As cancer diagnostics continue to evolve, the ability to detect and treat the disease at an early stage is improving significantly. One of the recent groundbreaking innovations is liquid biopsy – a method that detects genetic mutations without invasive procedures. Alongside this, genetic and epigenetic research is increasingly critical in advancing cancer diagnostics and treatment.

Dear Scientists,

On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we sincerely congratulate you and express our gratitude for your significant contributions to science and innovation. This day not only highlights your exceptional achievements but also inspires young girls to pursue their goals in the field of science boldly.

To mark this special day, we share the thoughts of students from the Fotonas and Fizikos Olimpas schools, as well as the reflections of young, accomplished scientists working in the fields of physics and chemical engineering on their relationship with science and what inspires them in this journey.

On February 6, at the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, the Lithuanian Science Awards Commission announced the 2024 laureates. Half of the awards were granted to Vilnius University (VU) researchers.

Rapolas Jamontas has defended his thesis entitled "Demodification by TudS Proteins: From Individual Thionucleobases to Intact tRNA" for the degree of Doctor of Science in Biochemistry.

The establishment of the Baltic Biotechnology Hub is an ambitious initiative by life sciences and biotech organizations from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, aimed at uniting the region’s biotechnology sector and positioning the Baltic States as leaders in innovation. The Baltic Biotechnology Hub is not merely an infrastructure project but a new perspective that integrates the region into a unified innovation space. It is a place where solutions to the world’s most significant challenges are born, and a sustainable model for the future of the Baltic States is created. This initiative marks an exciting beginning, shaping the region's biotechnology sector for decades to come.

Raminta Baušytė has defended her thesis entitled "Characterization of human endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and their therapeutic application in vivo models of fertility disorders" for the degree of Doctor of Science in Biochemistry.

The Vilnius University Life Sciences Center has released another cohort of graduates from the Molecular Biology study program. The solemn diploma award ceremony, held in the historic Small Aula of Vilnius University, was a significant moment for the graduates, their families, and the academic community.

Irmantas Mogila has defended his thesis entitled "Mechanistic studies of type III CRISPR-Cas activity regulation and characterization of associated translation-inhibiting effectors" for the Doctor of Science in Biochemistry degree.

In the field of life sciences, where innovation is not only a key to success but also a necessity, new challenges frequently arise. Companies often lack not only technical or scientific solutions but also the interdisciplinary collaboration that is essential for developing biotechnology, medical devices, and other complex projects. Biohackathons, such as “Biospark – Hack the Future of Biotech,” are among the initiatives addressing these challenges. This event, held on December 2–4 at the newly opened Vilnius University Medical Sciences Center, united life sciences students, researchers, and business representatives. It was organized by The COINS 2025 and BSV Ventures, with support from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which presented one of the event’s challenges.

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the limits of the naked eye? The unique exhibition "Explore and Create: Where Science Becomes Art" hosted at the Energy and Technology Museum and organized by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University (VU) offers a fascinating glimpse into the microscopic world and reveals how science and art can merge to open the door to a whole new understanding of the world.

On December 17, 2024, the Vilnius University (VU) Small Aula hosted the solemn commitment ceremony for the newly elected University Council members, during which they affirmed their dedication to the university. Among them is Prof. Urtė Neniškytė, a newly elected member representing natural sciences disciplines such as biochemistry, geology, physical geography, paleontology, biology, biophysics, ecology and environmental science, botany, and zoology. A researcher with solid academic experience who actively participates in various scholarly and scientific projects, Dr. Neniškytė, shares how she plans to contribute to VU’s mission and development in this interview.

Laura Šiaulienė has defended her thesis entitled "Investigation of cytogenetic and epigenetic markers in lymphocytes from diabetic patients" for the degree of Doctor of Science in Biology.

The Arqus Talent Scholarship Fund opens doors for talented master’s and doctoral students worldwide, providing financial support and the opportunity to gain international experience. Among the scholarship winners announced this fall is Nino Menabde from Georgia. She has chosen to pursue a master’s degree in Neurobiology at Vilnius University’s Life Sciences Center as a recipient of the Arqus scholarship.