On 12 March, the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center welcomed Aliasger K. Salem, Vice President for Research at the University of Iowa and Bighley Endowed Chair Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.
Prof. Salem is an internationally recognised expert in nanotechnology, drug delivery systems, gene therapy, and vaccine development. His visit to VU LSC was part of a business exchange programme with Delta Biosciences, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the life sciences sector.
During the visit, Prof. Salem met with representatives of VU LSC, including Director Dr. Arvydas Lubys, Advisor for International Relations Prof. Eglė Lastauskienė, Deputy Director for Business and Infrastructure Dr. Julius Gagilas, and Head of Marketing and Communications Kristina Černiauskienė. The meeting focused on introducing the centre’s research activities and exploring opportunities for new partnerships.
Following discussions with the center’s administration, Prof. Salem met with several VU LSC scientists. Prof. Linas Mažutis presented his work on semi-permeable capsule technologies used for single-cell research. Prof. Daumantas Matulis introduced his research in biothermodynamics and drug design, while Prof. Rima Budvytytė discussed ongoing studies on lipid-based nanoparticles, lipid membranes, and their interactions with proteins. Despite the brief visit, the meetings led to initial discussions on potential joint projects, with scientists identifying several areas for future collaboration.
Prof. Salem noted that the United States is interested in strengthening scientific partnerships with Lithuania. His visit marked an important first step towards building potential cooperation between VU LSC and the University of Iowa in the fields of life sciences and biomedical innovation.