18th Rodens et Spatium Conference

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to welcome you to the 18th Rodens et Spatium Conference. The Conference will take place in Kaunas, Lithuania on May 18 – 22, 2025. The aim of the Conference is to  bring together researches, scientists, veterinars, ecologist, and other experts to exchange knowledge and the latest research in the fields of rodent biology, ecology, medicine, and care, as well as to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and seek solutions to current issues related to these animals. We are pleased to welcome scientists from different countries to give presentations on recent advances in the following areas: 

Systematics, Evolution, and Phylogenetics

  • Modern approaches to rodent phylogenetics (based on DNA, morphology, behavior)
  • Divergence and radiation of rodent subfamilies and genera
  • Cryptic species and speciation in rodents

Ecology and Behavior

  • Spatial organization of rodent populations
  • Ethological studies: social behavior, territoriality, communication
  • Impact of urbanization and climate change on rodent populations
  • Rodents as keystone species in ecosystems

Epidemiology and Zoonoses

  • Rodents as reservoirs of dangerous infections (plague, leptospirosis, hantaviruses)
  • Pathogen monitoring in wild rodent populations
  • Risks of biological invasions and public health concerns

Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Biotechnology

  • Analysis and annotation of rodent genomes
  • Population genomics
  • Rodent microbiomes and their effects on health and behavior

The Conference will be hosted by Vytautas Magnus University.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Kaunas!

History of the conference

17-th – Valladolid (Spain) – 2023

– Diseases
– Ecology
– Taxonomy, genetics and conservation
– Biology and evoliution
– Methods and applied science
– Conflicts and management

 16th – Postdam (Germany) – 2018
 – Rodent behavior
 – Form and function
 – Responses to human-induced changes
 – Rodent management
 – Conservation and ecosystem services
 – Taxonomy-genetics
 – Population dynamics
 – Phylogeography
 – Future rodent control technologies
 15th – Olomouc (Czech Republic) – 2016
 – Monitoring Rodent Populations as Bioindicators of Global Change
 – African Rodent Ecology and Evolution Past, Present, and Future
 – Rodent population dynamics: from ecological theory to population management
 – Exploring rodent genomes to understand evolution
 – Parasites and Pathogens
 – Introduction to personality traits & cognitive abilities
 – Stories from Underground
 14th – Lisbon (Portugal) – 2014
 – Behaviour
 – Conservation
 – Ecology
 – Evolution
 – Morphometrics
 – Parasites & Diseases
 – Phylogeography& Phylogeny
 – Physiology
 – Population Dynamics
 – Rodent Management
 13th – Rovaniemi (Finland) – 2012
 – Genetics, phylogeography and taxonomy
 – Population dynamics and ecology
 – Parasites and diseases
 – Evolution and development in small mammals
 – Rodent management
 12th – Zonguldak (Turkey) – 2010
 – Population and Community Ecology
 – Phylogeography, Phylogenetics and Systematics
 – Physiology
 – Behaviour, Behavioural Ecology and communication.
 – Parasitology
 – Applied Ecology and Rodent management
 11th – Myshkin (Russia) – 2008
 – Population Ecology & Community Ecology
 – Phylogeography, Phylogenetics& Systematics
 – Behaviour, Behavioural Ecology & Communication
 – Physiology
 – Parasitology, Applied Ecology & Rodent Management
 10th – Parma (Italy) – 2006
 – Morphology, Physiology and Sensory Biology
 – Phylogeography and Phylogenetics
 – Behavioural Ecology
 – Community Ecology and Predation
 – Population Ecology
 – Parasitology and Applied Ecology
 – Rodent management
 9th – Lublin (Poland) – 2004
 – Morphology, Physiology and Sensory Biology
 – Phylogeography and Phylogenetics
 – Behavioural Ecology
 – Community Ecology and Predation
 – Population Ecology and Metapopulation
 – Parasitology and Applied Ecology
 8th – Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium) – 2002
 – Community ecology
 – Ecophysiology
 – Population Ecology
 – Ethology and Behavioural Ecology
 – Systematics and Evolution
 – Ecotoxicology and Parasitology
 – Rodent management
 7th – ČeskéBudějovice (Czech Republic) – 2000
 – Diversity in time and space
 – Behaviour
 – Population Ecology and Genetics
 – Ecophysiology and Ecological and Functional Morphology
 – Diseases and Applied Ecology
   6th – Acre (Israel) – 1998
 5th – Rabbat (Morocco) – 1995
 – Diversity of Ecophysiological Adaptations to Extreme Environmental Conditions
 – Diversity of Rodents-Plants Interactions
 – Diversity of Communication Modes and Cognition in Rodents
 – Rodents and People
 – Evolutionary Biology of Rodents
 4th – Mikolajki (Poland) – 1993
 – Voles in patchy environments: responses by individuals, populations and communities.
 – Rodents: their ecophysiology and behaviour.
 – Rodents as ecological and biological indicators.
 – Rodents: their systematics, evolution and paleontology.
 3rd – Lyon (France) – 1991
 – Chemical communication, society and space
 – Rodent and Biogeography
 – Temporal distribution of activities.
 2nd – Lyon (France) – 1989
 – The rodent in desert environment
 – The rodent and historical biogeography
 – Environment and resources
 1st – Lyon (France) – 1987
 – The rodent in desert environment
 – Space use and inter-individual relationships
 – Space control: orientation in theory and practice
 – Physiology and genetics
Committees

Steering committee

Abraham Haim (Israel)

Alexey Surov (Russia)

Ana Maria Benedek (Romania)

Boris Krasnov (Israel)

Emil Tkadlec (Czech Republic)

Mustafa Sözen (Turkey)

Frauke Ecke (Sweden)

Grant Singleton (Australia)

Heikki Henttonen, chairman (Finland)

Herwig Leirs (Belgium)

Jens Jacob (Germany)

Farida Khammar (Algeria)

Juan Luque-Larena (Spain)

Linas Balčiauskas (Lithuania)

Maria da Luz Mathias (Portugal)

Nigel Yoccoz (Norway)

Olga Osipova (Russia)

Rick Ostfeld (USA)

František Sedláček (Czech Republic)

Xavier Lambin (United Kingdom)

Zbigniew Borowski (Poland)

 

Local committee

Algimantas Paulauskas (VMU, Lithuania)

Asta Aleksandravičienė (VMU, Lithuania)

Dalytė Mardosaitė-Busaitienė (VMU, Lithuania)

Dominykas Repečka (VMU, Lithuania)

Evelina Kaminskienė (VMU, Lithuania)

Jana Radzijevskaja (VMU, Lithuania)

Justina Snegiriovaitė (VMU, Lithuania)

Indrė Lipatova (VMU, Lithuania)

Irma Ražanskė (VMU, Lithuania)

Loreta Griciuvienė (VMU, Lithuania)

Marina Sidorenko (VMU, Lithuania)

Miglė Razgūnaitė (VMU, Lithuania)

Povilas Sakalauskas (VMU, Lithuania)

IMPORTANT DATES

We are pleased to invite you to visit the 18th International Conference on Rodent Biology Rodens et spatium 2026, held in Kaunas, Lithuania on May 18 – 22, 2026

  Early bird registration deadline
  Regular registration deadline
  Abstracts submission deadline
  Payment deadline
  Conference program announced
FEES

  Early bird attendee fee Regular attendee fee
Regular fees 350 € 450 €
Student fees 250 € 300 €
Accompanying fees 200 € 250 €
Conference tour (lunch included) 50 € 50 €
Gala dinner 50 € 50 €

Registration fee includes:

– Access to the conference
– Conference material
– Coffee breaks
– Lunches
– Welcome party
– City tour

Accompanying fees includes:

– Coffee breaks
– Lunches
– Welcome party
– City tour

Payment information

Note that any charges for bank transfer must be covered by the payer.

Recipient
Address
Bank
Bank adress
Bank code
SWIFT (BIC) code
Recipient’s bank account
The purpose of payment Rodens2026, your name (e.g., Rodens2026, Name Surname).

 

ABSTRACT GUIDELINES

Conference abstracts will be published in a scientific proceedings volume with an ISSN. They will not undergo language proofreading; authors are responsible for the linguistic quality. Please follow the instructions below when preparing your abstract:

  1. Language: English
  2. Structure: Authors provide first name and surname. Underline the presenting author and include their email address. Affiliations and addresses of all co-authors.
  3. Content: No subdivision into introduction, materials and methods, results, etc.
  4. Font: Times New Roman
  5. Length: Maximum of 300 words.
  6. Line spacing: 1.15, with 3 cm margins on all sides, and align text to the justify.
  7. No figures, no tables should be included in the abstract.
  8. Prepare the text as a Word document.
  9. Name the file after the presenting author: Surname_Name_Baltick25.doc(x).
  10. Send abstracts as an email attachment to: rodens@vdu.lt with the subject “abstract_poster” or “abstract_oral”.
  11. The abstract template is available for download HERE
POSTER PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

Poster should include:

Poster language: English

Poster size: A1 (Portrait) size: 90 x 120 m

The main part:

  • Poster title
  • Authors
  • Affiliations
  • Introduction
  • Materials and Methods
  • Results and Discussion
  • Conclusions
  • Acknowledgements (if necessary)

The characters should be a reasonable size.  The presenting authors should bring the posters with them. You will receive a poster board number at the registration desk. Conference volunteers will help you to hang up your poster (if necessary). Fixation materials will be provided by the organizers.

ORAL PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

There is no presentation template, but remember that text should be readable at any conditions

  • Language: English
  • Oral presentation should not last longer than 10 min (+ 5 min questions).
  • Plenary presentation: 50 min (+ 10 min questions).

Programme overview

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9:00 Registration Entrance hall

 

Conference tour
10:00 Coffee break Coffee break Coffee break
10:30
11:00 Opening ceremony Closing ceremony &
11:30
12:30
13:00 Lunch Lunch Lunch
15:00
16:30 Posters‘ opening & coffee break Poster session & coffee break Poster session & coffee break
17.30 Welcome coctail City tour
18:00 Gala dinner

 

Detaled programme

17th RODENS ET SPATIUM – International Conference on Rodent Biology 18–22 May 2026, Kaunas, Lithuania

18th May 2026

18th May 2026
9:00-11:00 Registration (Small Hall of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), S. Daukanto str. 28)
11:00-11:30 Opening Ceremony
11:00-11:10 Welcome word from the Rector of Vytautas Magnus University, Juozas Augutis
11:10-11:20 Welcome word from the Chairman of the Scientific Committee
11:20-11:30 Information from the Chairman of the Organising Committee of  Algimantas Paulauskas
11:30-12:30 Plenary  
11:45-12:30  
11:45-12:00    
12:00-12:15    
12:15-12:30    
12:30-14:00  
14:00-17:00  
14:00-14:15    
14:15-14:30    
14:30-14:45    
14:45-15:00    
15:00-15:15    
15:15-15:30    
15:30-16:00  
16:00-16:15    
16:15-16:30    
16:30-16:45    
16:45-17:00    
17:00-18:00  
18:00-20:00  
 
10:00-10:45

 

   
10:45-12:15  
10:45-11:00    
11:00-11:15    
11:15-11:30    
11:30-11:45    
11:45-12:00    
12:00-12:15    
12:15-13:45  
13:45-14:30    
14:30-17:15  
14:30-14:45    
14:45-15:00    
15:00-15:15    
15:15-15:30    
15:30-16:00  
16:00-16:15    
16:15-16:30    
16:30-16:45    
16:45-17:00    
17:00-17:15    
17:15-18:15  
18:15-18:30  
20:00-22:00  

We are pleased to invite you to visit the 18th International Conference on Rodent Biology Rodens et spatium 2026, held in Kaunas, Lithuania on May 18 – 22, 2026

The conference will be held at the Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania (S. Daukanto str. 28)

About Kaunas

Kaunas previously known as Kovno. It is the second-largest city in Lithuania after Vilnius and an important centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Modern Kaunas is a European city with beautiful architecture, medieval monuments and unique museums. In 2022 Kaunas was chosen as the European Capital of Culture. Kaunas interwar architecture was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. About 1500 buildings are recognized as a significant value for all of humanity, present and future generations.

Visit Kaunas - Apie miestą      Каунас | Офіційний сайт Луцької міської ради    Vytis Monument "Warrior of Freedom" - From Kaunas Castle, Lithuania Kauno rotušė - ArchitekturaLietuvoje.lt

About VMU

Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) 

VMU is a comprehensive university devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, research, arts and innovation, and fostering critical thinking, imaginative response as well as the desire and capacity for lifelong learning of our students. University hosts a variety of international events, including symposia, conferences, and congresses. It provides an excellent setting for scientists, researchers, and students to exchange research insights, address emerging challenges, and establish new collaborative relationships.

Travel information

Citizens of the EU and most European countries (including all Scandinavian countries) do not require a visa to enter Lithuania. For detailed information, please visit the website of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.urm.lt. There are two international airports in Lithuania: one is located just outside of Kaunas, and the other one is in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.

Arrivals by plane

Direct flights to Kaunas or Vilnius airports are most likely available from your country.

City bus Numbers 29 and 29E go directly from Kaunas airport to the city centre. More information about fares from the airport is available at www.kaunas-airport.lt

Arrivals by bus

The distance between Kaunas and Vilnius is 100 km. Information about airport express from Vilnius airport can be found here: ollex.lt
Bus schedules within Kaunas can be accessed at kvt.lt and stops.lt.

Buses between Kaunas and Vilnius depart several times an hour between 5AM and midnight. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. Most buses have (free) wireless internet. For international travel Ecolines (ecolines.net) and other companies operate several daily buses from Riga and Tallinn, and from other national capitals of Europe.

By train

Kaunas train station (map) is located nearby to the bus station (map) in the city center. Several daily trains go between Kaunas and other major cities. Tickets and timetables can be found at litrail

How to find us

CONFERENCE VENUE: S. Daukanto str. 28, Kaunas

Accommodations

Accommodations should be booked by the participants themselves.
Here is a sample list of possible hotels and hostels nearest to the Conference venue:

These are all within walking distance to the Conference venue Keisti į These are all within walking distance to the Conference venue.

There are many public transit stops nearby the Conference venue, which is reachable from any part of Kaunas Keisti į There are many public transit.

There are also a lot of apartments available for rent. Feel free to explore for more options via booking.com or other services.
The Conference venue is located in the center of Kaunas at Vytautas Magnus University, whose address is – S.Daukanto str. 28, Kaunas, Lithuania.

There are many public transit stops nearby the Conference venue, which is reachable from any part of Kaunas.
Here is a suggested app and website for traveling in the city: trafi.com

Contacts:
Organizers: Vytautas Magnus University
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Biology 
Research Institute of Natural and Technological Sciences
Universiteto str. 10, Akademija, Kauno dist. LT-53361
Email: rodens@vdu.lt
Conference venue: S. Daukanto str. 28, Kaunas, Lithuania

  • Date : 2026-05-18 - 2026-05-22
  • Time : 08:00 - 00:00 (Europe/Vilnius)
  • Venue : Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania

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