Recently the results of Lithuanian study and research institutions’ assessment by international experts were publicised. Although there can be various interpretations of the results, according to the director of Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) Department of Research Leonas Balaševičius, it adds international visibility to Lithuanian research.
The comparative study of research activities in Lithuania coordinated by national Research and Higher Education Monitoring and Analysis Centre was the most extensive in our history of higher education. The research activities of 2009–2013 of 30 state and private institutions were assessed by the experts.
Performance of the institutions was evaluated in 5 grade scale where 5 defines a global leader (none of Lithuanian institutions scored 5 in this assessment).
KTU’s performance in natural sciences and materials science and in measurement technologies were all assessed 4, which means that in these areas our University’s achievements are being globally recognised.
KTU Is a Leader in Measurement Technologies
The experts pointed out that measurement technologies at KTU are of highest level among all technology research institutions in Lithuania. According to them, judging by the quality and quantity of research, and the internationally competitive research infrastructure and laboratory equipment the University has potential of becoming an international leader in this field.
International experts maintain that KTU’s achievements in the field of measurement technologies are responsible for the high University’s position in EU programmes for research and technology development.
Materials Science Is a Field With Highest Potential
Nature sciences and materials science are another fields where KTU’s achievements are highly recognised internationally. According to the experts, the age of researchers, active involvement in PhD programmes development and state-of-the-art research facilities are the key factors in the development of this field.
Together with food science and technology research, research in measurement technologies and materials science and nature sciences make the most impact on Lithuanian economy and society.
The experts have also indicated that research in IT field at KTU has the largest development potential, and it is predicted that it will become of international importance.
The Assessment Methodology Was Not Perfect
Balaševičius, the Director of KTU Department of Research maintains, that this assessment is a perfect indicator of problematic issues in Lithuanian research, which shows directions for research management towards its sustainable development and bigger economic and social impact.
According to him, the methodology of the assessment would have been more accurate if larger groups of researchers had been evaluated. “For example, researchers of our Faculty of Chemical Technology have internationally acclaimed achievements. However, when divided into three subgroups, this field of research was indicated only as of national importance”, says Balaševičius.
However, according to him, the insights from the experts are of great value for pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of national research. For example, one of the recommendations from the experts was consolidation of research potential: research performed by 9 faculties and 10 research institutes becomes too scattered. According to them, the best example of research consolidation is Santaka Valley, where different institutes are sharing the same research building.
