LSMU once again signed the Magna Charta Universitatum

Prof. Rimantas Benetis, the rector of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), formally signed the Magna Charta Universitatum (MCU) on November 13 during a ceremony in London.

On September 18, 1988, the rectors of European universities first signed the charter to commemorate the University of Bologna’s 900th anniversary of foundation. This document has also been ratified by LSMU.

The Charter places a strong focus on the concepts of academic independence, university autonomy, unity in research and teaching, and international collaboration among institutions.

The formal event, taking place in London on November 11-13, is dedicated to the 2020-2025 anniversary, and its main theme is “What are universities for? Higher education principles, values and responsibilities in a fragmented world.”

While guest speakers gave talks on the role of higher education institutions, emphasising important values like academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and social responsibility, European higher education leaders, researchers, education policymakers, and students talked about what universities and university education mean in today’s global world.

On November 13, new universities joined the Magna Charta Universitatum, while those who had already signed it had the opportunity to renew and once again declare their institution’s involvement in a global network of universities that emphasises autonomy, freedom, and academic dialogue.

The rector of LSMU, Prof. Rimantas Benetis, also solemnly confirmed this commitment with his signature.