Lectures on Primates and Indonesian History by Prof. Birute Galdikas to be Held at VMU
Title: Renowned Anthropologist, Prof. Birute Galdikas, Returns to Lithuania for a Tale of Orangutans, Culture, and History!
Kick off the month of April with Prof. Birute Galdikas at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU)! Get ready for an enlightening journey through the world of orangutans, primate evolution, Indonesian history, and culture! This world-famous Lithuanian anthropologist and environmentalist, most recognized for her extensive research on orangutans, is back in Lithuania, gracing us with 10 days of insightful lectures as a guest of the Dana Gedviliene Foundation under the Vytautas Kavolis Interdisciplinary Teaching Visit Program.
From April 1 to April 11, her lectures will be open to anyone eager to dive into the fascinating realm of orangutan research, Indonesian history, culture, and the innovative application of technology in primatology. Prof. Galdikas will share her knowledge accumulated from 53 years of dedicated work in Indonesia and her 43-year marriage to a native Indonesian Dayak.
During her lectures, she will delve into traditional Javanese culture, an integral part of Indonesia's worldview and cosmology. Moreover, she will compare Indonesia's historical developments with Lithuania's, taking into account the influence of ecology and geography on both nations.
"Interdisciplinary collaboration sparks intellectual growth, a broader perspective on the world, and a deeper comprehension of the universe. It allows problems to be viewed within a larger context, helping us to spot aspects that might be overlooked in a narrow scientific focus," asserts Prof. Galdikas.
Prof. Birute Galdikas' Teaching Program: April 1-11
April 1 (Tuesday) at 4:00 PM: Witness Prof. Galdikas' public lecture, "The Apes, Great and Small Gorillas," at VMU Centre for Studies and Research (Room 103, 23 V. Putvinskio St., Kaunas). For those unable to attend in person, join the live stream on VMU's YouTube channel.
April 3 (Thursday) at 11:15 AM: Lecture on "Primate Evolution" at Agriculture Academy's 3rd Building (Room 159, 10 Universiteto St., Akademija, Kaunas District).
April 8 (Tuesday) at 4:00 PM: Indonesian History unfolds at VMU Centre for Studies and Research (Room 103, 23 V. Putvinskio St., Kaunas).
April 9 (Wednesday) at 12:00 PM: Lecture on "Technology in Primatology" at Agriculture Academy's 3rd Building (Room 164, 10 Universiteto St., Akademija, Kaunas District).
April 11 (Friday) at 2:30 PM: At VMU Faculty of Social Sciences (Room 208, 66 Jonavos St., Kaunas), meet Prof. Galdikas and hear her lecture on Indonesian Culture while interacting with VMU students of social anthropology.
All lectures will be conducted in English and are open to the public, as well as students from other universities in Lithuania.
Prof. Birute Galdikas' Journey in Academia
With six books and numerous documentaries showcasing her life and work, Prof. Galdikas has earned international acclaim. Among her accolades are the United Nations Global 500 Award, the PETA Humanitarian Award, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, and the Gold Medal for Conservation. She is the president of the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI), a global organization working tirelessly for the conservation of orangutans.
Prof. Galdikas is an inspirational figure in the training of Lithuanian scientists, frequently sharing her wisdom through lectures and accepting young researchers for internships in Borneo. In 2010, VMU awarded her an honorary doctorate, and during her visit, President Dalia Grybauskaitė honored her with the Order for Merits to Lithuania.
The Vytautas Kavolis Interdisciplinary Teaching Visit Program is a remarkable initiative at VMU, fostering interdisciplinary exchange by inviting distinguished Lithuanian diaspora professors to enrich the academic environment in Lithuania. It plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between Lithuanian scholars worldwide and academic institutions in Lithuania, strengthening cultural and educational ties with Lithuania's global diaspora.
- Prof. Galdikas will not only share insights on orangutans and primate evolution but will also discuss the role of technology in primatology during her lecture on April 9.
- The discussion on April 8 will delve into Indonesian History, offering comparisons with Lithuania's history, considering the impact of environment and geography on both nations.
- The lectures scheduled from April 1 to April 11 will touch upon various aspects of culture, including traditional Javanese culture, as part of Indonesia's worldview and cosmology.
- The lectures provided by Prof. Galdikas will foster intellectual growth and a broader perspective, as she believes interdisciplinary collaboration leads to a deeper comprehension of the universe.
- Apart from discussing health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and lifestyle, Prof. Galdikas will also speak about space-and-astronomy, as these topics stem from the larger context of understanding our world and the universe.
