On 19 June 2026, an important step was taken in the Lithuanian scientific community – the Conference of Directors of Lithuanian Scientific Research Institutes (LIMIDA) was officially established. The new association brought together the leaders of 11 state scientific research institutes with a common goal of strengthening the scientific community, fostering inter-institutional cooperation, and representing the interests of Lithuania’s research institutions more efficiently.
The Nature Research Centre (NRC) together with other leading institutes of the country: Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC) and Centre for Innovative Medicine (IMC) are among the founders of LIMIDA.
This alliance marks a new stage in institutional cooperation aimed at strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and responding more effectively to the challenges in the modern world. The Nature Research Centre views this partnership as a significant boost for the country’s scientific community.
One voice in science policy
The establishment of LIMIDA opens a possibility of integrating fundamental research into decision-making in state-governance and economy. Dr. Edita Sužiedėlienė, Director of NRC, comments on the establishment of LIMIDA:
“State scientific research institutes are among the most important participants in Lithuania’s science and innovation ecosystem, generating new knowledge, technologies, and innovative solutions to meet the needs of society and the state. The establishment of the association provides an opportunity to represent the interests of the institutes more efficiently, to participate more actively in the formation of the country’s science and innovation policy, and to contribute even more significantly to the strengthening of Lithuania’s progress, competitiveness, and international visibility.”
What it means for new generation researchers
For a new generation of researchers, doctoral students and innovators, the establishment of LIMIDA signals the creation of a more dynamic, open and internationally competitive research environment. It is not merely a formal status but also a practical platform which will:
- promote networking – making it easier for young researchers to go beyond the boundaries of a single institution and to carry out joint projects at the intersection of natural sciences, physical sciences, technology, and medicine;
- enhance international visibility – joint representation of the institutes can increase Lithuania’s potential to compete for funding from “Horizon Europe” and other international foundations;
- give more weight to the voices of young scientists – unified representation gives reason to hope that the needs of young researchers will be better heard during the formation of the national science policy.
The Nature Research Centre invites the community to actively engage in the new opportunities offered by LIMIDA and to work together to develop the future of science in Lithuania.
Photos of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry
