Tag: Project

This year’s RTO NEXUS call attracted an unprecedented level of scientific engagement: over 80 researchers from across the three institutes submitted project proposals addressing nationally important scientific and societal challenges. Following a rigorous evaluation process based on scientific excellence, societal impact, and implementation feasibility, three transdisciplinary projects have been selected for funding. Each winning project will receive up to €30,000 in funding and will be implemented over a period of up to 12 months, with research teams drawn from all three member institutes.

Winning Projects

SUNROOT

How can decommissioned solar modules create new value in agriculture? The SUNROOT project addresses this question by transforming end-of-life photovoltaic modules into innovative hydroponic growing substrates using advanced plasma-based technologies. Rather than accumulating in landfills, solar module waste will be repurposed into a sustainable, soil-free solution for plant cultivation. The project is led by Dr. Gediminas Kudirka, Dr. Vilma Snapkauskienė, and Dr. Vidas Pakštas, each heading interdisciplinary research teams at their respective institutes.

AgroBioCel

The AgroBioCel project investigates the biosynthesis of bacterial cellulose (BC) structures using agricultural by-products as substrate materials, and examines how bioactive components in these waste streams influence the functional properties of the resulting BC structures. Bacterial cellulose is a high-potential biopolymer material with established and emerging applications in biomedicine, food technology, textile engineering, and beyond. By integrating agricultural waste into BC biosynthesis, AgroBioCel contributes to the sustainability of agricultural and food value chains while reducing food waste and energy consumption. The project is led by Dr. Žaneta Rukuižienė, (FTMC) Dr. Lina Dėnė (LAMMC), and Dr. Inna Pitak (LEI), each heading interdisciplinary research teams at their respective institutes.

SolarBioImpact

The SolarBioImpact project investigates the state of ecosystems and plant biodiversity within the territories of solar power parks. Based on empirical findings, the project will develop practical, evidence-based recommendations for solar park maintenance practices that actively support and enhance local biodiversity. The project is led by Dr. Valda Gudynaitė-Franckevičienė (LAMMC), Dr. Ieva Uogintė (FTMC), and Dr. Mantas Marčiukaitis (LEI), each heading interdisciplinary research teams at their respective institutes.

RTO Lithuania (Research and Technology Organisation Lithuania) is a national network of scientific research and technology organisations dedicated to strengthening Lithuania’s research ecosystem, promoting international competitiveness, and fostering innovation-driven collaboration between science and society.

The Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) hosted an RTO NEXUS matchmaking session, bringing together researchers from the Lithuanian Research and Technology Organisation Network (RTO LT) members to build concrete pathways for inter-institutional and interdisciplinary collaboration. 
The session was opened by Dr. Andrius Tamošiūnas, Deputy Director of the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI), who welcomed participants and highlighted the strategic value of cooperation for developing competitive project pipelines and strengthening talent development across shared thematic areas.
During the event, the RTO NEXUS call was presented, outlining its purpose and rationale. NEXUS (Latin for “connection”) reflects the core idea of the call: connecting complementary strengths across the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI), the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), and the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), so that excellent research ideas can move faster from joint pilot work to scalable solutions. By linking infrastructures, expertise, and perspectives, the network increases the likelihood that strong concepts translate into measurable societal and economic value and mature into competitive national and international R&D&I proposals, including Horizon Europe.
The programme also featured success stories demonstrating the value of this collaboration model. Prof. Arūnas Stirkė (Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, FTMC), Dr. Justas Šireika (Lithuanian Energy Institute, LEI), and Dr. Monika Toleikienė (Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, LAMMC) shared how joint pilot research in jointly developed topics helped attract new projects and talents.
Participants also visited LEI’s key research infrastructure, including the Center for Hydrogen Energy Technologies, the Laboratory of Combustion Processes, the Plasma Processing Laboratory, and the Laboratory of Heat-Equipment Research and Testing, where LEI researchers presented ongoing research activities and capabilities, highlighting potential collaboration entry points.
The session confirmed that this collaboration format is highly relevant and still holds significant untapped potential for future initiatives.

Apply for the call here:

Some moments from the event:

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.

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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.

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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.

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: Rasa Kulvietienė
  • +370 613 68 925 | rasa@rtolithuania.com
• LAMMC: Monika Vilkienė
  • +370 622 64 633 monika.vilkiene@lammc.lt
• LEI: Agnė Bertašienė
  • +370 374 01 865 | agne.bertasiene@lei.lt
• FTMC: Jogaila Mackevičius
  • +370 663 02433 | jogaila.mackevicius@ftmc.lt

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.