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
77th Student Research Network Conference at the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University
Information is being prepared.
Student Research Network Groups
2024–2025
Reconstructive and plastic surgeries
Scientific Supervisor: assoc. prof. Vytautas Tutkus, PhD.
Coordinator: Povilas Jurgutavičius, e-mail: .l
2022-2023 y.
2021-2022 y.
2020-2021 y.
2019-2020 y.
2018-2019 y.
Abstract books of the Students Research Conference
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.