Category: Uncategorized

  • 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!

  • RTO Lithuania Co-Hosts Successful Cross-Regional Collaboration Workshop in Agrifood Sector

    RTO Lithuania Co-Hosts Successful Cross-Regional Collaboration Workshop in Agrifood Sector

    RTO Lithuania, in partnership with Photonics Bretagne and the European Technology Platform Photonics21, successfully co-hosted the “Cross-regional Collaboration Workshop in the Agrifood/Agriculture sector” on March 20, 2025. The event brought together stakeholders from agriculture and photonics sectors across multiple European regions (including France, Italy, Poland, and Lithuania) to foster innovative collaborations and develop strategic R&D initiatives. 

    The workshop was designed to identify common regional challenges in agriculture and agrifood sectors while exploring how photonics technologies could address these challenges through cross-regional collaboration. Dr. Linas Eriksonas from RTO Lithuania and Dr. David Méchin from Photonics Bretagne led the event, which featured presentations from agricultural clusters and photonics technology providers.

    “This collaborative event aimed to spark innovative ideas and co-create strategic plans for R&D cooperation between regions in one of our most critical sectors – Agriculture & Agrifood,” said Eriksonas. “By bringing together experts from both domains, we create a win-win opportunity to match technological capabilities with real-world agricultural challenges that are relevant to all of us.”

    The workshop featured presentations from several key organizations:

    Agriculture/Agrifood Clusters:

    • Vegepolys Valley (France) – a national cluster with over 600 members focused on the plant sector
    • Agrobio Cluster coordinated by UNIMOS (Poland) – representing 73 members across the agri-food value chain
    • Coldiretti, a major farmers’ organisation in Italy

    Photonics Technology Providers:

    • Photonics Bretagne (France) – offering expertise in spectroscopy, imaging, and lidar technologies
    • PPTF (Polish Technological Platform on Photonics) – specializing in photonics and microelectronics
    • RTO Lithuania – bringing together national RTOs, including the Center for Physical Sciences (FTMC)

    During the interactive brainstorming session, participants identified several key agricultural challenges where photonics technologies could provide innovative solutions:

    1. Crop Monitoring and Management
      • Growth monitoring and plant nutrition assessment
      • Precision agriculture technologies for optimized fertilizer use
      • Water quality monitoring and improved water use efficiency
    2. Quality Control and Food Safety
      • Quality assessment of fresh products
      • Detection of food fraud
      • Improved traceability systems for consumer awareness
    3. Disease and Pest Management
      • Early detection of plant diseases and pests
      • Automated inspection and control systems

    The discussions highlighted the potential of various photonics technologies, including spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging, multi/hyperspectral technologies, and laser applications in addressing these agricultural challenges. The workshop established a clear roadmap for future collaboration that will result in the Strategic Plans to be presented to regional authorities by mid-June 2025, potentially leading to funded cross-regional initiatives.

  • 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.