Lectures on Primates and Indonesian History to be Led by Prof. Birutė Galdikas at VMU
Rewritten Article:
Welcome Back, Prof. Birute Galdikas!
Get ready, folks! Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) is thrilled to welcome back world-Class anthropologist and orangutan research guru, Prof. Birute Galdikas. Hailing from Lithuanian roots, she's an environmentalist, a trailblazer in primatology, and a force to be reckoned with.
This time, Prof. Galdikas graces our halls as a VIP guest of the Dana Gedviliene Foundation, courtesy of the Vytautas Kavolis Interdisciplinary Teaching Visit Program, geared towards the Lithuanian diaspora. From April 1st through the 11th, join us for Prof. Galdikas' lectures on orangutan research, Indonesian history, culture, and the application of technology in primatology. It's not every day that we get to learn from a legend like her, so mark your calendars!
"Adapting to Indonesian culture was key to my success in the field. I attribute my understanding of its richness to my 53-year sojourn there, marrying an Indonesian native Dayak for 43 years before he passed away 3 years back, and my everlasting grief," she muses.
In her lectures, Prof. Galdikas dives deep into Javanese culture, a crucial pillar of Indonesia's worldview and cosmology. She'll also explore the parallels between Lithuanian and Indonesian historical developments considering the important role that ecology and geography play in shaping each nation's future.
"Interdisciplinary collaboration broadens horizons and fosters a deeper understanding of the universe. Problems that might go unnoticed in the confines of a single scientific discipline can be easily spotted. Truth, be it scientific or cultural, is rooted in one's belief systems," asserts Prof. Galdikas.
Prof. Birute Galdikas' April Teaching Calendar:
- April 1 (Tuesday), 4:00 PM: Catch Prof. Galdikas' public lecture titled "The Apes, Great and Small Gorillas" at VMU Centre for Studies and Research (23 V. Putvinskio St., Kaunas). If you can't make it in person, hop on over to our YouTube channel for a live stream.
- April 3 (Thursday), 11:15 AM: Head to the Agriculture Academy's 3rd Building (10 Universiteto St., Kaunas) for Prof. Galdikas' lecture on "Primate Evolution."
- April 8 (Tuesday), 4:00 PM: Level up your knowledge on Indonesian History at the VMU Centre for Studies and Research.
- April 9 (Wednesday), 12 PM: Lecture on "Technology in Primatology" at the Agriculture Academy's 3rd Building.
- April 11 (Friday), 2:30 PM: Swing by the VMU Faculty of Social Sciences (66 Jonavos Str., Kaunas) to catch Prof. Galdikas discussing Indonesian Culture and connecting with VMU social anthropology students.
All lectures are in English and are open to everyone, including students from other Lithuanian universities. Let's learn together as we embrace the wisdom of this celebrated primatologist!
Prof. Galdikas' visit to VMU is sponsored by the VMU Vytautas Kavolis Interdisciplinary Professorship program, funded by the Dana Gedvila Fund and managed by the Lithuanian Foundation. The Professorship Scholarship encourages collaborations, strengthens ties with the Lithuanian diaspora academic community, and promotes an interdisciplinary approach in study programs.
Who is Prof. Birute Galdikas and Why Does She Matter?
The life and work of Prof. Galdikas have been immortalized in six books and numerous documentaries, spanning Indonesia, Japan, the US, France, Italy, and Australia. She's bagged some of the most prestigious awards in the field, including the United Nations Global 500 Award, Eddie Bauer Hero for the Earth, the PETA Humanitarian Award, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, and Gold Medal for Conservation. She is the president of the Orangutan Foundation International, an organization working around the globe to safeguard orangutans.
In her quest to nurture the next generation of Lithuanian scientists, Prof. Galdikas delivers lectures, accepts interns in Borneo, and actively contributes to academic advancements. VMU honored her with an honorary doctorate in 2010, and on Lithuania's Statehood Day in the same year, she was bestowed the Order for Merits to Lithuania by President Dalia Grybauskaite. Prof. Galdikas was also recognized with the VMU Centennial Medal, established to commemorate the University's 100th anniversary.
- Prof. Galdikas' understanding of Indonesian culture, stemming from her 53-year sojourn, has been instrumental to her success in primatology.
- Technology plays a significant role in Prof. Galdikas' work in primatology, a topic she will discuss in her lecture.
- In her lectures, Prof. Galdikas will explore the parallels between Lithuanian and Indonesian historical developments, emphasizing the impact of ecology and geography.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration, according to Prof. Galdikas, broadens horizons and fosters a deeper understanding of various aspects, including the universe.
- Prof. Galdikas' public lecture titled "The Apes, Great and Small Gorillas" will be held on April 1 at VMU Centre for Studies and Research, open to everyone.
- On April 3, attend Prof. Galdikas' lecture on "Primate Evolution" at the Agriculture Academy's 3rd Building.
- Learning about Indonesian History will be possible on April 8, at the VMU Centre for Studies and Research, during Prof. Galdikas' lecture.
- On April 9, the lecture on "Technology in Primatology" will take place at the Agriculture Academy's 3rd Building.
- Connection between Indonesian Culture and VMU social anthropology students will be discussed on April 11 at the VMU Faculty of Social Sciences.
- In her quest to nurture Lithuanian scientists, Prof. Galdikas accepts interns in Borneo and contributes to academic advancements.
- In recognition of her contributions to science and conservation, Prof. Galdikas has received numerous prestigious awards, including the United Nations Global 500 Award and the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement.
- Throughout her career, Prof. Galdikas has made significant strides in environmental science and primatology, which has been documented in six books and numerous documentaries.
