On December 5, the Kaunas University of Technology Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (KTU FSSAH) hosted an inspiring research and projects day event “ProVERŽIS 2024” (meaning “Breakthrough” in Lithuanian). The day became a real celebration of research and project fusion. At the event, the faculty’s researchers presented their unique projects, discussing current societal issues—education, public governance, artificial intelligence (AI), and green transformation.
Professor Dr Eglė Butkevičienė started the event with a presentation on citizen science. She moved on with the nuances of preparing project applications and shared her best practices, which encouraged the participants to gain new skills and discuss the opportunities of implementing modern ideas. Later, the researchers at FSSAH presented their inspiring projects that tackled the most important societal issues.
In the first part of the event, Associate Professor Dr Eglė Gaulė presented the “VIPAS” project aiming to improve public services management. Professor Dr Irina Kizlienė presented the implementation of diagnostic methods in primary education to enhance the development of the pupil’s math skills. Associate Professor Dr Irina Jaleniauskienė discussed the integration of AI in language-learning scenarios based on the action-oriented approach.
The second part of the event discussed civil society research projects. Dr Paulina Budrytė discussed the responsibilities of young creators for the new green transition through the “TRUSTMAKING” project. Dr Mindaugas Bertašius presented the archaeological investigation of Marvelė cemetery and Dr Lina Gaižiūnienė discussed the integration of AI in inclusive education and the potential future scenarios of this method in use.
The creative activity was just as interesting as the presentations—the participants created a collage on the topic “What does a project mean to me?”. This activity brought the community together and provided an opportunity to share their visions on how projects can make people and ideas grow.
At the end of the event, the faculty’s research groups summarised the projects they were working on and talked briefly about the upcoming community events.
The event peaked with the awards ceremony. All researchers, who participated in the event and presented their research, were awarded with unique wooden statues of the “ProVERŽIS 2024” resembling sustainability and growth. Such symbolism is related to the event’s slogan “Projects make us grow”. This year’s event emphasised the importance of growth and sustainability in research and societal development. Therefore, the statue served as a significant symbol.
According to Professor Dr Ramunė Kasperė, the Vice-Dean for Research at KTU FSSAH and the organiser of the event, “ProVERŽIS 2024” showed the potential of our faculty’s research and inspired the research community to strive for more, share ideas, create, and work together to tackle the challenges faced by the modern society.
The event proved once again that projects unite research communities and can even become a link to workable solutions that create positive change in the society.
Learn more about the event and the presented projects here.
