Marking the 50th anniversary of biotechnology science in Lithuania, students of the Vilnius University (VU) Life Sciences Center (LSC) received an exceptional gift – Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics donated cutting-edge research equipment and reagents worth €0.5 million. VU representatives emphasize that this is not just an investment in laboratories, but in the next generation of scientists who will develop tomorrow’s scientific solutions.
VU Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas notes that Lithuania’s modern biotechnology sector has made remarkable progress over the past 50 years and adds that continuous investment in practical student training is essential to remain internationally competitive.
“This gift from Thermo Fisher Scientific is of great value to our students – they will have the opportunity to work hands-on with the latest technologies and research methods, gain essential skills, and be better prepared for careers in the modern biotechnology sector. Achieving top results requires strong collaboration between science and business, and we are proud to have this opportunity to aim higher together,” says Prof. Petrauskas.
At the event, Minister of the Economy and Innovation Lukas Savickas emphasized that collaboration between business, academia, and the state is key to ensuring the biotechnology sector’s growth. “Biotechnology is one of the fastest-growing high value-added sectors in our country. Lithuania is home to more than 50 biotech companies, many of which export to over 100 countries, with the sector’s export value exceeding €2 billion. The government program foresees accelerated investment in this field, which is good news for the entire scientific community and the Lithuanian economy.”
Currently, over 1,000 students study at VU LSC, and most of them will have access to the new lab equipment. Thermo Fisher also supplies the teaching labs with essential reagents produced at its Vilnius facility.
According to Justas Plankis, General Manager of Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics, this investment reflects the company’s strong belief in supporting young scientists.
“High-quality education is crucial for keeping Lithuania’s biotechnology sector competitive. We consistently collaborate with Vilnius University because it is the younger generation that will create world-changing innovations,” Plankis notes.
VU continually modernizes its laboratories to ensure students work with the most advanced technologies. Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics’ support is yet another testament to the vital importance of science-business partnerships in reaching global excellence.
The 50th anniversary event of Lithuanian modern biotechnology, held on March 24 at VU LSC, brought together pioneers of the field, business and government representatives, and today’s scientists who are shaping the future of biotechnology in Lithuania. Participants had the unique opportunity to visit LSC’s laboratories – the birthplace of cutting-edge biotech innovation.
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