Beyond BAFF

The last episode of Season 3 features Virginija Poskute, a Lithuanian professor and researcher. Her work focuses on the intersection of business and the state in addressing social problems, with a particular emphasis on long-term care and retirement provisions. With a diverse professional path that has taken her through various educational institutions and cultural contexts, Virginija brings a global perspective to these crucial issues. In this episode, we’ll discuss the delicate balance between state intervention and market solutions, what different countries can learn from each other, and how research can help shape policies for the future. Virginija was part of the BAFF Research Scholar Program.In the podcast, we talk about: The main difference between Europe and the US when dealing with social challenges Why copying solutions from other countries doesn’t workHow did Virginija find her favorite field?Pillars of the pension system in the Baltics. Researching long-term care in different countries. Advice for young researchers and final thoughts Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

Meet Ryte Damaseviciute, a resident doctor in Vilnius with a strong passion for improving how medical students and physicians engage with research. She believes that even those who don’t plan to become scientists should have a solid foundation in clinical research and data science. Ryte focuses on Pancreatic cancer clinical research. Predictive models for post-operative complications evaluation. Her main passion is in medical research to improve the quality of medical students' and physicians' backgrounds in research.In the podcast, we talk about: Why does Ryte find doing research in the medical field so valuable?Why should one take a year for research or internship before continuing their residency in medicine?Imposter syndrom in the medical field?Trends and the future in the medical field?What’s the cure for cancer?Ryte's advice for young ResearchersLearn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

This episode features Zane Vincevica-Gaile, who is a Latvian environmental science researcher with a pharmacy and chemistry background.  She is working at the University of Latvia as a leading researcher at the Department of Environmental Science, being involved in the international project Europe-LAND. Additionally she is working at Riga Technical University as a senior scientific expert at the Institute of Civil Engineering, where she is assisting the professor's work in the field of geotechniques. Her daily tasks, mostly involve scientific information extraction, compilation and analysis, data assessment and visualization, and scientific writing. Zane was part of BAFF Research Scholar Program, from August2023, to January 2024. At the podcast we talk about: How clean are plants next to Baltic railroads? What is Project Europe-LAND?How does waste valorization impact environment?Traveling Opportunities as a ScientistAdvice for Young Researchers and Final ThoughtsSign up to receive occasional emails with new episodes, updates, and behind-the-scenes content from the Beyond BAFF podcast: https://mailchi.mp/balticamericanfreedomfoundation/podcast-list Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

From Software Testing to AI Innovation: Andres Kull’s Journey of Learning and Transformation.A conversation with an Estonian entrepreneur and researcher Andres Kull. Andres started his career in software engineering, working on projects that helped automate real-time systems and even testing software for Nokia base stations. His curiosity led him into model-based software testing, where he earned his PhD, and later, a research opportunity in the U.S. brought an unexpected turn—he discovered a passion for data science and machine learning. Andres also discusses his AI-driven chatbot platform, Bot, and his enthusiasm for AI's rapid advancements following the release of ChatGPT in November 2022.In the podcast, we talk about:Andres Kull’s career journeyHis research experience in the US with BAFFAndres feeling like a spy in the USWhat is model-based software testingAndres’s favorite AI Tools and his thoughts about the future.Sign up to receive occasional emails with new episodes, updates, and behind-the-scenes content from the Beyond BAFF podcast: https://mailchi.mp/balticamericanfreedomfoundation/podcast-list Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

Meet Zane Culkstena, a Latvian researcher from the data-based career education field. Zane is the founder of ERDA, a consultancy firm that specializes in employer branding and organizational development. Her expertise has helped numerous businesses achieve their goals by developing effective strategies to attract and retain top talent.As someone with dual interests, Zane’s entrepreneurial spirit has led her to found and currently chair Kim? Contemporary Art Center, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting contemporary art in Latvia.In addition to her work in the arts, Zane also serves on the Supervisory Board of the Art Academy of Latvia, where she brings her strategic mindset and innovative approach to help shape the institution's future.In the podcast, we talk about: What is the difference between data-based career education and traditional?How do students benefit from data-based career education?Which are the safe jobs out there?What has been Zane’s career journey like?How has an entrepreneurial itch led her to become an entrepreneur with multiple teams?What does Zane dream of?Sign up to receive occasional emails with new episodes, updates, and behind-the-scenes content from the Beyond BAFF podcast: https://mailchi.mp/balticamericanfreedomfoundation/podcast-list Learn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.orgLearn more about the scholarship opportunities provided by the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation to help Baltic Scientists fund their research in the United States: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org