From 7 to 11 September, the Medical University of Gdańsk (Poland) is hosting three international Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) of the ACE²-EU Alliance, bringing together researchers, lecturers and other staff from partner institutions. Six staff members from Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija are taking part in the programmes, developing their knowledge in research funding, modern teaching methods and student-centred education.

Benas Šilinskas and Raimundas Vikšniauskas are taking part in the “ACE²-EU Grants Academy” BIP. The programme is designed for early-career researchers seeking to gain a better understanding of national and European research funding opportunities and develop practical skills in preparing grant applications and managing research projects.

Participants are exploring major funding programmes, including Horizon Europe, European Partnerships and Interreg, while also learning about the grant evaluation process, partnership building and effective science communication.

Lukas Gadeikis and Vilius Dabrila are participating in “Modern Academic Teaching: Student Engagement, Gamification, Tutoring and Artificial Intelligence”. The programme focuses on innovative approaches to academic teaching, including strategies for increasing student engagement, integrating gamification into the learning process, providing individualised support to students, and using artificial intelligence tools responsibly in higher education.

Andrius Dargužis and Dalius Kalisinskas are taking part in the third BIP, “Problem-Based Learning in Academic Education”. The programme focuses on applying Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methods in higher education. Through practical activities and discussions, participants are exploring how to create learning environments that encourage active student engagement and foster critical thinking, collaboration and independent problem-solving.

The “Problem-Based Learning in Academic Education” and “Modern Academic Teaching: Student Engagement, Gamification, Tutoring and Artificial Intelligence” programmes are funded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) under the “Support for European Universities” programme.

The experience gained in Gdańsk will provide further inspiration for new ideas and their application in teaching and research at LIK.