On 11 May, Prof. Dr. habil. ALGIMANTAS GRIGELIS (born 11 May 1931), Academician of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, a distinguished figure in Lithuanian science, geologist, paleontologist, historian of science, holder of the Lithuanian Science Prize and the Juozas Dalinkevičius Prize, as well as of the Cross of Officer of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, Honorary Member of the International Commission on the History of Geological Sciences and of the Geological Society of Lithuania, and a long-time employee of the Institute of Geology and Geography, celebrated his 95th birthday.
A formal ceremony in honour of the Academician was held at the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences on 11 May, during which the most significant events of the scientist’s life were highlighted, his academic work was reviewed, and his latest book “Ketvirtoji trikampio briauna” (The Fourth Edge of the Triangle) was presented. The honouree also delivered a presentation on research into planktonic foraminifera (Protozoa, Foraminifera). During the event, congratulations and best wishes were expressed by the President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, scientists from various fields, academics, employees of geological institutions and companies, the board of the Ignotas Domeika Society, former colleagues, friends, and even locals from Utena.
Professor’s impressive achievements in scientific research attest to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to science, for which he has received numerous Lithuanian and international awards. The scientist’s list of works includes more than 850 scientific articles published in international journals, which have left a significant mark on research in Lithuanian geology, paleontology, and the history of science, while his scientific insights have expanded the boundaries of global knowledge.
To this day, Professor continues to impress with his creativity, original ideas, and organizational skills. He organizes and actively participates in the activities of the geological community. Thanks to him, a working group of experts from the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (2016–2025) examined the issues related to the stability of the slopes of Gediminas Castle Hill in Vilnius and the restoration of the Upper (Vytautas) Castle complex, and a team of authors prepared and published a monograph “Gedimino miestas ir jo kalnas (Gediminas’ City and Its Hill) (2025), which summarizes the latest historical, geological, archaeological, and engineering research, examines historical development, and addresses the issues of preservation. In 2025, a group of experts led by Academician A. Grigelis published a monograph titled “Lietuvos žemės gelmių turtai” (The Subsurface Resources of Lithuania), the digital version of which is now available to readers (https://www.lma.lt/knygos). Also published this year is the professor’s book “Ketvirtoji trikampio briauna”, which chronicles the research, discoveries, expeditions, and life of geologist and paleontologist Algimantas Grigelis, as well as the role of science in his life.
We congratulate Academician Algimantas Grigelis on this distinguished anniversary and wish him good health and creative inspiration as he continues his significant work!
Greetings from the LAS President and academicians: Naujienos – Lietuvos mokslų akademija
