On 23 July, representatives of Charles River Laboratories—one of the world's leading providers of preclinical research and pharmaceutical services—visited the Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University (VU LSC) as part of a visit organized by Invest Lithuania. The delegation included Julian Demmon, Executive Vice President, Commercial, and Christos Farmakis, Chief Strategy Officer.
During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Daiva Baltriukienė, Head of the VU LSC Doctoral School, and Dr. Eglė Merkienė, Project Manager for the Development of the Life Sciences Center, introduced the Life Sciences Center, presenting its activities, study programmes, main research areas, state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and international research environment. They also highlighted opportunities for collaboration with industry, business services offered by the Center, innovations developed by VU LSC researchers, and research-based start-ups. The guests were further introduced to TRACEGET, a new competence center that brings together advanced research infrastructure and scientific expertise, providing academic and industry partners with access to cutting-edge research equipment and specialist knowledge.
The visit formed part of a broader Invest Lithuania programme during which representatives of Charles River Laboratories are meeting with key stakeholders across Lithuania's life sciences ecosystem to gain a deeper understanding of the country's scientific and innovation potential. The meeting at the VU Life Sciences Center served as an introductory visit, providing an overview of the Center's research, education, infrastructure, and innovation activities. Both sides agreed to continue the dialogue through a follow-up meeting, where potential areas for collaboration will be discussed in greater detail.