On the 29th of May in Vilnius, RTO Lithuania took part in the EIC Info Day in Lithuania, organised by the European Innovation Council together with the Research Council of Lithuania (LMT) and the support of the Lithuanian National Contact Point (NCP).
The event brought together key ecosystem stakeholders and featured participation from Stéphane Ouaki, Head of EIC Department at the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency. RTO Lithuania Director Rasa Kulvietienė participated in the roundtable discussion alongside other ecosystem representatives.
A key message from the discussion: Lithuania has strong scientific excellence, but still untapped potential in EIC programmes — now is the time to step up ambition.
During the event, the EIC Pathfinder programme was presented as part of the programme dedicated to researchers, highlighting its role in supporting early-stage, high-risk research, and enabling the transition from scientific discovery to breakthrough innovation. RTO experts were actively involved across the Info Day programme, as reflected in the official agenda:
Tadas Tumėnas, Head of the Lithuanian RDI Liaison Office in Brussels (LINO), moderated the session “Exploring technology transfer strategies and best practices”.
Dr. Irmantas Kašalynas, Head of the Terahertz Photonics Laboratory at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), contributed as a speaker in the same session, sharing insights on technology transfer from the applied research perspective.
RTO Lithuania encourages its members — FTMC, LAMMC and LEI — as well as the broader research community, to actively engage in EIC Pathfinder calls and strengthen Lithuania’s position in the European innovation landscape.
On the 9th of April, RTO Lithuania participated in the Ivy+ Career Day — an international virtual career fair that brought together more than 600 participants and connected talents from the top universities with employers and research organisations worldwide.
The event marked an important step in strengthening RTO Lithuania’s visibility in the international talent landscape and in positioning Lithuania as an attractive destination for researchers and innovation professionals.
Three leading Lithuanian research institutes joined under the RTO Lithuania umbrella
For the first time, all three major Lithuanian research institutes within the RTO Lithuania network presented career opportunities to an international audience together:
Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC)
Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC)
Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI)
The initiative was conceptualised and led by Agnė Perednė, RTO Lithuania’s talent attraction and retention expert. Coordination and representation support was provided by Rasa Kulvietienė, together with institute representatives Lina Mikoliūnaitė, Wanessa de Cássia Martins Antunes de Melo, Birutė Frercks, and Monika Incerytė.
Why Lithuania is attractive for international research careers?
During the event, RTO Lithuania highlighted key reasons why Lithuania can be a strong choice for international researchers:
A safe and stable environment, supported by strong international partnerships (European Union, NATO, OECD);
Strong access to Horizon Europe and broader European Union research funding opportunities;
Opportunities for faster career progression and meaningful impact;
Practical relocation and onboarding support for international researchers;
A growing innovation ecosystem and high quality of life;
Competitive work–life balance, including up to 40 days of annual leave (depending on role and institution);
Modern research infrastructure, strong teams, and supportive administration that helps researchers focus on science.
Valuable connections and next steps
Although this was RTO Lithuania’s first participation in the Ivy+ Career Day, the individual conversations and new connections demonstrated strong interest in research career opportunities in Lithuania. The candidates we met stood out for their motivation and clear interest in international career pathways. RTO Lithuania will continue to strengthen the international visibility of Lithuania’s research institutes, expand partnerships, and build a clear and attractive pathway for talent considering a move to Lithuania. More information about the RTO Lithuania network and career opportunities is available at rtolithuania.com.
RTO Lithuania was proud to participate in the annual FizTech conference of the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) – a key event bringing together researchers, policymakers and innovation leaders to discuss the latest advances in science and technology.
This year’s conference highlighted research across strategically important fields for Europe, including defence technologies, quantum technologies, advanced materials, laser science, renewable energy and climate-related research. These discussions reflect how scientific excellence is increasingly connected with resilience, sustainability and technological sovereignty.
During the conference, RTO Lithuania presented results from interdisciplinary projects funded through the RTO collaboration framework, demonstrating how cooperation between leading Lithuanian research institutes accelerates impactful science.
Among the projects showcased: • PLASTRO – Investigation of microplastics transport in plant systems using microfluidic modelling (FTMC, LEI, LAMMC). • ¹³C and ¹⁵N isotope methods research – advancing knowledge on biological nitrogen fixation and soil carbon sequestration, supporting climate-smart agriculture and nutrient cycle research.
We are also proud that our RTO expert dr. Dovilė Čibiraitė-Lukenskienė presented her work on optoelectronics applications for gas spectroscopy, as part of a European MSCA PF funded AtSpecTS project contributing to the scientific dialogue with atmosphere research.
Events like the FTMC conference clearly demonstrate the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, where teams across various institutes combine expertise to address complex challenges — from energy transition and sustainable agriculture to quantum and defence technologies.
Congratulations to the FTMC community for organizing such an inspiring event and celebrating outstanding scientists.
RTO LT continues to reinforce its position in the innovation ecosystem by strengthening its Experts Advisory Board — bringing together seasoned professionals from research and related innovation fields.
We are pleased to welcome dr. Šarūnas Varnagiris to RTO Lithuania as an Expert on Hydrogen Energy Technologies.
Šarūnas is the Head of the Hydrogen Energy Technologies Center at the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI). He brings strong research expertise and a solid track record in energy and hydrogen related topics, including work on green hydrogen production and CO2-free hydrogen production. His leadership and experience will strengthen our expert network and support the development of high impact collaborations across Lithuania and Europe.
We also welcome Agnė Perednė to the RTO Lithuania team as our new Expert for international talent attraction and retention!
Building a strong pool of global researchers is vital for the future of our institutes. Agnė brings experience across higher education, the public sector, and business consulting – expertise that will be invaluable to the institutes we represent. We look forward to working together to make Lithuania a top destination for world-class talent!
By expanding and empowering our Experts Circle, RTO LT demonstrates its commitment to quality, professional growth, and delivering measurable impact across sectors. We welcome you both to the RTO Lithuania community!
RTO Lithuania is pleased to announce that Dr Rasa Pauliukaitė, a chemist at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), has been appointed Chair of the Board of the Futuria Scientia Association.
Dr. Pauliukaitė is a recognised expert in nanotechnology and materials chemistry, with extensive experience in national and international research and innovation initiatives. She represents Lithuania within the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO) MedTech Working Group, contributing to European-level discussions on emerging technologies for healthcare, medtech innovation, and research policy development.
Her professional achievements have also been recognised at a national level. Dr. Pauliukaitė was nominated for the Global Lithuania Awards 2021 for bringing a new research direction to Lithuania, focused on advanced electrochemical biosensors and their application in health technologies.
In her new role as Chair of the Board, Dr. Pauliukaitė will focus on strengthening the mission and visibility of the Futuria Scientia Association, enhancing dialogue with science policy stakeholders, and encouraging stronger engagement of Lithuanian scientists worldwide in national and international initiatives.
RTO Lithuania welcomes this appointment and values the leadership of high-level experts within its network who actively contribute to the development of Lithuania’s research, innovation ecosystem.
RTO Lithuania took part in the Lithuania–Poland Life Science & Biotech Ecosystems Summit held on 27th of November in Vilnius—an important regional event bringing together key stakeholders from research, innovation, and industry. We extend our appreciation to LithuaniaBIO for the invitation and for organizing this valuable initiative aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration.
During the session Technology Transfer & Academia–Industry Collaboration, RTO Lithuania representative Dr. Paulina Štrimeikytė (LAMMC) highlighted the essential role that Research and Technology Organizations play in the innovation ecosystem. These include:
fostering interdisciplinarity,
shaping science and innovation priorities,
acting as reliable partners in cross-border research and innovation projects.
In another session, RTO expert Dr. Arūnas Stirkė (FTMC) shared insights on interdisciplinary cooperation and contributed to the panel discussion “How can Lithuanian–Polish collaboration accelerate biotech startups to global markets?”
A clear message emerged from the discussion:
Only well-structured cooperation between academic institutions, RTOs, technology transfer offices, and industry can create the critical mass required to tackle complex societal challenges and drive innovation at scale.
By connecting scientific expertise, research infrastructures, and innovation capabilities across borders, Lithuania and Poland can unlock opportunities and achieve results that would be unattainable individually.
RTO Lithuania welcomes RTOs, research institutes, universities, and innovation-driven companies across the region to collaborate with us in joint project development and consortium building.
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.
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.
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!
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.
