Klaipėda University, established in 1991, gave the port city the status of a university city, and opened up more opportunities for the Western Lithuania region and its people to pursue a university education and a career in science. Today, Klaipėda University is a dynamic, growing multidisciplinary university that consists of 2 scientific institutes – the History and Archeology of the Baltic Region and the Institute of Maritime Research, which concentrate a large number of researchers and conduct studies at the same time. The three faculties – Marine Technology and Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences and Health Sciences – are departments in which the academic spirit dominates and scientific projects are developed. KU sets itself the ambitious goal of becoming the leader of universities in the Baltic region. The qualification and reputation of marine researchers working here in the world of science is reflected in the subject Shanghai ranking indicator – according to it, KU is among the 150 universities in the world in the field of oceanographic sciences. About 3,000 students – bachelors, masters, doctoral students – study at KU every year. Over three decades, close to 40,000 graduates have completed their studies here – teachers, business managers, politicians and civil servants, scientists, nurses, radiologists, journalists and others. In 2019, Klaipėda University became a member of the EU-CONEXUS alliance of European universities.
University was born to decentralize HE and to conduct research about culture and history. The team is experienced in research methodology (qualitative research design, methods and instruments, analysis of outcomes). KU researchers are involved in national and international projects as well as regional cooperation programs and have participated in Horizon 2020 programs in many areas, such as sustainable development, environment, Information and Communication Technology and energy.