On December 19, Vilnius University (VU) hosted a grand festive evening titled “Farewell to 2024”. During the event, the most significant accomplishments of the calendar year were highlighted, and members of the VU academic community who achieved outstanding success, including representatives of the Life Sciences Center (LSC), were honored.
The evening also featured heartfelt wishes for the upcoming New Year. Attendees were greeted by VU Rector Prof. Dr. Rimvydas Petrauskas, Senate Chair Prof. Dr. Eglė Lastauskienė, former VU Council Member Česlavas Okinčicas, and the newly elected Council Chair Dr. Marius Jurgilas.
This autumn marked the historic launch of a competition at VU that recognized significant contributions to open science. Open science is a movement that encompasses all scientific outputs and aims to enhance transparency, reproducibility, reliability, and accessibility across all stages of scientific activity. One of the prizes was awarded to LSC representative Dr. Saulius Gražulis.
The newly elected VU Council was also introduced during the evening. Acknowledgments were given to nine 2019–2024 VU Council members who will not continue in the new term. Among them, LSC representatives Dr. Eglė Radzevičienė and Dr. Aurelija Žvirblienė were recognized for their significant contributions.
From the Life Sciences Center, the following individuals were honored with the Rector's Science Award for remarkable scientific achievements in 2024:
- Habil. Dr. Saulius Klimašauskas,
- Dr. Giedrė Tamulaitienė.
For notable scientific contributions in 2024, the Rector's Award for Young Scientists was presented to:
- Senior researcher Dr. Mantas Žiaunys.
The Best LSC Lecturer of 2024 Award was granted to:
- Dr. Irena Nedveckytė.
Performances from the VU Song and Dance Ensemble dancers and Drama Theater actors enhanced the evening's mood. A ballet solo was performed by Alina Jazdauskytė, while J. E. Grigaliūnaitė delivered a vocal performance. The event was hosted by VU Drama Theater actors Monika Wolynec and Kipras Šivickas, with choreography by Agnė Rickevičienė and Aušra Krasauskaitė. The VU Chamber Orchestra String Quartet and accordionist Adrianas Pikis provided music. Edgaras Vegys crafted stage decorations, and Felicija Feiferė directed the event.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |