New and ongoing Projects at MRU

Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) is actively engaged in research and community initiatives that advance SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, MRU focuses on strengthening urban resilience, supporting vulnerable populations, promoting trustworthy science, and fostering environmentally responsible behaviour. The following projects illustrate the university’s commitment to creating safer, more inclusive, and more sustainable communities.

• Mapping and Forecasting Ecosystem Services in Urbanised Areas (MAFESUR)
  This project analyses how ecosystem services change in rapidly urbanised environments. By mapping and forecasting environmental benefits such as green spaces, climate regulation, and biodiversity, the project supports evidence-based urban planning and sustainable city development.
• Building Trust in Science to Strengthen Societal Resilience to Fake News in the Context of Climate Change (DIGiRES)
  DIGiRES explores how misinformation-especially around climate change-affects public decision-making and community resilience. The project develops tools to enhance trust in scientific information, supporting informed urban governance and stronger societal cohesion.
• Dementia and COVID-19: Experiences in Care (DECOVEXP)
  DECOVEXP investigates the experiences of people living with dementia and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings inform better support structures and more resilient care environments for vulnerable groups.
• Empowering Societal Resilience by Uncovering the Mechanism behind the Link between Eco-Anxiety and Environmentally Friendly Consumption (ENCORE)
  ENCORE explores how eco-anxiety influences sustainable consumer behaviour. It aims to empower individuals and communities to turn climate-related distress into positive, environmentally conscious action.
• The Art of Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (ArtNoCOnflict)
  This initiative uses creative and educational methods to strengthen skills in negotiation, dialogue, and conflict resolution. By fostering peaceful interactions, the project contributes to more inclusive, safe, and cohesive communities.

In addition, two Master's programmes have recently been developed:

• European Joint Master in Social Work with Children and Youth (ESWOCHY)
• European Masters Programme in Cybersecurity Management & Data Sovereignty (DIGITAL4SECURITY)

MRU demonstrates a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainable campus operations through a wide range of initiatives. The university has supported Ukrainian war refugees by enrolling students, employing researchers, and hosting a Ukrainian school on its premises. It also promotes environmental awareness through activities such as River CleanUp, Cycle September, Car-Free Days, Walk 15, Plastic Detox Month, and Meatless Mondays. In its daily operations, MRU now sources 100% of its energy from a recently installed solar power plant on the student dormitory roof, maintains rooftop beehives to support biodiversity, and fosters student and staff gardens. The university also actively monitors and improves green procurement, resource use, and waste management to reduce its environmental footprint.