Invitation for students of the Faculty of Medicine to participate in research activities
As the new academic year begins, we kindly invite you to join the Student Research Network (SMVT) of the Faculty of Medicine at Vilnius University (VU MF), supervise student research groups/clubs, guide student projects, and engage in research activities
Participation in the VU MF Student Research Network is voluntary. SMVT is a free membership-based entity within VU MF that unites students and researchers interested in and participating in scientific activities from integrated, undergraduate, and master's degree programs. SMVT activities are governed by the Regulations of the Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine Student Research Network.
Currently, there are 44 active student scientific activity groups. To join a group, you can contact the coordinator using the provided contacts.
Each year, VU MF organizes a Student Research Conference, where students present the work they have done in collaboration with VU MF researchers, interesting clinical cases, or the results of their analyses. Student research papers are published in the proceedings of the VU MF Student Research Conferences, which can be accessed on the Faculty of Medicine's website. At VU MF SMVT plenary conferences, presentations are given by students who have won first place in their respective group or club sections.
In 2024, the work of participants in the Faculty of Medicine’s Student Research Network was evaluated by representatives of the Ministry of Health (SAM) and the Innovation Agency, who established special prizes for the best works.
Why is it worth it for students to participate in research?
- At the start of their studies, students often select a field of interest and continue to conduct research in that area throughout their studies, thus gradually developing their final thesis and professional path. Another way to contribute to research is by demonstrating the required skills and joining research led by experienced scientists. During the study process, lecturers recognize students’ abilities to conduct research and provide opportunities to participate in large-scale biomedical studies and projects.
- Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine offers a Named Scholarship on its initiative. This scholarship is intended to reward VU MF students for outstanding achievements in science. The scholarship is a one-time award of €1,000.
- The Sophie Ambroza Foundation provides a one-time scholarship funded by Sophie Valentina Ambroza’s will. Active researchers with scientific publications and doctoral students can participate in the competition for this scholarship.
- Students studying chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and medicine are invited to compete for the “Eileen and Vincent Kadis” Named Scholarship from the Canadian Lithuanian Foundation. This one-time scholarship of €1,000 is awarded to three socially disadvantaged students who achieve the best academic and scientific results.
- Students at the Faculty of Medicine can apply for the Kazys Grinius Presidential Scholarship awarded by the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. This scholarship is intended for talented students who excel in their studies, research, community, or artistic activities. The criteria and regulations for awarding the Presidential Named Scholarships are approved by the Lithuanian Government’s Resolution No. 259, issued on March 18, 2020.
- Students engaged in research have the opportunity to participate in calls for summer internships and semester-long research projects announced by the Lithuanian Research Council. These projects allow students to familiarize themselves with the basics of project preparation, improve their qualifications through practical scientific work, exchange scientific ideas, and foster the development and expansion of scientific communication and networking. If successful, a student, under the guidance of a research supervisor, can implement their research idea. Even in cases of unsuccessful applications, students gain valuable knowledge about project proposal writing and receive feedback from experts. Participation in these activities often serves as a strong foundation and motivation for continued scientific work.
- The most advanced graduates of the first (bachelor's), second (master's), and integrated study programs who have demonstrated mature scientific work may qualify for Magna Cum Laude university diplomas (the criteria for awarding Vilnius University Diplomas Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude were approved by the Vilnius University Senate Resolution No. S-2015-9-2 on November 24, 2015, and the revised edition of the Senate Resolution No. SPN-38 of June 22, 2021).
- Students of the Faculty of Medicine are encouraged to engage in scientific activities, as an additional point is awarded for research when applying to residency programs at Vilnius University. This point is added to the competitive score for residency applications and can help future residents gain admission to their desired residency programs.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Urtė Žakarytė
78th Student Research Network Conference at the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University
With more than 1,000 members, over 300 published theses, and more than 35 scientific groups, the Student Scientific Research Network (SRN) continues to showcase its achievements. In 2026, the 78th Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine Student Research Network Conference will take place. We invite you to participate!
This conference is a unique opportunity for students, academics, and administrative staff of the Faculty to engage in discussions, share experiences, listen to outstanding presentations by students and lecturers, get involved in scientific activities, and establish valuable professional connections.
During the conference, students present research conducted in scientific groups together with researchers from the Vilnius University Faculty of Medicine (VU MF), as well as findings from interesting clinical cases and various analyses. In 2026, the traditional plenary SRN conference will be replaced by a two-part Pitch Session. More information on section presentations and the final event is provided below.
Section Presentations
April 27 – May 6, 2026 (inclusive)
Scientific work presentations in sections are planned for April 27–May 6.
Presentation duration in sections: 5–10 minutes.
Thesis templates and requirements remain unchanged (see below).
Please note: incorrectly formatted theses may be rejected. We strongly recommend following all formatting and content requirements and the SRN regulations.
Final Event – Pitch Session
May 8, 2026
The SRN season closing event will consist of two parts:
- Part I: Presentations by researchers from VU MF, the VU Life Sciences Center, and Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics.
- Part II – Student Pitch Session:
Section first-place winners will each have 3 minutes to present their work.
The best presentations will be selected, and awards will be given to the authors.
This new format replaces the traditional plenary session and reflects modern international trends in young researchers’ presentations—delivering information briefly, effectively, and engagingly.
Pitch Session Date & Time: May 8, 2026, 13:00
Venue: VU Faculty of Medicine, Medical Science Center, Conference Hall D1–16.1, Žaliųjų Ežerų g. 2, Vilnius.
Section Formation
- A section may be formed if it includes at least 8 submitted works.
- If a group has fewer than 8 works, several groups will be combined into one section.
- Please inform us about formed sections by April 13, 2026, via email at .
Thesis Requirements
- Final thesis submission deadline: March 27, 2026, 23:59.
- Coordinators: please send all theses from your group in one MS Word document by March 31, 2026, 23:59 to .
- Word limit: up to 300 words.
Thesis Structure
- Title
- Author(s): name, surname, year of study
- Supervisor(s): position and/or academic title and/or scientific degree*, name, surname, department (VU MF)
*Note: The order must be as follows:
First the position or academic title (e.g., Prof., Assoc. Prof.), then the scientific degree (e.g., Habil. Dr., Dr.).
Thesis templates can be found here
Contact Information
Student Research Network Groups 2025-2026
Child and adolescent psychiatry
Scientific Supervisor: prof. Sigita Lesinskienė, PhD, e-mail: .
Coordinator: Elinga Inčirauskaitė, e-mail: , Milda Eleonora Griciūtė, e-mail: .
The first meeting of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry SMVT group in the 2025/2026 academic year will take place on September 16, at 5:00 PM, Room 144 of the Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionis St. 21.
Head and Neck Surgery
Mokslinis vadovas: dokt. Ignas Karnas, el. p. i.
Koordinatorius: Sofija Šestak, e-mail: ; Mindaugas Smetaninas, e-mail: .
Psychiatry
Scientific Supervisor: prof. Alvydas Navickas, PhD, e-mail: .
Coordinator: Milda Černytė, e-mail: , Julija Grigaitytė e-mail: .
Pulmonology
Scientific Supervisor: prof. (HP) Edvardas Danila, PhD, e-mail: .
Coordinator: Dovydas Stankevičius, e-mail: .
Rehabilitation, Physical and Sports Medicine
Scientific Supervisor: asist. prof. Tomas Aukštikalnis, PhD, e-mail: .
Coordinator: Silvija Černiauskaitė, e-mail: ; Danial Heidar, e-mail: .
Abstract books of the Students Research Conference
Abstract book of LXXVII Students Research Conference, 2025
Abstract book of LXXVI Students Research Conference, 2024.
Abstract book of LXXV Students Research Conference, 2023.
Abstract book of LXXIV Students Research Conference, 2022.
Abstract book of LXXIII Students Research Conference, 2021.
Abstract book of LXXII Students Research Conference, 2020.
Abstract book of LXXI Students Research Conference, 2019.
Student research papers and Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BREC) approvals
Undergraduate students do not have a university degree and cannot be researchers. Their research work does not constitute biomedical research, as the aim of their work is not to develop and test new scientific hypotheses and generate new scientific knowledge, but to acquire the knowledge and skills that will be necessary for future research. The work is therefore exempt from the requirement to obtain the authorisation of the BREC.
You can find the clarification from the committee here.
If the student’s research idea and plan claim to generate new scientific knowledge, test new hypotheses, meet the requirements for biomedical research, and are supervised by an experienced researcher, you should check full details here.