On 18 October, the Rector of Mykolas Romeris University (MRU), Vice President of the International Association of Universities (IAU), Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė, took part in the Lithuanian-Victorian Business and Science Forum in Melbourne, where she highlighted the importance of the international cooperation between scientists and business in solving the common challenges facing humanity.

The President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, who opened the Forum, pointed to the recent partnership between the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and Mykolas Romeris University in the field of cyber security as a positive example of a partnership that is not dependent on geographic distance. MRU is partnering with RMIT University from 2020, and together they have established the Australian-Lithuanian Cyber Research Network (ALCRN).

In the discussion between scientists and entrepreneurs, Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė pointed out that university alliances and collaborative networks of like-minded scientists and strong leadership provide more opportunities for international research teams to explore complex problems and challenges. As an example, she pointed to the Sustainable Development Cluster of the International Association of Universities, which includes MRU scientists and researchers.

The MRU Rector emphasised that the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Australian state of Victoria and Lithuania's rich academic and industrial potential are a perfect combination.

"Together, we can create solutions that are not only commercially viable, but also environmentally sustainable and socially impactful, and we can create a culture of innovation that transcends boundaries and sets the benchmark for global partnerships," said MRU Rector.

The Lithuanian business and science delegation, including Dr. Gintaras Valinčius, Chairman of the Lithuanian Science Council, heads of the country's universities and representatives of companies and agencies, discussed with their Australian colleagues about the importance of global partnerships for innovation, as well as the prospects for economic and academic cooperation between Lithuania and Australia.

The forum was also attended by Prof. Andrew Deeks, President of the International Association of Universities (IAU) under UNESCO, with whom President Nausėda discussed Lithuania's growing role in international university networks.