Author: Dovilė Čibiraitė-Lukenskienė

  • RTO Lithuania Hosts a Matchmaking Event to Foster Intra-Institutional Research Collaboration

    RTO Lithuania Hosts a Matchmaking Event to Foster Intra-Institutional Research Collaboration

    Over 40 researchers from Lithuania’s leading research and technology organizations gathered at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) in Vilnius on March 5 for the RTO Lithuania Inter-institutional Call Information Day. The event aimed to stimulate cross-institutional collaboration and generate innovative project ideas for the upcoming funding call.

    The information day brought together scientists from three major Lithuanian research institutions: the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), and the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI). The event featured presentations, success stories from previous collaboration initiatives, laboratory tours and an extensive networking session designed to spark new interdisciplinary research partnerships.

    Prof. Dr. Ramūnas Skaudžius (FTMC), Dr. Gintaras Brazauskas (LAMMC), and Prof. Dr. Saulius Gudžius (LEI) opened the event by highlighting the importance of inter-institutional cooperation in addressing complex scientific challenges. Linas Eriksonas, representing RTO Lithuania, provided an overview of the Association’s strategic objectives, emphasizing its role in strengthening Lithuania’s research and innovation ecosystem.

    “RTO Lithuania projects serve as a crucial instrument for our organizations to grow together,” said Dr. Vita Tilvikienė from LAMMC during her presentation. She outlined how the inter-institutional funding mechanism enables researchers to combine their expertise and facilities to tackle ambitious research goals.

    A highlight of the day was the presentation of success stories from previous RTO Lithuania calls. Dr. Rasa Pauliukaitė (FTMC) shared insights from the “AgroNanoSens” project, while Dr. Monika Toleikienė (LAMMC) presented results from the “KarboIzotopas” initiative. Dr. Marius Praspaliauskas (LEI) described how previous collaborations led to successful participation in the Horizon Europe Project XTRACT.

    The core of the event featured an innovative networking format where participants engaged in eight rounds of three-minute introductions. This structured approach allowed researchers to discover potential synergies across various fields including environmental monitoring, sustainable agriculture, defense technologies, energy solutions, plant genetics, and climate change mitigation.

    “The format of today’s networking session was exceptionally effective in connecting specialists from different fields who might not otherwise have an opportunity to meet,” noted Dr. Dovilė Čibiraitė-Lukenskienė, who coordinated the matchmaking activities.

    Following the networking session, participants presented their project ideas and collaborative opportunities. The day concluded with laboratory visits to FTMC facilities led by department heads Steigvilė Byčenkienė, Artur Plotnikov, Arūnas Stirkė, and Loreta Tamašauskaitė-Tamašiūnienė.

    The Inter-institutional Call Information Day represents an important step in RTO Lithuania’s mission to strengthen research cooperation across Lithuanian institutions. The collaborative project ideas generated during the event are expected to form the foundation for proposals in the upcoming funding call, contributing to innovation and technological advancement in priority areas for Lithuania’s economy and society.

    Laboratory tour after the matchmaking event
    Laboratory tour after the matchmaking event.
  • Astrolight Selected to Supply Optical Communications Terminal for Greek Space Mission

    Astrolight Selected to Supply Optical Communications Terminal for Greek Space Mission

    We are thrilled to congratulate Astrolight, a Lithuanian laser communication company founded by the scientists from the Center of Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), a constituent member of RTO Lithuania, on their remarkable achievement in the space technology sector!

    Astrolight has been selected to supply an optical communications terminal for Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s PeakSat Space Mission. This significant partnership involves integrating Astrolight’s ATLAS-1 optical terminal into PeakSat, a CubeSat mission that will demonstrate laser communication from low Earth orbit (LEO) to ground stations in Greece.

    The PeakSat mission represents a key initiative under the Greek National Satellite Space Project, jointly launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance. The project aims to validate next-generation optical communication technologies and is implemented through the EU-funded Recovery and Resilience Facility.

    “The collaboration between Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Astrolight on the PeakSat mission exemplifies the dynamic growth we’re fostering in Greece’s space sector,” said Frédéric Rouesnel, Greek Connectivity RRF Project Manager at European Space Agency (ESA). The project is currently in the Greek Connectivity implementation phase, with plans for launch in 2025.

    This achievement highlights Lithuania’s growing capabilities in high-tech space applications and demonstrates how research-industry collaboration can drive technological innovation. We are proud to see an RTO Lithuania member spin-off making significant contributions to European space technology advancement.

  • RTO Lithuania Promotes Prestigious Photonics21 Innovation Award 2025 

    RTO Lithuania Promotes Prestigious Photonics21 Innovation Award 2025 

    RTO Lithuania, as an active promoter of photonics innovation in the Baltic region, is pleased to announce the launch of the Photonics21 Innovation Award 2025 competition. This prestigious European-level contest aims to transform groundbreaking photonics ideas into successful business ventures. 

    The competition, supported by RTO Lithuania through its regional networking activities, targets PhD and Master’s students, young entrepreneurs, and makers who have innovative photonics concepts with commercial potential. This aligns with RTO Lithuania’s mission to foster technological advancement and entrepreneurship in the region. 

    The winner will receive a substantial €5,000 cash prize, along with valuable entrepreneurial skills training provided by PhotonHub Europe and direct access to venture capitalists. Second and third place winners will benefit from specialized entrepreneurial training programs. 

    “This competition represents a significant opportunity for Lithuanian innovators to showcase their talents on a European stage,” says Dr Dovilė Čibiraitė-Lukenskienė, Project Officer and Scientific Adviser at RTO Lithuania. “We encourage all eligible participants like PhD/Master’s students, young entrepreneurs, and makers from our region to submit their applications.” 

    Participants can enter by submitting either a two-minute video presentation or a written description of their innovative concept, highlighting its industry impact potential. Application Deadline: March 10, 2025.

    Official invitation to apply for Innovation award 2025

    Exciting Prizes Await:

    • 1st Place: €5,000 cash prize, entrepreneurial skills training by PhotonHub Europe, and access to venture capitalists.
    • 2nd & 3rd Place: Entrepreneurial skills training by PhotonHub Europe.

    The award ceremony will take place on 15 May 2025 during the Photonics Partnership Annual Meeting in Brussels – a prime opportunity to showcase your innovation on a European stage.

    RTO Lithuania continues to support this initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to advancing photonics innovation and entrepreneurship in Lithuania and the broader European community. RTO Lithuania is a partner of the project consortium Phorwards21. 

  • RTO Lithuania Call for Collaborative Pilot Research Projects Launched

    RTO Lithuania Call for Collaborative Pilot Research Projects Launched

    Three Lithuanian RTOs members – the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI), and the Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC) – have announced today an annual joint call for pilot research projects for 2025. This initiative aims to foster the interdiscplinary and cross-institutional collaboration between three RTOs in addressing key national and societal challenges for a sustainable, climate-resilient and secure Lithuania.

    The call offers funding of up to €30,000 per project (€10,000 for each research group) and focuses on three key areas:

    • Smart/Sustainable Technologies
    • Environmental Technologies
    • Defence Technologies

    Projects must involve researchers from all three participating institutions. Successful projects are expected to result in high-impact scientific publications and lead to a further follow-up – the submissions for national and international R&D&I funding calls, thus providing a launch pad for emerging ideas that can have longer impact.

    An information event will be held at FTMC in Vilnius on March 5, where potential applicants can present their project ideas and find partners. For more information and registration, interested researchers can visit: https://forms.office.com/e/nC5Pe1rt5Q

    The deadline for submitting applications is March 31, 2025. The projects will have to be completed by March 31, 2026.

    Call documents:

    Call for Collaborative Pilot Projects
    RTO LT interinstitutional project rules 2025
    RTO application form 2025

    Contact persons:

  • Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry Hosts Conference on Science-Based Solutions

    Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry Hosts Conference on Science-Based Solutions

    On February 11, the Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC) organized a conference titled Science-Based Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry which attracted over 250 participants. The event brought together researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives to discuss how scientific research can address societal needs and contribute to the country’s agricultural and forestry development.

    Key highlights from the conference:

    • LAMMC Director Dr. Gintaras Brazauskas presented the center’s role in implementing the Lithuanian Government’s program, highlighting increased collaboration with industry partners, development of new plant varieties, international partnerships, and scientific training achievements.
    • Researchers presented findings on important topics including:
      • Greenhouse gas emissions research and country-specific measurements
      • Sustainable soil management and functional biodiversity
      • Secondary raw materials usage for soil improvement
      • Plant protection products effectiveness
      • Functional food development opportunities

    The event concluded with a panel discussion on science-based decision-making in agriculture and forestry, emphasizing the need for better communication between scientists, policymakers, business, and society to ensure research-based solutions are effectively implemented.

    This conference demonstrates how RTO Lithuania members like LAMMC are working to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications while addressing key societal challenges in agriculture and forestry sectors.

  • Lithuanian Energy Institute and Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Join Historic MIT Cooperation Agreement

    Lithuanian Energy Institute and Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Join Historic MIT Cooperation Agreement

    Two members of RTO Lithuania – Lithuanian Energy Institute and the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry – are among the key partners in a groundbreaking cooperation agreement signed with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on January 28, 2024, at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Lithuania.

    The agreement establishes the MIT-Lithuania Seed Fund, which will promote cutting-edge research collaborations between MIT faculty and Lithuanian researchers. The $900,000 initiative, spread over three years, is part of the MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) programme.

    As consortium members, both institutes will participate in various forms of cooperation, including joint scientific research, technology projects, innovation development, and international mobility of researchers. The partnership aims to address key areas such as renewable energy, sustainable environment, and agro-innovation.

    The Lithuanian Energy Institute was represented at the signing ceremony by its Director, Prof. Dr. Saulius Gudžius, who also participated in a panel discussion titled Partnership between Lithuania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology: preparing to play in the top league.

    This historic collaboration positions Lithuania to become a regional leader in science and innovative solutions, while strengthening the country’s transatlantic ties and increasing its visibility in the international arena.

  • RTO Lithuania prepares the S&T policy recommendations for the new government

    RTO Lithuania prepares the S&T policy recommendations for the new government

    The Association of Research and Technology Organizations (RTO Lithuania), representing three leading Lithuanian research institutes, has presented comprehensive recommendations for strengthening the country’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem.

    The recommendations emphasize Lithuania’s potential to become a leading STI country while highlighting the need for fundamental changes in the current system. Among the key proposals is the initiation of a National Research, Technology and Innovation Programme focused on climate resilience and strategic autonomy, covering areas such as plant technologies, semiconductors, and renewable energies.

    A major emphasis is placed on bridging the gap between industry, research institutes, and universities through an Excellence in Applied Sciences programme. The association also calls for enhanced collaboration between science, business, and investors through pilot demonstration projects.

    To address brain drain and attract talent, RTO Lithuania recommends establishing a researcher attraction grant programme coordinated by the Lithuanian Research Council, including support for returning Lithuanian researchers and foreign experts.

    The recommendations also focus on reforming the scientific evaluation system, making it less dependent on quantitative indicators and more aligned with EU Research Area reforms. Additionally, the association proposes improvements to the industrial doctorate program and calls for increasing the number of PhD students while enhancing their study conditions.

    A crucial point in the recommendations addresses research funding, highlighting the current shortfall in R&D expenditure (0.47% of GDP) and emphasizing the need to reach the targeted 0.75% of GDP by the end of 2024, as agreed in the Agreement between Lithuanian political parties.

    The proposals also include strengthening science diplomacy, increasing internationalization through joint research programs, and enhancing funding for the Next 100 programme, which supports student internships at leading global institutions.

    These recommendations were presented by Sigitas Rimkevičius, President of the Association’s Governing Board, representing the collective vision of the Centre for Physical and Technological Sciences, the Lithuanian Energy Institute, and the Lithuanian Agrarian and Forestry Research Centre.

    The document can be found here: S&T policy recommendations

  • Annual Meeting agrees on strategic objectives of RTO Lithuania

    Annual Meeting agrees on strategic objectives of RTO Lithuania

    The Association of Research and Technology Organisations (RTO Lithuania) has approved its vision and strategic objectives during the Governing Board meeting held on November 12, 2024. The meeting marked a new page in the history of the Association, which unites Lithuania’s three largest research institutes.

    The newly formed Governing Board formulated and formally adopted the organisation’s mission and vision for the first time. According to the approved vision, RTO Lithuania aims to become the leading Lithuanian research network that translates scientific knowledge into solutions to the most pressing challenges of the state and society through interdisciplinary excellence and next-generation scientific leadership.

    Two main strategic objectives were approved:

    • Research excellence and interdisciplinarity: The Association will focus on developing collaborative research consortia, strengthening inter-institutional cooperation including talent development, expanding access to international R&D programmes, and empowering the next generation of researchers.
    • Science policy impact and international cooperation: RTO Lithuania will increase cooperation with EU and international institutions, broaden participation in science policy forums and strengthen participation in strategic platforms.

    The meeting also decided to prepare a detailed report on the Association’s activities for 2024 to serve as a basis for the implementation plan for 2025-2026. The Association will accelerate scientific innovation and societal impact by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between research institutions, linking scientific expertise to national and EU policy priorities, developing the next generation of scientific leaders, and translating research into practical solutions for society and industry.