The Faculty of Agrotechnologies (hereinafter referred to as the Faculty) at Vilniaus kolegija / Higher Education Institution (VIKO) is a dynamic academic center focused on today’s key global challenges – food security, environmental sustainability, and agroecological development. With a strong focus on innovation and applied science, the Faculty significantly contributes to the green transition of Lithuania and Europe through research, education and cooperation.
Academic Programs and Community
The Faculty offers five professional bachelor-level three-year study programs, each comprising 180 ECTS credits: Agribusiness Technologies; Applied Chemical Analysis; Landscape Design; Food Technology; Veterinary. With approximately 333 students and around 70 staff members, including academic and administrative personnel, the Faculty fosters a close-knit and interdisciplinary learning environment.
Departments and Practical Training Facilities.
The Faculty is structured into three academic departments: Department of Landscape Management and Agribusiness Technologies; Department of Chemistry and Food Technology; Department of Veterinary. Students and researchers benefit from modern training facilities, including VikoFlora Ornamental Plants and Greening Center; a fully equipped Veterinary Clinic; specialized laboratories for chemistry, food technology, and environmental analysis. These centers support a hands-on learning approach and serve as platforms for applied research and innovation.
Research Priorities and Laboratory Capabilities
The Faculty focuses on applied research that addresses real-world challenges in agriculture, food systems, environment and sustainability. Priority research areas are closely aligned with EU policy goals, including the Green Deal, Farm to Fork strategy, and Horizon Europe missions. The main research areas include sustainable agri-food systems and technologies; reduction of food loss and waste; application of organic biofertilizers; soil health and agroecological practices; biodiversity and climate change mitigation; green urban development and landscape management; food safety, nutritional quality, and sensory analysis; environmental education and behavioral change.
Chemistry laboratories are newly equipped for advanced analytical techniques such as spectrophotometry, gas and high-performance liquid chromatography, electrochemical analysis, etc. Research in water and soil quality, plant chemical composition, food additives, residues is carried out in chemistry laboratories. Food Technology Laboratory is fully equipped for freeze-drying (lyophilization), fermentation, sensory analysis techniques and food preservation methods, product development, texture and taste evaluation research carried out. Veterinary Clinic research facilities include digital imaging and diagnostic tools such as Digital X-ray, Mobile Laser, Blood Analyzers, Ultrasound Scanner, Endoscope, research in animal health diagnostics; veterinary procedures, clinical practices are carried out. The VikoFlora Planting and Ornamental Plant Center conducts research into sustainable landscape formation, soil improvement, and biodiversity enhancement, and applies methods of field trials, landscape research, and ecological planting technologies.
Project Experience and International Collaboration
The Faculty actively participates in both national and international projects, contributing to sustainability, food education, and environmental innovation. Notable initiatives include FoodEducators (EIT Food) project, promoting food literacy among youth across Lithuanian schools; Green Educational Spaces (with Vilnius Municipality), creating interactive green areas for environmental learning; collaboration with African partners, focusing on methodology development for agroecology training in different climate zones, contacts with farmers in South Africa for organic fertilizer trials; EU Horizon and Nordplus-funded projects on food safety and quality, promoting regional innovation in the agri-food sector; digital transformation in chemistry education; sustainable landscaping solutions.
Other activities at the Faculty involve development of digital tools for food waste monitoring; testing insect-based fertilizers in crop production; participation in national innovation and sustainability initiatives; conducting chemical analyses of soil, drinking water and plant raw materials; identification of bioactive compounds in agricultural products; development of new recipes for food products and evaluation of sensory properties; sustainable development technology research, such as the effects of biochar-enriched substrates on plant quality.
Among Faculty’s research programs and calls of Interest it should be mentioned:
1. HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-09. Understanding the perceptions of and improving communication on the biodiversity crisis and nature restoration benefits: stakeholder analysis in urban green spaces (e.g., Pavilniai and Verkiai Regional Parks in Vilnius); public communication strategies based on experience from the FoodEducators project; citizen engagement and behavioral change research.
2. HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-05. Agroecology living labs for climate action in Africa: development of agroecological methods for diverse pedoclimatic zones; cooperation with farmers in South Africa for field trials; training modules and e-platform content based on real-life testing; research with insect frass and biological soil enhancers (BLACK’LIFE).
3. HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-04. Reducing food waste at household level: testing and validating EU-developed food waste measurement tools; co-creation of composting and digital exchange platforms; implementation in schools, families and community groups in Lithuania.
In the field of Environmental Engineering, the Faculty highlights research topics such as waste management and the circular economy; soil protection and regeneration; sustainable urban infrastructure; ecosystem restoration and biodiversity and environmental monitoring systems.
In the field of Agronomy, the Faculty highlights research topics such as sustainable soil; sustainable plant protection against diseases and pests; reducing the impact of climate change on agriculture (reducing the environmental impact of crop production technologies).
In the field of Chemistry, the Faculty highlights research topics such as sustainability of agro-aquatic ecosystems and climate change; development, accessibility and innovation of functional and health-promoting foods; sustainable processes and advanced technologies in the food industry.
In the field of Veterinary, the Faculty highlights research topic on animal health and welfare.
By combining strong academic programs, practical training, and impactful research, the Faculty of Agrotechnologies at Vilniaus kolegija / Higher Education Institution positions itself as a leader in green innovation and education. It continues to build partnerships across disciplines and borders to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient world.
More information:
Website: https://atf.viko.lt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikoatf