Become a future scientist and make your significant impact on research and innovations, society, and business! The Doctoral School is responsible for finding effective and high-quality solutions for the issues related to the University’s doctoral studies as well as promotion of the internationality and raising of its profile.
The vision of the Doctoral School – preparation of future scientists capable of making a significant contribution to research, studies, society and business and working in academic and non-academic environments.
Doctoral School:
Doctoral studies at KTU provide the following opportunities:
The students of the state-funded doctoral studies are provided with financial support (scholarship) in the amount set out by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania during their studies. From 1 January 2025 the size of the doctoral scholarship is:
Doctoral students can apply regarding the additional support provided by the institutions and external foundations. More details>>
Doctoral students may also apply for self-funded studies.
Doctoral studies in 20 fields of science and 1 field of arts:
~330 doctoral students:
Yearly:
~50 defended doctoral dissertations;
~200 prototypes;
~10 start-ups;
~20 patent applications.
Studentų g. 50, Kaunas
LT-51368, Lithuania
email phd@ktu.lt
Head
Reda Žilėnaitė
email reda.zilenaite@ktu.lt
KTU Doctoral School coordinates and organises the process of doctoral studies in accordance with the Law on Science and Studies, Statute of the University, Regulations on Research Doctoral Studies and Regulations on Doctoral Studies.
Doctoral studies and research are coordinated by the Committee. The Committee conducts the selection and approves dissertation topics, Supervisors and doctoral candidates, appoints the doctoral student’s academic department and Consultants, approves doctoral students’ work plans and amendments thereof, carries out the recognition of the doctoral study modules completed at foreign higher education institutions, and provides conclusions on the level of research of academic departments participating in the process of doctoral studies, the publication of doctoral studies, research and research results, and the doctoral studies and research plans and their implementation, decides on the language used for writing the dissertation, certifies doctoral students and doctoral study modules, ensures the quality of doctoral studies and the improvement of the quality of doctoral studies, evaluates the prepared dissertations, and assembles Boards. The Doctoral School annually assesses the compliance of the Committee members with the requirements set out in the Regulations. Amendments in the composition of the Committee can be initiated by the Committee or the heads of the first-level academic departments involved in the organisation of doctoral studies in the relevant science field. The Committee formalises all its proposals, suggestions and decisions in the protocols signed by the chairperson of the Committee (or a substituting member of the Committee) and the secretary. The protocol of the Committee is submitted to the Doctoral School after the meeting of the Committee, which, based on the decisions made by the Committee, prepares the relevant material for the Rector, the Vice-Rector for Research, and the Senate of the University.
Doctoral student’s studies and research are supervised by the doctoral student’s scientific supervisor (hereinafter – Supervisor). A supervisor has to be a scientist of the field of science that doctoral student is admitted to.
Supervisor:
If necessary, a doctoral student can be assigned consultants (up to two), who can be the scientists of another scientific field. Consultants of a doctoral student cannot be appointed earlier than on the second year of studies.
Doctoral student’s consultant:
The academic unit to which the doctoral student is assigned:
Doctoral student studies, conducts scientific research, prepares and defends a doctoral dissertation under the approved individual work plan.
The Committee is composed of at least 9 scientists who conduct high-level research. Membership of the Committee is open to scientists who are employed at least 0.5 FTE at the doctoral institution(s) that hold the right to doctoral studies, where they took the job position at the institution(s) under the procedure of competition, or who are employed at the institution(s) where they took the job position at the institution(s) without competition but, before that, they had been holding this job position under the procedure of competition. The requirement to take a job position under the procedure of competition is not applied to scientists from foreign research and educational institutions. If the right to doctoral studies is granted with the participation of (a) foreign research and educational institution(s), the Committee must include more than half of the scientists from Lithuanian institution(s). The scientists with experience in supervising/consulting doctoral students can be the members of the Committee. The members of the Committee must include at least two-thirds of the members of the science field in which the right to doctoral studies is granted. A member of the Committee can serve as chairperson of the Committee for a maximum of two consecutive 5-year terms. The composition of the Committee is reviewed and updated by the institution at least every 5 years. A scientist can be a member of no more than two Committees. At least half of the members and the chairperson of the Committee have to meet the minimum qualification requirements (to the extent related to scientific papers) set out by the University for the persons applying for the position of chief researcher. The remaining members of the Committee have to meet at least the requirements set out in the Regulations for Supervisors and Consultants.
The positions of Supervisors and Consultants can be taken by scientists meeting the minimum qualification requirements (to the extent related to scientific papers) set by the University for persons applying for the position of a senior researcher and who have published at least 3 scientific papers in the last five years in international scientific journals which, at the time of the publication of the paper, were in the Q1–Q2 quartiles and have the impact factor in the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science (CA WoS) (in the areas of humanities, social sciences, natural and technological sciences) and/or Elsevier Scopus (Scopus) databases (in the areas of humanities and social sciences), or at least 1 scientific paper in an international scientific journal which, at the time of publication, was in the Q1–Q2 quartiles, and has the citation index in the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science (CA WoS) (in the areas of humanities, social sciences, natural and technological sciences) and/or Elsevier Scopus (Scopus) databases (in the areas of humanities and social sciences) and a scientific monograph or part thereof published by an internationally recognised scientific publisher.
Membership of the Board is open to scientists who meet the minimum qualification requirements (to the extent related to scientific papers) set by the University for the persons applying for the position of a senior researcher and who have published at least five scientific papers in the last five years: scientific monographs or parts thereof published by internationally recognised publishers; scientific papers in international scientific journals with the impact factor in the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science (CA WoS) (in the areas of humanities, social sciences, natural and technological sciences) and/or Elsevier Scopus (Scopus) databases (in the areas of humanities and social sciences).
Doctoral studies with the participation of Charles University in Prague (Czech Republic) and Georg-August University of Göttingen (Germany)
Doctoral Studies in Mathematics at KTU are for those who wish to become highly qualified researchers, able to carry out original research and contribute to the advancement of mathematical science. It covers a wide range of mathematical areas such as differential equations, financial mathematics, biomedical systems modelling and more. Applicants can choose their research areas according to their personal interests and research goals.
These studies and research focus on cutting-edge developments in the mathematical sciences and their practical application in a wide range of fields. The programme covers the latest theories and methods for solving complex problems and developing innovative solutions in finance, health, engineering and other fields. In addition, KTU offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and to contribute to international projects, ensuring the applicability of research to practice.
Doctoral studies with the University of Southern Denmark (Denmark)
A PhD in Physics is for those who want to study the complex laws of nature and contribute to the latest scientific discoveries and developments in the field. This doctoral programme provides in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the areas of condensed matter, radiation interactions with materials and optical spectroscopy.
KTU PhD students work with cutting-edge technologies and research methods, including electron lithography, reactive plasma etching, spectroscopic ellipsometry and spectroscopy of ultrafast processes. Their research focuses on practical applications, developing innovative technologies for biosensors, plasmonics, renewable energy and other high-technology areas. In addition to contributing to the development of fundamental science, this programme directly shapes innovations that impact industry and society.
The PhD in Chemistry is designed for those interested in individual research under the supervision of experienced researchers. The studies cover a wide range of chemical sciences such as analytical chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, catalysis, materials chemistry and others. The study process is tailored to the student’s previous experience and research interests, encouraging the search for original solutions.
KTU’s Doctoral Programme in Chemistry is characterised by research that focuses on solving global problems and developing sustainable industries. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of new materials, nanotechnology and research into the development of anti-cancer drugs. The studies cover theoretical and practical aspects as well as economic, environmental and safety issues. Scientific advances contribute to the development of advanced technologies and innovation in a wide range of fields.
Joint PhD studies with Vytautas Magnus University and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Computer Science is one of the fastest-growing areas of science based on computational science and mathematical models. This PhD offers the opportunity to study Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics, Computational Intelligence, Signal and Image Processing and other innovative research areas. It is aimed at those interested in interdisciplinary and innovative research leading to original solutions that make a significant contribution to technological progress.
KTU PhD students in Informatics not only develop new theoretical knowledge but also put the principles of practical learning into practice by actively participating in ongoing research. Young researchers acquire the skills to develop next-generation IoT solutions and intelligent systems with applications in industry, energy, transport and other fields. Research includes the development of intelligent, networked and self-evolving systems, solutions for digital transformation and the integration of AI technologies in different sectors.
The KTU PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering is designed for curious and talented people who want to solve interesting, engaging and challenging problems that require new knowledge for a wide range of users. A PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering offers the highest level of research-based study, covering modern electronics and engineering technologies used in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, energy and biomedicine. The aim is to provide postgraduate students with an in-depth knowledge of signal processing, imaging, monitoring and control systems and the latest technologies applied in industry.
KTU doctoral students join research teams working in an international high-tech environment to develop unique applications of knowledge or fundamental approaches. They are involved in the creation of new knowledge, allowing them not only to carry out the necessary research but also to experience the creative satisfaction of addressing the key needs of individuals, society, industry and business.
The KTU PhD Programme in Civil Engineering is designed for young researchers who wish to achieve a high level of scientific training in the field of civil engineering. The main areas of research include improving the energy efficiency of buildings, modelling building structures and developing new building materials. PhD students have access to modern research facilities and work with advanced research equipment. The structure of the course allows theoretical training to be combined with practical learning, encouraging the search for original solutions.
This doctoral programme focuses on contemporary issues in the construction industry, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development and innovation. Research in building construction contributes to the development of energy efficient buildings, structural safety and modern construction technologies. New construction solutions and materials are developed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the construction industry. Collaboration with industry enables the practical application of research results and addresses real challenges in the sector.
Joint PhD studies with Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Klaipėda University and Vytautas Magnus University.
Joint doctoral studies in the science field of Transport Engineering are being carried out in the following areas: dynamics of weapons systems, creation of means of transportation, analysis of dynamic processes of trains, analysis of transport systems, mechanics of aircraft design. Most of doctoral students complete part of their studies or research at foreign research and educational institutions.
Joint PhD studies with Vytautas Magnus University and Lithuanian Energy Institute.
The KTU Doctorate in Environmental Engineering is designed for those who aspire to become highly qualified scientists capable of analysing and solving environmental problems and developing innovative solutions to meet today’s global challenges. It provides in-depth knowledge of sustainable technologies, ecosystem management, environmental policies and strategies for industrial sectors. It also deepens the understanding of environmental policy and regulation. The structure of the PhD is based on international scientific developments and allows students to apply the latest research methods in practice.
The KTU PhD in Environmental Engineering is characterised by its interdisciplinary approach and its focus on state-of-the-art environmental engineering technologies that can be directly applied in the fields of environment and sustainable development. It enables research to be shaped by the changing needs of industry and academia and strengthens the preparedness of PhD students to meet emerging challenges. The structure of the programme gives PhD students the flexibility to tailor their studies to their research interests and career goals.
KTU’s PhD in Chemical Engineering is designed for those who wish to pursue fundamental and applied research in chemical engineering, with a particular focus on process optimisation, new technology development and innovation to address global sustainability challenges. The studies are based on state-of-the-art scientific methodologies and involve the use of computer technology, process modelling and simulation. KTU chemical engineering PhD students work with advanced equipment and apply their knowledge in real industrial settings.
Young researchers develop clean energy technologies by analysing global innovations in hydrogen production and carbon capture. This PhD programme trains researchers to contribute to society and global problems through innovative solutions.
Joint PhD studies with the Lithuanian Energy Institute
The KTU Energetics and Power Engineering PhD programme is designed for young researchers who want to combine theory and practice to develop innovative and efficient technologies. Priority topics in this field of study include sustainable energy, thermal engineering of transfer processes and smart technologies for power systems. Doctoral students study and work with state-of-the-art research equipment and participate in interdisciplinary projects.
The research carried out in KTU’s Energetics and Power Engineering PhD programme focuses on solving global challenges to ensure sustainable energy use and reduce environmental impact. In the area of sustainable energy, efficient energy generation solutions are developed that combine renewable and fossil energy sources. Research into the thermal engineering of transfer processes contributes to the development of advanced industrial technologies for greater efficiency. Modelling of intelligent energy systems enables the development of sustainable and secure energy supply systems. These studies contribute to the modernisation of the energy sector to meet the needs of society and industry.
Joint PhD studies with Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
PhD in Informatics Engineering combines knowledge of computer systems, software development and the development of technological solutions. It is designed for those who want to develop and analyse advanced computing systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, cybersecurity and autonomous systems. Doctoral students work on real-world problems, developing innovative technologies to automate and robotize industry, exploiting the potential of artificial intelligence.
Doctoral studies address current problems in computing and information processing using advanced technologies and methods. KTU’s Informatics Engineering programme promotes close cooperation with business and industry in order to put research into practice. This provides an opportunity to contribute to the development of modern technologies and to shape future digital solutions.
KTU Materials Engineering PhD students develop advanced modern materials, study their properties and apply them in various industrial and business fields. Materials Engineering PhDs study nanotechnologies, new biological, functional and composite materials, and energy-efficient solutions to increase material efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Doctoral students address the challenges of sustainability, materials recycling and innovative manufacturing technologies. The programme is characterised by its interdisciplinary approach and its focus on research of global significance.
Materials engineering is the key to innovation in industries that require durable, lightweight and efficient materials. Research in this field helps to develop solutions for extreme working conditions in areas such as aerospace, energy and healthcare. KTU’s PhD in Materials Engineering focuses on the development of new, multifunctional materials that contribute to technological progress and solve global challenges.
Joint PhD studies with Vytautas Magnus University
During the KTU Mechanical Engineering PhD programme, young researchers strengthen their competencies through project activities that combine theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and learn to lead interdisciplinary team activities. Doctoral studies foster a creative spirit and technical acumen, enabling doctoral students to contribute to the development and implementation of advanced technologies.
KTU’s Mechanical Engineering PhD programme is unique in its direct impact on society, developing technologies that transform everyday life and address the most pressing issues, such as sustainable production and healthcare. Students choose research topics that address global challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency and sustainability.
The KTU PhD in Measurement Engineering is designed for young researchers who want to develop innovative technological solutions with high added value in the fields of space, transport, medicine, renewable and nuclear energy and other industries. These studies provide in-depth knowledge of measurement technologies. Research in this area of science includes the importance of quality control, non-destructive testing and ensuring the safety of people and the environment.
Measurement engineering is inextricably linked to modern technology, ensuring the accurate and reliable operation of advanced systems. Research in this field contributes to meeting the needs of industry and society, ensuring product quality, energy efficiency and human safety. The PhD programme develops new measurement methods and addresses the challenges of Industry 4.0. Measurement technologies play an important role in the increasing digitalisation of industry and the development of the next generation of smart devices.
This programme is aimed at young researchers who are not limited to traditional approaches to art history, but who are looking for new ways of analysing the contexts of contemporary art and culture. The KTU’s PhD in History and Theory of Arts is based on an interdisciplinary approach that allows the study of phenomena in art, visual culture and architecture using methods from the humanities, social sciences and technological sciences. The studies focus on innovative research models that contribute to the creation of new knowledge and the development of a cultural understanding of society.
Doctoral studies in the History and Theory of Arts are particularly relevant in contemporary society, where art is becoming not only a form of cultural expression, but also a form of social criticism and a proactive way of knowing the world. Research in this area helps to reveal the impact of art and architecture on social development, political ideologies and cultural processes. It encourages the exploration of the multifaceted impact of art and visual culture, from the planning of urban spaces to the analysis of contemporary forms of activism, thereby contributing to the advancement of society and culture.
Joint PhD studies with Vilnius Academy of Arts
Joint doctoral studies in the field of architecture – third cycle university studies designed to prepare highly-qualified architectural researchers who can initiate and implement, design, interpret and develop research based on architectural practice, as well as generate systematic practical and theoretical knowledge for the development of new ideas; apply state-of-the-art knowledge to the advancement of society, culture, or business, thus enabling effective expression in the areas of arts and architectural creation.
KTU doctors of science whose doctoral dissertations were nominated as “The Best Doctoral Dissertation” in the annual competitions organized by the Lithuanian Society of Young Researchers:
| 2023 | Dr. Deimantė Vaitukaitytė (Krisiūnė) (Chemistry; supervised by Prof. Dr. Vytautas Getautis) Dr. Ernesta Augustinienė (Chemical Engineering; supervised by Prof. Dr. Kęstutis Baltakys; consultant – Prof. Dr. Naglis Malys) |
| 2022 | Dr. Jurgita Radzevičė (Management; supervised by Prof. Dr. Jūratė Banytė) |
| 2021 | Dr. Ernestas Kasparavičius (Chemistry; supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tadas Malinauskas) |
| 2020 | Dr. Artiom Magomedov (Chemistry; supervised by Prof. Dr. Vytautas Getautis) Dr. Valentas Gružauskas (Management; supervised by Prof. Dr. Edita Gimžauskienė, Prof. Dr. Mantas Vilkas) |
| 2019 | Dr. Titas Braukyla (Materials engineering; supervised by Prof. Dr. Vytautas Getautis) |
| 2018 | Dr. Eimantė Zolubienė (Sociology; supervised by Prof. Dr. Audronė Telešienė); Dr. Vytautė Dlugoborskytė (Management; supervised by Prof. Dr. Monika Petraitė); Dr. Tomas Matulaitis (Materials engineering; supervised by Prof. Dr. Habil. Juozas Vidas Gražulevičius) |
| 2017 | Dr. Gintarė Kručaitė (Materials engineering; supervised by Prof. Dr. Saulius Grigalevičius) |
| 2016 | Dr. Nadzeya Kukhta (Materials engineering; supervisor by Prof. Dr. Jolita Ostrauskaitė) |
| 2015 | Dr. Andrius Petrėnas (Electrical and electronic engineering; supervised by Prof. Dr. Vaidotas Marozas) |
| 2014 | Dr. Paulius Pavelas Danilovas (Chemical engineering; supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ramunė Rutkaitė) |
Doctoral student Šarūnė Daškevičiūtė (Chemistry science field) was awarded L’Oréal Baltic For Women in Science Fellowship in 2024.
Doctoral student Aida Drevilkauskaitė (Chemistry science field) was awarded L’Oréal Baltic For Women in Science Fellowship in 2023.
Doctoral student Tomas Klinavičius won the “Young Scientist Award” twice in 2020 and 2021 at the international conference-school “Advanced Materials and Technologies”.
“Deposition of Ag Nanocubes into Regular Arrays by Tailored Self-Assembly” by doctoral student Mindaugas Juodėnas (Materials engineering), was recognised as one of the best works in the 19th international conference-school “Advanced Materials and Technologies 2017”.
LMA prize of 2016 is awarded to the winners of the competition of the works of young scientists and doctoral students dr. Oksana Palekienė (Economics) and dr. Tadas Prasauskas (Environmental engineering).
Dr. Živilė Stankevičiūtė (Management) “Sustainability dimension in the organisation’s human resource management” was recognised as the best dissertation of 2015 by the programme of the Baltic Universities.
Doctoral student Vykintas Samaitis (Electrical and electronic engineering) was awarded a prestigious scholarship by the Acoustical Society of America for the results of his research activities.
Doctoral students Donatas Miklušis (Electrical and electronic engineering), Nora Šlekienė (Chemical Engineering), Vytautas Bakanauskas (Mechanical engineering), Shanker Ganesh Krishnamoorthy (Mechanical engineering) were awarded a scientific traineeship at the European Space Agency.
Doctoral student of KTU Institute of Materials Science Tadas Juknius (Materials Engineering) created a smart bandage with silver nanoparticles and pH indicator. Patent application on behalf of KTU, submitted in 2016, is being successfully commercialised under the invention licencing agreement with UAB “Addere” on 15 September 2016.
The catheters with antimicrobial properties and antimicrobial silicone covers, the invention of doctoral student Aistė Lisauskaitė (Materials engineering) and her supervisor Professor Virginija Jankauskaitė, have gained international acclaim.
Social Sciences
Social Sciences
S002 Political Sciences
Joint PhD studies with Vytautas Magnus University, Klaipėda University and General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania
Doctoral programme is provided in the field of public policy and administration. Joint programme offers dissertation topics in theory of politics, political communication, comparative politics and international relations. During doctoral studies the students are developing their individual research skills, creativity, they expand their theoretical knowledge and practical experience by solving the chosen research problems. Political Sciences doctoral study programme aims at training researchers and scientists in the field of public policy.
S003 Management
The Doctoral Programme in Management is aimed at young researchers interested in management and business challenges. Research topics include the digital transformation of organisations, the added value of artificial intelligence, the management of knowledge and intellectual capital, the characteristics of sustainable management and the circular economy, neuromarketing, consumer behaviour, the development of innovations and the rapid growth of start-ups, especially technological start-ups. By working in research groups, KTU Management PhD students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of contemporary management and business theories, study the performance of organisations and ecosystems, and develop and apply knowledge and innovations in the field of management and business administration in practice.
The KTU PhD in Management stands out for its ability to adapt to constantly changing global trends, such as technological advances and challenges posed by artificial intelligence, financial crises, social and political changes, and environmental and climate change challenges. KTU management scholars are recognised in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship, neuromarketing, Industry 4.0, digital health innovation, digital society, sustainable management, consumer behaviour and circular economy. KTU Management PhD students conduct research on challenges at the intersection of the individual and the organisation, and technology and society. By acquiring and developing specialised research skills in their chosen area of expertise, doctoral students can develop a holistic understanding and interdisciplinary insight to connect management practice with organisational theory.
S004 Economics
Joint PhD studies with Klaipėda University and Lithuanian Energy Institute.
The KTU PhD in Economics is designed for those interested in advanced research in the field of economics, which examines the principles of economic systems, decision-making processes and resource allocation in society and the economy. During their studies, PhD students explore economic theories, apply them to real-life situations and develop new knowledge, thus contributing to the development of modern economics.
KTU’s doctoral programme in Economics is characterised by its orientation towards advanced and interdisciplinary research, which enables the study of economic processes in their social, political and technological contexts. It is a unique approach that not only deepens knowledge of economic theories but also incorporates innovative methods such as data analysis and artificial intelligence. The PhD focuses not only on macroeconomics but also on economic challenges in smaller, local contexts, such as economic transformation, social responsibility and sustainability.
S005 Sociology
Joint PhD studies with Vytautas Magnus University and Lithuanian Social Research Centre
Doctoral studies in Sociology are provided at Kaunas University of Technology in cooperation with Vytautas Magnus University and Lithuanian Social Research Centre. Doctoral students develop their individual scientific skills, creativity, expand theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
S007 Education
Joint PhD studies with the Lithuanian Sports University and Vilnius University
Doctoral studies in the field of Education analyse the subjects of formal, non-formal and informal education and learning of young generation and adults, social development, education management, higher education, as well as the issues of modern educational technologies, education and learning environments, and educational innovations. Research is conducted in the juncture of education and other social sciences, aiming to meet educational challenges of the organisational learning in knowledge organisations, development of learning in partnership networks, and learning cities and regions.