News

Investigating the Sugars of the Brain: Prof. Neniškytė Awarded €2M ERC Grant

2025-07-21T12:04:24+03:00

Neuroscientist Prof. Urtė Neniškytė from �۶��Ƶ Life Sciences Center (VU LSC) has secured the full €2 million available through the European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant scheme for her research project ‘Sugars Maketh the Brain: Investigating the Role of Neuronal Glycocalyx in Shaping the Architecture of Emerging Circuits (GlycoCirc)’. The project will explore how sugar structures known as glycocalyx, which are found on the surface of brain cells, contribute to the formation of neural networks, influence brain development, and may help explain what makes the human brain unique.

The overlooked sugar coating the brain

‘The GlycoCirc project looks at the sugary surface molecules, trying to understand how they guide synapse formation between neurons and how they mediate interaction between neurons and other brain cells, such as microglia or astrocytes. These molecules, known as glycocalyx, form a sugar-rich layer on the cell surface. They were largely neglected in neuroscience for decades,’ says Prof. Neniškytė.

According to her, these molecules resemble tiny ‘sugar trees’ covering the surface of brain cells. On neurons, the glycocalyx can span up to a micrometre in thickness, forming a barrier and acting as the first point of contact between a neuron and its surroundings, whether that’s another neuron or a nearby glial cell.

The Professor believes this layer plays a vital role in early brain development: ‘I strongly believe that the glycocalyx-mediated interactions are critical when new synapses are being established or when unnecessary synapses are being pruned in the developing brain, and I would like to look at this in more detail.’

A human signature written in sugar

She points out that the glycocalyx might hold clues to what makes human brains special: ‘If we look at the composition of our glycocalyx, it is important to note that it is unique to humans. We can detect differences even when compared with the closest of our relatives, bonobo chimps. Interestingly, the emergence of these human-specific genetic modifications coincides with the time when we see the accelerated development of the human brain, which indicates that these processes can be related to each other.’

Now, with the ERC funding, Prof. Neniškytė’s team will be able to pursue further research on these ideas using a wide array of advanced methods.

‘I’m really excited now to take an in-depth look into these glycocalyx effects on neuronal networks, combining the techniques that span from neurophysiology-focused methods, such as recording and imaging neuronal activity, and combining it with biochemical approaches – understanding the composition of the glycocalyx and how it changes during the development, as well as how it differs between species. I believe that these insights can reveal the distinct features of the human brain and, overall, help us understand the uniqueness of humans as a species,’ states the neuroscientist.

Stem cells and the brain

To understand what makes the human brain unique, Prof. Neniškytė’s team uses a comparative approach based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from humans and non-human primates.

The researcher explains that while conducting this type of research on living humans or non-human primates would be ethically unacceptable, iPSCs offer a powerful and sustainable alternative. These cells can be derived from minimally invasive sources such as skin biopsies or blood samples and then developed into various types of brain cells, including neurons, microglia, and astrocytes. This approach enables researchers to model complex cellular interactions in the lab, essentially creating miniature, brain-like systems from cells that regain the capacity to become any cell type in the body.

Furthermore, iPSC technology could be used in the future to explore how the deficits in glycocalyx pathways contribute to neurological disorders. Prof. Neniškytė emphasises that most conditions related to disturbed glycocalyx turnover present with a pronounced neurological phenotype.

‘Sometimes patients have only mild peripheral symptoms, but they show severe neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. My lab has already observed specific changes in the glycocalyx and its modulating enzymes in human epilepsy tissue. It seems that the composition of the glycocalyx defines neuronal excitability in both ways. For example, with some changes, you get epileptic bursts, while others don’t allow neurons to transmit signals effectively,’ says the neuroscientist.

Advancing neurobiology through global collaboration and local excellence

In addition to enabling new technologies, the ERC funding allows Prof. Neniškytė’s team to expand their expertise and attract top researchers from around the world. While it was not the case that these technologies were entirely out of reach in Lithuania, the primary limitations concerned access to advanced equipment and the availability of specialised knowledge.

‘The major qualitative impact on the research my group performs comes from the added value of the ERC grant. I hope it will help us to attract competent researchers who are the hands and the brains of the projects implemented in the lab,’ observes the ERC grantee.

She is now working on attracting two strong postdoctoral fellows – one with experience in induced pluripotent stem cells biology and another with a strong background in multi-electrode arrays; this will enable her team to investigate the activity of neurons by conducting highly detailed analysis.

The Professor sees long-term benefits in bringing such expertise to Vilnius: ‘Attracting early career researchers who were trained in the best centres in Europe or beyond, and harnessing their expertise effectively, will definitely be very important for the implementation of the project. In addition, it introduces new competences into the lab that can support other ongoing projects and further strengthen �۶��Ƶ Life Sciences Center as a whole.’

Arqus Human Chapters: Where Stories Are Meant to Be Shared

2025-07-21T08:54:08+03:00

An experience familiar to all students and researchers: You want to find out more about a topic or a person. That’s why you enter a library, take a book off the shelf and read a chapter or two to expand your knowledge. But what if there was a library where people instead of books were waiting for inquisitive people? People who are willing to behave like open books and answer open questions by recounting chapters from their lives?

This is exactly what PhD student Saumya Sadhu from the University of Graz wants to make possible together with colleagues from the universities of Granada, Lyon 1, Minho and Padua. As part of the Arqus “Human Chapters” project, online events on the topic of “Diversity at universities” are to be created in which all interested people can participate. People who study and work at universities and have experienced diversity will then be waiting for visitors in various rooms.

Tangible stories

Saumya Sadhu explains: “The aim is to enable people to learn more about the reality of life for a wide variety of people. But not through specialised lectures and theory, but directly from people who talk about their lives.” The aim is to make opportunities, problems and solutions tangible.

A platform that is here to stay

According to Sadhu, the funding of the Arqus Innovation Fund is central to the realisation of “Human Chapters”: “One thing was clear to us from the outset: we don’t want to expect our ‘chapters’ to do this without payment. That would be unfair and against our principles.”

Even though the project is only just getting off the ground, Saumya Sadhu and her team already know exactly what they want: “Our events should offer a platform where people can simply speak freely. Experiences should be shared as they were experienced. This can create a space where people can learn first-hand about the experiences of women, people of colour and queer people during their time at university.”

Human Chapters: Join in now!

The first edition of “Human Chapters” is set to take place at the end of 2025. And it won’t just be one event: “Our hope is that we can do this regularly with lots of different people.” That way, as many people as possible can learn from each other and ultimately understand each other better.

Anyone who would like to become a “Human Chapter” themselves and report on their own experiences at one or other event can contact Saumya Sadhu () and become an open book themselves.

Intercultural Dialogue: Arqus Language Centre Directors Gathered at the University of Granada

2025-07-18T11:19:25+03:00

Language centre directors from eight Arqus universities and one associate partner met in Granada from 25 to 27 June to focus on the topics of culture and management during their network meeting titled “Bridging cultures and leading change in university language centres: Intercultural and language workshop series for the plurilingualism module”.

The meeting began with a welcome session and an atmospheric evening tour of the Alhambra, Granada’s world-renowned historic palace and fortress. The next day was dedicated to intercultural awareness, with an insightful session led by Maria José Pérez from the University of Granada’s Language Centre. Participants explored key cultural concepts such as the three levels of culture and the distinction between low-context and high-context cultures. These themes will be developed further in future Arqus Plurilingual Hub workshops.

On the second day, Professor Andrés Navarro delivered a session on business models and strategic planning for university language centres. His presentation focused on building institutional vision, generating added value, and strengthening leadership practices.

Professor Roma Kriaučiūnienė from �۶��Ƶ, who took part in the meeting, described the event as both meaningful and necessary. “The interactive lectures and practical workshops were immensely valuable, as were the discussions on intercultural cooperation led by Maria José Pérez from the University of Granada’s Language Centre,” she said.

She emphasised how important it is to foster students’ cultural sensitivity: “We were reminded of the need to continuously nurture students’ awareness of cultural differences – to help them recognise and respect these differences. This is the foundation of smooth and respectful communication in any multilingual and multicultural environment.”
The professor also noted that many of the ideas presented during the event will be reflected in upcoming seminars organised by the Arqus Multilingual and Multicultural Centre.

Reflecting on Professor Navarro’s contribution, she added: “His insights into language centre management models, strategies, and vision were both inspiring and practically useful. Many of his ideas can be creatively applied across the varied management contexts of our Arqus universities.”

This was the seventh meeting of the Arqus Language Centre Directors, and the group plans to meet again next year.

What Can Sinkholes Tell Us About Our Planet’s Future?

2025-07-15T14:46:59+03:00

What causes the Earth to suddenly collapse beneath our feet? Can geophysics help us predict – and perhaps even prevent – natural disasters? These are just some of the fascinating questions explored in the latest episode of the Arqus Knowledge Pills podcast with special guest Professor Djamil Al-Halbouni, expert in Applied Geophysics and Remote Sensing at Leipzig University.

In this episode, Professor Al-Halbouni guides us through the invisible forces shaping our landscapes – from sinkholes in the Dead Sea region to erosion in Bronze Age archaeological sites. Drawing on his international research experience and innovative use of numerical simulation, remote sensing and fieldwork, he explains how water-related processes such as subsidence and collapse can reveal urgent insights into both our past and future environments.

The conversation also highlights his recent Arqus course in the Granada Geopark, where students explored how geophysical methods connect natural history with cultural heritage. Geoparks offer unique learning opportunities that bridge science, sustainability and storytelling.

Professor Al-Halbouni also discusses the social impact of natural hazards on vulnerable communities – especially those living along the receding shores of the Dead Sea. He reflects on the potential of new technologies, including AI and satellite data, to support early-warning systems and more resilient planning strategies.

You can listen to the episode here.

From Vilnius to Granada: VU Team Addresses Climate Change Through the Arqus International Programme

2025-07-15T14:30:20+03:00

Programme participants. Photo credit: University of Granada

At the beginning of this year, the Arqus Alliance launched a call for applications for the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) based on challenge-based learning. Professor Egidijus Rimkus from the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences at �۶��Ƶ (VU) and six VU students seized this opportunity to join the programme. Participants explored the causes and consequences of climate change, examined potential solutions, and looked into ways to strengthen climate resilience.

The programme was based on a hybrid learning model, combining remote lectures, a challenge-based collaborative research project, and in-person meetings at the University of Granada. “It was a valuable experience – I would recommend it to everyone, whether they are students or teaching staff. The activities were well-organised, timely, structured, and meaningful,” said Prof. Rimkus.

Solving climate issues through interdisciplinary cooperation

According to the Professor, one of the VU team’s key strategies was to ensure interdisciplinarity by selecting students from different fields and faculties: “Topics such as climate change, market dynamics, or social issues are highly interdisciplinary and require a variety of perspectives. That’s why we aimed to include students from different VU faculties; it’s the only way to take a truly holistic view of global challenges. And it worked – the students tackled issues beyond a single discipline's boundaries.”

The six VU students represented political science, law, sociology, geography, and pharmacy. This diversity enriched discussions by introducing multiple perspectives and deepening theoretical as well as practical understanding of climate-related challenges.

During the week-long session at the University of Granada, students attended lectures that covered the links between health, environmental protection, and climate change. They discussed the importance of rare earth elements in technologies used to combat climate issues. “We had a very intensive week, with classes running all day – from morning to evening. The students worked in international teams, tackled issues, shared ideas, and proposed solutions. It was an exciting and valuable experience,” added the Professor.

From scientific theory to practical sustainability solutions

One of the participants – Miglė Kapliukaitė, a student from the VU Faculty of Medicine – highlighted that the project not only deepened the participants’ academic knowledge but also introduced them to practical initiatives: “Together with lecturers and students from Poland, Portugal, and Spain, we explored topics related to climate change. In Spain, we visited a company working on innovative physical solutions and the largest vegetable supplier in Europe, which operates on sustainable business principles – their vegetables can often be found in Lithuanian stores, too.”

According to the pharmacy student, one of the most valuable aspects was the intersection of different disciplines: “Discussing climate issues from so many different angles was incredibly engaging.”

At the end of the programme, the students completed a creative task – a presentation on Vilnius as a green capital. “In our final assignment, our team analysed the sustainability-related challenges still relevant in Vilnius and identified areas where significant progress could be made. We also looked at examples of best practice and reviewed successful solutions already being implemented in the city,” said Gabija Bakutytė, a student at the VU Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences.

Both personal and academic experience

According to geology student Gabija Bakutytė, the programme provided valuable insights and lasting memories: “Participating in the Arqus programme gave me some of the best memories – it deepened my knowledge and broadened my perspective. It was an incredibly enriching opportunity to attend interesting lectures on scientific topics, engage in discussions, meet new people, and get to know the host country through guided excursions and personal exploration. Ultimately, I returned home with many unforgettable moments and new friendships.”

Prof. Rimkus noted that the experience was meaningful on both an academic and personal level for all participants. He emphasised that students remained highly motivated throughout the programme: “The students were truly engaged – not only did they complete the assignments, but they also later integrated them into their studies. One student even chose her final thesis topic based on what she experienced and learnt during the programme. It mattered to them – not just as a professional subject, but as something personally meaningful.”

The Arqus Alliance consistently develops its international mobility programmes for students and academic staff alike. These initiatives offer opportunities to gain interdisciplinary knowledge, collaborate with international teams, and analyse pressing societal challenges. “I would strongly recommend the Arqus programmes to anyone looking for broader opportunities,” said Gabija Bakutytė, urging other students to make the most of what the University has to offer.

�۶��Ƶ to Host World University Theatre Congress Next July

2025-07-11T06:05:29+03:00

On July 8–13, 2026, �۶��Ƶ (VU) will host the XIII World Congress of the International University Theatre Association (AITU-IUTA). This significant international event will gather leading university theatre scholars, researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts globally.

Under the theme “University Theatre in the Time of Global Challenges”, the Congress invites participants to explore how university theatre responds to urgent contemporary issues, from the climate crisis, political instability and war to artificial intelligence and the impact of the pandemic. Through creative practice and critical inquiry, university theatres play a vital role in addressing these challenges within academia, fostering dialogue and renewal of ideas.

Building upon its more than 400-year tradition of student theatre, VU is honoured to provide the setting for this global conversation. The Congress will feature high-level academic presentations, expert discussions, and an International University Theatre Festival showcasing performances by troupes from around the world.

We invite theatre scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students to submit their proposals for papers, demonstrations, and workshops, and/or to present theatre performances at the International University Theatre Festival.

Detailed information regarding proposal submission guidelines, deadlines, and the Congress and Festival can be found on the official Congress website.

The XIII World Congress of the International University Theatre Association (AITU-IUTA) in Vilnius is organised by the �۶��Ƶ Culture Centre in collaboration with AITU-IUTA.

Volunteer as a Tutor for the Arqus Language Dives

2025-07-10T08:30:50+03:00

Before the next edition of the Arqus Café and on the occasion of the European Day of Languages, the Plurilingual Hub organises a special event to learn new languages: the Arqus Language Dives.

On 26 September, we will offer a dive into several languages so you can get familiar with a new language (A1). You will learn how to introduce yourself in this language and be able to have a mini conversation by the end of the session.

The Arqus Language Dives will be an opportunity for participants to take part in an Arqus Café for a language that they have no prior knowledge of. Sessions will last 45 minutes. As many languages as possible will be offered in different time slots so participants can choose what they are more interested in.

We are looking for volunteers who would like to offer a language that they speak as their first language. Please register by 30 July at the latest.

Join the 2nd Phase of the Arqus MoVEs Student Virtual Exchanges

2025-07-10T07:12:23+03:00

Are you heading abroad next semester? Or perhaps you’re interested in intercultural experiences while still deciding whether to apply for an international exchange?

The 4th edition of the Arqus MoVEs virtual exchange programme is currently taking place, with the second module set to begin in just a few days.

If you are a student preparing for an international mobility experience in the first semester of the 2025/26 academic year and have not yet signed up, don’t miss this opportunity to take part in the second module. The programme is also open to those who haven’t studied abroad yet, but are keen to connect with others in an intercultural and multilingual setting.

To Strengthen Competencies in the Field of Semiconductors, VU Researchers and Students Visited Taiwan

2025-07-09T06:13:07+03:00

Last week, five professors and 12 students from the Faculty of Physics at �۶��Ƶ (VU), together with colleagues from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) visited Taiwan. Over the course of ten days, a total of 24 Lithuanian representatives took part in a visit focused on fostering academic and research cooperation in the field of semiconductors.

“We familiarised ourselves with the latest trends and advancements in semiconductor technologies, taking part in academic courses and visiting leading universities, industrial companies, and research laboratories. One of the highlights was the Crystal Growth Centre at National Cheng Kung University, which plays a pivotal role in advancing laser technologies. This experience significantly deepened our expertise and further strengthened international collaboration. We are grateful to National Sun Yat-sen University for leading this initiative,” said Prof. Aidas Matijošius, Dean of the Faculty of Physics at VU.

The delegation visited the National Centre for Instrument Research, the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute, the Taiwan Space Agency, industrial companies, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). Students had a unique opportunity to attend lectures by Taiwanese university professors alongside students from various institutions. Colleagues exchanged academic experiences with students studying in Taiwan and the researchers teaching there.

“The warmth and generosity of the Taiwanese people were truly remarkable, and their openness and dedication left a lasting impression. Our counterparts in Taiwan provided detailed insights into academic processes, the equipment they utilise, their various applications, and the specific areas of research they support. Seeing the equipment in continuous use – even throughout the night – was inspiring. I feel fortunate to have gained firsthand experience of this country’s scientific, academic, and cultural landscape,” said Prof. Vytautas Jukna.

Prof. Tadas Malinauskas noted the strong collaboration between Taiwanese universities and the semiconductor industry: “Industrial companies support the establishment of laboratories, commission research projects, and offer placements to students for internships of various durations.”

Prof. Robertas Grigalaitis highlighted the demanding journey Taiwan undertook to become a global leader in the semiconductor sector: “Achieving excellence in this field required overcoming considerable challenges, acquiring specialised knowledge abroad, and maintaining an extraordinary level of commitment. Today, Taiwan’s foremost companies operate continuously, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.”

A reception was held at Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Eric Huang, former head of the Taiwanese representative office in Lithuania and now Director General of the Department of European Affairs. He noted that in recent years, cooperation between Taiwan and Lithuania has made significant progress not only in terms of democratic support but also in economic and technological matters. Reflecting on the similarities and challenges faced by both countries, the diplomat expressed hope that the bond between Vilnius and Taipei will continue to grow stronger.

Taiwan is one of the few countries in the world that leads in the semiconductor sector and possesses the entire production chain, from integrated circuit design and chip manufacturing to testing and packaging.

VU has been strengthening its ties with Taiwanese higher education institutions for several years. Students are participating in academic exchange programmes in Taiwan. This spring, a delegation from National Cheng Kung University visited the Faculty of Physics.

Researchers from the VU Faculty of Physics aim to strengthen Lithuania’s position in the semiconductor ecosystem. Together with partners, they are establishing two international semiconductor competence centres. In April, Lithuania’s Ministry of Education, Science and Sport approved the creation of the Terahertz and Hybrid Semiconductor Chip Centre. Previously, the European Commission awarded the highest rating to the “ChipsC2-LT” project, jointly implemented by �۶��Ƶ, the Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology, VILNIUS TECH, and Kaunas University of Technology.

Prof. A. P. Piskarskas’ Family Has Allocated an Additional 200,000 euros to His Endowment Sub-Fund

2025-07-09T04:58:38+03:00

Prof. Algis Petras Piskarskas. E. Blažys/LRT

Prof. Algis Petras Piskarskas’ (1942–2022) family contributed an additional 200,000 euros to the named endowment sub-fund in May and July of this year. After this significant philanthropic contribution, the value of the sub-fund dedicated to supporting laser physics science reached 800,000 euros.

Since the sub-fund’s establishment in April 2023, it has received broad support from the physics community. The laser and laser systems manufacturing company “Light Conversion” and the family of Reda and Alvydas Žabolis each contributed 100,000 euros; the family of Irena and Algirdas Juozapavičius donated 200,000 euros; and the largest contribution—400,000 euros—was made by the Piskarskas family.

To honour one of Lithuania’s most prominent scientists, known as the father of Lithuanian lasers, the investment income from the sub-fund, along with targeted support, provides annual Named Prof. A. P. Piskarskas scholarships for talented laser science students at the �۶��Ƶ Faculty of Physics:

• Scholarship for the best bachelor’s thesis (2,000 euros);

• Scholarship for the best master’s thesis (3,000 euros);

• Postdoctoral Fellowship (20,000–35,000 euros).

In 2024, the first named Postdoctoral Fellowship was awarded – Dr Balys Momgaudis became the laureate. In 2025, Scholarships for the best bachelor’s theses were awarded to Antanas Butkus and Ūla Marija Lauciūtė, and for the best master’s thesis to Simona Armalytė.

Prof. A. P. Piskarskas made a significant contribution to the development of Lithuanian laser science and industry, actively developed the high-tech development strategy, and was concerned with the international competitiveness of the country’s laser industry. His achievements continue to inspire new generations of talents in laser physics.

Call for Papers: European Jewish Studies and the Challenge of Digital Humanities

2025-07-08T11:40:35+03:00

The Centre for Eastern European Jewish History at �۶��Ƶ and the Taube Department of Jewish Studies at the University of Wrocław invite proposals for the international conference “Beyond Digital Awe. European Jewish Studies and the Challenge of Digital Humanities,” to be held in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 17–18 November 2025.

This two-day in-person event will explore the evolving relationship between Jewish Studies and Digital Humanities (DH), focusing on three key approaches: experimenting with new or cross-disciplinary methods, sharing data and tools across networks, and engaging wider publics in historical and cultural inquiry.

We welcome proposals that explore digital approaches to Jewish history, languages, texts, and cultures—particularly those grounded in East-Central Europe and the Baltics, though comparative or broader perspectives are also encouraged. Topics might include digitisation of Yiddish, Hebrew, or multilingual sources; data sharing and FAIR practices; applications of AI, OCR, or mapping technologies; digital curation in museums and archives; and citizen science or public engagement in Jewish Studies. We are also interested in critical reflections on the intersections and tensions between DH and Jewish Studies.

Presentations may take the form of standard 20-minute talks or 25-minute hands-on sessions demonstrating tools, methods, or datasets. An online Data Forum will be organised prior to the conference to facilitate early sharing of materials and promote collaboration among participants.

Proposals should be submitted by 31 July 2025 via an online form. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by 31 August. Scholars at all career stages are welcome to apply, from PhD candidates to senior researchers.

Confirmed keynote speakers include Prof. Irene Zwiep (University of Amsterdam) and Prof. Marcin Wodziński (University of Wrocław).

The organisers will provide accommodation and cover travel expenses within Europe (up to 300 EUR) for participants without institutional funding.

For further inquiries, please contact Dr Tomasz M. Jankowski at .

This conference is supported by the European Association of Jewish Studies.

VU Alumnus K. ČIulčinskas on Erasmus+ Internships: “I Contribute to Process Automation at CERN”

2025-07-08T09:55:27+03:00

Lorenzo Viliani (INFN Firenze), Kristijonas Čiulčinskas, Bugra Bilin (F.R.S.-FNRS).

Kristijonas Čiulčinskas, an alumnus of the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics (MIF) of �۶��Ƶ (VU), has been conducting a research project at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) for a few months now. In September, he plans to study for a Master’s degree at the Delft University of Technology (Technische Universiteit Delft) in the Netherlands. The VU alumnus shares insights into physics, mathematics and his career path.

International exchange opportunities have opened up new opportunities

K. Čiulčinskas shares that he has taken advantage of Erasmus+ opportunities three times.

“I remember it very well – after my first year, I spent the summer working in Warsaw as a Junior Software Engineer at “Huawei”, from early July to the end of September. I actually submitted my exchange application before even returning to Lithuania. At that time, I already missed home and was really looking forward to coming back, but after some thought, I decided not to hesitate,” he recalls his decision to spend the spring semester of his second year in Seoul, the capital of South Korea.

During the spring semester of his third year, Kristijonas studied in Albstadt, Germany. Originally from Kaunas, he recalls: “The city is about the size of Alytus, fairly close to the Alps. Even though I realised that, at least for now, I definitely don’t want to live in such a small town, I have no regrets. I was already working for “Nasdaq” in Lithuania as a student worker, so I signed a contract to continue teleworking while I was there. I also got along well with other exchange students, and I travelled a lot – mountains, Germany’s biggest cities – and even managed to find time for skiing.”

Finally, a year later, as he jokingly puts it, having forgotten what Easter even was, he went to Geneva, Switzerland, to do an Erasmus+ traineeship at CERN.

The challenges and joys of Erasmus+ traineeships

K. Čiulčinskas shares that he completed the Erasmus+ traineeship paperwork in the very last week before the deadline. “I was on a trip, and every evening, after a full day of skiing, I’d spend an hour or two filling in the paperwork,” he recalls. At that time, an active lifestyle and a mix of academic experiences were part of his daily routine. He cracked other challenges like they were peanuts –effortlessly.

During his internship at CERN, he was preparing an application for a Master’s degree at Delft University of Technology – as he puts it, “two months of my evenings disappeared because of that.” At the same time, he was working on his bachelor’s thesis. “At first, it was comforting to know that I would have the month of May off, but I was offered to stay at CERN, so the workload became quite heavy. In addition, I went mountain climbing, cycling, and managed to make time for sport at least a few times a week.”
The computer scientist mentions that he is not the only one from Lithuania at CERN – Benas Budrys, a software engineering student from VU MIF, also did an internship there. “We travelled and spent our free time together,” says the VU alumnus.

Asked how he managed to reconcile everything, K. Čiulčinskas says it was actually quite simple – “nothing special, you come back in the evening, eat, and do other things.” He set himself a number of challenges. “I was interested in all the tasks – I didn’t do any of them just to tick a box. It also helped to have some variety – different internships, different topics for my bachelor’s thesis, and sports. Of course, there were some things I really didn’t want to do, like the reading and writing parts of the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) test. You know you have to push yourself hard to get the right score, which isn’t exactly fun, but in the end, the result makes you think it was worth it. Also, I always knew whom to call – whether my parents or friends – and who would be interested in what I had to share, no matter positive or negative,” the VU alumnus says. He is happy to have had the opportunity to present his work for CERN audiences:

“It’s quite nice when you’re no longer presenting for a grade, but for people who genuinely want to make use of your work – in a good way,” he says. K. Čiulčinskas mentions that the intrinsic motivation experienced during the internship encouraged him to be the best version of himself.

The role of informatics in the particle physics laboratory

K. Čiulčinskas has just graduated from VU with a degree in Computer Science. He was awarded a Cum Laude diploma. At CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, he contributes to process automation in the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment of the Large Hadron Collider – the experiment that led to the discovery of the Higgs boson. The confirmation of the Higgs boson’s existence in 2012 – an elementary particle that helps other particles acquire mass – became a significant achievement in physics, supporting theoretical models.

“The CMS detector measures what particles are released during a collision. To verify that our current understanding of the prevailing laws of physics is correct, physicists run simulations to calculate what the CMS detector should detect under different experimental conditions. These simulations require initial files describing the experiment, which are then used to generate intermediate files, and finally, queries are submitted to the simulation system. Currently, after researchers create the initial files, they also have to manually generate the intermediate files, check them, and submit the queries to the system. My job is to automate this process so that once the initial files are uploaded, the intermediate files are generated automatically and the necessary queries are created,” explains the computer scientist, who develops architectural solutions for fellow physicists.

His internship in Geneva was extended due to the significance and potential of his work, which was recognised by the CMS. To ensure that K. Čiulčinskas can successfully complete the project he started, he received a follow-up funding from the Experimental Nuclear and Particle Physics Center at the Faculty of Physics of VU.

“So far, the main focus has been on automating the creation of intermediate files, reducing errors, testing with new parameters, and using various CERN computing services to speed up processes. From July onwards, this work should be completed, and I will shift my attention to adapting the platform for a larger project – so that once the intermediate files are created, a document with all the necessary information is automatically generated for the designated people to review, leave comments, and approve the creation of simulation requests in the dedicated system,” he explains.

The VU alumnus recommends the experience at CERN to other students: “The way the organisation operates is fundamentally different from a traditional private company. When profitability is no longer a factor, the project itself becomes the main focus, not clients or revenue. There are also plenty of opportunities for professional networking. After all, an internship abroad, where you meet new people and cultures, is already a hugely valuable experience in itself,” he emphasises.

When asked about his future plans, he smiles and says that in the autumn he will begin a Master’s degree in Computer Science at TU Delft. He also plans to find a job during his studies: “If I manage to create something useful, I would plan to stay abroad after my Master’s degree, but I think I will eventually return to Lithuania.”

How Does a Passion for Science Combine with Human Devotion? A Story of a Paramedic with a VU Degree in Physics

2025-07-04T07:16:14+03:00

Erikas Tarvydas, an alumnus of the Faculty of Physics at �۶��Ƶ (VU), has successfully combined physics, paramedic work, volunteering, and hobbies for several years. This year he graduated with top honours in physics and will start his studies at the VU Faculty of Medicine in September.

Physics and medicine: from volunteering to job offers

“I was initially interested in aviation, but then I realised that commercial aviation, at least, was not really my thing. Aerodynamics, and therefore physics, came close. Around the same time, the volunteers at the Order of Malta Relief Organisation were running a first aid course at school, which is how I got interested in medicine. Since I did not take the biology exam, I enrolled in physics, but already in my first year of study, I applied to a trade school – I decided to become a paramedic,” says E. Tarvydas.

At the same time, while studying in the High-Tech Physics and Business programme at the Faculty of Physics, he was also pursuing paramedic training at a trade school. After graduating with honours from the two-year paramedic course, E. Tarvydas was invited to become a lecturer, voluntarily teaching first aid courses to first-year students at the Faculty of Physics.

Volunteering is an important part of E. Tarvydas’ life. During his studies, he was actively involved in student organisations, such as Physicist’s Day (FiDi), and was a member of the VU Students’ Representative Office. However, that’s not it – since childhood, fascinated by finding solutions to various problems and facing challenges, in order to take care of others, he volunteered for the Order of Malta Relief Service and actively engaged in the activities of the Vilnius Ambulance Station, where he was later offered a job.

“I liked solving problems and helping people. That’s where volunteering came from, and I’ve been interested in medicine since school. As a pupil, I took part in first aid courses run by the Maltesers, and later I took part in paramedic competitions. During my studies, I volunteered and later worked as a first aid training coordinator at the Order of Malta and as a paramedic at the Vilnius Ambulance Station. I often volunteer and am a vigilante at mass events, teaching civilians how to save lives. Currently, I am a member of the Lithuanian Emergency Medical Team, where I could be sent on international aid missions to help people affected by disasters, such as floods, earthquakes and others, if needed,” says E. Tarvydas.

Next stop – medical studies at VU

Although he will start his studies at VU Faculty of Medicine this September, E. Tarvydas does not intend to give up his work in the laboratory or otherwise leave his physics degree behind. “I am glad that I first studied at the Faculty of Physics - the community here is very strong,” says the alumnus. Through volunteering and working, he realised that paramedic training was not enough, so he enrolled in medicine. “I want to do both – I would like to combine physics and medicine, as well as research without giving up interacting with patients,” he says.

Asked whether he has any regrets about studying physics rather than medicine, E. Tarvydas says that understanding the laws of physics allows him to look at many fields from a different perspective and to see how they are related.

“That’s what makes studying physics special. When I talk to people in other fields, they don’t have to explain the mechanisms to me; I already understand them. It’s about logical thinking, seeing the connection between cause and consequence”, says the graduate. He says he organised his study schedule according to what was most relevant to his field of interest: “I chose interdisciplinary subjects, such as biochemistry, the application of lasers in medicine and diagnostics, the basics of materials processing, etc., which is what I preferred, and it allowed me to try out new things”.

The graduate says he is considering returning to the Faculty of Physics in the future to pursue a PhD, combining the interdisciplinary nature of medicine and physics.

Shaping the Future of Higher Education: Arqus Student Lab at �۶��Ƶ

2025-07-03T12:41:31+03:00

On 2–3 July 2025, �۶��Ƶ welcomed students from across the Arqus Alliance to the very first Transversal Arqus Student Lab – a two-day event designed to empower students to actively shape academic life.

Organised at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science, the Lab brought together eighteen students selected through an open call earlier this year. The selected participants included students from various Arqus universities, some of whom have been involved in other Alliance-related activities and initiatives. The Student Lab was launched as part of the Arqus Student Agora and funded through the Arqus Innovation Fund.

Working in international teams, participants applied creative and practical methods to develop ideas and propose solutions. Throughout the Lab, they strengthened essential transversal skills – including communication, critical thinking, and teamwork – while gaining professional growth tools, such as CV and LinkedIn planning, personal branding and reflective thinking.

The Lab followed a structured format combining guided sessions, teamwork, and open discussion and feedback opportunities. At the end of the programme, each group presented their project concept and received input from peers and facilitators. Students also had time to connect informally and experience the atmosphere of �۶��Ƶ.

This initiative was supported by the Arqus Innovation Fund under the programme Transversal Arqus – Arqus Alumni Mentorship Programme.

Teaching Portfolio Workshop: Building Your Academic Profile

2025-07-03T11:11:12+03:00

As part of the Arqus Teaching Innovation initiative, the University of Graz invites teaching staff from all Arqus partner universities to take part in the online workshop “Introduction to the Teaching Portfolio”, taking place on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 09:00–12:00 (CEST).

Led by Dr Lisa Scheer from the Competence Centre for University Teaching, this session offers a hands-on introduction to the teaching portfolio – a reflective document in which instructors present their teaching philosophy, methods, experiences, and future goals. Teaching portfolios are valuable tools for professional growth and play an increasingly important role in academic application processes.

The workshop will explore the structure, purpose, and benefits of teaching portfolios. Participants will also take part in writing and reflection exercises to begin or continue developing their own portfolios.

By the end of the session, participants will have a clear understanding of what a teaching portfolio can include and how it can support their development as educators. They will also be equipped with the tools and confidence to begin working independently on their own portfolio.

The workshop will take place online on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, from 09:00 to 12:00 (CEST). The meeting link will be provided by the University of Graz prior to the event. Registration is open until 4 July 2025. For more information and registration, click here.

Prestigious Journal “Political Studies” Publishes Work by VU IIRPS Affiliated Researcher

2025-07-03T08:11:31+03:00

A new article by Gary Uzonyi – President of the American Political Science Association’s Human Rights Section, Associate Professor at the University of Strathclyde, and affiliated researcher at �۶��Ƶ’s Institute of International Relations and Political Science (VU IIRPS) has been published in the prestigious journal “Political Studies”.

In his article, ‘Regional Group Democracy and Election to the United Nations Security Council’, G. Uzonyi examines a long-standing question in international politics: why are some states elected to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) while others are not?

Although previous research has often dismissed the influence of democracy on UNSC elections, G. Uzonyi challenges this view by focusing on relative democracy within regional groups. As he explains:

“I undertook this research to solve the following puzzle: why would states routinely campaign on the strength of their democracy if it did not help them win these coveted seats? My broader goals were to better understand which states are elected to the UNSC and why, given the importance of this role in global politics.”

The study emphasises that democratic institutions may not guarantee election, but states with stronger democratic credentials than their regional peers enjoy a higher average likelihood of success. G. Uzonyi’s findings help make sense of recent UNSC outcomes:

“These findings seem to fit Latvia’s recent election to the UNSC. Latvia has stronger democratic institutions than many countries in the Eastern European Group. In this particular election that revolved around committing to multilateralism to promote peace against the backdrop of wars in Palestine and Ukraine, Latvia originally faced competition for the seat from Montenegro, which possessed weaker democratic institutions and had to drop out early.”

The article also sheds light on why states pursue UNSC membership, noting a range of motivations:

“States want to be elected to the UN Security Council for various reasons. Some want a say on matters related to international security, some want prestige, and others want the increased diplomatic attention that comes from holding these seats.”

G. Uzonyi’s work underscores the importance of regional context. Regions differ in how UNSC seats are allocated—some follow rotation norms, while others hold open elections that favour larger or wealthier countries. Within these dynamics, campaign strategies and the relative strength of democratic institutions become critical.

The study’s significance extends beyond academic theory. As G. Uzonyi notes:

“For policymakers, this means crafting a message that considers your advantages for serving the other UN members relative to other challengers… It is a reminder that peace is still possible and often the preferred solution. Highlighting how a country can contribute to peace can make them an attractive partner for other countries.”

The Results of the Arqus Research Initiative Have Been Published

2025-07-02T14:00:00+03:00

The Arqus Alliance is proud to share the results of its internal Research Initiative, designed to foster long-term, collaborative research activities among its member universities. This self-funded pilot call marks an important milestone in strengthening the research dimension of the Alliance, particularly by encouraging the active participation of early-career researchers.

Open to all academic disciplines and welcoming the involvement of associate partners and external organisations, the call invited proposals aligned with Arqus’ three key research priorities:

Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
European Identity and Heritage

The Initiative aims to support projects involving a minimum of three institutions within the Alliance, to be implemented over 18 months, starting from July 2025. Activities supported include collaborative research projects, PhD workshops, short-term mobility, and the formation of research teams for future joint proposals.

The response to the call was overwhelmingly positive, with 61 proposals submitted from across the Alliance. This enthusiastic participation highlights not only the research potential within the network but also the strong interest in building cross-institutional collaborations. While many proposals demonstrated excellent quality and high potential, limited available resources meant that only a small number could be funded under this initial scheme.

Following a thorough evaluation process, a total of €99,600 has been awarded to four selected projects spanning a diverse range of disciplines, including climate science, neuroscience, plant biology and cultural heritage. All projects involve at least three Arqus partner universities and will contribute to strengthening the foundations for future joint research initiatives and funding applications.

“Improving confidence in future projections of Atlantic circulation”

Lead institution: University of Padua

Partner institutions: Maynooth University, University of Graz

Activities: Development of a research team with a view to e.g preparing joint proposals for external funding or joint publications.

Summary: This project brings together climate scientists, oceanographers, and theoretical physicists from Padua, Maynooth, and Graz to better understand and predict changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a key component of global climate regulation. It aims to reduce uncertainty in climate model projections by integrating observational data, machine learning, and theoretical frameworks. Activities include workshops and research coordination toward larger future proposals.

Score: 94.99

“BrainStimPredict: A cross-disciplinary approach to Brain Response Prediction”

Lead institution: University of Padua

Partner institutions: University of Granada, University of Minho

Activities: Small-scale research project, Mobility of small teams, Development of a research team with a view to e.g preparing joint proposals for external funding or joint publications

Summary: BrainStimPredict aims to develop an innovative computational pipeline to predict how the brain responds to stimulation, bridging neuroscience, control theory, and data science. With contributions from Padua, Granada, and Minho, the project will train six early-career researchers through joint research, mobility, and validation of models using high-resolution neuroimaging data. It supports digital transformation and clinical translation in mental health by providing open-source tools for precision therapies.

Score: 89.50

“Assessment of floral organ photosynthesis with novel mutant collections”

Lead institution: Maynooth University

Partner institutions: University of Lyon 1, University of Padua

Activities: Small-scale research project

Summary: This project investigates the often-overlooked capacity of floral organs to perform photosynthesis and its significance across different plant species. By conducting a comparative physiological analysis, the research aims to uncover how floral photosynthesis contributes to reproductive efficiency and evolutionary adaptation, potentially informing ecological and agricultural strategies. It will strengthen collaboration and train early-career researchers in plant biology and comparative ecology.

Score: 88.50

“The effect of erosion on archaeological sites in the UNESCO Global Geopark Granada”

Lead institution: Leipzig University

Partner institutions: University of Granada, University of Padua

Activities: Small-scale research project, Organisation of a research and/or advanced educational seminar and/or a winter or summer school, Mobility of small teams, Development of a research team with a view to e.g preparing joint proposals for external funding or joint publications

Summary: This project addresses the increasing threat of erosion to archaeological sites by combining geoscience, archaeology, and heritage studies. It seeks to understand erosion processes and their impact on cultural heritage across different regions, ultimately informing better conservation strategies. Activities include field studies, PhD workshops, and interdisciplinary training, helping to protect vulnerable archaeological heritage in a changing climate.

Score: 87.50

All selected and non-selected initiatives will be contacted. For further questions, please send an email to .

VU Memory Diploma Recipient and Centenarian Vytautas Stonis: “Once My Seven Roommates Were Asleep, I Would Solve Maths Problems”

2025-07-02T10:31:46+03:00

Vytautas Stonis (on the right) with a VU Memory Diploma. Photo from personal archive

On 27 June, �۶��Ƶ (VU) honoured 42 members of its community who suffered under totalitarian regimes and were expelled from the University due to historical circumstances. During a solemn ceremony, they were awarded symbolic Memory Diplomas. One of the recipients – Vytautas Stonis – is celebrating his 100th birthday this year.

Life has not been easy for him, yet the centenarian recounts his story with lightness, humour, and a touch of optimism. His academic journey was challenging from the very beginning: growing up in the countryside, Vytautas Stonis often had to switch schools to continue his education. Nevertheless, his exceptional talent for mathematics became apparent early on, so it was no wonder he was easily admitted to the VU Faculty of Economics. For the young man, the news about being accepted to the University came as both a surprise and a great joy. However, two years later, the student’s delight was overshadowed by his expulsion. As a Memory Diploma recipient, Stonis reflected on the reasons behind his dismissal, how his life unfolded afterwards, and what helped him avoid deportation.

A strict and Christian upbringing

Vytautas Stonis was born in 1925 in the village of Toliotai, in Endriejavas Rural District, Kretinga County. His parents were large-scale farmers who had inherited the land. His father served in the military for five years, fought in World War I, was taken prisoner in Germany, and was eventually released and returned home. Although Vytautas’ father had intended to give up farming, his mother persuaded him to continue.
Shortly after the young man returned home, he met his future wife. The matchmaking process, beginning the courtship, followed tradition: his father sent a neighbour to the girl to ask if she would consider marriage. She replied: “If it’s to Stonis, I’ll marry.”

Their children were raised in a strict, Christian household that valued hard work, and the parents led by example. “I remember we weren’t allowed to eat sugar, even though we had it at home. I’d take one sugar cube just so I’d have something to confess at the church, like saying I ate it without my mother’s permission. I also used to purposely skip morning and evening prayers, so I’d have a sin to confess,” he recalled with a twinkle in his eye.

A natural talent for mathematics

From 1940, Vytautas Stonis studied for two years at Švėkšna Gymnasium, then transferred to the accounting class at the Plungė School of Economics, where he studied until 1946. In his free time, he performed traditional folk dances and sang in the town choir.

Vytautas Stonis admits that he struggled with languages at school, but excelled at mathematics. However, in fifth grade, he consistently received poor grades – twos and threes – because, as he puts it, the teacher “had a thing against him”.

“One maths test stuck with me: there wasn’t a single red mark on the page, but I still got a three. Meanwhile, my classmate who sat next to me and just copied everything ended up with a five – the highest grade. The teacher told everyone who got a three to rewrite their tests and correct all the mistakes. But I didn’t know what to fix, since nothing had been marked as wrong, so I brought my notebook to her. She called me to the board, gave me a new, difficult problem, and I solved it. But she still gave me a three,” recalled the nominee.

That same teacher advised his father not to let the boy continue his education, saying he was not cut out for studies and should stay on the farm. However, his father did not believe her and allowed his son to transfer to another school instead. There, all the “learning issues” disappeared on the very first day: Vytautas Stonis did well in all subjects, never received a grade lower than a four, and never missed a single class.

When he started at Švėkšna Gymnasium, he was again among the top students. Later, he continued his studies in the accounting class of the Plungė School of Economics. Although the maths teacher there was relatively weak, it did not stop Stonis from graduating successfully and gaining admission to VU.

Solving mathematical problems in the silence of the night

After finishing the specialised economics school, the next step seemed obvious – Vytautas Stonis applied to study at the Department of Trade of the VU Faculty of Economics, and was accepted. He recalls thinking that university studies would be out of reach for him, so he was thrilled to be admitted.

“Getting into university was pure joy. I remember sitting in the auditorium for the first time, thinking: “I’m a student now”. The difference from secondary school was evident – no more dictation. Now, they gave lectures, and you had to keep up with your notes,” he said with a smile.

However, the beginning of studies brought not only joy but also serious challenges. When the young student arrived in Vilnius, he had no place to live, as he had not been assigned a dormitory room. “I didn’t know anyone in Vilnius. Those who were worse off financially were given rooms in the dormitories. I wasn’t assigned one, so I had to find a place to live. My friends from Plungė got a place in the dormitory, so they let me stay with them until the exam session. I kept going from place to place, asking people to let me stay the night. I didn’t even have proper conditions to prepare for lectures, since eight of us shared one room. I would only start solving mathematical problems once everyone else had fallen asleep,” recalled the centenarian.

Expelled without a reason

Despite these hardships, Vytautas Stonis excelled in his studies and impressed the lecturers with his sharp mind and diligence.
“I remember taking an exam with Professor Saulius Pikelis. Afterwards, he told me: ‘You’re the first student I’ve had who correctly applied multiplication and division with fractions.”

Like most young people at the time, the student enjoyed music and dancing in his free time. In the evenings, they would go dancing at discos held at the technical school, and after lectures at the University, he would perform traditional Lithuanian dances.

His joyful student life ended after two years, when he was dismissed from VU. When asked about the reason for his expulsion, he says no one ever gave him one, but he believes it was because he was “a child of a kulak” (a Soviet term for wealthier peasants who were deemed too bourgeois).
At the time, I lived in Žvėrynas near the bridge, so I stared at the river and thought: “You know where you’re flowing, but where do I go now?”

Pursuing a teaching path after expulsion

Following his dismissal, Vytautas Stonis began working as a teacher. Initially, he taught physical education, later switching to mathematics. Eventually, despite official restrictions on continuing his studies, he enrolled at the Pedagogical University to become a certified mathematics teacher. As he explains, it was a particularly difficult period: raising young children, working at school, and studying intensively: “I was learning myself and teaching my students at the same time – often just one lesson ahead of them.” His main goal as a teacher was to ensure that every student successfully completed secondary school and had the chance to get to university.

Once Vytautas Stonis began teaching, he was constantly monitored and persecuted. He recalls his last graduating class – of the cohort of 30 students, 20 joined higher education institutions, and three graduated with gold medals. ‘Still, the head of academic affairs at Žiežmariai School opposed me and my approach to education. She claimed I was encouraging the school management to defy the orders of the Education Department. Luckily, the school principal stood up for me,’ said Stonis, recalling the unpleasant incident.

During his second year of teaching in Šilalė, Komsomol representatives from Tauragė visited Stonis to persuade him to join the Communist Youth League. “I refused. After a couple of hours of pressure, one of them finally said: “You should join the seminary instead.” I jumped out of my chair, opened the door, and told them to leave. That’s how I never joined the Komsomol,” he explained.

The teacher who escaped deportation

At the time, the Soviet authorities were deporting families who were educated or owned land or other property, precisely the kind of family Vytautas Stonis came from.

“I saw people leaving with full carriages. I thought, I’ll go home and check how my parents are holding up,” recalled the former teacher. On his way, he ran into a neighbour who warned him not to go home. But Vytautas Stonis ignored him and headed toward the house. He found his grandmother alone there, as his parents had gone into hiding somewhere in the woods.

As soon as he arrived, the stribai (members of the Soviet extermination battalions) broke into the house. Among them was Stonis’ former classmate. The head of the brigade began interrogating him, asking for his name and place of work. When they discovered that Stonis was a teacher and had not lived with his parents for the past seven years, they returned his documents and let him go. Back then, there was a shortage of teachers in Kuliai. “Go there and start working,” they told him.

“While I was talking with them, my brother came back from the forest. He also managed to avoid deportation that time. But the next time, at Easter, the stribai came again and deported my father, two brothers, and two sisters to Siberia,” said Vytautas Stonis, who spent his entire life working as a mathematics teacher, and this spared him from an even more tragic fate.

VU Scientist Prof. G. Gaigalas Helps Solve Long-Standing Physics Anomaly

2025-07-02T07:46:40+03:00

Prof. Gediminas Gaigalas. Photo by Malmö University.

‘Physics is an old science, there’s so much to do here. The most difficult part is choosing exactly what,’ jokes �۶��Ƶ (VU) scientist Prof Gediminas Gaigalas. His theories and atomic calculation programs are essentially unrivalled. Very often, complex physics projects are simply impossible without his contributions. The latest example is an international study that has finally explained an anomaly that has troubled scientists for many years.

Calculations Few Others Could Perform

The story of this research, which attracted significant attention from the scientific community, began in 2020. Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), while studying isotopes of ytterbium, observed behaviour that contradicted established laws of physics. As they examined how certain atoms in high-energy states decay into electrons and positrons, they found that more such particle pairs were being produced than theory predicted.

For some time, physicists speculated that this anomaly could be linked to a mysterious ‘dark force’ – a term referring to the unknown laws governing dark matter, which is thought to make up around 85% of the universe yet remains poorly understood.

However, an international team of researchers, including Prof. G. Gaigalas from the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy at VU, proposed a far less mysterious explanation. The anomaly was due to the deformation of the nuclei in the ytterbium isotopes. When these nuclei decay, the distribution of their energy and associated electromagnetic fields changes, which in turn affects the production of electron-positron pairs.

It was Prof. G. Gaigalas who was responsible for describing the properties of these isotopes – a highly specialised task requiring calculations that few scientists in the world are capable of performing.

‘The research group found me because they were looking for people who could perform the atomic calculations part of the research. It essentially couldn’t begin without it. I have created several programs for this purpose, and they are quite popular and widely used. However, in this case, the calculations were so complex, and the results needed to be so precise, that the program had to be custom-improved and adapted specifically for this research,’ he explains.

The professor, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by Malmö University last year, has plenty of reasons to feel confident in his work – his team is one of the best on the planet in the field of atomic theory. This shouldn’t be too surprising. Lithuanians deserve to feel proud of their traditions and the accumulated knowledge of atomic theory.

‘In the case of this research, the team was huge, and the process long and complicated, consisting of many layers. Our atomic calculations were necessary to identify the effects that the experiment had on atoms and their characteristics. All this is extremely difficult to calculate; quantum methods and the like must be employed. Accuracy and precision are critical. It’s a big challenge that few can handle,’ says Prof. G. Gaigalas.

Long-standing Traditions

Those traditions that the scientist speaks of have existed in Lithuania for more than seven decades and were started by the father of Lithuanian theoretical physics, Adolfas Jucys. It was he who founded the atomic theory school and developed its distinctive methods. Today’s physicists continue the work begun by their predecessors.

‘Those works by A. Jucys and his school were truly unique, but unfortunately, they were created in the Soviet Union, which meant that quite little of them reached the West. In other words, the school was robust, but isolated. When the borders finally opened, we made a concerted effort to popularise our methods. I barely knew English, so I went to Oxford and then to the USA. That’s how our international collaborations began,’ explains Prof. G. Gaigalas.

He recalls that what surprised him most then were the differences in understanding the role of science in society. In the Soviet Union, conferences were once intended to showcase how deeply individuals had delved into their topic, while the audience was left to their own devices. If you understand – good, if not, too bad. In the West, presentations were designed to ensure that everyone understands them. Prof. G. Gaigalas adopted this work principle himself.

‘In my case, all theories would be worthless if I couldn’t use them for real calculations that would be useful, used by colleagues from other disciplines. Theories are never enough; useful programs are also needed. What’s the use of having a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it? In other words, you must learn how to practically exploit that theory, create a methodology, and refine it. That’s how I started writing programs. At first, I did it alone. Now there are three of us on my team. Consequently, numerous opportunities have opened up for us and continue to emerge. All you have to do is choose the right ones,’ jokes VU physicist.

The Lithuanian Genetic Code: What Makes Us Unique?

2025-07-02T05:32:48+03:00

Have you ever wondered how the genes passed down by our ancestors are reflected in the DNA sequence of modern Lithuanians or what secrets the science of genetics can unveil about Lithuanian origins? These are precisely the questions that researchers at �۶��Ƶ (VU) are exploring. They were the first to sequence the entire genome of a Lithuanian individual and are now seeking to ascertain insights into our origins and genetic connections with other nations and even analyse how genes determine our adaptation to environmental conditions.

What defines Lithuanians genetically? According to Dr Alina Urnikytė, Senior Researcher and Associate Professor at the VU Faculty of Medicine, Lithuanians are generally characterised by fair hair, light-coloured eyes, and an efficient metabolism for digesting fats. In this article, she explains the process of genetic research and its potential applications in medicine and reveals the reasons why the Lithuanian genome is so unique.

The human genome takes up about 50 GB of computer storage

Over the past few decades, significant advancements in DNA analysis technology have enabled scientists to sequence an entire human genome. However, this process remains complex and requires interdisciplinary knowledge. For instance, for genome sequencing, DNA must first be prepared for analysis, and only then can researchers perform the sequencing process.

“DNA is found in cells that have a nucleus. There are white cells in the blood – leukocytes that contain nuclei, which is exactly what we need. So, we take a blood sample from a person and extract the DNA. Then, we begin the sequencing process and read the DNA letters, scientifically called nucleotides. There are four types of nucleotides represented by four different letters. The entire sequenced DNA can be imagined as an extensive text composed of four recurring letters: A, T, G, and C. All of them reflect different nucleotides,” said Dr Urnikytė.

The Lithuanian genome is analysed using blood samples from individuals whose parents and grandparents have Lithuanian roots. This approach allows scientists to identify the genes and traits specific to the Lithuanian population. For geneticists to determine changes in the genome, at least two or three generations of the analysed population must have changed.

According to Dr Urnikytė, just sequencing a genome once is insufficient: “Currently, we use various technologies to sequence either the entire genome or only some specific positions. When we sequence the full genome, it consists of approximately 3.1 billion nucleotides. To ensure quality and accuracy, sequencing is repeated at least 35 times.”

A fully sequenced genome requires approximately 50 GB of computer storage. If only specific genome positions are analysed, a minimum of 700,000 nucleotide positions are examined, though ideally, it requires 1.8 million positions. The sequencing process takes three days, utilising technological equipment that processes the prepared DNA samples. Then, the devices generate preliminary sequencing data. Later, this data is uploaded to a supercomputer for analysis, which is why the whole process demands that we bring together expertise in both genetics and programming.

The Lithuanian genome: ancient, unique, and adapted

According to the researcher, defining a nation solely by its genome is challenging, as the genetic similarity between any two individuals in the world reaches 99%. However, she emphasises that the remaining 1% is rather significant: “As I’ve mentioned, the human genome consists of 3.1 billion nucleotides, so even a 1% difference accounts for substantial genetic variation, which determines the differences in our appearance and other traits. While the genome itself does not define a nation, we can analyse genes affected by natural selection that are associated with visible characteristics.”

Dr Urnikytė reveals that the Lithuanian genome is both ancient and unique, reflecting a complex historical background. Lithuanians carry a significant genetic heritage from Western hunter-gatherers, Indo-Europeans, and Late Neolithic Bronze Age Europeans, who supplemented our gene pool in later periods. This highlights the complex history of the Lithuanian population when different ancestral groups intermingled over time. Despite facing numerous historical adversities and deadly diseases, Lithuanians have preserved the uniqueness of their genome over centuries.

VU scientists have found that Lithuanians have genes that are influenced by natural selection and determine their fair skin, hair, and eyes. Hair colour varies in shades due to genetic diversity within the population. Similarly, Lithuanians’ eye colour often ranges from greyish to blue.

The geneticist also explains that genes determine not only the fair complexion, hair, and eyes of Lithuanians but also other physiological traits: “Some genes, shaped by ancient rather than modern natural selection, were influenced by local pathogens and are linked to more efficient fat metabolism. However, we have not yet been able to identify their exact function. My hypothesis is that these genes were inherited from hunter-gatherer ancestors who needed them not only to break down fats, as they consumed a lot of fish and meat but also to maintain energy levels in a cold climate. Since this is just a guess, we plan to continue researching these genes.”

Why are Lithuanians fair-haired and blue-eyed?

Like other populations, Lithuanians possess certain genes that can affect their health and adaptation to environmental conditions. Genes that develop over long periods of time often reflect geographic factors, diet, climate conditions, and other historical influences.

“When favourable living conditions emerged in Lithuania after the Ice Age, the early settlers had to adapt to the environment over time to survive in a climate with limited sunlight. The hunter-gatherers who migrated to this area initially had darker skin and hair, along with blue eyes. Later, their skin lightened to enhance vitamin D absorption, which is crucial for human health. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong bones, particularly for women, as it plays a vital role in pelvic bone structure,” explained Dr Urnikytė while summarising the reasons for the appearance of Lithuanians.

According to the researcher, if vitamin D is not absorbed sufficiently, the pelvic bones can soften, making childbirth more difficult for women and posing a potential threat to population survival: “The primary goal of humans is to survive. As a result, they adapted, and fair skin, hair, and eyes became dominant traits in the region.”

The Associate Professor notes that the Indo-Europeans, who arrived in the Lithuanian territories later than the hunter-gatherers, introduced agriculture and animal husbandry to these lands. Thus, at that time, the inhabitants of the Lithuanian territory began consuming milk, which, according to Dr Urnikytė, is why some Lithuanians today can tolerate lactose: “Humans, naturally, are unable to digest lactose – the sugar found in milk. One example of natural selection, a genetic mutation allowing lactase production, occurred relatively quickly, within just a few thousand years (which is rapid in evolutionary terms), so people adapted. Yet, even today, not everyone carries this mutation, which is why some people remain lactose intolerant.”

Latvians and Lithuanians are bound by genetics

According to the researcher, Lithuanians share the closest genetic ties with neighbouring populations, particularly Latvians. A few months ago, a new article was published, presenting the results on genetic connections between Lithuanians, Latvians, and Indians. It demonstrated a significant genetic similarity between the two Baltic nations. Hunter-gatherer populations dominated the present-day territories of Lithuania and Latvia until approximately 5000–4500 BCE, leaving a significant genetic imprint that remains visible in the modern gene pool of both nations.

“Interestingly, northern Samogitians (Žemaičiai) exhibit a unique genetic component that is also specific to Latvians, while those from the southern highlands of Aukštaitija – another ethnographic region of Lithuania (Aukštaičiai) – possess a genetic component characteristic of Slavic populations. The genetic component predominant in northern Samogitia likely traces back to the early Baltic ancestors, the Curonians, whereas in southern Aukštaitija, we observe genetic influences from the Sudovians (Yotvingians),” noted the researcher.

Is the genetic code the key to a healthier life?

Dr Urnikytė states that the genetic information of every person may hold valuable insights into disease susceptibility and individual responses to medication. In the future, Lithuanian genomic features can help identify genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or cancer. By identifying individuals at higher risk for certain diseases, we can take preventive steps: adjusting lifestyle, increasing the frequency of health check-ups, or starting early treatment with targeted medications.

“One of the fields that could benefit from Lithuanian genome research is pharmacogenomics, which explores the biochemical mechanisms of inherited responses to medications. Like other populations, Lithuanians may possess specific genes that influence their body’s reaction to certain drugs. This is key in determining optimal treatment methods, appropriate dosages, and choice of medicine. For example, certain genes can indicate which medications will be safe and effective and which could cause adverse reactions or unwanted side effects,” said Dr Urnikytė.

Lithuanian genome research may also pave the way for personalised nutrition, allowing dietary recommendations to be tailored to Lithuanians based on their genetic predispositions. “As for the genes that have already been identified – which have been shaped by natural selection and are linked to fat metabolism – we plan to cooperate with other scientists in life sciences and cardiology to investigate them further. Our goal is to uncover connections with cardiovascular diseases and determine which dietary components are most efficiently absorbed based on genetic characteristics,” concluded the researcher.

Restricting a Single Dietary Nutrient Can Help Protect Against Cancer and Ageing

2025-07-01T12:49:02+03:00

A balanced diet limiting specific nutrients is a tool that helps slow down the ageing processes, maintain good health, and prolong life. Accordingly, in the coming decade, researchers will focus on studying how specific dietary components – such as amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, and microbiota – affect our health and longevity.

Scientists will explore which food components contribute to chronic diseases or even cancer, and how these effects are linked to dietary restrictions, physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle elements. The long-term benefits of limiting specific individual nutrients have already been confirmed. Such diets may offer anti-cancer benefits, slow ageing, protect the cardiovascular system, and improve gut microbiota and brain health.

Health gains associated with methionine

Recently, protein consumption has garnered significant attention in online discussions, which may give the impression that it is the most crucial nutrient for the human body. However, this approach is misleading. To function properly, our bodies need proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, fibre, and water. To stay healthy and live longer, a proper balance of all these nutrients is essential, along with avoiding over- and under-eating.

Did you know that one of the most essential nutrients for our body is methionine, an amino acid found in proteins? It is vital for the proper development of the body. Simply put, methionine plays a key role in the body’s ability to produce proteins and maintain good health. It also helps combat inflammation and supports healthy tissue function.

Due to its importance for our metabolism and bodily functions, methionine is essential to the human diet. However, excessive intake of this amino acid through food can lead to many health issues, including atherosclerosis, short-term memory loss, neurodegenerative diseases, and reduced skeletal muscle growth. Therefore, it is advisable to consume methionine in moderation.

A methionine-restricted diet can prolong life

The discovery that long-term methionine limits can increase the lifespan of rats by up to 30% sparked extensive research into methionine-restricted diets. These studies have shown that reducing methionine intake also extends lifespan in other model organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, fruit flies, and mice. This effect is associated with reduced production of reactive oxygen forms, higher levels of cellular antioxidants, and decreased oxidative damage to proteins, fats, and DNA.

Recently, more and more attention has been paid to methionine-restricted diets. This dietary approach can provide a range of benefits: it may offer anti-cancer effects, improve metabolism, slow ageing, stop inflammation, prevent diabetes, enhance insulin sensitivity, protect the cardiovascular system, and support gut microbiota and brain health.

Methionine is found in plant, animal, and microbial foods, but its concentration varies significantly across different food groups. The highest levels are found in meat, seafood, Brazil nuts, and eggs; moderate amounts are present in dairy products, while fruits and vegetables contain the lowest levels. The ketogenic, Japanese, and vegan diets tend to have the lowest methionine content. Given the wide variation in methionine levels across foods and different diets, there is a growing interest in developing a method for calculating and monitoring dietary methionine intake more precisely.

While methionine restriction offers considerable potential health benefits, it is still crucial to ensure an adequate intake of this amino acid, as too little of it can lead to growth disorders. Therefore, it is essential that the restriction of any nutritional element does not result in an overall deficient diet.

Methionine is a direct target for cancer treatment

An enzyme called methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT2A) produces an important molecule from methionine, known as S-Adenosyl methionine (SAM). This molecule is involved in the DNA modification process called DNA methylation. In basic terms, methylation occurs when a small part of this molecule – a methyl group – binds to DNA. If the body lacks methionine, SAM is not produced, so methylation cannot take place.

DNA methylation is an essential process that occurs in every human cell. It alters the structure of DNA, which often leads to specific genes being ‘switched off’, meaning they become inactive. This regulates essential processes in the human body, for instance, by ensuring the stability of genetic information. Methylation helps cells perform their unique functions in the tissue during development (e.g. allowing an embryonic stem cell to become a skin, liver, or nerve cell).
This process starts changing as we age: many genes lose their methylation marks, while others become heavily methylated. As a result, some genes critical to cellular function may stop working.

This mechanism of DNA regulation is also important in the case of diseases, particularly cancer. In cancer cells, some genes undergo extensive modifications that impair their function (even when that function is crucial), while others become active when they should not be. This imbalance in gene activity promotes the transformation of healthy cells into cancerous ones. For this reason, methionine – from which the SAM molecule is synthesised – is of significant interest in cancer research.

In fact, nearly 50 years ago, scientists discovered that cancer cells require more methionine from external sources compared to healthy cells. The more aggressive the cancer cells are, the more dependent they are on this amino acid to sustain their activity. Therefore, limiting it in food can be one of the new avenues for cancer treatment.

The levels of methionine in the body can be reduced in two ways: by following a special low-methionine diet or by using a protein called methioninase as a drug to break down methionine. Studies show that lowering methionine levels and simultaneously applying chemotherapy or radiotherapy can lead to better treatment outcomes.

Clinical trials are underway to investigate how limiting this amino acid affects cancer cells and their environment: immune cells, blood vessels, and connective tissue cells. However, many details still need to be clarified.

�۶��Ƶ researchers develop a method for detecting epigenetic changes

Three key proteins operate in our bodies – DNA methyltransferases, also known as epigenetic ‘writers’ because they can ‘write’ the epigenetic code by modifying DNA, thereby altering the functioning of the cell. These enzymes are called DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B. Two of them – DNMT3A and DNMT3B – create new ‘marks’ that determine a cell’s function, while DNMT1 ensures that these ‘marks’ are preserved and passed on to daughter cells during cell division. This process is crucial for normal development and health.

However, when the activity of these methyltransferases is disrupted, the consequences can be severe, triggering, for example, cancerous processes. In such cases, genes that should suppress tumours are ‘switched off’, while cancer-promoting genes become overly active. As a result, cells ‘forget’ their original function and turn malignant. These types of changes are found in many forms of cancer, including those affecting the blood, lungs, liver, and colon.

Until now, it has been challenging to study how each DNA methyltransferase works, but scientists at �۶��Ƶ’s Life Sciences Center and the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences have developed a new method that allows researchers to precisely identify how each of these ‘writers’ affects DNA.

A breakthrough in research

Scientists have developed modified molecules capable of ‘tagging’ DNA in a way that reveals the activity of a specific enzyme. To deliver these molecules into cells, they used electroporation, a technique which temporarily opens up pores in the cell membrane using an electric field. These pores allow the modified molecules to enter the cell and ‘record’ information about DNA modifications.

Developed by researchers from �۶��Ƶ, this method is the first in the world to easily and accurately distinguish the activity of the three methyltransferases under minimally invasive conditions and determine the specific effects of the DNMT1 enzyme. In addition, the scientists devised a less invasive approach by using chemically modified methionine analogues, i.e. molecules that easily pass through the cell membrane and are converted inside the cell into a modified SAM molecule. This enables the regulation of DNA modifications by altering the concentration of methionine in the cell environment. As a result, this method can be applied to detect epigenetic differences in cancer cells under methionine-restricted conditions.

It allows researchers to precisely monitor each methyltransferase's activity and better understand how epigenetic changes contribute to cancer development. Moreover, this technology can be used to study DNA changes in individual cells, tissues, and even throughout the body. It can be applied to various cancer models and used to study DNA, RNA, and protein modifications.

The new methodology represents a significant step forward in cancer biology research, offering a deeper understanding of the disease and potentially leading to more effective treatments in the future.

This research was supported by the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT), project No. MIP-23-108, “DNMT1-Selective DNA Methylation Mapping in Tumor Cells Using Preclinical Cancer Models”, and the �۶��Ƶ Young Scientists’ Ideas Project, “Application of Cascade MAT2a-DNMT Genome Tagging Strategy in Cancer Cells”.