The role of scientists in society is changing. They are moving beyond the creation of knowledge and are increasingly applying it to solve pressing societal problems. Universities must provide scientists with the infrastructure to conduct research that solves pressing societal challenges in order for them to fulfil their mission. This is why Centres of Excellence are becoming increasingly important as a platform for scientists to come together to address global challenges. Mykolas Romeris University is setting up such a centre after winning the "University Excellence Initiatives" competition launched by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport. The initiative aims to improve the research and experimental development (R&D) activities of universities, and the MRU centre will become an international research and innovation centre where researchers, students and business representatives work together.
In 2015, Mykolas Romeris University took an important step in promoting research and innovation by establishing a unique space - the MRU Social Innovation Labs Network. In this network various research and expert activities are carried out with the participation of researchers from different fields. To further strengthen these activities and promote scientific progress, the MRU Social Innovation.
Labs Network began its transformation into a Centre of Excellence since this year.
Researchers positively appreciate the opportunities offered by the MRU Centre of Excellence, which allows them to launch new research by bringing together international research teams. Prof. Dr. Romas Prakapas, who is leading the project "Student's sense of security in the context of learning achievement" at the Centre, points out:
"The Centre of Excellence is not only an opportunity for each researcher to realise his or her ideas and to contribute to solving problems of relevance to science and society. It is a space that brings together researchers from different generations, backgrounds and regions to work together in a meaningful way. Targeted support for research and the dissemination of research results creates the perfect conditions for bringing science closer to practice."
Excellency Centre Research Areas
The Centre of Excellence funds seven projects in the fields of law, psychology and education. Research in the psychological sciences will focus on developmental and environmental psychology. The researchers will contribute to the promotion of environmental protection measures for young people. Prof. Dr. Goda Kaniušonytė, who is leading the project "Environmental sustainability in the context of adolescents' relationships", says:
"The creation of the Centre of Excellence is a wonderful initiative that will give scientists the opportunity to fully engage in international networks, establish and maintain productive collaborations, and thus contribute to the development of science not only in the MRU, but also in the wider international arena."
Dr Audra Balundė, Senior Research Scientist of the project, says: "Centres of Excellence are an indispensable platform not only for initiating new areas of research, but also for strengthening and developing existing ones. They also provide the additional funding opportunities needed to make the research carried out at the university visible and recognised in the international research community".
Another group of psychology researchers, led by Prof. Dr. Rita Žukauskienė, is working on the project "PROMISE: Psychological adjustment in emerging adulthood after adverse childhood experiences: the role of resilience and perceived social support". This project investigates the impact of adverse childhood experiences on psychological well-being and mental health. Childhood trauma, such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse or neglect, can leave lasting scars and depressing burdens. The results of this study will enable the development of strategic solutions to effectively address adverse childhood experiences.
In addition to research in psychology, the MRU Excellence Centre has a special focus on educational science. A group of researchers led by Prof. Dr. Vida Česnuitytė will study the rights of the child in multicultural families in the project "Implementation of the Rights of the Child in the Transnational Family: the Role of Non-Formal Education". The research team will analyse the role of non-formal education in ensuring children's well-being and successful integration into society. This research is particularly relevant in a global world where more and more children are growing up surrounded by different cultures.
Another group of researchers is investigating the link between students' sense of safety and learning achievement. Led by Prof. Dr. Romas Prakapas, the project "Pupil's sense of security in the context of learning achievement" will investigate whether a safe learning environment and a positive emotional climate at school lead to better student performance. The results of this research will contribute to the design of more effective educational strategies to develop students' sense of security and improve the quality of learning.
Researchers at the MRU Centre of Excellence also emphasise the importance of lifelong learning. Researchers of the project "The Mission of the University in Responding to the Needs of an Ageing Society", led by Prof. Dr. Irena Žemaitaitytė, aim to provide a scientific basis for the interaction between education and ageing. The research will seek to identify strategies to promote the participation of older adults in the development of education.
Legal researchers are active in the Centre of Excellence. One such project is "Liability for Transboundary Environmental Damage Caused by Nuclear Installations: Recent Trends and Challenges", led by Prof. Dr Katarzyna Bogdzewicz. This project will propose concrete measures to holistically improve the regulation of nuclear energy, balancing international environmental protection and nuclear law principles. The research is particularly relevant in the context of global nuclear safety challenges.
Another group of lawyers, led by Prof. Dr Lyra Jakulevičienė, is working on a project on "Reconciling New Concepts of Migration and Asylum Law with Human Rights in Contemporary Europe". This project will analyse the challenges of migration and assess the gap in legal doctrine related to the new EU concepts of migration and asylum law. In order to fill this gap, solutions will be proposed to ensure the effective regulation of migration at the international level.
The MRU Centre of Excellence creates a unique space to foster research collaboration and inspire innovative ideas. This space will enable high-level research and experimental development (R&D) projects to be carried out on an international scale to address societal challenges.
The article was written by Vilma Losytė, Communication Manager at the Centre for Science and Innovation. The article was prepared within the framework of the project "Establishment of Centres of Excellence at Mykolas Romeris University", funded from the state budget and implemented within the framework of the programme "Initiative of Centres of Excellence" initiated by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania.