ASTP Annual Conference 2025

This year, ASTP proudly invites the European knowledge and technology transfer community to gather, learn, and connect in the vibrant city of Vilnius, Lithuania, as our association celebrates 25 years of growing the profession. The journey continues in grand style!

21 May - 23 May 2025
Vilnius, Lithuania
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Conference 2025

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Event Details

  • Venue
  • Guidebook
  • Sponsorship
  • Scholarships
  • Points of Interest

Conference Dinner

Belmontas

Other Accommodation Options

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Explore the city of Vilnius, Lithuania

Find your way around Vilnius with the Go Vilnius guidebook.
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Connect directly with Europe's knowledge transfer community

With more than 300 guests from over 35 countries, the ASTP conference offers an exceptional platform to showcase your business. From hosting an exhibition booth at the centre of the conference activity to branding social events and merchandise, your participation places you at the heart of knowledge transfer in Europe. For a tailored package, please contact Anuar.Shafiei@astp4kt.eu.

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Discover ASTP Annual Conference: Inteum Scholarship

Inteum Company is offering a unique opportunity to attend the ASTP 2025 Annual Conference. This scholarship is designed to support first-time attendees from organisations in the UK or EU with ASTP membership. Learn more about the application process here.

Conference Programme

  • Day 1
    Wed 21 May 2025
  • Day 2
    Thu 22 May 2025
  • Day 3
    Fri 23 May 2025

10:30 - 15:30

Registration Desk Open

Collect your conference badge and programme on Wednesday, and avoid the queues on Thursday morning

10:30 - 12:00

Morning Workshops

Choose from a variety of free learning opportunities

This morning workshop is open to everyone who is joining the conference.

13:30 - 15:00

Afternoon Workshops

Choose from a variety of free learning opportunities

All guest are invited to select and attend these free workshops.

13:30 - 15:30

NAAC Meeting

By invitation only. This is the bi-annual meeting of ASTP’s National Association Advisory Council (NAAC). Chaired by Vice President for the NAAC, the invited representatives of each national association will discuss the most pressing issues facing the sector.

Moderator: Laura Spinardi

16:00 - 18:00

Guided City Tour

Pre-registration required

Explore the historic city of Vilnius on foot with this walking tour. During the 2-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to visit most of the must-see attractions in Vilnius. We'll begin by strolling through the narrow streets of Vilnius Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the former Jewish quarter, St. Anne's Church, Užupis, as well as some hidden sites that you wouldn't find on your own. The tour will end at the Vilnius Town Hall, where the welcome reception will take place.

Meeting point: Hotel Conference Floor

18:00 - 19:30

Welcome Reception

Open to everyone

Join us for an unforgettable welcome to ASTP’s 25th Annual Conference, hosted by the ASTP President. Set in the iconic Vilnius Town Hall, a historical gem dating back to 1799, this event provides the perfect setting for an evening of networking and connection. Meet fellow participants, engage with the distinguished members of the ASTP Board and Committees, and build new relationships with colleagues and peers. This is your chance to experience the unique energy and camaraderie that only an ASTP conference can offer. Don’t miss the first and most exciting gathering of the event!

The welcome reception is generously sponsored by LifeArc.

Dress code: Casual

Location: Vilnius Town Hall

19:30 - 22:00

Directors' Forum Dinner

Pre-registration required

If you’re a Director of a Knowledge Transfer Office or a senior industry leader overseeing academic partnerships, this event presents a unique opportunity to connect with peers from across Europe and beyond. This exclusive, pre-registration-only gathering offers an invaluable platform for directors to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and exchange best practices in a collaborative environment. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your network and enhance your expertise alongside fellow leaders in the field.

Location: Restaurant Grey

08:00 - 17:00

Registration Desk Open

Collect your conference badge and conference bag

Facilitators: ASTP President and Board Members

Location: TBC

08:45 - 09:00

Conference Opens

Welcome by ASTP President

ASTP President shall welcome all delegates to Vilnius.

09:00 - 09:45

Opening plenary

Welcome to Lithuania

In this premier conference session, we shall get the latest news from the Lithuanian Knowledge and Technology Transfer Community and Ecosystem.

Speakers: Laima Taparauskienė, Director of Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology and Regina Valutytė, Vice Minister for Education, Science and Sports, Republic of Lithuania.

09:45 - 10:30

Keynote

25 years of knowledge transfer: now what?

We are honored to have Silvia Lenaerts as our keynote speaker. Silvia is the first female Rector Magnificus at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. Before assuming this position in May 2023, Silvia served as the Vice-Rector of Valorisation at the University of Antwerpen, where she led the University's TTO and knowledge transfer initiatives.

Silvia Lenaerts is also a renowned innovator and entrepreneur. She founded a gas sensor company and sits on the boards of various companies and organisations. She is a KU Leuven graduate and holds a PhD in chemistry.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Silvia about innovation, knowledge and technology transfer, leadership in technical universities, the future direction of TTOs, and much more. This is your opportunity to ask the Rector of the Eindhoven University of Technology the questions you wish you could ask your own rector.

Speaker: Silvia Lenaerts

Moderator: Karen Laigaard

Location: Alfa Ballroom

10:30 - 11:00

Coffee Time

Have a break

Mix and mingle with fellow guest and visit the sponsor booths.

11:00 - 12:30

First Parallel Session

Choose from three dynamic tracks

These sessions will deal with trending topics: AI Tools, Navigating Innovation and Ethics, and Vanity Metrics.

12:30 - 13:30

Lunchtime

Time to mingle

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in the communal reception area, meet fellow participants and visit the sponsors' exhibition booths.

13:30 - 15:30

Knowledge Stock Exchange

Seek out partners, sponsor and projects

The Knowledge Stock Exchange is unique to ASTP conferences. During these 90 minutes, there will be eighteen 15-minute sessions across three themes:

  • Marketplace
  • Ecosystem Insights
  • Initiative Sharing


13:30 - 15:30

Market Place

Service providers showcase their tools and share opportunities for collaboration

13:30 - 15:30

Ecosystem Insights

Speakers from diverse parts of the ecosystem shall shed their light on the knowledge transfer spectrum.

13:30 - 15:30

Initiative Sharing

Discover current ideas and initiatives from the landscape

15:00 - 15:30

Coffee time

Have a break.

Grab a refreshing drink and get ready for the next session.

15:30 - 17:00

Second Parallel Session

Deepen your knowledge

During this time, you can follow one of the following topics: IP strategies, Virtual KTO and How to develop entrepreneurs.

18:30 - 22:00

Conference Dinner

The social highlight

We are delighted to invite you to a memorable evening at Belmontas as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ASTP. This milestone marks a quarter-century of innovation, collaboration, and shared growth. Join us for a night of refined elegance, where professionals, thought leaders, and pioneers come together to reflect on our journey and look ahead to the future.

In honor of this special occasion, we invite you to embrace the silver dress code—a tribute to the elegance and achievement of our 25 years. Whether you choose a sparkling silver gown or a sharp silver-accented suit, your attire will complement an evening filled with rich conversation, gourmet dining, and the spirit of celebration. Let’s toast to a remarkable past and an exciting future ahead!

Dress code: A touch of silver
Location: Belmontas

Bus Transfer: Please meet in the hotel lobby at 18:30 for the scheduled bus transfer.

07:30 - 08:30

Wake up and move

Start your day the healthy way

See Vilnius in a new, early morning light. Join your fellow conference participants for this invigorating 5km run along the Neris River.

09:00 - 09:30

Conference opens

Welcome back!

Welcome to the final day by ASTP President Art Bos

09:30 - 10:30

Plenary

Women's Health | Solutions for the Other Half

Women's Health solutions cover areas tailored to women, addressing women-specific diseases or conditions where women are affected differently. For example, women are seven times more likely than men to be misdiagnosed with cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the gender gap in healthcare, driven by the realisation that medical research and healthcare solutions have historically focused on men, the male body, and male biology. Clinical trials have primarily involved male subjects (both human and animal), resulting in medications and treatments that are less effective—or even harmful—for women. The focus on Women’s Health aims to bridge this healthcare gap and reduce gender disparities in medical care.

Our speaker, Trine Bartholdy, has extensive life science experience from venture companies, the pharmaceutical industry, and maternal health and fertility organisations. This, coupled with Trine’s current focus on innovation, translational research, and spin-outs, makes for a thought-provoking and illuminating Thursday morning wake-up call.

Speaker: Trine Bartholdy, Chief Business Officer, The BioInnovation Institute, Copenhagen.

Moderator: Art Bos

10:30 - 11:00

Coffee time

Have a break

11:00 - 12:30

Third Parallel Session

Keep on learning

These tracks shall explore: Legal Agreements, Navigating AI Innovations, and Business Development.

12:30 - 13:30

Lunchtime

Nourish yourself

Enjoy amazing local food and international company.

13:30 - 15:00

Fourth Parallel Session

Expand your mind

These tracks will dive into: New to profession, Winning Research Impact, and Green Venture.

15:00 - 16:00

Closing Drinks

Cheers!

Bid farewell, exchange contact details, and extend your thanks as you get ready to depart Vilnius.

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About the Conference

The ASTP 2025 Annual Conference celebrates 25 years of advancing knowledge transfer globally. Bringing together industry professionals, institutions, and innovative thinkers, the event will be held in Vilnius, Lithuania. It serves as a hub to network, share experiences, and discover cutting-edge solutions in the field.

300+

Attendees

160+

Institutions

35+

Countries

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Hotel Name

Room Rates at Radisson Blu Lietuva Vilnius

Room Type

Standard Room inclusive of breakfast

Single Use

€142.00

Double Use

€154.00

Reservation link:

https://bit.ly/RadissonASTP2025

Promocode: ASTP25

Validity

  • Room rate applies for booking on the night of 20th until 24th May 2025. Should you wish to stay longer, kindly contact the hotel directly.
  • Rooms are based on run-of-house and subject to availability.
  • Delegates to book through the link above.

Welcome Reception

Website

Gediminas’ Castle Tower is the remaining fortification tower of the Upper Castle. Legend has it that the Grand Duke Gediminas dreamt of an Iron Wolf howling at the top of this hill, which he took as a prophecy of the great city that would one day stand in this place. The hill is where he eventually built a wooden castle.

Grand Duke Vytautas completed the city’s first brick castle in 1409. Gediminas’ Tower has changed purposes since then, including being used as the city’s first telegraph building in 1838. The Lithuanian flag was first flown at the top of the tower a century ago. The Vilnius Castle Museum was opened in 1960, and in 1968 it became a subdivision of the Lithuanian National Museum. Website https://lnm.lt/en/museums/gedi...

Brief History

The castle was built in the 14th century and served as a residence for the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. However, the structure fell into disarray in the 17th century and was only rebuilt in 1951. In 1962, the castle became a part of the Trakai History Museum.

How to get to Trakai

By car: from Vilnius to Trakai - 27 km, from Old Trakai to Trakai only 4 km. Leaving Vilnius, follow Savanorių Avenue and continue following the signs. Highway - A16. By bus: from the Vilnius Bus Station (Sodų g. 22, tel. 1661), platforms: No. 6, 7, 8 (suburban), 28 and 29 (interurban, via Alytus). Buses to Trakai go about 50 times a day (about 40 times on weekends), at intervals of about 10 to 20 minutes, www.autobusustotis.lt

By train: from the train station (Geležinkelio g. 16), tel. +370 5 233 0088, www.litrail.lt Website https://trakaimuziejus.lt/en/

Brief history

Paupys is the newest district in Vilnius; it’s right in the Old Town but surrounded by nature and tranquillity. Modern architecture blends well with the bends of the Vilnelė River and surrounding old trees. The district’s vibrant community of food artisans, promising chefs, creative minds and artists give curious visitors a chance to explore a journey of flavours. Paupys Market is more than just a dining location, it’s a carefully crafted, shared experience. Website https://www.paupioturgus.lt/

Located in the alley of bars and restaurants on Vilniaus Street, Meating Room is a specialised South American steakhouse offering not only the most delicious meat dishes, but also your favourite European comfort cuisine. Try the extensive tapas menu for variety. Those who fancy a drink will be surprised by the distinctive style of the bar, where everyone will find their favourite drink. You can also enjoy a journey of flavors on the very stylish and cozy outdoor terrace. Website https://meatingroom.lt/

Brief History

Vilnius Cathedral was rebuilt several times as a result of frequent fires, wars and unstable soil under its foundation. Due to the building’s importance, many prominent foreign and local architects and artists led the reconstruction projects. The building currently reflects the Classicist style (architect Laurynas Stuoka-Gucevičius), but its walls have traces of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.

A 57-metre tall bell tower stands right by the cathedral and is one of the symbols of Vilnius.

The history of the bell tower dates back to the middle of the 13th century: the defensive tower that stood here in the 16th century became a bell tower and got its current appearance at the beginning of the 19th century. The city’s oldest clock at the top of the tower chimes its bells to invite people to mass. An exhibition inside the tower recounts its history and offers visitors a spectacular view of the Old Town. Website http://www.katedra.lt/

Brief History

A wooden settlement stood in this historical place in the 4th-8th centuries, while in the second half of the 13th century, part of the settlement became a stone castle. In the first half of the 14th century, it became the most important building in the large area of Vilnius Lower Castle which is surrounded by a wall. From the first days of Gediminids, almost all Lithuanian rulers resided here. They repeatedly expanded the castle, and at the end of the 15th century, they began its fundamental reconstruction.

Originally Gothic, the 16th-century residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania became a grand Renaissance palace. In the first half of the 17th century, they also acquired early Baroque features. Vilnius was one of the largest hubs in Central and Eastern Europe at that time. In the middle of the 17th century, the Moscow army destroyed the palace and during the period from the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 19th century, the palace was completely destroyed. Website https://www.valdovurumai.lt/en

Brief history

The 600-year-old square that once occupied most of the present Old Town was a Jewish neighbourhood of goldsmiths, glassblowers, artisans and financiers. The Goldsmiths Guild was founded there in 1495, followed by the first glass manufactory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in 1547. This historic community was named the Glass Quarter in 2018, recalling the times when there were as many as three Stiklo streets: Stiklo 1, Stiklo 2 and Stiklo 3. As if hidden among the bigger streets of the city, the quarter is still surrounded by jewellers, local artists, artisan shops and workshops, cosy restaurants, the headquarters of the chamber orchestra, art galleries, and Stikliai Hotel, one of the city’s oldest. Website https://www.govilnius.lt/visit...

Dine is perfect for those who appreciate privacy, high-class service, and a carefully selected menu. People return to Dine again and again for their favourite dishes, which always stay on the menu (for example, the exquisite octopus with young potatoes and homemade duck sausage), as well as the professionally selected wines. One of the hosts of Dine is Arminas Darasevičius, a sommelier who is considered to be among the best in Lithuania. Website dinerestaurant.lt

Lithuanian nature is humble, calm and harmonious. It conceals numerous hidden treasures that are not immediately visible. The same description applies to Lithuanian cuisine and its ingredients. Restaurant PACAI aims to discover these hidden gems and present them in a way that showcases their true brilliance on the plate. The key to unlocking the authentic taste of Lithuania lies in the simplicity and yet expressive and distinctive flavors of local ingredients such as caraway seeds, dill, horseradish, and many others. As the seasons change, our nature offers a diverse range of aromas and textures, allowing us to be imaginative, inquisitive, and constantly exploring in the kitchen. Restaurant chefs are inspired by the concept of Nordic-Lithuanian cuisine, which drives them to create innovative and original flavors. Website Hotelpacai

Meat, a steakhouse opened by one of Lithuania’s top chefs, is tucked away just across the Neris River from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town. It normally emanates an elegant restaurant ambiance, except from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, when families gather for brunch. The buzz they bring with them is welcome on weekends. As for the menu, it offers as many as 10 variations of Eggs Benedict (classic, Korean, Israeli, Mexican, etc.). Other breakfast icons include Spanish Churros and American pancakes. They also offer a kids menu.

Vilniaus Street

The deeper you go, the more bars you will find. The deeper you go, the more trees you have – this is what we say in Lithuanian. The same goes with bars on this street. Head to Gringo for an informal atmosphere reminiscent of an English pub that both locals and foreigners love. Do you like playing foosball? Watching live sports? Then this is the place for you. By the way, Gringo offers daily lunch and their šaltibarščiai is said to be really delicious.

One more pub on Vilnius Street worth mentioning is rePUBlic. This place is a phenomenon in Kaunas and is so popular there they have three locations. However, the one and only Republic in Vilnius is here. The number of screens they have make it clear that sports fans will love it.

On the way to Vokiečių Street, next to fancy places like Distilerija and the Bubbles. Champagneria, you’ll cross paths with well-dressed people, pass a bar named Drops; then the Rhum Room; the budget-friendly Plus Plus Plus, which youngsters love; and Trinity, an old monastery housing an elegant restaurant serving European cuisine and two bars.

Islandijos Street

Let’s turn to Islandijos Street. On your right you will find one of the oldest and best cocktail bars in the city: Alchemikas. It is well-known for a professional team, classic and vintage cocktails and a collection of rare spirits.

Close by is one of the liveliest spots in town: Piano Man Bar (the locals call it Piano Man). It’s often crowded but a great choice if you’re looking for beer and whisky, delicious bar food, and welcoming staff.

Do you like Bruce Lee? Let’s stop here for a bit. You’re in front of Briusly, a Pan-Asian restaurant. On the second floor of this place is the club Opium, where many great techno and house DJs have already played here.

Special mention goes out to newcomer cornercafé. A new corner in town for electronic music lovers with a top-notch selection of natural wines & cocktails. Founded by the organizers of the well-known pop-up event community „Draugai Draugams”. The space hosts its own club nights showcasing local and foreign electronic music talents. Most people who visit „cornercafé” say that it has a unique uplifting atmosphere inside. One way to find out - check it out yourself!

Location: Islandijos 6

Around Vokiečių Street

And here we are on Vokiečių Street. It’s full of cafes and restaurants. There aren’t many bars here because they’re all scattered around. For example, if you turn onto Šv. Mikalojaus Street, you’ll find one of three Šnekutis bars, which are known for really great local beer.

In short

For 115 years, Lukiškės Prison was guarded by high walls and barbed wire, but today the site is open to the public. From prison to artistic venue, a new version – Lukiškės Prison 2.0 ­– is home to 250 creators and artists, and a place where curious spirits can learn and explore. Sit down for a refreshing drink, attend a concert or take a tour to get a glimpse of life in the former prison. This unique space has become a star on the silver screen as well. The location easily transforms to depict various spaces, and has even served as the backdrop for Stranger Things season 4.

Brief History

The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights was established in 1992. It is the only such museum in the Baltic States, housed in the same building where the repressive Soviet authorities NKVD and NKGB-MGB-KGB worked from the second half of 1940 until August 1991. The building’s basement contains an internal prison-interrogation isolation cell where residents of Lithuania who seemed suspicious to the occupation authorities were imprisoned from the autumn of 1940 until 1987. Visitors can get acquainted with the exhibition, which was set up in the former death penalty enforcement room.

*Free entry - January 12th, 13th, February 16th, March 11th, May 18th, June 14th, 15th, August 23rd, September 23rd, September 28th.

Brief History

The first Botanical Garden of Vilnius University was founded in 1781 right in the Old Town; however, it was later closed and the botanical garden was reopened in Vingis Park in 1919. In 1974, the main part of the Botanical Garden was moved to the Kairėnai Manor, and it has been there ever since. It’s the largest in Lithuania (total area – 199 hectares) filled with different gardens, ponds, and an innovative laboratory. The Botanical Garden has a vast collection of approximately 10,000 plants and is considered one of the richest in the Baltics.

Brief History

Vingis Park is located on an area of 160 hectares along a bend of the Neris River. It belonged to the Radvila family in the 15th and 16th centuries, then fell into the hands of Bishop Ignas Masalskis before it came under the ownership of the Vilnius Governor General Leontij Beningsen, who built an elaborate summerhouse in its pine forest.

In 1919, after the re-establishment of Vilnius University, a Botanical Garden was located on the grounds of the former manor of Vingis Park. In the 20th century, the garden was severely damaged by flooding and war. A major part of the recreated garden was moved elsewhere.

Discover the unique Hill of Crosses, one of the 10 creepiest places in the world. More than 200,000 crosses brought from various parts of Lithuania and foreign countries cover this hill. 53 crosses are included in the registry of cultural heritage.

The tour to the Hill of Crosses includes a visit to the City of Šiauliai as well. You will also learn about the symbolism behind cross making, which is a unique Lithuanian craft recognised by UNESCO as a part of the cultural heritage of Lithuania.

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