Our Doctoral Candidates: Pioneers in Research

On 28 November, the Geological Society of Lithuania held its general meeting. Dr. Jonas Satkūnas, a geologist at Nature Research Centre, was re-elected as the chairman of the society for a new three-year term. Congratulations and best wishes for success!

We are delighted and proud that this year the title of Honorary Member of the Geological Society of Lithuania is awarded to Birutė Poškienė, Director of Nature Research Centre’s Museum of Minerals, for her many years of educational activities and the guidance of society, especially young people – both schoolchildren and students – on the paths of knowledge about the Earth’s depths.

Congratulations!

 

Photos by Augustas Uktveris and Violeta Pukelytė

Our Doctoral Candidates: Pioneers in Research

On 26 November, Aurelija Žuolytė and Matas Gavenauskas, doctoral students from NRC Laboratory of Mycology, together with Rūta Urbonaitė, a student at Vilnius University, who has internship at NRC Laboratory of Mycology, delivered oral presentations at the 14th International Conference of Young Scientists “The Young Scientists for Advance of Agriculture” (AGRISCI 2025).

The conference brought together young scientists from various countries to discuss innovations in agriculture, biology, biotechnology, and environmental protection. Presentations by representatives of Nature Research Centre revealed current trends in mycological research and their importance for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem protection.

We are delighted with the active participation of our young scientists in the international scientific community and wish them every success in continuing their research!

On 27 November, the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences hosted the 18th Lithuanian Young Scientists Conference “Biofuture: Perspectives in Natural and Life Sciences,” which annually attracts promising researchers from across the country.

The event was officially opened by the President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, Acad. Jūras Banys, and welcoming speeches were given by Acad. Limas Kupčinskas and Dr. Edita Šmergelienė. The plenary presentations covered highly topical issues: Acad. Sonata Jarmalaitė presented the genetic factors of longevity and the directions of research in this field, and Prof. Tomas Lapinskas introduced advanced methods of cardiac imaging.

Young scientists from Nature Research Centre who participated in the conference presented their latest research in the fields of biology, biotechnology, medicine, and geosciences. The following issues were discussed:

• research in bee microbiota and their importance for ecosystem functionality;
• potential of fungal biocontrol in combating plant pathogens; and
• search for entomopathogenic fungi in Lithuanian soils and their potential for sustainable agriculture.

These investigations reveal complex natural processes and their practical significance for agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental protection.

The Commission of the Division of Biological, Medical and Geosciences of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences awarded the following young scientists from Nature Research Centre:

• Vilija Lapinskaitė, 2nd place for the presentation “Diversity and functional potential of honeybee drones in their environment”
• Algirdas Valys, 3rd place for the presentation “The effect of essential oils on different components of the ScV-L-A totivirus”

The conference ended with lively discussions on the trends revealed by the research results and the future plans of young scientists. This was followed by an awards ceremony to honour the best speakers.

Congratulations to the winners and best wishes for continued success in their research!   

The Academician Vytautas Gudelis Commemorative Medal is not only an honour but also recognition for outstanding contributions to science and culture.

 

We are proud that Nature Research Centre’s scientists are among the award winners:

Dr. habil. Valentinas Baltrūnas in the field of quaternary geology

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julius Taminskas in the field of physical geography

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kęstutis Jokšas in the field of marine and coastal research

 

Congratulations to the winners!

Your work continues the research of Acad. V. Gudelis and creates a solid foundation for the future of natural sciences in Lithuania.

We wish you even more discoveries, brave ideas, and inspiration at every step!

Prof. Dr. Sigitas Podėnas, Director of State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Centre, participated in the 2nd Directors’ Summit of the Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities (CETAF).

This Summit continued the dialogue initiated at CETAF56 in Madrid on the increasingly dynamic role of natural history institutions. At a time when biodiversity and climate research face increasing challenges, CETAF58 focused on the importance and impact of the CETAF community and exploration of new forms of partnership and ways to respond to the needs of society.

The Summit discussed how institutions can take the lead in important areas such as the Nature Restoration Regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, where biodiversity expertise is essential.

The insights shared during the event contributed to the development of new perspectives and solutions – from cooperation with the private sector and involvement of financial institutions to the strategies for protecting collections and preserving knowledge in conditions of social and political instability. All of this once again highlighted the role of our institutions as bridges between science, society, and governance.