Miglė Kalvaitytė-Repečkė has defended her thesis entitled "Development and Application of Genetic Tools to Investigate the Role of Tcf21 in Heart Regeneration" for the degree of Doctor of Science in Biology.

On August 19, Karen Feinberg, an international expert in innovation and entrepreneurship, developing global partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, visited the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center (VU LSC). She was welcomed by Julius Gagilas, Deputy Director for Business Cooperation and Infrastructure.

Vilnius University (VU) has acquired two large remote solar power plants and installed rooftop photovoltaic systems on 19 university-owned buildings in Vilnius and Šiauliai. These VU-operated solar power plants will generate up to 5,600 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually, covering about one-third of the university’s yearly electricity consumption. Along with the green electricity that VU has been purchasing from an independent supplier for the past five years, this step contributes to implementing the university’s strategic climate neutrality plan.

Modified nucleotides enable the creation of more stable, precise, and effective genetic tools, such as CRISPR systems or mRNA vaccines. These compounds not only improve molecular performance but also reduce immune responses in the body, making them highly valuable in medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Genome editing is one of the fastest-growing areas of modern biotechnology. Its capabilities are already transforming medicine and agriculture, and even enabling the revival of extinct animal species. However, effective and safe genome editing requires careful verification of the 'gene scissors' being used.

Earlier this year, Rokas Bertašius, a student at Vilnius University Life Sciences Center (VU LSC), was selected among the ten most talented students from Lithuania to participate in an internship at the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) research centers. This is a unique opportunity – Lithuania is one of the few countries that has signed an intergovernmental agreement with NASA, allowing its students to participate in this prestigious international program. These internships, aimed at gifted students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), provide a close-up experience of cutting-edge space technologies and a chance to contribute to real, vital international projects that undoubtedly impact the future of humanity. Thus, the sixteen-week internship at NASA became a significant professional step for Rokas and an inspiring personal journey.

Povilas Barasa has defended his thesis entitled "Adipose Stem Cell Secretome and Bioprinted Tissues: Potential Treatments of Urethral Fibrosis" for the degree of Doctor of Biochemistry.

Ingrida Zelionkaitė has defended her thesis entitled "Exploring the Relationships between Hormonal Contraceptives and Emotional Functioning: a Psychophysiological Approach" for the degree of Doctor of Science in Biophysics.

Vilnius University (VU) has solemnly concluded another academic year. During the traditional Finis anni academici ceremony held at VU’s St. Johns’ Church, distinguished members of the academic community were honored, awards were presented for outstanding scientific achievements, and symbolic memory diplomas were ceremonially bestowed upon members of the VU community who were persecuted and expelled during totalitarian regimes. A moment of silence was held to commemorate VU students, staff, and seniors who passed away during the academic year.

The EMBO Young Scientists’ Forum (EYSF) brings together young scientists (doctoral and postdoctoral) to engage with colleagues from across the continent and share their findings and interests with its interdisciplinary audience. It also features networking and presentations from renowned research leaders in the life sciences, who gather each year in a different European city represented in EMBO’s vast network.

On June 26, the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center (VU LSC) welcomed the President of Sorbonne University (France), one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world – Prof. Nathalie Drach-Temam – along with a delegation of experts representing various fields, including politics, economics, literature, computer science, and myology.

Enrika Celitan has defended her thesis entitled "Evaluation of the properties and delivery potential of Saccharomyces cerevisiae L-BC-1 virus-derived nanoparticles" for the degree of Doctor of Science in Biochemistry.