Global recognition for educational work carried out at the VMU Botanical Garden in Kaunas

Dr Vesta Vančugovienė, former staff member of the Vytautas Magnus University Botanical Garden, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Marsh Award for Education in Botanic Gardens – a global recognition presented annually for outstanding contributions to plant conservation and education.

The award is granted by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust, and is considered one of the most significant accolades in the international botanic gardens community. Vesta is the first Lithuanian to receive this honour. Her work was recognised by both BGCI and Marsh expert panels.

Dr Vančugovienė is an innovator in science education, who began her academic path in molecular biology and launched her educational career at the VMU Botanical Garden, where she actively engaged in science-based public education. She initiated and led numerous impactful projects, including national science competitions and successful virtual learning programmes. She was also part of the Lithuanian team representing the country at the Venice Architecture Biennale and creatively adapted educational activities for remote delivery during the pandemic.

Vesta’s educational models—combining biology, pedagogy, and practical application—are now recognised as flexible and easily adaptable across different educational systems around the world.

We warmly congratulate Vesta and are proud of her talent, creativity, and international recognition. Even more so, we are proud that her journey began here, in our Garden. It is people like her who inspire and grow not only plants but entire communities.

Vesta will officially receive her award during the 11th International Congress on Education in Botanic Gardens in Seoul, South Korea.

Learn more about the award:
https://www.bgci.org/news-events/the-marsh-awards-2025-winners-announced

Explore Vesta’s educational work: