World-class experts from NASA, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Johns Hopkins University, the US innovation ecosystem, and Lithuanian public institutions gathered in Vilnius for the Lithuanian-American Science and Innovation Forum. The event aimed to strengthen transatlantic cooperation, promote technological leadership, and ensure the competitiveness and resilience of innovation. Assoc. Prof. Dr Artūras Medeišis, Dean of the Faculty of Electronics at VILNIUS TECH, also took part in the forum. Opening the event, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys emphasised that Lithuania and the United States share many interests in conducting scientific research and ensuring its practical application. “Lithuania is already renowned for its world-class expertise in photonics and laser technologies, life sciences, cybersecurity, and digital innovation. Cooperation would only increase the added value created by our researchers,” the minister said. US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara C. McDonald echoed his remarks. [caption id="attachment_133886" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Gregory Mann[/caption] One of the keynote speakers, Gregory Mann, a representative of the US space agency NASA in Europe, spoke about America’s ambitious plans to return to the Moon. He also emphasised that Lithuania, with its scientific expertise and technological capabilities, could contribute to future missions not only to the Moon but also to Mars. A discussion on how to turn a scientific idea into a functioning technology and transform an existing technology into a product with a strong presence on international markets brought together Angelos Angelou, founder and CEO of International Accelerator, a US business accelerator for foreign-founded startups; Dr Adler Archer, a researcher at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University; Assoc. Prof. Dr Artūras Medeišis, Dean of the VILNIUS TECH Faculty of Electronics; Dominykas Milašius, Head of Delta Biosciences; and Reda Nausėdaitė, Deputy Director for Innovation and Development at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC). A. Medeišis emphasised that researchers can achieve significant results when they have a clear plan, ambition, and vision, particularly when supported by government initiatives that facilitate cooperation with institutions such as MIT. “One of the most common challenges in establishing sustainable connections and developing cooperation is the need for funding, particularly when it comes to transatlantic collaboration. Unfortunately, there are few funding instruments available to support international and cross-border cooperation. We have now established a consortium together with MIT and other Lithuanian universities that can provide seed funding to develop collaboration across the Atlantic. This funding helps establish partnerships and launch joint projects,” said the VILNIUS TECH representative. [caption id="attachment_134004" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Artūras Medeišis[/caption] Another distinguished guest at the conference was MIT Professor Markus Buehler, who delivered a presentation entitled Materials Intelligence: AI, Creativity and the Future of Scientific Discovery. “Materials have a certain kind of ‘intelligence’ encoded in them through their structures, hierarchies, and interactions across different scales,” Prof. Buehler explained, illustrating how this idea manifests itself in biological materials, artificial intelligence, scientific discovery, design, and creative work. The forum also featured Prof. Gediminas Urbonas, who has built an impressive career at MIT. The Lithuanian-American Science and Innovation Forum was part of the programme of Lithuania’s International Science Week, * (re)SEARCH 2026*. The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania in cooperation with the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) and the Lithuanian Consortium for Cooperation with MIT.

In mid-October, a unique study programme, Rethinking Energy: Combining Research, Economics, and Technology (RECREATE), got underway, bringing together the expertise of seven Lithuanian universities, challenges proposed by business partners, and international learning content. Over the course of the 15-month programme, students will earn 30 ECTS credits while working in interdisciplinary teams to develop solutions to business challenges presented by Ignitis Group and Lithuanian Railways. The curriculum will be complemented by MITx courses from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The introductory camp, held on 14–16 October, marked the beginning of studies for the first cohort of RECREATE students. During the three-day intensive programme, students prepared for their studies and explored the study module and its practical applications in business. [caption id="attachment_133856" align="alignnone" width="2048"] RECREATE brings together students from 7 universities[/caption] RECREATE is the first interdisciplinary study initiative of its scale in Lithuania, bringing together the expertise of universities, business experience, and international academic content in a single learning process. It gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice, while business partners can explore new approaches to addressing the challenges they face. Programme Director Giedrė Žlibinienė explains: „We are developing RECREATE as an experiment that can demonstrate how much can be achieved when universities and businesses not only cooperate but also jointly design the learning experience itself. We want students to be active creators of solutions rather than passive recipients of knowledge, capable of combining perspectives from technology, energy, economics, social sciences, and other fields.“ She adds that the launch of RECREATE is an important step towards exploring new models of cooperation between higher education and business in Lithuania. Seven universities, diverse areas of expertise The RECREATE initiative brings together Kaunas University of Technology, VILNIUS TECH, Vilnius University, Vytautas Magnus University, Vilnius Academy of Arts, Klaipėda University, and Mykolas Romeris University. Their academic expertise is integrated into a shared study model that examines energy challenges not only from a technical perspective but also through economic, social, and environmental lenses. The modules also cover entrepreneurial thinking, the development of renewable energy infrastructure projects, smart cities, and the transformation of energy systems. These competencies will enable students to assess not only technological opportunities but also the economic viability of solutions, their environmental impact, consumer behaviour, and infrastructure requirements. „Students will analyse how advanced data processing, monitoring, and control methods can help integrate renewable energy sources more efficiently, optimise network operations, and improve their resilience,“ says Gintvilė Šimkonienė, Vice-Dean for Research and International Relations at Klaipėda University. As one of the module’s co-creators, she notes that the initiative provides a platform for future specialists to acquire the competencies needed to develop smart, sustainable, and reliable energy systems. The curriculum will include four MITx courses. Their content will be integrated into modules taught at Lithuanian universities and linked to practical assignments. Students who meet the course requirements will be eligible to receive MITx certificates. The module also reflects MIT’s long-standing commitment to interdisciplinary education and research. In the 2025 Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings, MIT ranked first among 749 higher education institutions from 92 countries. Interdisciplinary approaches make it possible to examine a single problem through a range of expertise, spanning the physical and social sciences, computer science, engineering, art, and design. This broadens the range of competencies available in both academic and, subsequently, professional settings. Real-world business challenges and solutions RECREATE’s business partners contribute not only by introducing students to their respective fields but also by presenting real-world problems for interdisciplinary teams to solve. The challenges proposed by Ignitis Group and Lithuanian Railways will give students the opportunity to examine real-life scenarios during their studies and evaluate the practical applicability of different solutions. Interdisciplinary teams will work on challenges defined by the business partners, with guidance from lecturers and experts. „Using design thinking methods, students will learn to identify problems, generate ideas, develop prototypes, test them, and continuously improve them,“ says Assoc. Prof. Dr Osvaldas Stripeikis, Head of Vytautas Magnus University’s Minded Entrepreneurship Academy. Five VILNIUS TECH students from the Electrical Power Engineering programme are participating in RECREATE: Emilis Eriksonas, Robertas Stasiūnas, Rokas Šadauskas, Timofej Gaivoronskij, and Dovilė Greičiūtė. [caption id="attachment_133149" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Students from VILNIUS TECH[/caption] „I decided to join the RECREATE programme because I am highly motivated and want to gain as much knowledge and as many qualifications as possible. I was particularly interested in the programme because it brings together seven Lithuanian universities and MIT, a technology university recognised worldwide. It is also very important to me that businesses are involved in the programme,“ says VILNIUS TECH student Robertas Stasiūnas. The project is organised by the Lithuanian consortium’s member institutions: Kaunas University of Technology, VILNIUS TECH, Vilnius University, Vytautas Magnus University, Vilnius Academy of Arts, Klaipėda University, and Mykolas Romeris University, together with Ignitis Group, Novian, and Lithuanian Railways. About the Lithuanian Consortium and Its Cooperation with MIT The RECREATE initiative emerged from the partnership between the Lithuanian consortium and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The consortium brings together 14 Lithuanian research and business institutions seeking to cooperate with MIT. A cooperation agreement signed with the MIT Center for International Studies in January 2025 became one of the foundations of this partnership. MISTI Lithuania is part of MIT’s International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) programme, which aims to strengthen ties between Lithuania and MIT in research, education, technology, and innovation. The cooperation includes opportunities to initiate joint research projects, exchange knowledge, and strengthen the competencies of students and early-career researchers. The Lithuanian consortium is coordinated by Vytautas Magnus University, with its activities supported by the Research Council of Lithuania.

The opening camp of the “Rethinking Energy: Combining Research, Economics, and Technology” (RE:CREATE) programme took place on 14–16 October at the "Pušynas" recreation centre in Kaunas District. The event brought together participants in this pilot interdisciplinary and inter-institutional programme, including students, lecturers, university representatives and the programme’s creators. The programme is jointly developed and delivered by seven universities: Kaunas University of Technology, VILNIUS TECH, Vilnius University, Vytautas Magnus University, the Vilnius Academy of Arts, Klaipėda University and Mykolas Romeris University. They are joined by business partners Ignitis Group AB, Lithuanian Railways AB (LTG) and Novian UAB. [caption id="attachment_133149" align="alignnone" width="1920"] VILNIUS TECH students and prof. Dr Sonata Tolvaišienė, the programme’s academic coordinator[/caption] The programme is inspired by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) “Mens et Manus” (“Mind and Hand”) philosophy. Lecturers act as mentors, while students develop practical solutions to real-world energy transition challenges. The emphasis is on less theory and more co-creation, experimentation and solutions that deliver tangible value. VILNIUS TECH is represented in the programme by five Electrical Power Engineering students: Emilis Eriksonas, Robertas Stasiūnas, Rokas Šadauskas, Timofej Gaivoronskij and Dovilė Greičiūtė. “I decided to join the RE:CREATE programme because I am highly motivated and want to gain as much knowledge and as many qualifications as possible. I was particularly interested in the programme because it brings together seven Lithuanian universities and MIT, a technology university recognised worldwide. It is also very important to me that businesses are involved in the programme,” said Robertas, a VILNIUS TECH student. The camp, which began in mid-October, marks the start of a 15-month programme spanning three semesters and worth 30 ECTS credits. It will run from October 2026 to January 2028. Students will follow a blended learning model, attending sessions at different university campuses and completing integrated, certified MITx digital modules. “Each university will deliver its own 5-ECTS thematic module, covering topics such as energy system transformation, sustainable energy use, policy and regulation, renewable energy infrastructure design, smart cities and entrepreneurship. Students will work on real-world challenges defined by our business partners,” says Prof. Dr Sonata Tolvaišienė of VILNIUS TECH, the programme’s academic coordinator. Assoc. Prof. Dr Audrius Grainys of VILNIUS TECH, who is also involved in the programme, believes that the role of a lecturer goes beyond simply transferring knowledge. “We are mentors who help students turn ideas into solutions. I am delighted to see, from the very first day of the camp, teams that are not afraid to experiment. Students work on real business challenges, so their solutions are more than just learning exercises. Our goal is to create a learning experience with less theory and more co-creation,” says Assoc. Prof. Dr A. Grainys. About the MISTI Lithuania Programme The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) programme in Lithuania promotes collaboration between Lithuanian universities, research institutions and businesses and MIT in research, technological development and innovation. The programme is implemented by a Lithuanian consortium of universities, research institutes and companies, including VILNIUS TECH, Vilnius University, Kaunas University of Technology, Vytautas Magnus University, Ignitis Group, LTG Group and other partners. The consortium’s activities are supported by the Research Council of Lithuania. MIT is one of the world’s leading universities. Its alumni have founded more than 30,000 companies, generating approximately USD 4.6 trillion in annual revenue and providing more than 3.3 million jobs worldwide. The institute’s alumni include more than 100 Nobel Prize laureates and leaders in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to robotics and energy.

A summer internship at VILNIUS TECH has brought an ambitious young researcher, Emily Berkemeyer, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to Lithuania. Inspired by the university's motto, Mens et Manus ("Mind and Hand"), she is applying the knowledge gained at one of the world's leading universities to a real-world environmental challenge: helping Baltic port cities balance economic development with the protection of water resources. An MIT education is built on theory and practice Studying at MIT was a long-held dream for Emily. Fascinated by robotics and applied sciences from an early age, she was drawn to the university's philosophy of combining academic excellence with practical impact. "At MIT, people often say you are 'drinking from a fire hose' because of the sheer amount of knowledge, opportunities and experiences available," she says. [caption id="attachment_124113" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Emily Berkemeyer[/caption] During her two-year Master's programme in the School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P), the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP), she immersed herself in demanding studies, spending long days on campus while taking advantage of lectures and events at both MIT and neighbouring Harvard University, Graduate School of Design (GSD). The experience helped her discover what city planning truly means. "A city is a system. It is also a living, breathing organism shaped by the decisions people make about where and how they live," she explains. "MIT taught me not only theory, but also how to develop my own philosophy of practice and think about how I want to contribute to healthier, more sustainable cities." Why Lithuania? After graduating, she chose Lithuania as the destination for her summer research internship through the MISTI-Lithuania (MIT Science and Technology Initiative) programme. Hosted by the Faculty of Architecture, Department of Urban Design, by assoc. prof. S. Mozūriūnaitė at VILNIUS TECH, she is spending two and a half months examining environmental governance in the Baltic region. Although she had previously visited Europe, this is her first experience in Northern and Eastern Europe. She was inspired by work of MIT faculty members such as Brent D. Ryan in Eastern Europe. "Vilnius pleasantly surprised me. I arrived with no expectations, but it is an incredibly walkable city with excellent public transport and a beautiful old town. I especially enjoy working at the Faculty of Architecture and walking through the historic streets every day," she says. Researching one of the Baltic Sea's biggest challenges Her research focuses on three major Baltic port cities – Klaipėda, Riga and Tallinn – and examines how they can continue to expand economically while protecting water quality. As shipping across the Baltic Sea is expected to increase in the coming decades, environmental risks such as oil spills, groundwater contamination and industrial pollution are becoming increasingly important. The research explores how different governance models and water management systems can help cities adapt to these challenges. "My goal is to understand where the balance lies between supporting economic growth through ports and safeguarding drinking water and the environment in the city context," she explains. Her research combines GIS mapping, environmental data analysis and interviews with experts from municipal water utilities and universities across Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. One key research question is how water governance differs across countries. For example, Riga relies primarily on surface water, while Klaipėda uses groundwater as its main drinking water source. These differences influence infrastructure planning and environmental protection strategies. Understanding the city through walking Rather than studying cities solely through reports and datasets, Emily believes firsthand experience is essential. "One of my MIT DUSP professors, Garnette Cadogan, always says 'To know a city, you have to walk a city.' You need to experience the places you are studying, understand how people use them and observe daily life," she says. Throughout the internship, she travels between Vilnius, Klaipėda, Riga, and Tallinn, meeting researchers and professionals working in water management and environmental planning. These conversations help ensure her research reflects the realities faced by local communities and institutions. Research that informs better policy Looking ahead, she hopes the research will result in a peer-reviewed scientific publication co-authored with VILNIUS TECH researcher assoc. prof. S. Mozūriūnaite – an opportunity she says she is proud to be part of. Working alongside the researchers at MIT and VILNIUS TECH has reinforced her belief that the greatest value of science lies in its real-world impact. [caption id="attachment_124115" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Emily Berkemeyer[/caption] In the future, she hopes to build an academic career at the intersection of urban planning, enviornmental science and public policy research. "For me, the most meaningful research is the kind that improves people's lives. Scientific discoveries matter most when they help solve real problems and create healthier, more sustainable cities. That is why I am passionate not only about conducting research but also about making sure its findings reach policymakers and the wider public," she says. Finding inspiration beyond the laboratory Outside of research, she enjoys discovering Lithuania through its culture and outdoor activities. She has taken up rock climbing in Vilnius, attends concerts whenever possible and has been impressed by the city's vibrant arts scene. A classically trained violist and musical theatre enthusiast, she believes maintaining a balance between research and personal interests is essential. "I have been making sure not to spend all my time behind a computer. Vilnius has an amazing cultural life, wonderful museums, and so many opportunities to meet people. It has been an inspiring place to live and work this summer." *** The Lithuanian Consortium for Engagement with MIT is a strategic relationship established in January 2025 among the Lithuanian science and business sectors, the MIT Centre for International Studies, and MIT Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI). Originating as a unique, bottom-up initiative, this relationship aims to bridge Lithuania’s aspirations with MIT’s global expertise in science, technology, innovation, and education, recognising that science contributes to national economies, anchors meaning, and fosters innovation in public life, thus seeking real impact in the region. This transatlantic three-year initiative is designed to foster an impactful, sustainable, and innovation-driven ecosystem for science, studies, and business in Lithuania. Initiative Group: VILNIUS TECH, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas University of Technology, Klaipėda University, Vilnius University, Vilnius Academy of Arts, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Euromonitor International – Eastern Europe, Ignitis Group, Lithuanian Railways, Novian Group, Northway Biotech.