The Evolution of Neurobiology Education in Lithuania

Are you considering establishing a neuroscience program but don't know where to start? Considering working in the neuroscience field but unsure where to specialize? Then take a peek into the origins of the successful neurobiology program shared with you by Prof. Osvaldas Ruksenas. This more than 20-year old with over 200 graduates program is based on the Oxford University, UK blueprint. Prof. Ruksenas also shares tips on choosing your neuroscience specialization and persevering in achieving your goals even when it may seem impossible!

In addition, you will learn about the beautiful country on the coast of the Baltic sea, one of the oldest universities in Europe, and the most conservative language in the currently existing Indo-European language family! Stay tuned for our Neurocareers series, where we open windows of career possibilities in neuroscience and neurotechnologies!

During this episode, you will learn about:

[00:00] Episode intro and a quick bio of today’s guest

[01:19] Meet Prof. Osvaldas Ruksenas, Ph.D. from Vilnius University

[01:50]  A bit about the Republic of Lithuania, a country in the Baltic region of Europe

[03:38] The most conservative language in Lithuania

[04:46] What you have never known about Vilnius University

[06:06] The origins of Prof Ruksenas’ successful neurobiology program

[10:28] What’s so unique about Prof Ruksenas’ neurobiology program at the university

[12:29] High standards Prof Ruksenas adhered to in the preparation of the program

[15:30] Special features of the program

[20:36] How to navigate through the challenges of developing a similar program

[23:20] Prof Ruksenas’ advice to graduates on the courses they are taking

[27:21] Prof Ruksenas’ character traits that he leverages to bring impact on his students

[30:04] How Prof Ruksenas has been creating a life of balance, discipline, and time management to achieve many things in life

[32:18] Importance of rest and the tips Prof shares

[34:00] Prof Ruksenas' plans for his neurobiology program

[36:04] Prof Ruksenas' advice to students who have just received their undergraduate degrees and want to further their research

[39:13] Secrets to making an impossible goal possible

[39:43] How you can reach out and connect with Prof Osvaldas Ruksenas

Notable Quotes

• Old age for university is good. The older it becomes, the stronger and better it gets.
• Most of the work in Prof Ruksenas’ neurobiology program focus on practical aspects.
• Different people from different backgrounds from different countries present different cultures, which is what a university is meant for. It helps to grow a person as personality.
• Everything good has its own cost. To do more in a career, you will need to invest more time.
• Believe in your dreams and start acting.

To find out more about the international graduate Neurobiology Program at the Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics at the Life Science Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania, visit:

http://www.biofizika.gf.vu.lt/en/studies/msc-neurobiology#course-informationhttps://www.vu.lt/en/studies/master-studies/neurobiology

To get in touch with the Head of the Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Prof. Osvaldas Ruksenas, contact him at: osvaldas.ruksenas@gf.vu.lt

The podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches and its founder - Milena Korostenskaja, PhD - a neuroscience educator, neuroscience research consultant, and career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies: https://www.neuroapproaches.org/