Vilnius University
Vilnius University is the oldest and largest institution of higher education in Lithuania. Since its establishment in 1579, Vilnius University, as an integral part of European science and culture has embodied the concept of a classical university and the unity of studies and research. Vilnius University is an active participant in international scientific and academic activities and boasts many prominent scientists, professors and graduates. Scientific development and expanding relations with global research centres have contributed to the variety of research and studies at Vilnius University. The University comprises 14 faculties, 2 university hospitals, research centres, the oldest library in Lithuania with a modern Centre of Communication and Information Science, an astronomical observatory, a botanical garden, etc. The student body of the University includes 21,000 students. Year after year listed by QS World University Rankings among the top 1.5 per cent of the best universities in the world, Vilnius University attracts the best and most talented secondary school graduates of the country. The studies that are offered by the University are based on international-level research. The staff of the University is involved in many national and international initiatives that are geared towards implementation of the Bologna process and meet the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, while quality issues of various activities are at the forefront of the strategy of VU. VU academic and administrative capacities to implement mobility projects are built on rich experience obtained from participation in European mobility programmes since 1999. Over 160 bilateral cooperation agreements and 836 Erasmus+ cooperation agreements have been signed to enhance academic exchange and international collaboration and partnership in research and education. Mobility for study period counts >700 incoming and >600 outgoing students every year at Vilnius University. An increasing number of degree programmes in English enables Vilnius University to offer studies in almost all study fields. In 2019 ARQUS European University Alliance, of which VU is one of the founders, was given EC funding under the call of European Universities. Through international engagement, Vilnius University enhances the accumulation of the comprehensive knowledge for high quality education, spreading internationalisation within the University, and seeks to strengthen the academic reputation of the University.
Vaiva Hendrixson
M.D., Ph.D., professor
Prof. Dr. Vaiva Hendrixson works at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University. Since 2010 Prof. Hendrixson has held the position of vice-dean for International Programs and Relations and since 2018 she is the vice-dean for Studies at the Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University. In 2015 she was awarded the title of Honourable Professor of Karaganda State Medical University (Kazakhstan). As a professor and vice-dean, she is responsible for international projects and has experience administrating and managing scientific and educational projects. Being a fellow of the Open Medical Institute in medical education and leadership in medicine, Prof. Hendrixson has organised several training sessions and workshops for the staff members at the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University and abroad, and she is involved in developing innovative curriculum and teaching methods. Prof. Hendrixson is an expert of Centre of Quality Assessment in Higher Education, a member of the Lithuanian and European Societies of Laboratory Medicine, Lithuanian and European Societies of Physiology, Lithuanian Association of Neuroscience, Federation of European Neuroscience Societies, European Committee for Standardization, and other academic and scientific organizations.
Sigita Lesinskiene
M.D., Ph.D., professor, doctor
Prof. dr. Sigita Lesinskiene is a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Working as a researcher, lecturer and practitioner. Leading Clinic of Psychiatry in Institute of Clinical Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University. Defended dissertation for Ph.D. in 2000, title of thesis “Autistic disorder among children of Vilnius”. Fields of scientific activity and research: epidemiological studies, child and family mental health, autistic spectrum disorders, abuse, self-destructive behaviour, eating disorders, pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, child psychiatric services, nursing, student mental health, art therapy. Courses for students: Doctor – patient professional communication and psychosomatic, Child and adolescent psychiatry, Child psychiatry and nursing. Coordinates the residency program for Child and adolescent psychiatry, organizes postgraduate courses, leading student research society. Regularly participates at the national and international congresses of child and adolescent psychiatrists, paediatricians, mental health practitioners. Past President of Lithuanian Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, Member of Lithuanian Society for Art Therapy Application, past member of IACAPAP Executive Committee. Specialist-consultant for Child and adolescent psychiatry to the Lithuanian Ministry of Health.
Sonata Varvuolyte
MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Family physician, Family resident’s trainer
Assist. Prof. Sonata Varvuolyte works at the Department of Internal Diseases, Family Medicine and Oncology of the Institute of Clinical Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University and practices as family doctor at Baltupiai Family Medicine Centre. From 2018 Assist. Prof. Sonata Varvuolyte is a chairman of Medicine studies programme committee. Over ten years she serves as a president of Lithuanian Society of General Practitioners. She is a country delegate at UEMO (European Union of General Practitioners/Family Physicians), EURACT (European Academy of Teachers in Family Medicine). Assist. Prof. Sonata Varvuolyte is and independent expert and adviser at Ministry of Health of The republic of Lithuania and belongs to Scientific Committee of Members and Experts at European Medicine Agency. The range of scientific interests is family medicine and education in medicine.