UNINOVIS – one year marked by significant achievements and the launch of a Centre of Excellence

A year that has become a solid foundation

March 18 marks the first anniversary of the UNINOVIS alliance. Over the past year, the partnership has evolved from an idea into an active platform for international cooperation, where new initiatives are developed, academic ties are strengthened, and opportunities for students and staff continue to expand.

During the first year, 136 individuals from Kaunas kolegija Higher Education Institution participated in mobility activities at UNINOVIS partner institutions – 52 students and 84 staff members. Such experiences strengthen academic connections and contribute to the development of a shared European academic culture.

UNINOVIS activities have been integrated into the 2026–2030 strategy of Kaunas kolegija and are envisaged as an integral and continuous part of the institution’s operations and processes, ensuring that international initiatives strengthen the academic community and promote long-term development.

Successful examples of international cooperation

Recently, Viktorija Navickienė, Head of the Communication Department at the Faculty of Business, participated in the Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) International Week, where she shared best practices on the application of artificial intelligence in studies and the development of micro-credentials. She also actively participated in a two-day workshop dedicated to the development of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects. In collaboration with TAMK UAS, she developed a COIL programme concept on international trade, which will be implemented in the autumn semester of the 2026–2027 academic year.

The Faculty of Arts and Education organised the international scientific conference ‘ADLES Powered by UNINOVIS 2025: Art, Design, Languages, Education and Social Work: Innovations in Theory and Practice’ together with the European University Alliance UNINOVIS. The event served not only as a platform for presentations but also as an active example of cooperation aimed at strengthening international academic dialogue and advancing digital practices in higher education. The conference brought together more than 70 researchers and practitioners from 12 countries, with over 50 presentations addressing current issues in education, creative practices, language learning, and social work.

Applied research and project activities

The UNINOVIS alliance has provided Kaunas kolegija with opportunities to strengthen its project-based and applied research activities. In 2025, 17 joint project proposals were prepared, including those under the Horizon Europe, EIT, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie programmes.

The successfully implemented Research Council of Lithuania France–Lithuania cooperation project ‘Monitoring of Metrological Data Using IoT Devices’ highlighted the active involvement of Dr Laimonas Kairiūkštis from the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technologies. He also participated in a project funded by the French National Research Agency and is contributing to the preparation of a book on IoT technologies. Together with Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS), and The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS), the institution successfully prepared and is currently coordinating an Erasmus+ project aimed at strengthening students’ research competencies.

Kaunas kolegija consistently expands its international cooperation by implementing Erasmus+ projects both as a coordinator and as a partner. A significant achievement is the project won together with TAMK, THWS, and THUAS, coordinated by the institution and aimed at enhancing students’ research skills. The institution also actively participates in Nordplus programme initiatives covering rehabilitation, digital transition, and artificial intelligence.

Opportunities for developing researchers’ competencies

The implementation of projects with UNINOVIS partners has significantly increased staff mobility. Since January 2025, 39 staff members have improved their competencies through Erasmus+ and Nordplus programmes, while an additional 8 researchers have completed internships at partner institutions (THWS, USPN, UMA).

An important contribution has been made by training sessions delivered by partners at Kaunas kolegija, particularly seminars led by TAMK representatives on team coaching and entrepreneurship. Cooperation in this area continues successfully and contributes to the development of the “ideaPoint” centre, which was established in collaboration with Thomas More UAS and Munich UAS.

Looking ahead

By 2028, in cooperation with alliance partners, plans include the development of micro-credential courses, joint and double degree programmes, and other lifelong learning opportunities, as well as strengthening collaboration among researchers in preparing research projects and conducting joint research. A key focus is to promote mobility among students, lecturers, and researchers by expanding its various forms, particularly virtual mobility through COIL, BIP (Blended Intensive Programme), and other programmes.

The next major structural step is the establishment of the new UNINOVIS Centre of Excellence, CYBERLOGO, focused on collaboration and innovation in the fields of logistics and cybersecurity. This centre will function as a ‘living laboratory’ for applied research, innovation development and transfer, and the expansion of international cooperation, involving representatives from business, society, and other stakeholders. For students, it will become a new hub fostering creativity and the development of business ideas, engaging them in international events, hackathons, creative workshops, and innovation camps.

The long-term vision of UNINOVIS is to create a European higher education area where studies, research, and innovation are closely linked to the challenges of digitalisation, sustainability, and societal well-being.

Celebrating the anniversary with the community

The first UNINOVIS anniversary was celebrated at Kaunas kolegija, while partner institutions marked the occasion simultaneously. On March 18, students and staff participated in an interactive event featuring games, prizes, a birthday cake, and informal discussions about international study, mobility, and cooperation opportunities.

The first year has demonstrated that joint European initiatives create real value for the academic community. This year, UNINOVIS will aim for even closer integration and cooperation, strengthening the quality of studies and research while creating new opportunities for collaboration among students and researchers.