The Museum of Minerals has added 13 exceptional exhibits to its collection, brought by collector Vykintas Matuzevičius from Kaunas.

The museum’s collection was enriched with a stunning druse of salt crystals from the Rudna Mine in Poland. Because of the unique proximity of copper ore and rock salt, these crystals are characterized by an exceptional green colour.

The already great agate collection—the only one of its kind in Lithuania—was expanded with 12 new specimens. These agates come from the African continent: from sites in Malawi and Morocco (Asni, Kerrouchen, Sidi Rahal, Zaer Zaiane, Ahouli, Agouim), which are world-renowned and highly valued by collectors for the unique colours and patterns of the minerals. The museum also received one large specimen from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. The agates found in this region are considered among the most colourful and valuable in the world. Their layers of different colours twist and intertwine, creating intricate patterns resembling openwork lace, which is why they are called lace agates.

V. Matuzevičius has donated a total of 1,163 exhibits to the Museum of Minerals, the majority of which are agates from various parts of the world.

On 7 April, the first event of the newly re-established Micropaleontological Research Group of Micropaleontological Society (TMS) was held remotely. It was led by a representative of the group, Dr. Darja Dankina, a paleontologist from Nature Research Centre, together with a colleague from Poland, Dr. Przemysław Świś. The training session focused on the digitization of microfossils and 3D fossil modelling using various methods. The event received a lot of positive feedback. It was attended by many society members from four different continents: South and North America, Asia, and Europe.

We wish Darja success in continuing to develop the  group’s activities!

Yesterday, the dome of Vilnius Castles hosted the launch of the book “Gedimino miestas ir jo kalnas” — an event where history, science and the city’s living memory came together.

The book is not the work of a single author but a collaborative effort by a team of professionals. Experts from various fields—geologists, historians, and researchers—have combined their knowledge and experience to reveal what has been newly understood about the area of the Vilnius castles over the past decade.

The book was presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Šarūnas Skuodis and Dr. Jonas Satkūnas.

Dr. Šarūnas Skuodis is a researcher who is actively involved in studies of Gediminas Hill and the Vilnius Castle complex; his work has made a significant contribution to our understanding of how this unique hill formation came into being, what processes affect it today, and what measures are needed to preserve it.

Dr. Jonas Satkūnas is a researcher at Nature Research Centre, one of Lithuania’s most prominent specialists in engineering geology, a member of the Vilnius Castles Reserve Council, and a long-time researcher whose work is closely tied to the condition of Gediminas Hill and the issues regarding its stability. His presentation “The Origin of the Vilnius Castle Hill” offered a geological perspective on this site, helping us understand how it formed and why it looks the way it does today.

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From 29 June to 5 July 2026, Vilnius will host the 23rd Conference of European Association of Vertebrate Palaeontologists (hybrid format)—the most important international scientific event in this field in Europe. The conference will feature scientific presentations, poster sessions, a workshop, discussions, and an exhibition of palaeontological art.

The conference will bring together scientists, researchers, and students from around the world who are working in the fields of vertebrate evolution, palaeontology, and ancient ecosystems. This is the first time this prestigious event is being held in Lithuania, so it will significantly contribute to the country’s scientific visibility on the international stage and strengthen Lithuania’s image as an academic hub.

Prof. Dr. (HP) Edita Sužiedėlienė is taking office as the Director of State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre. She was selected through a competitive process for a five-year term.

The new director emphasizes that in the near future she will focus primarily on strengthening the Centre’s role both nationally and internationally by expanding its research capacity and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Edita Sužiedėlienė holds a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences and is a Professor at the Institute of Biosciences, Vilnius University Life Sciences Centre. She has served as Vice Rector and Pro Rector for Research at Vilnius University and completed research fellowships at academic and research institutions in Sweden, France, and the United States.

Dr. E. Sužiedėlienė’s research achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards—the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Grand Duke Gediminas, Vilnius University Rector’s Science Prize, and Vilnius University Rector’s Award for the Best Lecturer.

The community of Nature Research Centre extend warmest congratulations to Prof. Dr. (Hon.) Edita Sužiedėlienė and wish her every success in her new role!

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On 26 March, Utena hosted the 9th International Scientific and Practical Conference “Aspects of Sustainable Development: Theory and Practice,” at which scientists from NRC Laboratory of Nuclear Geophysics and Radioecology delivered an oral presentation “Measurements of Technogenic and Natural Radionuclides in the Vicinity of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant.” Conference participants were introduced to the history of the Lithuanian nuclear facility and the methods and results of monitoring its environmental impact for the period 2018–2025.

Postdoctoral researchers working at our institution represent a new generation of scientists who boldly raise important questions and seek innovative solutions. We take pride in their professionalism, dedication, and contribution to high-level research, carried out in close collaboration with highly competent and experienced academic supervisors from the Centre, who ensure the focus, quality, and excellence of the research. These efforts strengthen both the national and international research landscape.

The projects is funded by the Research Council of Lithuania and implemented in 2024–2026.