Viktorija Vaštakaitė-Kairienė

Professional background: Viktorija Vaštakaitė‑Kairienė is an applied biochemist (MS) and agronomist (PhD). She trained at Michigan State University and leading institutes in Poland, Bulgaria, and Italy, blending plant physiology with practical agronomy. She has contributed to 20 funded projects, authored 30 Web of Science – indexed papers and chapters with Springer and Elsevier, research studio, and delivered 60 conference presentations worldwide. Recognized by the World Federation of Scientists and the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, she advances productive, sustainable agriculture from laboratory research to fields.

Research Focus: Plant physiology and biochemistry.

Key Engagements and Contributions: Leads and advises across European and national early‑career science bodies (member of Young Academy of Europe and former Board, former YASAS Board; BAFF and Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences Alumni) while shaping the plant‑science agenda through Q1 editorial roles (Frontiers in Plant Science, Topic Editor; Guest Editor for special issues in Horticulturae, Agronomy, and Agriculture). Ongoing appointments include the Italus Hortus Editorial Board and Horticulturae’s Section Topical Advisory Panel underpinned by active memberships in EPSO, ISHS, and the Lithuanian Society of Plant Physiologists.

Presentation Title and Objective: The Next Harvest: Digital and biological innovations for the future of farming and food.

Charting innovation at VMU Agriculture Academy across precision agriculture, agrobiotechnologies, and food science, this plenary shows how digital–biological convergence enables data‑driven farming, gene‑enabled resilience, and safer food systems—delivering productivity, sustainability, climate resilience, and nutrition.