Tag: Project

  • 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:

    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.

    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:

    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.

  • 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:

    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.

  • DeepTech Entrepreneurship Toolbox: Forge Your Own Path in DeepTech

    DeepTech Entrepreneurship Toolbox: Forge Your Own Path in DeepTech

    Two-year Baltic Sea Region Interreg project – Deep Tech Entrepreneurship Launchpad (BSR DeepTech Launch) – fostering STEM entrepreneurship among students and young researchers to boost deep-tech innovation in Polish, German, and Lithuanian economies comes to an end.

    The project addressed the technology talent gap of each of the regions by creating a DeepTech Entrepreneurship Toolbox. This Toolbox equips students and young researchers with the necessary tools to explore entrepreneurship and drive innovation. It is designed to be accessible to various organizations and regions, empowering future entrepreneurs to successfully enter and thrive in the market.

    How to use the Toolbox?

    • Choose where you would like to start your business journey (Lithuania, Poland, or Germany)
    • Choose your business development stage (from blue – with no experience and no idea – to green – already having an official company)
    • Your needs (to think, learn, or act) for the next stage of the growth of your DeepTech company

    The DeepTech Entrepreneurship Toolbox for Lithuanian DeepTech Ecosystem was created in response to young researchers feedback who participated in DeepTech workshops organized by RTO Lithuania and the Lithuanian Innovation Centre (LIC) at the end of November, 2024. Survey results revealed strong knowledge gains and high satisfaction among participants but also identified gaps in practical readiness, self-study guidance, and real-life application.

    The Toolbox was therefore developed to provide a structured, accessible platform supporting continuous learning in deep-tech entrepreneurship. It offers practical resources, real-world case studies, and self-learning tools to strengthen participants’ ability to manage and grow deep-tech ventures. Building on the workshops’ proven success and high demand for ongoing support, the Toolbox ensures consistent, high-quality content and broader accessibility empowering young researchers and students across the Baltic Sea Region to forge their paths in DeepTech.

  • EKOAgrITech 2025: A Hub for Connecting Innovators and End-Users in Ecological Farming

    EKOAgrITech 2025: A Hub for Connecting Innovators and End-Users in Ecological Farming

    Akademija, Lithuania — July 3, 2025 — Despite the sweltering summer heat, EKOAgrITech 2025 brought together over 420 participants—including nearly 200 end-users—for a dynamic day dedicated to sustainable agriculture, innovation, and knowledge sharing in the heart of Lithuania.

    Hosted by the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), this year’s event embraced the theme “Sustainability starts here: from the experimental plot to every table,” offering a rich mix of research showcases, hands-on experiences, and discussions for farmers, scientists, businesses, and the public alike. The event featured 1,000 scientific research plots, precision and digital farming demonstrations, five dedicated discussion zones, and family-friendly activities—including organic product tastings and educational sessions for children.

    Main discussion “Novel physical technologies for AgriFood”: Dr. Ignas Hofmanas Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, Dr. Gintaras Brazauskas Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Saulius Daniulis Lithuania Association of Organic Farms Dangis Valaitis „Dotnuva Baltic“, Gintas Saulius Cironka Lithuanian Agricultural Advisory Service, and moderator of the discussion Raigardas Musnickas.

    Dangis Valantis, the CEO of Dotnuva Baltic UAB – one of the biggest companies for agricultural machinery and services in the Baltic states – during the main discussion said: “There’s no need to support tractor purchases, no need to wait for farming tools and equipment — we need to support smart technologies.”

    A standout moment of the day was the Photonics4AgriFood workshop, co-organized by RTO Lithuania within the framework of the Phorwards21 project that brought photonic solution providers from the whole Europe, including France, Finland, the Netherlands, and Poland. The session kicked off with an opening ceremony, followed by a compelling panel discussion on the impact of novel technologies in the Lithuanian agriculture sector. In the afternoon, presentations on novel physical technologies for AgriFood and a lively pitch and matchmaking session drew strong interest from researchers, innovators, and practitioners.

    Summarizing the matchmaking session RTO Lithuania scientific advisor Dr. Dovilė Čibiraitė-Lukenskienė stated that “Photonics4AgriFood sparked fruitful dialogue and planted the seeds for future collaborations. The session brought fresh ideas for research directions and shed light on the growing availability and capabilities of cutting-edge photonic technologies in the market.”

    As climate pressures mount and the need for sustainable solutions grows, events like EKOAgrITech serve as a vital space to connect tradition with transformation, helping stakeholders move from inspiration to implementation—one plot, one table, and one photon at a time.

  • 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.

  • 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.”

  • 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.

    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!