Category: Uncategorized

  • EARTO celibrates 25 years shaping European R&D&I Policy

    EARTO celibrates 25 years shaping European R&D&I Policy

    On October 14, 2025, our representative Dr. S. Rimkevičius participated in the EARTO (European Association of Research and Technology Organisations) Board Meeting and the EARTO Innovation Awards event, which was held alongside the celebration of EARTO’s 25th anniversary. The event was attended by Markus J. Beyrer from BusinessEurope, and Manuel Aleixo, Alexandr Hobza, and Christian Ehler from European Commission.

    During the Board Meeting, recommendations were presented concerning the European Commission’s proposal for the new funding period (2028–2034) of the EU’s research and innovation program Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund. The importance of these programs for Lithuania was also emphasized by Dr. S. Rimkevičius.

    EARTO unites 350 non-university research centers from 32 countries (including associated EARTO members from non-EU countries) and plays an active role in shaping EU science policy and representing the interests of non-university research institutes and centers.

    EARTO Proposals to the European Commission

    Proposal 1. EARTO points out that despite the expected increase in funding for collaborative R&D&I projects (Pillar II) in the new Horizon Europe program, this increase is smaller compared to other program pillars, accounting for only 43% of the program’s budget. EARTO proposes restoring the proportion from the previous program and allocating 60% of the budget to collaborative R&D&I projects, taking into account Europe’s strategic priorities related to technological sovereignty across key industrial sectors and value chains.

    Proposal 2. EARTO proposes increasing funding for research and technology infrastructures to ensure that Europe remains globally competitive. While the European Commission’s proposed €10.9 billion budget for research and technology infrastructures is welcomed, it does not meet actual needs. A recent European Investment Bank study estimated that the funding requirement for technology infrastructures alone in Europe will reach €13–16 billion by 2030.

    Relevance of the Proposals to Lithuania

    Preliminary discussions with RTO Lithuania partners and representatives of the Lithuanian Research Council revealed that these EARTO recommendations are also highly relevant to Lithuania. The country receives the majority of its Horizon Europe funding through collaborative R&D&I projects (Pillar II). Nevertheless, strengthening research and technology infrastructures remains a critical issue in Lithuania. In addition, S. Rimkevičius emphasized the importance of the “Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence” program for Lithuania during the EARTO meeting.

    The insights shared by S. Rimkevičius represent a preliminary exchange of views. A more defined position reflecting the interests of Lithuania’s research and business communities regarding the Horizon Europe program will be formulated on October 30 at a discussion organized by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport on the European Commission’s proposal for the 10th EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (Horizon Europe).

    EARTO Innovation Awards

    Dragonfly® Vibration Sensor (CEA, France)
    The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) won the EARTO Innovation Award in the “Impact Delivered” category for its development of Dragonfly®—a groundbreaking universal sensor that outperforms traditional vibration sensors in sensitivity, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Developed using advanced semiconductor technology, Dragonfly® is 1,000 times more sensitive and 100 times more versatile than conventional sensors. These sensors are used in the aerospace industry and for monitoring critical industrial equipment.

    Next-Generation Cryogenic Chips (VTT, Finland)
    Finland’s research and innovation center VTT won the EARTO Award in the “Expected Impact” category for developing innovative cryogenic chips. Unlike standard metal-oxide semiconductor chips that generate substantial heat, cryogenic chips ensure minimal energy dissipation and are designed to operate in extremely cold environments (-270 °C). This innovation paves the way for advancements in quantum computing, electronics, space exploration, and environmental monitoring. It also strengthens the EU’s semiconductor industry and supports Europe’s strategic autonomy in key technologies.

  • EARTO Working Group on Healthcare Technologies Meets in Vilnius

    EARTO Working Group on Healthcare Technologies Meets in Vilnius

    On September 23–24, the EARTO Working Group on Emerging Technologies for Healthcare held its biannual meeting at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) in Vilnius. The group brings together experts from across Europe to discuss the strategic role of health technologies within EU research programmes.

    FTMC, a member of EARTO since 2019, was represented by Prof. Rasa Pauliukaitė of the Department of Nanoengineering. Participants included representatives from leading European RTOs such as IMEC (Belgium), Tecnalia (Spain), CEA (France), Metrosert (Estonia), VTT (Finland), the Tyndall National Institute (Ireland), and AIT (Austria), as well as RTO Lithuania.

    “These meetings are a great opportunity to explore each RTO’s capabilities and foster partnerships for future EU projects,” noted Prof. R. Pauliukaitė.

    The group addressed key challenges in the field, including the commercialisation of healthcare technologies and disparities in innovation levels across European regions due to regulatory differences. Special focus was placed on underfunded yet crucial areas such as rehabilitation technologies and the integration of AI, sensors, and digital tools in patient care. The meeting ended with a tour through scientific laboratories of FTMC.

    Viktorija Reinikovaitė, a PhD student at the Bioelectrical Phenomena Laboratory of the Department of Functional Materials and Electronics at FTMC, with EARTO representatives and “RTO Lithuania” Director Rasa Kulvietienė (second from the right). Photo by FTMC.

  • Submit Your Research on Ecology Topic now!

    Submit Your Research on Ecology Topic now!

    With the start of the new school year we are inviting you to present your research on Ecology topic in the international chemistry conference EcoBalt2025 uniting scientists from the Baltic states and having workshops and intriguing keynote speeches from the world-leading scientists.

    The conference focuses on Green and sustainable chemistry, Environmental physics and chemistry, Analytical and Aquatic chemistry, as well as Environmental toxicology and ecology. The participants are invited to take part in two workshops on Detection of Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater and Microplastics Analysis.

    Submit your abstract by Wednesday (3rd of September) as registration closes soon!

    Find the list of keynote and invited speakers:

    Speakers

  • RTO Lithuania Welcomes New Director, Rasa Kulvietienė

    RTO Lithuania Welcomes New Director, Rasa Kulvietienė

    We are pleased to announce that RTO Lithuania has appointed a new Director – Rasa Kulvietienė, former Adviser for Science to the Minister of Education, Science and Sport. With a strong background in innovation consulting and international collaboration, Rasa brings valuable experience from her previous work at the Science, Innovation and Technology Agency, as well as her involvement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Cambridge program Ideas to Innovation. Her appointment was officially approved by the Executive Board on August 26, 2025.

    On her first day in the new role, Rasa Kulvietienė shared: “I am happy to join RTO Lithuania – a strong community of science and technology. I believe that only through collaboration can we leverage scientific knowledge to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our state and society. I invite you to collaborate and create change together!”

    At the same time, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Linas Eriksonas, the former Acting Director, for his dedicated leadership over the past years. Under his guidance, RTO Lithuania has grown into one of the leading institutions in the deep-tech ecosystem of the Baltic States. Dr. Eriksonas will continue to support the organization as an experienced facilitator of deep-tech ecosystems.

  • Shaping the Future of Photonics: Phorwards21 Reaches Key Mid-Term Milestone

    Shaping the Future of Photonics: Phorwards21 Reaches Key Mid-Term Milestone

    20 representatives from research and industry organizations across Europe gathered for the Phorwards21 Mid-Term Review Meeting on 23rd of June in Munich. The event served as a key milestone in evaluating the project’s progress in strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy in photonics and advancing photonics-driven innovation in critical end-user industries, such as Health, Agriculture & Food, as well as Space and Manufacturing industries.

    Launched under the Horizon Europe framework, Phorwards21 brings together a pan-European consortium working to establish a cohesive photonics research and innovation (R&I) strategy that supports future EU missions, economic competitiveness, and global leadership in next-generation technologies. The main focus areas are:

    • Advancing European Strategic Autonomy. Making strong progress in defining community-backed photonics R&I priorities for the 2026–2027 Horizon Europe calls. Discussions with Member States are ongoing aiming for strategic alignment within European Union.
    • Regional and National Engagement. Integrating photonics solutions across regional and national ecosystems. The consortium summarized the regional development priorities from four organized cluster workshops where application and photonics clusters from the regions were working together to determine regional priorities. The project will seek to identify and coordinate EU-funded cooperation opportunities, to facilitate targeted cross-border collaboration.
    • Boosting Photonics Innovation and Investment. Identification of photonics startup ecosystem. An explicit study on European startups was conducted that allows to analyse the ecosystem and support photonics start-ups through the Photonics21 Innovation Award, workshops Photonics4Applications with targeted end users, as well as Tech Tour Photonics.

    RTO Lithuania, as a key stakeholder in this initiative, continues to support collaborative excellence and strategic foresight within the European research and innovation landscape and invites everyone to the upcoming Photonics4AgriFood workshop embeded within the forum-exhibition EKOAgrITech.

  • Visit us at ecological agricultural technology exhibition-forum EKOAgrITech

    Visit us at ecological agricultural technology exhibition-forum EKOAgrITech

    The exhibition EKOAgrITech is taking place on July 3, 2025 in Akademija, Kėdainiai distr., Lithuania, organized by Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC). The event is dedicated to both ecological and traditional farms striving for sustainability, including livestock, crop, and mixed farms. It also welcomes consumers, suppliers, processors, and product distributors. Everyone aiming for innovation and progress is invited to participate.

    This year’s theme: “Sustainability starts here: from the experimental plot to every table.”

    During the event 9 am – 4 pm you will find:

    • 1,000 scientific research plots
    • Exhibition areas and consultations
    • Innovative precision and digital technologies
    • 5 discussion zones and experience-sharing spaces for farmers
    • Presentations and tastings of organic products
    • Special educational activities for children

    As RTO Lithuania we are delighted to contribute to this event co-organizing Photonics 4 AgriFood workshop responsible for promotion of novel photonics solutions for agriculture within the scope of the Phorwards21 project!

    Photonics 4 AgriFood timetable:

    • 10:00 – 10:15 am Opening ceremony
    • 10:15 – 11:00 am Discussion: “Impact of novel technologies in Lithuanian Agriculture sector”
    • 1:20-2:20 pm Presentations “Novel physical technologies for AgriFood”
    • 2:30 – 3:30 pm Pitch session for novel technologies and matchmaking (Technological Bubble C)

    “This year’s event reflects our deep commitment to sustainability—not just in what we showcase, but in how we organize. From spotlighting mixed farming systems and short-chain organic production to highlighting the journey ‘from field to fork’, we aim to inspire a more resilient food future. We’re proud to offer a free, family-friendly exhibition that blends tradition with innovation, including the latest in novel farming technologies. In my view, cutting-edge photonics solutions are essential for the future of agriculture—they enable precise monitoring, efficient resource use, and smarter, greener farming practices that benefit both people and the planet.” says Dr. Monika Toleikienė, the main organizer of EKOAgrITech.

    You can already find the detailed event program at www.ekoagritech.lt!

  • Awarded Three RTO Lithuania Call Winners for Environmental Research Projects

    Awarded Three RTO Lithuania Call Winners for Environmental Research Projects

    RTO Lithuania is pleased to announce the signing of three joint research project contracts between leading Lithuanian research institutions. The Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), and the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) will collaborate on three innovative projects focused on environmental technologies and sustainable solutions.

    BAGEO-HM: “Synthesis and application of biofuel ash geopolymers for removal of Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions from simulated wastewater” aims to transform biofuel ash, typically considered an environmental liability, into effective absorbents for wastewater treatment. The project will utilize a rapid hydrothermal alkaline modification method to create geopolymers capable of removing heavy metal pollutants from water. Led by Dr. Kristina Bunevičienė (LAMMC), Dr. Sandra Stanionytė (FTMC), and Dr. Šarūnas Varnagiris (LEI), this research will provide valuable insights into secondary waste utilization.

    BACTOALGRO: “Enhancing bacteria and algae interaction using electroporation and plasma-activated water to stimulate plant growth” investigates how electroporation and plasma-activated water can strengthen bacteria-algae interactions to boost agricultural productivity. This innovative approach could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly farming methods. The project team includes Shervin Hadian (LAMMC), Voitech Stankevič (FTMC), and Mindaugas Milieška (LEI).

    PLASTRO: “Modeling Microplastic Transport in Plants Using Microfluidic Systems” examines how microplastics move through plant tissues, with a particular focus on buckwheat (Fagopyrum sp.). Using cutting-edge microfluidic technologies, researchers will replicate microplastic migration processes under laboratory conditions. Led by Gintarė Šidlauskaitė (LAMMC), Justas Šereika (LEI), and Julija Pupeikė (FTMC), the project aims to contribute to our understanding of microplastic impacts on agriculture and food security.

    Funding and Timeframe

    Each project has received a total funding of €30,000, with equal contributions of €10,000 from each participating institution. All three projects will run for 12 months, bringing together experts from different scientific disciplines to address pressing environmental challenges.

    “These projects represent significant steps toward developing sustainable environmental technologies through collaborative research,” said Dr. Dovilė Čibiraitė-Lukenskienė, Senior Researcher at FTMC and a Project Manager at RTO Lithuania. “By combining the expertise of our leading research organizations, we are fostering innovation that addresses real-world environmental issues while strengthening Lithuania’s research capabilities.”

  • RTO Lithuania ieško vadovo Lietuvos mokslo ateičiai formuoti

    RTO Lithuania ieško vadovo Lietuvos mokslo ateičiai formuoti

    Vilnius, 2023 m. balandžio 25 d. – Lietuvos mokslinių tyrimų ir technologijų organizacijų asociacija (RTO Lithuania) skelbia naujojo direktoriaus paieškas. Ši strategiškai svarbi pozicija skirta vadovauti vienam didžiausių šalies mokslinių tinklų, vienijančiam tris svarbiausius nacionalinius mokslinių tyrimų institutus: Fizinių ir technologijos mokslų centrą (FTMC), Lietuvos agrarinių ir miškų mokslų centrą (LAMMC) ir Lietuvos energetikos institutą (LEI). RTO Lithuania ieško vadovo, kuris sustiprins tarpinstitucinį bendradarbiavimą ir didins mokslo poveikį visuomenei bei ekonomikai.

    “Mokslinių tyrimų ir technologinė plėtra yra kertinis Lietuvos konkurencingumo elementas. Šiandien kaip niekada svarbu užtikrinti sklandžią mokslo ir verslo sąveiką, formuojant šalies ekonominę ateitį,” – teigia l.e.p. dir. Linas Eriksonas. “Naujasis direktorius turės unikalią galimybę formuoti mokslo politiką ir aktyviai prisidėti prie šalies mokslo prestižo kėlimo tarptautinėje arenoje.”

    Kandidatams keliami aukšti reikalavimai – ne mažesnė nei 5 metų technologijų perdavimo patirtis, 10 metų projektų valdymo patirtis mokslo ar inovacijų organizacijose bei puikus Lietuvos ir ES mokslinių tyrimų politikos išmanymas. Pagrindinis vadovo uždavinys bus vadovauti asociacijos kasdienei veiklai ir įgyvendinti strateginius tikslus, kartu atstovaujant organizacijai aukščiausiu nacionaliniu bei tarptautiniu lygiu.

    Direktoriui siūlomas konkurencingas atlyginimas nuo 3500 eurų (neatskaičius mokesčių) ir lankstus darbo grafikas. Darbo vieta – pagal susitarimą, asociacijos narių patalpose Vilniuje, Kaune ar kitur.

    Pagrindinė informacija apie poziciją skelbiama darbo skelbimų portale cvbankas.lt:

    Skelbimas CV banke

    Kandidatai kviečiami siųsti savo CV su motyvaciniu laišku elektroniniu paštu info@rtolithuania.com iki gegužės 16 d.

  • Three Innovative Environmental Research Projects Selected for Funding in Joint RTO Lithuania Initiative

    Three Innovative Environmental Research Projects Selected for Funding in Joint RTO Lithuania Initiative

    The Association of Research and Technology Organisations (RTO Lithuania) is pleased to announce the selection of three collaborative research projects under the 2025 Pilot Research Projects call. The initiative, launched by the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Lithuanian Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), and Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI), aims to foster innovative inter-institutional research addressing key national and societal challenges.

    All three selected projects focus on environmental technologies and will receive funding of €30,000 each, with €10,000 allocated to each participating research group. The projects were evaluated based on research novelty, relevance, feasibility, and potential for future development.

    BACTOALGRO: Enhancing Bacteria-Algae Interactions for Plant Growth

    The highest-scoring project focuses on investigating how electroporation and plasma-activated water can enhance bacterial-algal consortia to promote plant growth naturally. This innovative approach aims to develop sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers by optimizing microbial traits that support plant health and nutrient uptake.

    The research will be led by Dr. Shervin Hadian (LAMMC), Dr. Voitech Stankevič (FTMC), and Dr. Mindaugas Milieška (LEI), combining expertise in microbiology, plant physiology, and advanced microbial enhancement technologies.

    BAGEO-HM: Biofuel Ash Geopolymers for Water Treatment

    The second-ranked project addresses two environmental challenges simultaneously: reducing biofuel ash waste and removing heavy metals from wastewater. The research team will synthesize geopolymers from biofuel ash and evaluate their capacity to remove zinc and copper ions from simulated wastewater.

    The project will be conducted under the leadership of Dr. Kristina Bunevičienė (LAMMC), Dr. Sandra Stanionytė (FTMC), and Dr. Šarūnas Varnagiris (LEI), combining analytical, structural, and materials science expertise.

    PLASTRO: Modeling Microplastic Transport in Plants

    The third selected project takes an innovative approach to microplastic research by creating a model to analyze how secondary microplastics from textile fibers migrate through plant vascular systems. Using microfluidic technology, the researchers will develop a plant vessel system model to observe and analyze microplastic movement.

    This interdisciplinary research will be led by Dr. Gintarė Šidlauskaitė (LAMMC), Dr. Justas Šereika (LEI), and Dr. Julija Pupeikė (FTMC), bringing together expertise in plant physiology, fluid dynamics, and materials analysis.

    All three projects demonstrate the value of collaborative, interdisciplinary research in addressing pressing environmental challenges. The research is expected to produce high-impact scientific publications and potentially lead to patent applications or larger-scale national and international research projects.

    The projects will commence in May 2025 and run for 12 months, with results expected to contribute significantly to sustainable agricultural practices, waste management solutions, and understanding of microplastic pollution in the food chain.

  • Networking Opportunities for Innovators in Photonics Field!

    Networking Opportunities for Innovators in Photonics Field!


    We are thrilled to announce that on 3rd of July, we will be co-hosting the Photonics4Agrifood sessions in the EKOAgrITech forum-exhibition organized by our Association Members LAMMC.

    Event webpage (EN)

    As part of this event, we are organizing a Pitching Session and Matchmaking Time with end-users and investors. This is a unique opportunity to introduce your ideas, showcase your innovations, and expand your network between researchers, end-users, and startups of the agriculture sector!

    To secure your spot as a presenter (and demonstrator) please register till 15th of May: Registration form

    We look forward to welcoming you in Lithuania – the country of agriculture and innovations!