Dr Vesta Vančugovienė, a lecturer at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Academy of Education and Deputy Director of the Centre for STEAM Didactics, has become the first Lithuanian to receive the esteemed 2025 Marsh Award for Education in Botanic Gardens. This prestigious international recognition is awarded annually for exceptional contributions to plant conservation and education.
Presented by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust, the award is one of the highest honours within the global botanic garden community. Dr Vančugovienė’s achievements were recognised by professional committees from both awarding organisations.
A trailblazer in science education, Dr Vančugovienė began her academic journey in molecular biology and launched her educational career at the VMU Botanical Garden, where she quickly became a driving force behind innovative nature-based learning. She has led and implemented numerous impactful educational initiatives, contributed to national science competitions, and effectively integrated virtual learning platforms. Notably, she was part of the Lithuanian delegation at the Venice Architecture Biennale and demonstrated remarkable creativity in adapting educational content for remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The teaching models developed by Dr Vančugovienė – which merge biology, pedagogy, and hands-on learning – are now recognised as adaptable and relevant across international educational systems.
Reflecting on her career shift, she shares: “It was at the Botanical Garden that I truly discovered my passion for science education. Although I initially lacked formal theoretical knowledge, relying only on practical teaching experience, I decided to complete a one-year teacher qualification programme at VMU. Now, I can no longer imagine my life without pedagogy,” says Dr Vesta Vančugovienė.
Dr Vančugovienė will be officially honoured at the 11th International Congress on Education in Botanic Gardens, to be held in Seoul, South Korea.
