The last year marked an exciting milestone in the journey of Kaunas University of Technology in the CATALISI project. Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) proudly hosted a vibrant series of events that brought together international partners, researchers, and change-makers from across Europe. These activities focused on core themes of sustainability in research, open science, research ethics, and citizen engagement, all of which are central to transforming research institutions into agents of positive societal impact.
Twinning for Change
The event began on a high note with the CATALISI Twinning workshop. This gathering welcomed esteemed colleagues from several partner institutions, including Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), University College Cork, Universitat Jaume I, University of Gdańsk, and Luiss Guido Carli University.
The Twinning event served as a powerful platform for sharing best practices and learning from one another’s institutional experiences. One of the focal points of the day was sustainability in research, a topic that continues to gain importance in light of the global climate crisis and evolving societal needs. Insightful presentations by Dr. Leonas Balasevičius and Dr. Vilma Karoblienė shed light on how sustainability can be integrated more effectively into research planning and university strategy.
Another highlight of the Twinning event was a session on open science and open data practices at KTU, led by prof. Dr. Audronė Telesienė. Open science, with its emphasis on transparency, accessibility, and collaboration, is not only changing the way research is conducted but also how its benefits are shared with society. KTU’s approach offered a practical model for implementing these practices in institutional settings.
Finally, Adriana Kviklienė and dr. Gintarė Tautkevičienė led a thoughtful discussion on ethics in research, a critical yet sometimes overlooked aspect of academic work. Their session reinforced the importance of integrity, responsibility, and inclusiveness in all stages of the research process.
Making Meaningful Links through Citizen Science
As the event progressed, the CATALISI community transitioned into MML activities. These sessions delved deep into the role of citizen science in shaping university policy and enhancing public engagement in research. Prof. Dr. Egle Butkeviciene and Renata Višinskaitė provided a valuable overview of KTU’s efforts to foster citizen participation in research, illustrating how universities can be more responsive and inclusive toward societal needs.
The conversation was enriched by real-world examples of Citizen Science projects shared by dr. Gintarė Tautkevičienėand prof. Dr. Kęstutis Zaleckis. These initiatives demonstrated how communities and researchers can work together to co-create knowledge and solve local and global challenges. Their stories served as a powerful reminder that citizen involvement doesn’t dilute scientific rigor—it enhances relevance and inclusivity.
The MML event also brought in even more voices from the extended CATALISI network, including Agenzia per la Promozione della Ricerca Europea (APRE), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), University College Cork, Universitat Jaume I, University of Gdańsk, and Luiss Guido Carli University, broadening the scope of discussions and perspectives. Together, participants examined strategies to institutionalize citizen science, support researchers in engaging non-academic audiences, and build long-term infrastructures for societal involvement in science.
Throughout the event, there was a palpable sense of community, collaboration, and commitment to transformation. The events weren’t just about sharing presentations—they were about forging deeper connections, challenging assumptions, and working toward more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable research systems.
Looking Ahead
The events at KTU underscored how collaboration across borders and institutions is essential for reimagining the future of research. CATALISI continues to serve as a beacon for universities aiming to take concrete steps toward transformation, through ethical conduct, openness, sustainability, or citizen involvement.
As the project progresses, the learnings and connections formed during these events will undoubtedly continue to ripple outward, shaping policies, influencing practices, and inspiring innovation. The conversations started in Kaunas are far from over: they’re just beginning.
