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!
