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.
Opening the event, Dr. Ingrida Prigodina Lukošienė, Vice Director for Studies at VU LSC, expressed her joy at the graduates’ achievements, emphasizing their outstanding results. She highlighted the exceptional motivation of this class, which undoubtedly reflects a strong academic mindset. Dr. Prigodina Lukošienė expressed confidence that the knowledge acquired would not only serve as a solid foundation for the graduates’ future careers but also contribute to the dissemination of the Life Sciences Center’s studies and accomplishments.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the congratulatory speech by Professor Edita Sužiedėlienė, Vice-Rector for Research. As the founder and advocate of the Molecular Biology study program, she reminded the audience that this day is not only a significant academic achievement but also a moment to cherish for a lifetime. She encouraged the graduates to remember not only the joyful moments but also the challenges they overcame during their studies and to maintain strong connections with their classmates. Professor Sužiedėlienė emphasized that the Molecular Biology program has been running for over a decade and has already produced nearly 200 graduates. According to her, molecular biology is the foundation of life sciences—discoveries in DNA and RNA have paved the way for groundbreaking research, and today, science progresses not in decades but daily, constantly surprising us with new findings. She wished the graduates a bright future both in their personal and professional lives, encouraging them to embrace lifelong learning, explore new opportunities, and shape their own inspiring stories.
Dr. Arvydas Lubys, Director of the Life Sciences Center, also addressed the graduates:
"The place I came from is Thermo Fisher Scientific, where I worked as Senior Director of Research and Development. In this role, I had the opportunity to collaborate with students from five different universities and various study programs. I can assure you—you have made the right choice. Your peers, both current Molecular Biology students and alumni, have been highly valued. Over all these years, we have never had any doubts about their preparation. This only confirms that you are stepping into the world with a strong scientific foundation. Believe in yourselves—you are capable of achieving great things, whether you pursue a PhD, a career in business, or another field. Trust in your abilities—your opportunities are limitless."
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Ieva Bakutytė emphasized that this day marks not only the completion of their master's studies but also the beginning of a new chapter. She recalled the years filled with challenges and discoveries, which shaped not only their scientific knowledge but also their perseverance and determination to achieve their goals. According to her, science never stands still, and graduates become a part of it—not just keeping pace but creating new opportunities. She expressed gratitude to the faculty, family, and colleagues for their support and encouraged her fellow graduates to step boldly into the future:
"May our journey be filled with new discoveries and success."
The celebration concluded with a musical performance by Vilnius University organist Vidas Pinkevičius, adding a special sense of grandeur to the ceremony. With diplomas in hand, the graduates set out to embrace new challenges—undoubtedly, they will become an integral part of the future scientific and innovation community.
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