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Where Ambition Meets Opportunity: The MERIT Project Boosting Students into Science and Beyond

The MERIT project continues to pulse with energy, curiosity, and achievement, bringing together students who are eager to explore, experiment, and turn their academic journey into something truly transformative. What makes this project so exciting is the diversity of student paths: some dive confidently into scientific research and conference participation, while others channel their creativity into industry-focused innovations with leading companies. And both directions are not only valid, they’re also celebrated.

Stepping Into the Scientific Arena

Each university in the MERIT project concentrates on providing its students with guidelines on a research path and a career in academia. This is critical as the master’s thesis requires research elements. However, the MERIT project universities do not limit themselves to only course-related research activities. We encourage the students to be active and publish their results as a research paper, participate in a scientific event.

As an example, during the academic year 2025/2026, TalTech students actively participated in the Modern Materials and Manufacturing international conference, within the Baltic Mechatronics Symposium. This event offered them a powerful platform not only to present but to receive valuable feedback, strengthening their skills and shaping the next steps in their academic journeys.

VILNIUS TECH students participated and presented their research results at the Data Analysis Methods for Software Systems (DAMSS) International Conference, held on November 27–29 2025 in Druskininkai. The event, often known as the unofficial annual gathering of Lithuanian computer science researchers, is a buzzing hub where specialists, academics, and early-career researchers meet to exchange ideas, discuss progress, and uncover new research directions.

For the students, it was a chance to present their work, engage with seasoned experts, and feel the vibrant pulse of the research community. Whether sharing poster sessions, presenting early findings, or diving into discussions, their presence highlighted just how much potential the MERIT project helps unlock.

Several posters from the MERIT study programs were presented:

Amanda Balnionytė had a presentation with a poster “Machine Learning Approaches to Student Dropout Prediction: A Systematic Review (2020–2024)”, summarising her master’s thesis initial results.

Oskaras Klimašauskas, with supervisor Asta Slotkienė , shared their research results with the poster “Augmentative and Alternative Communication Personalization with PECS Cards: Evaluation of Reinforcement Learning Algorithms”.

With students, the study program professors also did presentations on their research results, showing examples and calling for joint discussion and research activities.

Research is Encouraged, but Industry Path is Supported too

One of MERIT’s most inspiring strengths is flexibility. While students are encouraged to participate in scientific conferences, engage in publications, and contribute to academic research, these activities are not mandatory. This freedom opens the door to a broader spectrum of growth: some students thrive in academic environments, while others shine when collaborating with industry partners.

For students choosing the professional pathway, MERIT offers deep, meaningful collaboration with companies that are pushing technological boundaries. Students partner with organizations such as:

• Neurotechnology
• NOD Baltic
• STEKAS
• Ignitis
• Asoindel
• …and many other industry and public-sector partners

These partnerships allow students to work directly on real-world challenges, developing prototypes, proposing new solutions, and gaining hands-on experience that strengthens their career path. Many receive consultations for their master’s theses or course projects directly from MERIT partners, making the learning process vivid, practical, and highly impactful.

A Project That Leaves a Mark

In both the academic and professional spheres, the MERIT project creates space for students to discover their strengths, build confidence, and shape their futures. Whether standing on a conference stage or brainstorming with industry innovators, MERIT students are learning to contribute to science, technology, and society in ways that truly matter.

MERIT doesn’t just support students, it elevates them. It’s where ambition meets opportunity, and together, they spark something extraordinary.