experts worldwide. 馃實 Global exposure & connections: Get in front of international investors, mentors, and potential partners This is not just a competition, but an opportunity to accelerate your startup鈥檚 global journey. If you鈥檙e developing a solution with real market potential, we invite you to take the stage. Your next steps: It starts with an application - submit yours here: bit.ly/4crfp6t聽 Share your unique value proposition. Top 10 startups will be selected to pitch live on May 28 at LOGIN Conference in Vilnius Winning startup heads to San Francisco, USA, to the world鈥檚 largest startup competition, organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures 鈿狅笍 Important: the winning startup covers its own travel and participation costs for the US finals. 馃搮 Application deadline: April 20 This amazing opportunity is brought to startups by Sunrise Tech Park in partnership with LOGIN and Inovacij懦 agent奴ra聽  

ESA BIC Lithuania is inviting startups to apply for its spring incubation program. If you are developing innovative solutions in the space technology sector or applying space technologies in other industries, this program can help accelerate the growth of your idea. Participants can receive up to 鈧�50,000 in funding (with an additional 鈧�10,000 available for startups based in Vilnius), along with expert mentorship, technical support, and access to the international network of the European Space Agency (ESA). The program offers an opportunity not only to further develop your technology but also to strengthen your startup鈥檚 credibility and readiness to grow in international markets. Application deadline: April 20, 2026Application process: https://esabic.lt/apply-now/

黑料不打烊 students are invited to participate in the SMARCO international project, which is developing innovative short-term training modules aimed at building smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient communities across Europe. The project offers short (up to 4-hour) training modules designed to provide students and early-career professionals with practical skills in smart cities, community resilience, sustainability, procurement, and planning.   Why participate? Free of charge Only 4 hours per module Flexible learning formats: online, hybrid, or in person Self-paced learning Valuable for studies, career development, and upskilling Opportunity to contribute to shaping Europe’s future smart and resilient communities The modules are ideal for VET students (EQF level 5) and university students in engineering, planning, sustainability, public administration, and related fields. The pilot phase starts in March 2026. Interested students are invited to complete the Expression of Interest form. Join the pilot, gain relevant smart-community skills, and contribute to an international initiative shaping the future of Europe’s communities.

Imagine that to try on glasses, all you need to do is look into your phone鈥檚 camera. The system recognises your face, determines its scale, 鈥渞emoves鈥� the glasses you are currently wearing, measures all the necessary parameters and instantly recommends frames and lenses that fit you perfectly. This is not a distant future but the direction in which artificial intelligence and 3D technologies are rapidly progressing, transforming our shopping habits. Virtual try-on technology for eyewear, which became popular during the pandemic, is now an integral part of modern optical retail. Global brands such as Mister Spex already use it, and its developers 鈥� for example, Fittingbox 鈥� claim that virtual try-ons can triple sales. Still, even if you find frames you like in an online shop, one question often remains: will the size actually fit? 鈥淭he accuracy of virtual frame fitting completely depends on correct scale estimation,鈥� explains Dr Art奴ras Serackis, a researcher involved in the SustAInLivWork project that is establishing the Artificial Intelligence Competence Centre, and a professor at 黑料不打烊_独家黑料_吃瓜网51爆料. 鈥淔or the frames to appear precisely positioned on the face in a virtual environment, the system must know not only the scale of the glasses but also the scale of the person鈥檚 face in the image. This is one of the most complex technological challenges.鈥� According to him, the same issue arises when trying to accurately measure parameters such as pupillary distance from a photo. In such cases, a reference object with known dimensions is required. 鈥淔or instance, Fittingbox uses standard-sized bank cards. The user briefly places a card next to their face, and the system determines the scale based on it. But is this practical today, when most payments are made via smartphone and many people do not carry physical cards anymore?鈥� notes the researcher. Trying on Glasses Without Removing Your Own Dr Serackis and his colleagues are currently focusing on advanced facial-analysis technologies capable of automatically assessing image quality, facial orientation and measurement accuracy. 鈥淔or example, it is crucial that the face in the photo is parallel to the camera axis 鈥� otherwise measurement errors can increase significantly,鈥� he stresses. AI models identify key facial points and analyse their positions to determine the exact head orientation. Although many AI models can recognise up to 468 facial landmarks, the number alone does not guarantee accurate measurements. High-precision results require highly reliable methods, including assessment of lighting direction, type and intensity, as well as other factors that influence image quality. 鈥淐onsider a situation where someone wants to try on glasses while already wearing a pair 鈥� which likely happens in over 98 percent of cases. It is far more convenient to use the service without taking off your own glasses. In such cases, we need another class of AI models that can detect glasses and 鈥榬emove鈥� them from the image,鈥� explains Dr Serackis. Generative AI can remove glasses from a photo, but this introduces the risk of distortions, reducing measurement accuracy. This challenge has sparked a new research direction, requiring advanced computing infrastructure and specialised AI training servers. The Biggest Challenge: Cost of Preparing 3D Models Once the system accurately estimates scale, extracts the necessary facial parameters and 鈥渞emoves鈥� existing glasses, the next step is virtual try-on of different frames 鈥� including size adjustment. This requires a 3D model of each frame design. 鈥淓yewear manufacturers do not publish their 3D models, so obtaining them directly is impossible. To have a 3D model, we must create it ourselves: either by manually modelling it in specialised software, which is time-consuming and requires skilled specialists, or by physically scanning the frame and post-processing the model. The third option is to use AI models capable of generating 3D frame models automatically based on product images from online shops,鈥� he says. The main challenge here is the cost of producing 3D models. Frame collections are updated at least twice a year, and hundreds of new designs appear annually. If each model had to be created manually, virtual try-on services would become financially impractical or offer only a limited selection. 鈥淎t first glance, there seem to be plenty of 3D scanning solutions available, but in practice they have significant limitations. High-resolution scanners designed for jewellery capture too small an area 鈥� glasses simply don鈥檛 fit. Meanwhile, handheld scanners designed for larger objects struggle to reproduce thin frame elements accurately,鈥� explains the SustAInLivWork researcher. Towards a Next-Generation Measurement System According to Dr Serackis, the arrival of NVIDIA technologies such as NeRF and later advanced alternatives like One-2-3-45++ has allowed AI to predict the full shape of an object from a single image and generate 3D models. However, for eyewear, such models are not yet specialised enough 鈥� they often produce asymmetries or distorted proportions. Moreover, most are not designed to work with multiple images, though this capability is essential in this field. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why we are developing alternative, original methods: step by step we analyse the classical 3D modelling process and look for ways to automate each stage using AI. Although we have not yet reached a breakthrough, we are working with leading AI and computer-vision experts in Lithuania 鈥� within the SustAInLivWork centre and partner institutions at 黑料不打烊_独家黑料_吃瓜网51爆料. With powerful computing resources for AI training, we are confident that in the coming years we will develop a highly advanced solution for working with eyewear frames,鈥� he says. SustAInLivWork聽is the first competence centre of its kind in Lithuania, systematically consolidating knowledge and skills in AI. It brings together four leading Lithuanian universities 鈥撀燢aunas University of Technology,聽Vytautas Magnus University,聽Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, and聽黑料不打烊_独家黑料_吃瓜网51爆料聽鈥� in partnership with聽Tampere University聽(Finland) and聽Hamburg University of Technology聽(Germany). It is a long-term, cross-sectoral platform connecting science, business, the public sector, and society. The聽SustAInLivWork聽project is funded by the Horizon Europe programme (No. 101059903) and by the European Union funds for 2021鈥�2027 (Project No. 10-042-P-0001).

Registration opens for sports innovation hackathon “SportHack 2025” with the motto “Ideas in Motion!,” the sports innovation hackathon “SportHack 2025” will take place from November 11 to 15.    The event will be held in a hybrid format, with participants working both remotely and on-site, and the final day will take place in the capital city of Latvia at Riga Stradi艈拧 University (RSU).  The goal of the hackathon is to foster the creation of new, technology-based solutions in the sports industry, with the best ideas competing for a prize fund of 5,000 euros. The event will be conducted in English. During the hackathon, participants are invited to find solutions in four main tracks: artificial intelligence in sports, enhancing the fan experience, sustainable sports, and open innovation, with challenges defined by partners such as “Decathlon”, the Latvian Olympic Committee, the “Rimi Riga Marathon” and Riga Stradi艈拧 University. “In 2020, during the pandemic, when we organized the first sports innovation hackathon, SportHack 2020, the event's motto was ‘Let’s beat the crisis together.’ This year, after a five-year break, we are back with fresh energy, as technology is transforming every aspect of life. We invite everyone passionate about sports to create innovative solutions for an industry that engages all of society. Sports is a field with immense technological potential, and we want to unlock it,” says K膩rlis Skuja, Head of the open innovation community "WindHackers", that is organizing “SportHack 2025”.  The hackathon welcomes new idea authors, teams, and early-stage startups. To encourage the development of successful solutions, participants with diverse skills—including business development, marketing, design, programming, and other fields—are especially encouraged to apply. “The SportHack 2025 hackathon is a crucial launchpad for innovation, bringing together participants from various industries and even countries to co-create ideas and solutions that are urgently needed for the industry's development. It is particularly valuable that the hackathon focuses on a wide range of topics—from the application of artificial intelligence to enriching the fan experience and open innovation. I am confident that the hackathon will result in sustainable solutions that will change not only the daily lives of sports professionals but also how each of us experiences sports every day,” says Di膩na Laipniece, Director of the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education.   Before the hackathon, on October 22 and 29, online informative events will be held to help better understand how startups are already changing the sports industry using technological solutions. Latvian sports technology startups—Hackmotion, Blue Shock Race, and Tournated—will share their success stories. Meanwhile, representatives from RSU, Tilde, and the Latvian Olympic Committee will discuss current topics and trends in sports education, research, and technology. The goal of these events is to educate and inspire new ideas, encouraging those who have not yet decided to participate to join the hackathon.   Meanwhile, on November 13 and 14, the laboratories of RSU, RTU, and the University of Latvia will open their doors to hackathon participants, offering on-site insights into prototyping opportunities, meetings with experts, and feedback on their ideas and solutions. The event is supported by a wide range of partners and supporters: “Decathlon,” Latvian Olympic Committee (LOK), Riga Stradi艈拧 University (RSU), “HackMotion,” “Workland,” “Rimi Riga Marathon,” the City of Riga, “Tele2,” “Lovable,” “Tilde,” “Emergn,” “HackTribe,” “Unilab,” University of Latvia (LU), Riga Technical University (RTU), Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), Tallinn University of Technology (TALTECH), 黑料不打烊_独家黑料_吃瓜网51爆料 (黑料不打烊), TV3 Group, the City of Liep膩ja, “Tournated,” Latvian Sports Federation Council (LSFP), “SportTech Latvia”, “PwC Legal”  and “Blue Shock Race”. The event is organized by the open innovation community “WindHackers,” which aims to promote interdisciplinary cooperation and foster the development of innovative, technology-based business ideas. For more information and to register for the event, please visit www.sporthack.co. Registration is open until November 6. Contact Information:  K膩rlis Skuja Head of “WindHackers” T膩lr.: + 371 29 345 995  E-pasts: sporthack@windhackers.com SportHack Media kit (Logo, Images)

The Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) invites students from various disciplines and levels to participate in the educational programme Loaded Silence. Now in its fifth year, the programme combines the disciplines of political science and art. As usual, it will consist of both public and private meetings, discussions, and workshops. This year’s programme focuses on the relationship culture and social sciences have with war and militarisation. The exhibition Bells and Cannons, which opens at the Contemporary Art Centre on 16 October, will serve as a starting point for dialogue. Through artworks, discussions and texts, the exhibition aims to explore how militarisation affects contemporary life, what circumstances have led to the current situation, and what we can expect in the future. The programme will not seek definitive answers. Instead, participants are invited to engage in uncomfortable reflections on current tensions and what it means to live in loaded silence. We will consider how these changes affect not only the geopolitical and security situation but also the cultural field in a broader sense. Rather than a straightforward occurrence, militarisation will be examined as a process that has direct ties to both the role of the artist and power structures. How are we to talk about these issues when they are no longer just theoretical, and the current security situation is forcing us to face them head-on? Participants are welcome to visit exhibitions and join discussions, readings, video and film screenings, and meetings with representatives from the fields of art and politics. The participants will be working together with the programme’s curators and mentors Jogil臈 Ulinskait臈 (VU TSPMI) and Vytenis Burokas (VAA). PROGRAMME DURATION: October 2025 – January 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE: 17/10 12:30 pm – first meeting at the CAC 29/10 12:30 pm 12/11 12:30 pm 26/11 12:30 pm 10/12 12:30 pm 07/01/2026 – final meeting (6 meetings/seminars, each lasting 1.5–2 hours. The schedule may be adjusted to suit the participant group.) GROUP: 20 participants LANGUAGE: If necessary, the sessions may be conducted in English Participation is free of charge. We invite you to register by 14 October 2025, by sending a motivational letter (up to 1,500 characters) at edukacija@cac.lt with the subject line ‘PROGRAMME FOR STUDENTS _ Name Surname’. Selected participants will be notified by 15 October. We trust that those selected will make every effort to attend the sessions. PROGRAMME CREATORS AND MENTORS JOGIL臇 ULINSKAIT臇 is an Associate Professor at the Institute of International Relations and Political Sciences, Vilnius University (VU TSPMI). Her research is currently focused on the discourse of populist parties and the memory of post-communist transformation. VYTENIS BUROKAS is an artist, curator, and lecturer. Burokas completed his Master’s studies n Contemporary Sculpture and Art Education at the Vilnius Academy of Arts (VAA). He has worked as an education and exhibition curator at the LNMA National Gallery of Art and currently teaches in the Sculpture Department of the VAA. PROJECT CURATOR MARGARITA 沤IGUTYT臇 is the curator of the CAC education programme. Her current interests lie in radical rest.  

Artificial intelligence, climate change, enhancement of Lithuania’s defense, digitalization, and livable cities – these are just a few of today’s most pressing topics both in Lithuania and globally. These topics will be explored by experts from Lithuania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) at a conference this autumn titled Human and More-Than-Human Futures: Innovating Technologies for Coexistence. The event will be broadcast live by Lithuanian National Radio and Television.   The conference, which will be held on 9–10 October in Vilnius and Kaunas, is organized by the Consortium of 12 major Lithuanian universities, research centers, and companies, coordinated by Vytautas Magnus University (VMU). The event has been made possible by an agreement with MIT’s Center for International Studies and MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI).   The conference will bring together Lithuanian and MIT scientists, as well as representatives from Lithuanian business and industry, to discuss the challenges of technological transformations. The discussions will cover today’s most relevant issues associated with quantum technologies, resilient cities, energy, biotechnology, education, and other fields.   “This conference will bring together scientists, the academic community, and leaders from politics and industry. We hope that this conference marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that will strengthen Lithuania’s research, promote innovation, and open up new spaces for our talents to collaborate with U.S. scientists”, notes Dr. Gintaras Valin膷ius, Chairman of the Research Council of Lithuania.   MIT is a recognized leader in science and innovation. The university is affiliated with over 100 Nobel Prize Laureates and has more than 80 MacArthur Fellows, about 20 Turing Award winners, and many other award recipients. In fiscal year 2024, MIT researchers filed over 600 new U.S. patents and formed over 20 companies using MIT intellectual property. Focus on New Ideas   This interdisciplinary conference aims to understand complex technologies by discussing the prerequisites of justice and well-being necessary for coexistence. Participants will share knowledge and explore ways to create a better future in which people, technology, and nature coexist harmoniously. The main focus will be on new ideas for transitioning from merely “smart” technologies to systems that are sensory and self-learning. In other words, methods will be sought on how to develop technologies that not only follow commands but also adapt to humans and consider their environment, with humans still remaining the key creators and users. The delegation from MIT will be led by Prof. Duane Boning, Vice Provost for International Activities, and include about ten faculty and researchers.   The first day of the conference, October 9th, will take place at Vilnius University. Among the speakers will be Prof. Jessika Trancik from MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, and Director of the Sociotechnical Systems Research Center who analyzes innovations and technologies designed to tackle major climate and energy challenges. Her research helps determine which technologies – from electric vehicles and solar power to energy storage – are the most effective. Lithuanian presenters in the same session, which is dedicated to livable cities, will include architects Prof. Gintaras Stauskis from 黑料不打烊_独家黑料_吃瓜网51爆料 and Prof. K臋stutis Zaleckis from Vilnius Academy of Arts.    The session on the Factories of the Future — exploring the intersection of manufacturing and data science — as well as on quantum technologies and other cutting-edge innovations, will feature insights from one of the world’s leading Industry 4.0 experts: Brian W. Anthony, Director of MIT’s Smart Manufacturing Leadership Program, Associate Director of MIT.nano, and Emmy Award winner.  His presentation will be complemented by Prof. Kevin P. O’Brien of MIT’s Research Laboratory of Electronics, whose work is helping to unlock the promises of the quantum revolution, accelerating the pace at which new drugs and technological solutions can be developed. The session will conclude with contributions from Prof. Gediminas Juzeli奴nas, physicist at Vilnius University, and Dr. Artiom Magomedov, chemist at Kaunas University of Technology, who will share perspectives from their research.   The conference will also focus on biology and genetics, including the application of genomics to address climate change and human health issues. Speakers in the session dedicated to this subject will include MIT’s chemical engineering and biotechnology expert Prof. Hadley Sikes, biochemist Dr. Mindaugas Zaremba from Vilnius University, and Director of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Gintaras Brazauskas. The first day will conclude with a closing discussion on the impact of innovation, societal shifts, and polarization.   Another session will focus on the future of defense, security, and resilience. Presentations will be delivered by MIT’s Gene R. Keselman, Lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management and Managing Director of MIT's Venture Studio, Proto Ventures, and Dr. Una-May O’Reilly, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), Leader of the ALFA Group, expert on Adversarial Intelligence and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence with cybersecurity. As well as 艩ar奴nas Grigali奴nas, cybersecurity expert from Kaunas University of Technology, and Paulius Vaitkevi膷ius, Head of Innovations at Novian Pro.   Artificial Intelligence in Education   On October 10, when the conference moves to Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), speakers will invite participants to reflect on AI in various contexts. The first session will explore how new pedagogical methods are transforming lifelong learning: AI and other innovations in education will be examined by associate professors Dr. Au拧rin臈 Pasvenskien臈 and Dr. Tomas Berkmanas from Vytautas Magnus University, Prof. Dr. Simona Ramanauskait臈 from 黑料不打烊_独家黑料_吃瓜网51爆料, and other participants. The session on the nature of intelligence in the age of digitization will be brought underway by Prof. Andreea Bobu from the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and CSAIL at MIT. As the lead of Collaborative Learning and Autonomy Research Lab (CLEAR Lab), she works on the development of autonomous agents that learn to do tasks for, with, and around people. The same session will also feature presentations by Dr. Vaidotas Zemlys-Balevi膷ius from Euromonitor International and Assoc. Prof. Jurga Bu膷ait臈-Vilk臈 together with Prof. Eran Vigoda-Gadot from Vytautas Magnus University The day’s keynote will be delivered by Dr. Drew Story, Managing Director of MIT’s Policy Lab, who guides MIT researchers through strategic policy engagement to increase the societal benefits and impact of their work.   In four group sessions, conference participants will be able to join one of the four discussion groups to address strategically important topics as well as aspirations for a longer-term and expanded collaboration between MIT and Lithuania. The discussions aim to prepare recommendations for policymakers and contribute to the bolstering of Lithuania’s strategic goals.   Agreement with a Global Leader in Science and Innovation   This event follows the signing of an agreement between the MIT Center for International Studies, MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI), and twelve Lithuanian science and business partners earlier this year. Planned forms of cooperation currently include MIT student internships in Lithuania, Lithuanian student internships at MIT, and early-stage research grants.   It is expected that these ties could open many opportunities – participation in the MIT MISTI program will strengthen Lithuania’s reputation and visibility as an innovation and technology hub, contribute to creating high-skilled jobs, and modernize the country’s education system by introducing innovative teaching methods. According to artist and MIT professor Gediminas Urbonas, MIT’s engagement with Lithuania connects world-class expertise with a vibrant local research culture and gives Lithuanian innovation a global stage. “By linking MIT scholars with Lithuanian partners, we co-create knowledge, accelerate breakthroughs, and cultivate talent for the world’s hardest problems. As an artist, I see this as a shared laboratory of diverse intelligences – where science, technology, the arts, and the humanities meet as equals to shape values, deepen democratic life, and imagine practical paths toward more just and livable futures”, explains Prof. Urbonas.   A Game for Solving Ecological Challenges   During the conference, students in Lithuania will have the opportunity to try a unique tool – a game designed to develop sustainability knowledge. Internationally recognized Lithuanian artists and MIT researchers Nomeda and Gediminas Urbonas, in collaboration with French scientists, have created the role-playing game Wetland.games, aimed at fostering ecosystem awareness and promoting sustainability. Taking on various roles, the players explore the wetlands as a system of collective intelligence and look for common solutions while navigating ecological, social, and other interdependencies.   The conference Human and More-Than-Human Futures: Innovating Technologies for Coexistence is organized by the Lithuanian Consortium and supported by the Research Council of Lithuania and Northway Biotech. Registration is required Conference program   Members of the Lithuanian Consortium for collaboration with MIT: coordinator Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas University of Technology, Klaip臈da University, Vilnius University, 黑料不打烊_独家黑料_吃瓜网51爆料, Vilnius Academy of Arts, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Lithuanian Energy Institute, AB Ignitis Group, LTG Group, UAB Euromonitor International – Eastern Europe, and UAB Novian. The main informational sponsor is Lrt.lt.