Applied Research Activities

Applied research activities at the University are organized and implemented in accordance with the Law on Science and Studies of the Republic of Lithuania, the Regulations on Applied Research and Experimental Development of the College, and the strategic research priorities of LIK.

Goal

To enhance the University contribution to the regional and national innovation ecosystem by improving the efficiency of applied research and experimental development (R&D), expanding commissioned research domains, and generating added value that supports sustainable regional development.

 

Objectives

  • To ensure the integration and coherence of research, studies, and professional practice.
  • To design and implement socially and economically significant applied research and experimental development programmes aligned with the needs of regional and national economic stakeholders.
  • To participate actively in national and international programmes for applied research, innovation, and experimental development.
  • To strengthen the research competence of academic staff and researchers, while promoting the involvement of students in applied research activities.
  • To ensure the systematic dissemination of research outcomes and enhance their visibility and impact at both national and international levels.

The research groups operating within the University constitute the core of its applied research and experimental development activities. Their primary mission is to advance interdisciplinary research that:

  • directly contributes to the strengthening of the regional economy, environmental sustainability, and social well-being;
  • enhances the international scientific visibility and reputation of the University;
  • creates the foundation for participation in European and national research and innovation projects;
  • ensures the integration of science and studies by engaging students in research-based learning and real-world research initiatives.

Research Gruops

dr. Inga Grinfelde

Leader of the Environmental Engineering Research Group

+37129442763
inga.grinfelde@lik.tech
Room 202 (Liepų st. 1, Girionys)

 

  1. Sustainable Water Resources Management in Changing Landscapes
    Development of hydrological models and monitoring systems to assess the impact of land-use intensification, climate change, and urbanization on surface and groundwater regimes, with applications for flood risk reduction, water quality protection, and ecosystem services. 
  2. Soil Health, Pollution Control, and Carbon Sequestration 
    Investigation of soil degradation, contamination with heavy metals and nutrients, and greenhouse gas emissions, integrating nature-based and circular solutions for soil remediation, fertility improvement, and long-term carbon storage.
  3. Air Quality and Climate Change Mitigation
    Assessment of urban and industrial air pollution sources, dispersion modeling, and monitoring of particulate matter and greenhouse gases, linking local air quality to global climate change mitigation strategies. 
  4. Integrated Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for Pollution Reduction
    Design and testing of wetlands, buffer strips, green infrastructure, and biocovers that simultaneously improve water quality, restore soil and habitat functions, and reduce air emissions, strengthening resilience of ecosystems and communities. 
  5. Digitalization and AI in Environmental Monitoring
    Application of sensor networks, remote sensing, and physics-informed artificial intelligence for real-time data collection and predictive modeling across water, soil, air, and biota systems, supporting decision-making for environmental management. 
  6. Circular Economy and Resource Recovery
    Development of technologies for recovering nutrients, energy, and materials from wastewater, soils, and biomass, transforming environmental challenges into sustainable resources and reducing overall ecological footprints. 

dr. Žygimantas Staliulionis

Leader of the Physical Process Modeling Research Group

0 67804399
zygimantas.staliulionis@lik.tech
Room 120 (Tvirtoves av. 35, Kaunas)

 

  1. Multiphysics modelling activities
    Thermal modelling of electronics and microelectronics. Modelling of mechanical and multi-physics problems in electronics, microelectronics and mechatronics systems. Heat and mass transfer processes in electronics. Materials processing simulations. 

  2. IoT systems and measurements
    Applications of IoT systems and sensors for monitoring different physical parameters. Collection of data from connected devices to enable intelligent monitoring, automation, and informed decision-making across various sectors, including smart homes, smart cities, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial automation. 

  3. Reliability of electronics
    Performing reliability tests for electronics in climatic chamber, quality assurance and thermal management optimization using microthermography, defect detection and failure analysis of microelectronics. 

  4. MEMS systems developments
    Research of MEMS sensors and systems used for different purpose and applications. Study of actuators. 

dr. Remigijus Bakys

Leader of the Forest Ecosystem Sustainability and Biodiversity Research Group

0 67352052
remigijus.bakys@lik.tech
Room 212  (Liepų st. 1, Girionys)

  1. Forest ecosystem sustainability and climate change adaptation
    This research direction focuses on understanding forest responses to climate change to ensure their long-term productivity and resilience. It includes studies on ecosystem protection mechanisms, forest productivity dynamics, and hydrological processes that influence carbon sequestration, soil stability, and water balance. 

  2. Forest biodiversity and genetic diversity conservation
    This direction emphasizes the conservation of genetic and biological diversity as a key condition for forest resilience. Research encompasses the analysis of genetic resources in forest populations, measures to maintain species diversity, and the application of new methods to ensure the vitality of forest ecosystems under changing environmental conditions. 

  3. Innovations in forest management and sustainable resource use
    The focus here is on developing and improving modern forest management systems, integrating digital tools and innovative management models. Wood science (also known as wood technology) research presents new opportunities for more efficient use of timber in the bioeconomy, reducing waste, and promoting circular economy principles. 

  4. Ecosystem services, economy, and policy
    This direction addresses the economic and social value of forest ecosystem services and their integration into policy-making. It explores market instruments, governance tools, and public expectations to align nature conservation with sustainable economic development better. 

  5. Forest Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Urban Green Landscapes
    Research focuses on changes in forest and urban green ecosystems and their responses to climate change and anthropogenic factors. Studies address biodiversity, water circulation, and the use of bioindicators for assessing environmental quality. The goal is to develop nature-based solutions that enhance ecosystem resilience and human well-being.