Strengthening Collaboration: ESEIA Member Vilnius Tech Visits TU Graz and ESEIA Headquarter in Graz, AT

On 23 May 2025, ESEIA had the pleasure of welcoming a distinguished delegation from Vilnius Tech to TU Graz, for a meeting dedicated to strengthening cooperation and expanding joint activities in research, innovation, and education.

The meeting was hosted at the Institute of Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, TU Graz, and gathered key representatives from both institutions:

  • Dalius Navakauskas, Vice‐Rector for Research and Innovation, Vilnius Tech, LT
  • Vilma Puriene, Director at Knowledge and Technology Transfer Centre, Vilnius Tech, LT
  • Violeta Motuziene, Prof. at Building Energetics Dept.
  • Skirmante Mozuriunaite, Head of Doctoral School, Assoc. Prof. at Urban Design Dept.
  • Brigitte Hasewend, ESEIA, TU Graz, AT

The agenda included discussions with Andrea Höglinger, Vice-Rector for Research at TU Graz and ESEIA Vice-President, and Franz Wotawa, Head of the Institute of Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence.

Advancing Joint Priorities

ESEIA Director Brigitte Hasewend emphasized the importance of Vilnius Tech’s active involvement in ESEIA activities, particularly in proposal development. Both parties agreed to allocate more resources and engage additional experts in the ESEIA Working Groups, especially in the areas of Sustainable Buildings and Sustainable Mobility, where Vilnius Tech already holds strong expertise. At present, 17 experts from Vilnius Tech are actively contributing to ESEIA initiatives.

The discussion also highlighted opportunities for future collaboration, including:

  • Participation in the 2025 ESEIA Lecture Series
  • Co-hosting a joint training session
  • Engagement in the ESEIA International Summer School
  • Attendance at the ESEIA Conference
  • Participation in EU-funded research projects

Innovation Hubs and Sustainability Leadership

Vice-Rector Dalius Navakauskas presented two major Vilnius Tech initiatives aligned with ESEIA’s mission:

1. Competence Centre for Smart and Climate-Neutral Manufacturing

This centre focuses on:

  • Promoting hydrogen use in internal combustion engines (ICEs)
  • Developing lightweight, cement-free materials and multifunctional textiles
  • Addressing environmental issues like plastic and tire waste through innovative reuse (e.g., rubber panels, noise barriers)
  • Enhancing wastewater and sludge treatment
  • Supporting CO2 reduction in biogas and promoting bio-origin materials via a proposed advanced polymer R&D centre

2. Vilnius Tech Sustainability Center

A cutting-edge facility designed to connect education, science, and business, the Center features:

  • A data modelling lab
  • An eco-design laboratory supporting recycled plastics and 3D printing
  • An experimental demonstration space promoting circular food chain models
    The center fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to drive sustainable consumption and product innovation.

This visit reflects ESEIA’s continued commitment to building strong partnerships across Europe, fostering knowledge exchange, and supporting member institutions in shaping a climate-neutral future. We look forward to seeing these ideas take shape through concrete joint actions.

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