VMU Infrastructure

The infrastructure of Vytautas Magnus University consists of premises, science and art base, technical and software systems, communication and information systems. The university’s infrastructure is constantly monitored, evaluated and improved in order to create a strong and effective platform for interdisciplinary research and development and to provide open access to research infrastructure for business and science cooperation.

VMU has a total of 75127,42 sq. m. of premises managed by trust and property rights, 11754,81 sq. m. of which consists of the VMU Kaunas Botanical Garden’s buildings. Together with the rented premises, the total building area used for VMU’s operations is 75127,42 sq. m. (year of 2017), which has increased by 8,49 % since 2014 (2013 – 75031,35 sq. m.; 2014 – 69251,28 sq. m.; 2015 – 75306 sq. m.; 2016 – 75049,28 sq. m). All the premises are strategically located in the center of the city.

Some of the infrastructure units were improved by undergoing reconstruction and major repairs in 2013-2017. The buildings for science and studies that were renewed or modernized include the faculties of Social Sciences and Law (Jonavos Str. 66), Faculty of Arts (Muitinės Str. 7), VMU Central Building and VMU Great Hall (S. Daukanto Str. 28). The renovated laboratory building of the VMU Faculty of Natural Sciences was opened at VMU Kaunas Botanical Garden (Ž. E. Žilibero Str. 2). Furthermore, the main building of VMU Faculty of Natural Sciences (Vileikos Str. 8) was renovated and adapted to the requirements of modern laboratories. The superstructure of VMU Faculty of Natural Sciences was built to set up proper and modern locations for the Neuroscience Laboratory, the Polygraph Room, the Virtual Studies, Audiovisual Technologies, Video Technology Studio, the Videoconferencing and Virtual Learning Environment Room.

In addition to this, the Biotechnology Laboratory Complex of the Natural Sciences, which consists of General and Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Biophysics and Bionanotechnology Laboratory, and Biophysics Research Laboratory, was also updated. Notably, new constructions have been erected: the Multifunctional Center for Studies and Research, located at V. Putvinskio Str. 23, was opened in 2016, and became the home of the faculties of the Humanities and Political Science and Diplomacy. The Vaclovas Biržiška Library (K. Donelaičio Str. 52) was renovated to ensure comfortable working spaces for information search and R&D activities.

VMU Library

VMU Library has 585 workspaces, 204 of them are computer-equipped. Technical services are provided: copying, printing, scanning, binding etc. The library has 17 individual and group workspaces (73 work places), rest zones. Persons with special needs are provided height-adjustable desks and chairs, special keyboards, software, desktop video magnifiers for the visually impaired, and a Braille printer. RFID-based self-service facilities of borrowing and return of books are available for reader convenience. Using it, the readers can borrow or return books and extend the loan term. Self-service facility for returning books is available 24 hours a day outside the central library building.

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Cutting-Edge Research with the Most Modern Equipment

The main research infrastructure is constantly upgraded, and the VMU laboratories are among the most modern ones in the Baltic States.

Research on climate factors, toxicity and pollutant impact on living organisms and ecosystems as well as quality assessment of different environmental components (air, water and soil) is conducted at the Laboratory of Biological Resource Analysis and the Laboratory of Plant Survival.

Research on microbiology and electrochemical studies of microbial physiology and cell culture resistance to cytotoxic compounds are the focus of the laboratories of Microbiology and Membrane Biochemistry.

Research on the effects of hyperthermia on normal and tumor cells and the response of seeds to stress is carried out in the Laboratory of Molecular Bioenergetics.

Biophysics laboratories are used in order to deal with cell and tissue behavior in the electric fields, with special focus on cell electroporation and sonoporation-mediated drug and gene delivery as well as research on studies related to nerve system physiology, development and regeneration.

Research on the detection of pathogens, molecular genetics of plants and animals as well as detection and identification of endoparasites and ectoparasites using molecular methods are performed in the laboratories of Molecular Ecology and Immunology.

Analysis of various biological objects such as food, medicinal and spice plants, bee and hive products, beverages, etc. is also carried out. Examination of environmental objects and synthetic products and direct analysis of biological fluids using integrated sample preparation by various techniques are performed. Scientists use the biotechnology of plants to investigate bioremediation, phytoremediation and mycoremediation of pollutants, perform the analysis of plant secondary metabolites, and evaluate antioxidant properties of plant extracts.

List of Laboratories

Microsynthesis laboratories for preparation, functionalization and evaluation of stationary phases for chromatography and electrochromatography, solid phase extraction and microextraction, microtraps for method coupling, etc.;
HPLC and UPLC Laboratory for analysis of biomedical, environmental and chemical samples;
Laboratory of Gas-Chromatography with capabilities of different automated sample preparation/ injection (liquid, gas injection, solid phase microextraction, in-tube extraction);
Capillary Electrophoresis Laboratory with UV-Vis detection, contactless conductivity detection, coupled reaction detection with capability to perform on-line radical scavenging activity measurements, analysis of different food matrices, as well as medicinal plants and other natural products;
Laboratory for Sample Preparation including traditional soxhlet extraction, liquid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, clevenger essential oil extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction, freeze-dryer, dryers, orbital shakers, different disintegration, homogenizing, and ultrasonication apparatus;
Microbiology lab with collection of white root fungi; bioremediation laboratory; micromechanical and radioelectronics design and fabrication lab with 3D printing and 3D engraving facilities specializing in development of microanalytical tools, capillary format contactless conductivity detectors, coupling of analytical techniques, and microfabrication;
Miniaturized Bioreaction Lab for small scale high-throughput bioprocess research and analysis; plant biotechnology lab with small scale phytocultivation facilities;
Biocromatography Lab for separation and analysis of biomolecules;
Mass Spectrometry Lab for analysis of volatile and non-volatile compounds in different matrices;
Spectrophotometry Lab with UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrophotometers.

Computer Equipment and Software

VMU has updated its computer equipment and software. New computers, software and laboratory equipment has been purchased for all faculties and several of the laboratories, new lecture rooms have been equipped with multimedia projectors and screens. Additionally, video conference equipment has been updated with installations of VMU Adobe Connect, LieDM Adobe Connect, VMU CISCO, and LieDM CISCO. In 2017 VMU signed a new agreement with Microsoft which made it possible to integrate Office 365 services into the IT infrastructure while also providing IT services not only for the employees but for the students as well. New authentication system of IT users has been implemented, allowing users to connect to all IT systems using a single login name and password. To achieve this goal, new systems of LDAP, Microsoft AD, Azzure AD, Microsoft Office 365 were assimilated and introduced. Based on this system, the printer network was created in which all employees and students can use printing, copying and scanning services at all VMU facilities. The FirstClass e-mail system, which was used for many years previously, was abandoned as a result of failing to meet the needs of its users.