Global Faculty Week 2026 | SHMMF - Socialinių, humanitarinių mokslų ir menų fakultetas

Global Faculty Week 2026 | SHMMF

Global Faculty Week 2026 | SHMMF
Paskaitos ir konferencijos
Kviečiame KTU bendruomenės narius dalyvauti „Global Faculty Week 2026“ renginiuose!

Meet the visiting scholars at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities:

Monday, 4 May

17:30 | Online lecture “Regional Development from African Perspectives and International Best Practices, Including Insights from Europe” | Zoom: https://liedm.zoom.us/j/2942783119

Lecturer Ms Nthabiseng Gratitude Khoza and Assoc. Prof. Tyanai Masiya, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Ms Nthabiseng Gratitude Khoza is a dedicated researcher and lecturer at the University of Pretoria. She holds a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Public Management and Governance and is currently a PhD candidate in Public Management and Governance at the University of Johannesburg. Driven by a commitment to both academic rigor and real-world relevance, she strives to connect theoretical insights with practical applications in Public Administration.

Her academic and research profile is situated within the broader field of Public Administration, with a particular focus on public sector risk management, hybrid governance, public policy, and public financial management. In addition, her work engages with emerging themes such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the application of Artificial Intelligence in governance and public service delivery. During the visit, she aims to collaborate with other scholars in other fields to employ a transdisciplinary research approach, which allows her to present her findings and ideas to them and for them to present their ideas to her, thereby forming an interdisciplinary research approach.

This exchange will contribute to more inclusive and balanced knowledge production. Knowledge and skills acquired during the visit will be transferred back to her home institution through curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, and research mentorship, thereby strengthening local academic capability.

Prof. Tyanai Masiya is a distinguished NRF C-rated scholar specialising in local government studies. He is an Associate Professor in the School of Public Management and Administration at the University of Pretoria. His extensive research portfolio has contributed invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within local government systems.

His work explores hybrid partnerships, collaborative governance, and the efficacy of accountability frameworks in enhancing service delivery, reflecting a keen understanding of both theoretical and practical dimensions of municipal governance. Prof. Masiya’s scholarship also engages deeply with themes such as democratic inclusivity, institutional capacity building, and the nexus between public policy and administration at the local level.

His research outputs have informed policy debates and reforms, emphasising the critical role of citizen-centric approaches in fostering transparency, responsiveness, and equitable service delivery. With a strong academic foundation combined with practical experience, Prof Masiya has become a respected voice in advancing sustainable, innovative, and inclusive local government practices

Tuesday, 5 May

13:30 | Lecture “History of Civilizations and Media” | Mickevičiaus St. 37, Room 112

Research Assistant Gabriela Robeci, West University of Timișoara, Romania

Research Assistant Gabriela Robeci has a background in visual art history and theory and has been teaching seminars and courses at the Faculty of Arts and Design at the West University of Timișoara, Romania, since 2022. Her research has been presented at local and international symposiums and conferences, most recently at AICA’s “Re-imagining the Global South,” held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Curating exhibitions, coordinating documentary video materials, and publishing articles are among the ways she shares her academic work. Some of her topics of interest can be found in journals and magazines, including those available on the CEEOL platform, the cicasp.uvt.ro website, and in the Romanian magazine Arta.

Her research interest revolves around built cultural heritage from the 1920s to the 1950s, including Modernist buildings in Kaunas. She is interested in discovering the contexts that prompt cultural shifts, and she considers that Modernism represented, and perhaps still represents, a fundamental shift in ideals of aesthetics versus functionality in urban environments.

Her presentation introduces Modernist architecture included on the UNESCO Heritage List, ranging from examples of Bauhaus, Constructivism, De Stijl, and Art Deco. The aim of her presentation is to work together with students to understand how buildings and their design influence the perceptions of inhabitants and users regarding their environments.

Wednesday, 6 May

9:00 | Lecture “Academic and Technical Communication in English (Level C1)“ Studentų St. 50, Kaunas, Building XI, Room 525(42)

Dr paed. Tatjana Sinkus, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

Dr paed. Tatjana Sinkus is experienced in organizing international scientific conferences and their sections, implementing Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP), as well as arranging cultural and educational events and engaging guest lecturers from abroad. Courses delivered at LBTU:

• Doctoral level: Specialised Foreign Language Course – English for Doctoral Students (6 ECTS)

• Master’s level: English for Master’s Studies (Forestry – 3 ECTS; Information Technologies – 3 ECTS; Environmental Engineering – 3 ECTS)

• Bachelor’s level: Professional English for IT students (6 ECTS)

Scholarly interests include: sustainable education, innovative teaching methods, digital transformation in education, intercultural and cross-cultural competence, research communication skills, and the integration of media literacy and critical thinking into university curricula. Lectures during KTU Global Faculty Week 2026 focus on cross-cultural communication.

17:30 | Online lecture on the module “Curriculum Development” in the Master’s programme in Education „Internationalising Teacher Education Curricula (Practical strategies for embedding global and intercultural perspectives in teacher education and Social Sciences programs)“ | Link will be uploaded shortly

Dr Krystle Ontong, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Dr Krystle Ontong is a Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University, specialising in Geography and Environmental Education, with a focus on critical place theory to inform curriculum and pedagogical renewal in the digital age.

Her research has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinarity and curriculum reform. In recognition of her scholarly contributions both nationally and internationally, she holds a National Research Foundation (NRF) rating. Dr Krystle Ontong’s research interests include Geography, Environmental and Sustainability Education, place theory and curriculum studies. Her work explores how sustainability can be meaningfully integrated into formal curricula, particularly within geography/environmental and teacher education.

During KTU Global Faculty Week 2026, her lectures and engagements will focus on place-based and interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability education. Through this visit, she aims to explore, contribute and gain new insights into how sustainability can be meaningfully integrated into formal curricula and taught and lived in the Global South, particularly within contexts marked by structural constraints. She also hopes to establish connections for future collaborations and international research projects.

Thursday, 7 May

9:00 | Lecture “Business English“ | Mickevičiaus St. 37, room Room 112

Dr Pascale Catoire, Polytech School of Engineering, University of Orléans, France and Dr Satu Tuomainen, University of Eastern Finland

Dr Pascale Catoire is a full-time English teacher at Polytech School of Engineering, University of Orléans, France. She holds a Master’s degree in English Studies from the University of Aix en Provence and a PhD in Linguistic Studies from Sorbonne University in Paris.

She has two main research interests: first, the didactics of modern languages, particularly English, with a focus on developing language skills; and second, the use of digital tools, especially artificial intelligence, to enhance both language and general competencies. Her current research focuses on enhancing writing skills with the use of AI.

Dr Satu Tuomainen works as a Senior Lecturer of English for Academic Purposes at the University of Eastern Finland. She is specialised in academic English reading, writing, and research skills across various fields of science, and also provides staff training in research writing, presentation skills, and English-medium instruction.

Her research interests include higher education teaching and learning, recognition of prior learning, non-formal and informal learning, teaching quality and English-medium instruction. She is looking forward to attending various lectures and workshops and will participate in business English classes with her good colleague from KTU.

13:30 | Lecture “Writing for Media“ | Mickevičiaus St. 37, room Room 212

Dr Pascale Catoire, Polytech School of Engineering, University of Orléans, France and Emma Björg Eyjólfsdóttir, University of Iceland

Emma Björg Eyjólfsdóttir holds MA degrees in both philosophy and cultural studies, and is currently working towards a completion of a PhD in philosophy. Emma’s research centers around the concept of liberty in a political context. As the director of UI’s Center for Writing, Emma also conducts research on inclusivity in academia, student writing habits and writing instruction at the university level.

During the Global Faculty Week, she will teach a class on writing and writing motivation in academia. The talk will be based on her experience as the Director of the University of Iceland Center for Writing, as well as the challenges and solutions she has observed among students. Additionally, she is eager to participate in discussions about the democratic role of universities, including the challenges and opportunities faced in academia. She is also very interested in connecting with other academics in the field of social and political education, as well as with writing instructors.

Guests invited for training purposes and to develop inter-institutional and scientific cooperation:

Michael O’Connor is a graduate of the University of Michigan (B.A) and the University of Texas (M.A ). He has been teaching English as a Foreign Language in Higher Education for many years and currently coordinates the Language program at Polytech Angers School of Engineering, France.

Polytech Angers School of Engineering is looking to establish Erasmus+ partnerships to promote meaningful student exchanges.

His interests include English language teaching and certification, intercultural management, uses of comedy and humor in the classroom.

During the faculty week, he will be leading a discussion activity on models of national cultural difference (focus on universalism and particularism).

Cătălin Vrabie is associate professor in E-Governance and ITC and Director of the SMART Edu-Hub Advanced Research center in SNSPA. He holds a PhD in public administration with a thesis on transparency and innovation in e-government systems and is a graduate of MIT executive education program, specialized in Artificial Intelligence. He is lead editor for the internationally peer-reviewed “Smart Cities and Regional Development Journal and is chair of the first scientific conference dedicated to Smart Cities in Romania. He has contributed to numerous city-development projects in Romania Prof. Vrabie is also authoring university books related to his courses and seminars like: “IT fundamentals for Public Administration” or “Smart cities from idea to implementation”. He is coordinating volumes on Smart Cities topic. Cătălin Vrabie’s full resume can be found on SNSPA Web page.

Prof. Asoc. Dr Zenun HALILI is a professor of Political Science at the University of Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo.

His academic work focuses on key areas such as U.S. foreign policy, European integration, and the political development of the Western Balkans. He has contributed to scholarly discussions on diplomacy, democratization, and minority rights in post-conflict societies.

In addition to his academic role, Prof. Halili is actively engaged in public discourse, frequently providing expert analysis on international political developments, including U.S. elections and the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue.

He has also participated in university governance and leadership processes, contributing to institutional development within higher education in Kosovo. His professional experience includes academic collaboration and engagement with international institutions, particularly in the United States of America.

His Research Interests includes U. S. foreign policy, European Integration, and Balkan Politics.

Lectures during Global Faculty Week:

EU Integration of the Western Balkan Countries- Challanges and Conseguences.

Challenges of State Formation and EU Integration – The Kosovo Case.

Prof. Assoc. Dr Bardhok Bashota is Vice Dean for Teaching and Student Affairs from Republic of Kososvo. He is a Professor of Political Science and International Relations. His current research interests include peace and state-building and Kosovo’s challenges toward EU membership.

Assoc. Prof. Diana-Camelia Iancu is Dean of Public Administration from Romania. She holds a PhD in Public Administration from SNSPA Bucharest and is an Executive Education graduate in Public Leadership from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

Her research interests include comparative public administration, higher education policies, and accreditation standards.

Her goals and activities during KTU Global Faculty Week 2026 include networking with professionals to develop new teaching formats and exploring new avenues of cooperation across Europe and beyond.

Ana Iliaevi is an invited lecturer of English Language at Ilia State University, Georgia.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Pedagogics from Ilia Chavchavadze State University of Language and Culture (2001) and a Master’s degree (MA) in Linguistics from the same university (2004), specialising in the theory and practice of teaching foreign languages (English) and intercultural communication. She successfully completed and defended her Master’s thesis entitled “Teaching Speech Etiquette in Business English.”

Her academic studies have provided her with comprehensive knowledge of language, literature, linguistic theory, and research methodologies. Throughout her studies, she developed strong analytical, communicative, and academic writing skills, which continue to support her professional and academic development.

During KTU Global Faculty Week 2026, she plans to deliver a series of lectures and seminars on specialised topics relevant to the host institution, and to demonstrate interactive, student-centred teaching methods, such as task-based and project-based learning, using digital platforms, multimedia resources, and innovative assessment techniques to enhance student engagement. She also intends to introduce students to her culture and country through diverse activities, including engaging lesson plans and resource packs. She wishes to collaborate with colleagues in co-teaching activities and discussions, attend open lectures and interactive workshops, and participate in cultural activities designed to foster networking, intercultural understanding, and new partnerships.

Prof. Rocío Zamora Medina is Vice-Dean of International Relations at the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Murcia, Spain. She is Full Professor of Online Campaigning and Political Communication at the same faculty.

Her research interests include innovations in online campaigning and political communication. Her most recent projects focus on the impact of artificial intelligence on the emerging political ecosystem. She is also interested in the use of visual communication resources and politainment formats on social media platforms for online campaigning.

For more information, please contact: gintare.baranauskaite@ktu.lt