High-Level Visit: German State Minister Stefanie Drese Visits LSMU

On 4 March, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) and Kauno Klinikos welcomed the Minister for Social Affairs, Health and Sport of the German state of Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania, Stefanie Drese, who visited together with a large delegation of professors, regional leaders and institutional representatives.

The delegation was received by the Rector of LSMU, Professor Rimantas Benetis; the Chancellor of the Medical Academy, Professor Daiva Rastenytė; Vice-Rector for Research Professor Juozas Kupčinskas; Vice-Rector for Studies Professor Indrė Čeponienė; and Professor Ingrida Janulevičienė, Dean of the International Relations and Study Centre.

During the meeting, the guests were introduced to the structure of the University, its upcoming development projects, international cooperation, and strategic partnerships. Particular attention was drawn to the University’s international study environment, where teaching is delivered in both Lithuanian and English.

“Due to demographic changes, the number of students is decreasing. We are therefore making every effort to maintain the University’s international outlook by attracting international students,” said LSMU Rector Prof. Dr Rimantas Benetis.

The presentation also highlighted investments in research and the modernisation of infrastructure. The meeting with the German delegation took place in one of the University’s newest facilities, the Faculty of Nursing, which provided many opportunities for identifying shared priorities.

During the discussion, Minister Drese expressed interest in both existing cooperation with German institutions and opportunities to expand collaboration in the future.  

“Cooperation takes place at many levels, especially in the fields of research and innovation,” said Vice-Rector for Research Professor Juozas Kupčinskas.

Following the presentation, the Minister from north-eastern Germany said she was pleased to have the opportunity to visit LSMU and discuss possibilities for cooperation.

“Thank you for the opportunity to visit you in Kaunas today. We are interested in cooperation in the field of clinical trials, as well as broader collaboration between universities, including those in Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania in Rostock and Greifswald. We are very pleased to be here,” the Minister said.

During their visit, the delegation also toured the Nuclear Medicine Research Centre and the Clinical Department of Paediatric Rehabilitation at Kauno Klinikos and met with the hospital’s leadership. The visit further strengthened dialogue between LSMU and institutions in Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania and opened new opportunities for cooperation in research, education, and clinical trials.