Assoc. Prof. Karolis Ažukaitis / MF archive
The Faculty of Medicine at Vilnius University (VU MF), together with Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, recently hosted the VU Health Co-Laboratory, an event designed to bring together representatives from both these institutions to jointly shape the strategy of health sciences, share their experiences and insights, and build a more attractive and effective ecosystem in this field.
Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Vilmantė Pakalniškienė, VU Vice-Rector for Organisation Development and Community Affairs, Prof. Dalius Jatužis, Dean of VU MF, and Prof. Tomas Jovaiša, Director General of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. In their welcoming addresses they emphasised their shared desire to strengthen cooperation between researchers and institutions, and approach health science development from a broader perspective – one that will reveal the mature and well-integrated ecosystem of the Santara Valley.
Prof. Vilmantė Pakalniškienė / MF archive
An international perspective: focused on the impact of science
The first guest speaker, Prof. Berent Prakken, Executive Director of CHARM-EU for the Utrecht University and Chief Scientific Officer of the Eureka Translational Medicine Centre, in his presentation, The Art of Translation: Crossing Boundaries for Real-World Impact, drew attention to worrying trends in medical science: the increasing volume of low-impact publications, the scepticism from decision-makers toward scientific evidence, and the apparently rigid systems used to assess academic performance. The professor called for a fundamental reorientation of research priorities and urged that scientific work be evaluated based on its real impact on patients, the research community and society at large. Academic success, he argued, should rely on qualitative criteria such as narrative CVs.
Prof. Berent Prakken / MF archive
Insights from VU researchers: cultural change and researcher empowerment
In hispresentation Progress in health science: what do we have and what (if anything) is missing? Assoc. Prof. Karolis Ažukaitis, Vice-Dean for Science and Innovation at VU MF, introduced the rapid scientific advancement taking place at the Medical Science Centre, a broad spectrum of research topics at VU MF, and emphasised the importance of cultural change. He identified motivated researchers as one of the MF’s key priorities, whose involvement in scientific work can be strengthened by applying the principle: identify, empower and retain.
Discussion group participants / MF archive
Participants at the event, were invited to take part in interactive sessions aimed at addressing two main questions: What is the formula for impactful science? How can we create a sustainable and effective health sciences ecosystem using available resources?
“The dynamic discussions highlighted the wide range of factors researchers must take into consideration when delivering high-quality science. Today, scientists are expected to not only generate ideas and implement them, but also to work in teams, engage with partners in Lithuania and abroad, and communicate their findings to the public. This is why fostering an appropriate cultural and administrative environment is particularly important,” said Dr Rūta Morkūnienė, organiser of the VU Health Co-Laboratory.
Event organiser Kristijonas Puteikis noted that participants of interactive sessions emphasised the need to strengthen dialogue between researchers and institutions, to clearly identify institutional strengths and prioritise research and cooperation areas accordingly. “It was encouraging to hear many concrete proposals that the community is ready to put into action.”
Assoc. Prof. Karolis Ažukaitis, Dr Rūta Morkūnienė, Kristijonas Puteikis / MF archive
The dynamics of professional relationships – a lecture on authority and cooperation
In her lecture Authority, competition and cooperation. Is it possible to reconcile them?, Assoc. Prof. Eglė Daunienė, VU Associate Professor of Partnership and Associate Consultant at OVC, called on the audience to re-evaluate the dynamics of professional relationships and to pursue communication that is equal and open. According to the lecturer, consciously fostering horizontal relationships contributes to a motivating environment – an approach that is particularly important for the medical and health sciences community, where professionals interact with diverse groups of people every day.
Assoc. Prof. Eglė Daunienė / MF archive
“The idea of the Health Co-Laboratory arose from the need to take a more creative look at the future and the potential of health sciences. We have many proactive, experienced researchers and increasingly broader opportunities for funding, infrastructure and international cooperation. In order to make the best use of these resources, it is necessary to listen to the expectations and ideas of the community. Only then can we develop a sustainable concept for the future of health sciences and offer valuable insights for the new strategic plan for VU MF,” said Assoc. Prof. Ažukaitis following the event.
Photo gallery of the event
