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Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Double degree programme with the University of Bologna, Italy

Electrical and electronic engineering is one of the widest research fields. There are no sectors in industry or science which could develop without innovative electronic solutions. Investigations during doctoral studies are carried out in the fields, such as ultrasonic measurements and diagnostics in aviation, energy generation and supply systems, and other industrial sectors, applications of electronic solutions in biomedicine, monitoring and control systems for various economic and transportation facilities, including signal processing and imaging. Investigations are conducted using modern research tools and instruments in the ‘Santaka’ scientific valley. Doctoral studies of this field provide a possibility to carry out part of experiments in the research institutions of the United Kingdom and Italy.
The objective of the work of doctoral students is to propose and investigate innovative solutions for the above-listed sectors of industry and science.

Cycle	Third cycle
Language	Lithuanian, English
Duration	4 y.
Degree awarded	Doctor of Science Dvigubas laipsnis

Contacts

Doctoral School
Student Info Center
Studentų st. 50
LT-51368, Kaunas
email phd@ktu.lt

Research topics

Topic title	Possible scientific supervisors	Source of funding
Ultrasonic Guided Wave Structural Integrity Assessment of Thermally Induced Healing Thermoplastic Composite Structures	prof. dr. Elena Jasiūnienė	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. Nowadays thermoplastic composite structures, among other advantages, are gaining popularity due to their recyclability properties. Particularly attractive is the ability of thermoplastic composites to retain their properties after being melted and consolidated. The idea is that this ability could be used for self-healing. However, it is necessary to verify the quality of self-healing, and for that ultrasonic guided waves could be used. Ultrasonic guided waves have proved to be sensitive to the changes in the material properties and are able not only to detect different defects, providing indication of damage, but also to assess their size and location. In addition, ultrasonic guided waves can travel long distances, thus allowing the inspection of large structures. The objective is to develop a new ultrasonic guided waves method to monitor and evaluate the structural integrity of thermoplastic composite structures with thermally induced healing capabilities.
Research on a multifunctional hybrid chip for efficient energy management	prof. dr. Algimantas Valinevičius	state-funded
Problems and development of non-invasive technologies for physiological monitoring of human brain and for neuroprotection of brain functions.	prof. dr. Arminas Ragauskas	state-funded
Application of artificial intelligence methods for analysis of informative regions within ultrasonic NDT and medical diagnostic images	prof. dr. Renaldas Raišutis	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. The scientific problem includes the informative analysis of ultrasound signals and diagnostic images and the quantitative interpretation of the results in order to detect internal defects and pathologies. The aim is to develop and investigate the methods of analysis of informative areas in ultrasound non-destructive testing and medical diagnostic images, providing opportunities for quantitative parameter measurement and automated classification of these areas (internal defects and various pathologies), using artificial intelligence methods. The research will use advanced research infrastructure with global relevance.
Research of energy harvesting from environment for electronic devices	prof. dr. Dangirutis Navikas	state-funded
Efficient signal excitation and processing technologies for ultrasonic measurements and imaging	prof. dr. Linas Svilainis	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. Measurement and imaging resolution demand for reliable signals separation, but limited bandwidth is causing the signals to overlap. Research is aimed to develop the efficient signal excitation and processing techniques for ultrasonic imaging and measurements. Reliable time of flight and reflection amplitude estimation, imaging resolution and contrast are improved thanks to binary excitation spread spectrum signals application. Overlapping reflections are resolved either by spectroscopic or iterative deconvolution techniques. Correlation sidelobes, signal bandwidth can be optimized/corrected thanks to innovative excitation signals. Excitation is not limited to conventional acoustic sources, but also photoacoustics can be used. Laser ultrasound excitation can use spread spectrum signals which in turn can be adapted to spectral/correlation properties requirements. Reference signals can be made adaptable in order to increase the deconvolution efficiency. New signal quality is obtained thanks to efficient excitation and processing, which in turn enhances the possibilities for imaging and measurements.
Low-Power Energy Harvesting Architectures for IoT Devices	prof. dr. Vytautas Markevičius	state-funded
Optimization of cell-free mMIMO technology network performance and electromagnetic pollution in urban environments	prof. dr. Darius Andriukaitis	state-funded
Research Methods for Anomaly and Fault Detection in Power Systems	prof. dr. Žilvinas Nakutis	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. The aim of the research is to develop methods, algorithms and equipment for the detection of anomalies and faults in energy systems and infrastructure (power distribution grid, battery energy storage, renewable energy systems, measuring equipment, communication infrastructure) and to characterize them in terms of accuracy, delay and energy efficiency. Monitoring (physical measurements) of complex systems consisting of many structural components is restricted to a limited number of locations due to cost and physical limitations. Therefore, there exist challenges in creating equivalent system models that can be adapted to a specific system using data-driven methods. The created models can be used to detect anomalies/defects by comparing the system parameters predicted by these models with the real measurement results. To design models, it is planned to combine analytical physical systems models and models generated by machine learning.
Development and scientific development of a collaborative robot system research	prof. dr. Renaldas Urniežius	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. Are you ready to pursue a PhD in collaborative robotics? Join our team to push the boundaries of deep-tech in cobots, building on our previous designs showcased here: https://youtu.be/DvgsmHiadhQ
Advanced Ultrasonic Monitoring methods for Long-Term Safety of Nuclear Power Plants	vyresn. m. d. dr. Vykintas Samaitis	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. This PhD project focuses on improving the safety and longevity of nuclear power plants (NPPs) by developing cutting-edge Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and ultrasonic inspection methods. Building on successful techniques from aerospace and civil engineering, this research adapts them to the unique demands of NPPs. Key innovations include real-time defect detection in metallic pipes, advanced signal processing, and AI-powered solutions. The project will also design digital twins to simulate operational conditions and validate methods on actual NPP components and test facilities across Europe. Supported by the Horizon Europe Euratom program, the PhD candidate will collaborate with leading European research organizations, contributing to safer and more efficient NPP operations.
Non-invasive methods for monitoring cardio-renal function in heart failure patients	doc. dr. Andrius Rapalis	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. Heart failure (HF) is a complex disease with high one-year mortality and hospitalization rates. Up to 50% of all deaths in HF patients are due to sudden cardiac death, commonly caused by arrhythmias. While the arrhythmogenesis of HF is multifactorial, appropriate management of two classic complications of HF (fluid congestion and electrolyte imbalance) can reduce adverse outcomes. Symptomatic and severe congestion accounts for about 90% of hospitalizations in HF. Despite best practice guidelines, re-hospitalization for congestion within 6 months occurs in almost 50% of cases, and the mortality risk increases with each case. Electrolyte imbalances cause heart problems that can lead to arrhythmias and require regular monitoring. The gradual electrolyte fluctuations that occur with worsening HF are asymptomatic and can only be detected by a blood test. Blood tests are difficult to perform daily and cannot be done at home, preventing rapid correction of electrolyte imbalance. Fluid congestion and electrolyte imbalance result from impaired cardio-renal function, as there is a synergistic relationship between them, and dysfunction of one organ affects the other. Although the gold standard markers of cardio-renal function are biological, some physiological parameters may be indirect surrogates for assessing impaired cardio-renal dysfunction. The work aims to develop non-invasive methods for HF status monitoring using physiological markers of cardio-renal function. Non-invasive cardio-renal function monitoring will enable further research to improve clinical assessment of HF and other diseases with impaired cardiac and renal function. The work results may positively influence the development of new consumer healthcare devices or systems with integrated cardio-renal function monitoring.

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Entry requirements

Minimum requirements

Persons with a Master’s Degree or equivalent degree of higher education may participate in an open competition for admission to doctoral studies.

Applicants to the doctoral field of science are accepted by competition according to the competition score. Minimum Competition Score 7.5

Additional condition:

1. An applicant must submit a research proposal on the selected topic

Application procedure

Mandatory documents for admission:

Application indicating the science field, the topic and the form of funding (online)*
Official legalised Master’s diploma with the diploma supplements or a higher education degree equivalents and academic transcripts (translated into English or Lithuanian and notary verified) and the certificate of recognition if higher education qualification acquired abroad
Curriculum Vitae
Recommendations by two researchers of the relevant science field
A research proposal on the selected topic (if the applicant applies to two topics, two individual research proposals have to be submitted)
A list of the research works with a full bibliographic description and copies thereof; if no research works by the applicant are presented, the applicant is required to present a research paper whose topic is consistent with the dissertation topic indicated in the applicant’s application (if the applicant applies to two dissertation topics, two individual research papers have to be submitted)
A copy of a valid personal document: a passport (for citizens of all countries) or an ID card (only for citizens of the European Union)
A copy of the receipt of the application fee payment (50 EUR for EU citizens, and 120 EUR for non-EU citizens)
A certificate issued by IELTS, TOEFL, CERF or any other competent institution within the last 2 years certifying the level of the English language if the candidate is not a graduate of the first or second cycle studies conducted in the English language

* The applicant can select no more than 2 (two) research fields and no more than 2 (two) topics per science field.

Participation in motivational interview (Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų g. 50, Kaunas, Lithuania or online)

Signing a study agreement (if invited to study)

Selection criteria and their weighted coefficients

Weighted grade point average of the Master’s diploma supplement	0,3
Research experience Research experience in ten-point grading system (the evaluation of the research experience includes the candidate’s scientific publications or the research paper, other research experience, scientific qualifications, the compliance of the scientific publications and research experience with the topic of doctoral studies)	0,3
Research proposal on the selected topic for admission	0,15
Motivational interview, including evaluation of the knowledge of a foreign language	0,25

Study programme modules

Contacts

Doctoral School
Student Info Center
Studentų st. 50
LT-51368, Kaunas
email phd@ktu.lt