Scientists from Vilnius University's (VU) Life Sciences Center (LSC) have discovered a unique way for cells to silence specific genes without cutting DNA. This groundbreaking research, led by Prof. Patrick Pausch and published in the journal Nature Communications, reveals a new way to silence genes akin to pressing a "pause" button on specific genetic instructions within cells.

On November 15 (Friday), Vilnius University will host a distinguished guest – Swedish biochemist, member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, former Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry, and Professor of Theoretical Chemistry at Uppsala University, Johan Åqvist. The prominent biochemist will lecture at the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center (Saulėtekio al. 7, Room R401) at 15:00 titled “How Enzymes Adapt to the Cold?”

The Life Sciences Center (LSC) Electoral Commission, following point 15 of the Statute of the Institute of Biotechnology of Vilnius University’s Life Sciences Center, has registered Dr. Rokas Abraitis as a candidate for the position of Director of the Institute of Biotechnology (IBT) at the LSC.

The name of Lithuania resounded at ‘iGEM’ (International Genetically Engineered Machine) – an international prestigious competition of synthetic biology held in France. From 23 to 26 October, the ‘Vilnius-Lithuania iGEM’ team, competing in the finals for the tenth consecutive year, ranked among the top ten teams and won the Best Biomanufacturing Project Award.

This summer, students from Vilnius University’s Life Sciences Center had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge at the international “BalticSeaBioMed 2024“ summer school held in Seili, Finland. The event gathered thirty students from Denmark, Lithuania, Finland, and Sweden, who explored key fields of biomedical science, participated in hands-on sessions, and learned about career opportunities in the biomedical field.

The Electoral Commission of the Life Sciences Center (LSC), following the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center Director Election Procedure, paragraph 15, and having received the decision of the LSC Council regarding the compliance of candidates for the LSC Director position with the established requirements, has registered the following candidates:

Eimina Dirvelytė, a PhD student at Vilnius University's Life Sciences Center, won a prize in special competitive session at the international conference "Translational Research: Bridging Gaps, Improving Lives," which marked the opening of VU Medical Science Center. The young researcher presented her research idea aimed at developing a therapy for the rare genetic disorder Sanfilippo syndrome and was awarded the top prize from the Future Biomedicine Fund – 2,000 euros.

We would like to remind you that the competition for the position of Director of the Institute of Biotechnology (BTI) at the Life Sciences Center is ongoing, and applications can be submitted until October 31 at 3 PM.

On October 2–4, the EMBO "Project Management" training took place, where 15 researchers from diverse disciplines enhanced their project planning and implementation skills.

On October 4 of this year, Vilnius University’s (VU) Faculty of Medicine (MF) and the Life Sciences Center (LSC) hosted the international conference Translational Research: Bridging Gaps, Improving Lives to celebrate the opening of the VU Faculty of Medicine's Medical Science Centre.

The Student for a Day initiative invites you to step into the shoes of a student from October 21 to 25, 2024. Mark your calendars, as registration commences on October 7, and you will have the opportunity to participate in this immersive academic experience.

Algirdas Žalimas has defended his thesis entitled "Molecular and clinical prognostic indicators of kidney cancer" for the degree of Doctor of Science in Biology.