Tag: Centre for Physical and Technological Sciences (FTMC)

  • Explore Transdisciplinary Research Opportunities in Lithuania

    Explore Transdisciplinary Research Opportunities in Lithuania

    RTO Lithuania recently hosted a dedicated information event bringing together 70 researchers from the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI), the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), and the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC). Together, these institutes represent key research sectors in energy and sustainability, agriculture and forestry, environmental sciences, advanced materials, physics, chemistry, and high-tech engineering.

    The event aimed to promote transdisciplinary research, strengthen collaboration across institutions, and position Lithuania as an attractive destination for high-level researchers seeking to work at the intersection of science, innovation, and societal impact.

    For RTO Lithuania, the event marked an important step in actively engaging the national research community and encouraging researchers to think beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. Participants were introduced to the Association’s mission, strategic priorities, and instruments designed to support ambitious research ideas that connect physical, technological, environmental, and life sciences.

    MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships as a Gateway to Research Careers in Lithuania

    A key focus of the information event was the presentation of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PF) as a strategic opportunity for attracting excellent researchers to Lithuania. RTO Lithuania highlighted MSCA PF as an important tool for supporting individual research careers while strengthening institutional collaboration and international mobility.

    Researchers from LEI, LAMMC, and FTMC were introduced to the main features of the MSCA PF scheme, including its emphasis on scientific excellence, researcher-driven project ideas, intersectoral and interdisciplinary approaches, and international experience. The discussion focused on how Lithuania’s research institutions can act as strong host organisations, offering access to advanced research infrastructures, complementary expertise, and supportive research environments across the following fields:

    • energy systems,
    • agri-food and forestry,
    • climate research,
    • materials science,
    • photonics and optoelectronics, and
    • other emerging technologies.

    The event also encouraged researchers to consider MSCA PF as a mechanism for building long-term collaboration between Lithuanian institutions and international research networks, while contributing to the development of transdisciplinary research topics aligned with national and European priorities.

    Connecting Institutions and Supporting Future Collaborations

    By bringing together researchers from LEI, LAMMC, and FTMC, the information event fostered dialogue on potential joint supervision, shared research agendas, and coordinated support for MSCA PF applications. RTO Lithuania emphasised its role in facilitating these connections and supporting researchers throughout the proposal development process.

    Beyond research opportunities, Lithuania offers an attractive living environment for international researchers, combining a high quality of life, affordable living costs, vibrant cities, rich nature, and a safe, family-friendly society with a growing international community.

    Are you currently working or studying abroad and close to completing your PhD? Have you considered returning to—or coming to—Lithuania for your next career step? If you are interested in developing your own research idea within a strong transdisciplinary environment, RTO Lithuania invites you to explore MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunities at LEI, LAMMC, or FTMC until 15th of June. The proposal submission deadline for MSCA FP is on 09.09.2026. If you have any questions, you can easily find our contacts in the contact section.

    Connecting Research. Transforming Society.

  • RTO NEXUS CALL is now open!

    RTO NEXUS CALL is now open!

    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 an annual joint call for pilot research projects. This year it is coming under a new name RTO NEXUS CALL. The initiative aims to foster the interdiscplinary and cross-institutional collaboration between three RTO members in addressing key national and societal challenges for a sustainable, climate-resilient and secure society. Check the call information here:

    RTO NEXUS CALL 2026
    2026 RTO LT Nexus kvietimas

    The call offers funding of up to €30,000 per project (€10,000 for each research group). 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.

    We invite you to prepare for this call and meet us and other participants in a matchmaking event that will take place on February 27th at 10 am – 1 pm at the LEI premises, address Breslaujos 3, Kaunas. During the event, you will have the opportunity to:

    • get acquainted with RTO activities and current NEXUS call,
    • hear success stories and lessons learned from previous years,
    • establish direct contacts for potential collaboration,
    • learn about the competencies and infrastructure of the laboratories.
    Registration: matchmaking event

    We believe this event will be a great opportunity to find suitable partners and initiate new interinstitutional project activities. Please register for the partnership matchmaking event till 21st of February.

    2026 RTO NEXUS CALL documents:

    REGULATIONS_EN
    APPLICATION FORM_EN
    FINANSAVIMO SĄLYGOS_LT
    PARAIŠKOS FORMA_LT

    Contact persons:

  • RTO Lithuania Showcases Interdisciplinary Research and Funded Projects at the LAMMC National Scientific Conference

    RTO Lithuania Showcases Interdisciplinary Research and Funded Projects at the LAMMC National Scientific Conference

    Last week, the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC) hosted a national scientific conference that attracted strong interest from the research community, policymakers, practitioners, and farmers, focusing on sustainable soil management, climate-smart agriculture, and applied environmental research.

    For the first time, RTO Lithuania participated in the conference not only by presenting its mission and activities, but also together with interdisciplinary research teams that were implementing projects funded through the Association activities. This joint participation highlighted RTO Lithuania’s role as a national platform connecting research excellence across institutions and disciplines.

    During the conference, RTO Lithuania introduced its mission to connect research and transform society by fostering collaboration between leading Lithuanian research institutes and accelerating the translation of scientific knowledge into solutions addressing societal, environmental, and economic challenges.

    RTO-Funded Interdisciplinary Research Projects

    As part of the poster session, RTO Lithuania showcased four interdisciplinary research projects, implemented jointly by its member organisations and funded through the Association’s internal competitive calls:

    PACE – Drone-Based Remote Detection of Gas Leaks
    The PACE project addresses critical infrastructure safety by exploring the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for detecting gas leaks from pipelines. The project integrates modelling expertise from the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI), field experimentation by LAMMC, and sensor technologies developed at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC). Key objectives include the development of UAV flight-planning algorithms and the validation of mathematical models predicting gas dispersion under varying climatic conditions.

    BioDenEta – Bioethanol Potential of Hybrid Tree Clones
    BioDenEta focuses on dendrometric analysis and chemical characterisation of Populus hybrid clones to assess their suitability for bioethanol production under Lithuanian climatic conditions. Implemented jointly by LEI and LAMMC, the project involves detailed chemical analyses of wood samples from 109 hybrid clones using thermogravimetric analysis and calorimetry to estimate their bioenergy potential.

    PLASTRO – Microplastics in Plant Systems
    The PLASTRO project investigates the transport of microplastics within plant systems using advanced microfluidic modelling. Addressing growing global concerns about microplastics entering the food chain, the project represents a cutting-edge intersection of physical and biological sciences, with contributions from FTMC, LEI, and LAMMC.

    Application of ¹³C and ¹⁵N Isotope Methods to Study Biological Nitrogen Fixation and Soil Carbon Sequestration
    This project was an outstanding example for sucsessuful collaboration in the year of 2024. It applies stable isotope techniques to investigate nitrogen fixation in leguminous crops and to assess soil carbon sequestration potential. The research provides valuable insights into nutrient cycling processes and the role of agricultural systems in climate change mitigation.

    Strengthening Collaboration and Looking Ahead

    By participating in the conference, RTO Lithuania reinforced its role as a trusted platform for interdisciplinary research, dialogue between science and practice, and collaboration across institutional and sectoral boundaries. The event also enabled direct engagement with stakeholders from agriculture, forestry, and environmental management, creating opportunities for future joint initiatives and applied research partnerships.

    Later this week, RTO Lithuania will announce a call opening for this years interdisciplinary research ideas competition under a new name RTO NEXUS. The upcoming call will invite research teams to develop ambitious, cross-disciplinary project ideas addressing key societal challenges. Registration details will be published soon.

    Connecting Research. Transforming Society.

  • RTO Lithuania expert Dr. Rasa Pauliukaitė appointed Chair of the Board of the Futuria Scientia Association

    RTO Lithuania expert Dr. Rasa Pauliukaitė appointed Chair of the Board of the Futuria Scientia Association

    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.

  • Lithuanian Light-Based Technologies Open New Paths for Stratospheric Research

    Lithuanian Light-Based Technologies Open New Paths for Stratospheric Research

    The stratosphere plays a vital role in protecting Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation and stabilising the climate, yet many of its processes remain poorly understood. Now, Lithuanian researchers are contributing to efforts to monitor this important atmospheric layer more precisely.

    We are proud that RTO Lithuania expert and FTMC physicist Dr Dovilė Čibiraitė-Lukenskienė is developing compact terahertz (THz) sensors designed to analyse the composition of stratospheric gases. Operating in the 2–5 THz frequency range, the sensors can detect unique spectral “fingerprints” of gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and ozone, providing detailed insight into atmospheric changes linked to climate change.

    Unlike existing bulky and expensive instruments, the new sensors are designed to be installed in the next-generation lightweight spectroscopy systems that will be suitable for deployment on scientific balloons, enabling measurements at higher altitudes in the stratosphere. This European project is being developed in collaboration with partners from the German Space Agency, the University of Leeds, and the Technical University of Munich.

    The full article by Simonas Bendžius:

    Full article

    Funded by the European Union (Project 101244503 – AtSpecTS). The views and opinions expressed are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.

  • RTO Lithuania Participates in the joined Lithuania–Poland Summit for Life Science & Biotech Ecosystems

    RTO Lithuania Participates in the joined Lithuania–Poland Summit for Life Science & Biotech Ecosystems

    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.

  • 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 Dr. Shervin Hadian (LAMMC), Dr. Voitech Stankevič (FTMC), and Dr. 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 Dr. Gintarė Šidlauskaitė (LAMMC), Dr. Justas Šereika (LEI), and Dr. 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.

  • 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.