Vilnius University Life Sciences Center

We are thrilled to announce that bioinformatics researcher Dr. Migle Gabrielaite has been awarded the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship – one of the European Commission's top grants for early-career researchers. Her project will be conducted at Vilnius University's Life Sciences Center (VU LSC). 🌟 After completing her studies in Copenhagen and gaining valuable experience in the USA, Dr. Gabrielaitė returned to her hometown of Vilnius and her alma mater. This fellowship not only acknowledges her extensive research efforts but also provides a unique opportunity to tackle pressing and complex scientific challenges. We will invite you to read an interview with Dr Miglė Gabrielaitė shortly! #VilniusUniversity #LifeSciencesCenter #MarieCurieFellowship #ResearchFunding

As part of the Horizon Europe #PANERIS project, researchers from VU Life Sciences Center, Poland, and Portugal visited IDIBAPS to strengthen collaboration and exchange knowledge on advancing brain health research. Together, they're driving innovation and promoting excellence in the neurosciences across Europe. European Research Executive Agency (REA) European Commission Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) #PANERIS #HorizonEU #ResearchImpactEU #EUInnovation #EUresearch #lifesciences #neurosciences #vilniusuniversity #VULifeSciencesCenter #IPPAS #IFPAN #FMUL #IDIBAPS #CLÍNIC-#IDIBAPS

This year marks two significant milestones in molecular biology – the 50th anniversary of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and 5 years since Lithuania joined this prestigious international research organization. To commemorate these occasions, a special symposium will take place on December 2nd at the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. The event will highlight Lithuania’s advancement in molecular biology and showcase EMBL's achievements, bringing together international scientists and notable guests, including EMBL Director General Prof. Edith Heard. The program will also feature a fragment of unique exhibition combining high-resolution images from the EMBL Imaging Centre and artworks created by Lithuanian schoolchildren, bridging the worlds of science and art together. Read more about the event here: https://shorturl.at/9SHuT #vilniusuniversity #lifesciencescenter #EMBL50 #celebration

Last week, Vilnius University and the VU Life Sciences Center had the privilege of hosting Johan Åqvist, a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and professor at Uppsala University. Professor Åqvist delivered an insightful lecture on "How Do Enzymes Adapt to Cold?" in which he explored the fascinating principles behind the cold adaptation of enzymes in unique ectothermic species. Following the lecture, Professor Åqvist had the opportunity to explore LSC's research initiatives and infrastructure, and engage in fruitful discussions about potential future collaborations. Read more about this engaging event here https://shorturl.at/ytHZ9 #VilniusUniversity #LifeSciencesCenter #UppsalaUniversity #ColdAdaptation #EnzymeResearch #ScientificLecture

We are excited to announce that Dr. Arvydas Lubys has been elected as the new Director of the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center (VU LSC) during today’s Council session via a secret vote. Dr Lubys will assume his role upon approval by the VU Rector. In a competitive election, Dr. Arvydas Lubys was elected as the new Director of the LSC, with Dr. Vytautas Smirnovas and Prof. Sonata Jarmalaitė also among the candidates. During public debates, Dr Lubys shared his vision for enhancing management efficiency, implementing clear strategic plans, and mobilizing resources to strengthen the Center’s operations. He also emphasized structural integration across institutes and the adoption of best practices in business management to support LSC’s growth and impact. Dr Lubys has an impressive career spanning research and leadership. After graduating from Vilnius University’s Faculty of Natural Sciences in 1986 and earning his doctorate in 1997, he held key positions at the Institute of Biotechnology and UAB "Fermentas." His tenure at UAB "Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics" included roles such as R&D Director for Molecular Biology Business and Senior Director. Currently, Dr Lubys is a member of the Board of the Lithuanian Research Council and serves as Chairman of the Knowledge Economy Forum Council. #VilniusUniversity #LifeSciencesCenter #Leadership

The Life Sciences Center (LSC) had the honor of hosting a delegation from Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), led by the head of its Biopharmaceutical Unit, alongside LithuaniaBIO president Tomas Andrejauskas. Dr Vytautas Smirnovas, Director of the Institute of Biotechnology, welcomed the guests and presented LSC’s core activities and achievements, sparking insightful discussions about future synergies. The visit continued with a tour of LSC’s state-of-the-art laboratories, where Dr Giedrius Sasnauskas shared his groundbreaking research and emphasized potential areas for collaboration. This meeting underscored the importance of global partnerships in advancing biopharmaceutical research and innovation. #VilniusUniversity #LifeSciencesCenter #Biotechnology #ResearchCollaboration #GlobalPartnerships #Taiwan #Lithuania #CollaborationMatters

This year marks a significant milestone for Lithuania: five years as a proud member of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)! Why does this matter? EMBL is a global leader in molecular biology research, fostering groundbreaking science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and access to cutting-edge technologies. For Lithuanian researchers, it’s an opportunity to contribute to addressing critical challenges like public health and climate change while advancing our nation’s scientific potential. On December 2, Vilnius will host a special event celebrating EMBL's 50th anniversary and Lithuania's 5th year as a member. The event will feature EMBL Director General Prof. Edith Heard, distinguished scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders. Attendees will also experience an inspiring exhibition where science and art converge. Curious about how EMBL membership is shaping Lithuania’s scientific future? Find out more in the article: https ://shorturl.at/bPhvs #LifeSciencesCenter #VilniusUniversity #EMBL5 #ScienceForFuture #ResearchInnovation #LithuaniaInScience #GlobalCollaboration #MolecularBiology

Exciting news from Vilnius University Life Sciences Center! We are proud to present “The RNA Code: From Fighting Viruses to Perfect Genes” – a remarkable new book authored by our talented scientists. This engaging book offers a deep dive into the pivotal role of RNA molecules in essential life processes – shaping growth, health, and aging, while unlocking revolutionary possibilities in gene editing. By presenting clear, science-based insights, it demystifies complex topics, dispels common misconceptions, and highlights the transformative potential of genetic engineering in developing innovative treatments for previously untreatable conditions. Accessible and thought-provoking, this book is a must-read for anyone eager to understand the achievements of modern science and its capacity to build a brighter future. As co-author Dr. Miglė Tomkuvienė describes: "Every person has their own RNA collection. Are you breathing? Do you feel your heart beating? (...) Well, there you have it—you’ve just met your RNA.” Authors: Dr. Miglė Tomkuvienė, Miglė Štitilytė, Milda Mickutė, Gytis Dudas, Ingrida Olendraitė, and Giedrius Gasiūnas.

On 15 November, as Lithuania celebrates its first ever Philanthropy Day, we are delighted to announce a remarkable donation from philanthropists Irena and Algirdas Juozapavičius. In a powerful gesture of generosity, they have donated €1.3 million to Vilnius University's endowment fund, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come.   A significant part of this donation has been earmarked to establish the Mantvydas Juozapavičius Named Subfund in honour of their late son. In addition, €100,000 has been specifically allocated to the Vilnius University Life Sciences Centre sub-fund, the Prof. Algis Petras Piskarskas sub-fund and other key endowment initiatives. This dedicated support for the Life Sciences Center will enable cutting-edge research, foster scientific innovation and strengthen the Center's role in advancing global health and life sciences.   Learn more about the profound impact of the Juozapavičius family's generosity here https://shorturl.at/r0Ocv #VilniusUniversity #LifeSciencesCenter #Philanthropy #MantvydasJuozapavičius #SupportEducation #VUFoundation #ResearchSupport #MecenatystėsDienaLietuvoje

We would like to remind you about the #PANERIS workshop and encourage you to participate! Registration is open until 21 November https://lnkd.in/dTzBUwGj