Congratulations to Ernest Bykov on completing his PhD

Congratulations to Ernest Bykov, a Junior Research Associate at the LEI Laboratory of Combustion Processes, who successfully defended his PhD dissertation on 17 April 2026 on the topic of Investigation on plasma assisted combustion of gas mixtures for combustion efficiency (Technological Sciences, Energetics and Power Engineering, T006).

Energy Security Dialogue in Kaunas: NATO Experts Explored LEI Scientific Solutions and Innovations

On 14 April, a delegation of experts from the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence (ENSEC COE), led by its Director Colonel Gytis Kazokas, visited the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI.

The purpose of the visit was to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and discuss the applicability of LEI’s ongoing scientific research to defense and energy security needs. The meeting aimed to identify potential joint research directions and technological solutions that could contribute to strengthening NATO’s energy resilience.

Presentation of advanced research

At the beginning of the meeting, LEI activities, research divisions, and ongoing projects were presented by LEI Director Prof. Dr. Saulius Gudžius. He reviewed the institute’s scientific achievements, international projects, and research directions.

Deputy Director of LEI and researcher at the Laboratory of Combustion Processes, Dr. Raminta Skvorčinskienė, presented her research on reducing friction in water transport using advanced surface modification technologies. She described an experimental method based on the Leidenfrost effect, which aims to reduce liquid resistance through the formation of a vapor layer.

Deputy Director of LEI and researcher at the Plasma Processing Laboratory, Dr. Andrius Tamošiūnas, presented the GIFFT project, which aims to develop an innovative burner capable of operating with four different fuel types: biomass, green electricity, hydrogen, and natural gas.

Discussion of Cooperation Opportunities

The activities and main research directions of the Laboratory of Nuclear Installation Safety were presented by researcher Dr. Egidijus Urbonavičius, emphasizing the laboratory’s contribution to the development of safe and advanced nuclear technologies.

Researcher Dr. Edgaras Misiulis from the Laboratory of Heat-Equipment Research and Testing delivered a presentation titled “Why We Started Developing a Drone R&D Hub for Advanced Propeller Design”, focusing on unmanned aerial vehicle technologies and the development of advanced propeller design and aerodynamics.

After the presentations, the delegation visited LEI research subdivisions: the Laboratory of Heat-Equipment Research and Testing, the Center for Hydrogen Energy Technologies, the Laboratory of Combustion Processes, and the Nuclear Engineering Laboratory. During the tour, the guests were introduced to the infrastructure, experimental equipment, and ongoing research activities.

The visit concluded with discussions on future cooperation and potential joint research initiatives in energy security.

Lithuanian Science and Business at MIT: From Academic Rigor to Real-World Solutions

Between March 16 and 20 this year a delegation from the Lithuanian Consortium for Engagement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) carried out its third strategic visit to the United States. The group brought together representatives from Lithuanian universities, research institutes, and businesses, continuing efforts to deepen collaboration with one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems.

This year’s spring was full of new experiences for the transatlantic science and innovation community. A delegation with 18 members from 13 partnering science and business institutions of Lithuanian Consortium traveled to the world’s leading university to discuss further plans for joint research and projects.

The visit agenda combined joint and individual meetings with MIT representatives. In parallel, the delegation engaged directly with MIT’s academic environment, attending classes, thesis defenses, and midterm project reviews of students at MIT schools and DesignX, dedicated to design innovation and entrepreneurship. These experiences provided first-hand insight into how MIT structures its learning process around active participation and real-world problem-solving.

Reflecting on the visit, Professor Elizabeth Wood—founding director of the MIT-Ukraine Program and co-director of the MIT-Eurasia Program at the MIT Center for International Studies (CIS) —emphasized both the scope of these CIS-affiliated programs and the value of direct exchange:

It was wonderful to have our Lithuanian colleagues from the Consortium visit MIT the week of March 16 as spring was just arriving. We were able to have excellent visits to many facilities at MIT, including meeting with the Vice Provost for International Activities, Duane Boning, and with the head of all the MIT libraries, Chris Bourg.

The visit explored concrete ways to bring researchers and industry closer together, especially how to turn scientific ideas into real products and solutions.

From Process to Impact

Throughout the visit one idea kept coming up repeatedly: research and education are increasingly being judged by the real-world impact they create. According to Professor Wood, the conversations pointed to real changes already happening across Lithuanian universities:

This visit helped me to clarify some of the fascinating directions that Lithuanian leaders in academia and industry are discussing, including moving to modernize and innovate in research and education.

She also pointed to the importance of stronger collaboration between science and business, as well as more practice-oriented teaching models:

I was intrigued by the discussion of building more ties between academia and industry so there can be more mutual support. Some MIT models of teaching that orient courses toward concrete proposals of tasks from the business community might be useful here.

These insights were further reflected in conversations between Lithuanian and MIT representatives. Ina Žurkuvienė, the coordinator of the Lithuanian Consortium, elaborated:

At MIT, there is a strong focus on how research contributes to real change in the world. Their portfolios are built around projects, inventions, and technologies. It raises an important question for us in Lithuania – what if we started measuring success more by impact than by process? While high-quality publications remain a cornerstone of science, broadening our criteria to value real-world outcomes alongside traditional metrics would allow a more holistic appreciation of a scientist’s contribution.

At the same time, it was emphasized that such approaches require careful adaptation to national and European contexts rather than direct replication.

The delegation met with possible partners to discuss these shifts, including Prof. Dr. Phillip Budden—who recently visited Lithuania—and Prof. Dr. Fiona Murray, Vice Chair of the NATO Innovation Fund. Their discussions focused on exploring future avenues for collaboration.

Learning How Innovation Moves Through the Role of MIT Centers

To better understand how ideas move from laboratories to the market, the delegation visited several MIT units, including the Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation.

There, discussions with Executive Director Rana K. Gupta highlighted a highly selective commercialization model. Each year, the center reviews dozens of research proposals but supports only a small number of projects with strong potential for real-world application. A big part of this process relies on ‘Catalysts’ – experienced scientists who work side by side with researchers to test ideas, spot risks early, and help move projects toward the market.

The Consortium’s coordinator stressed that this approach only works when there is a genuine trust between researchers and the people helping bring their ideas to market:

That trust comes from shared experience – without it, even the best tools or processes are not enough.

One more insightful visit was to the MIT Teaching and Learning Lab. It highlighted an approach to education focused on active learning. It was noted that students are expected to engage with theoretical material independently before class, while in-person time is dedicated to discussion, teamwork, and solving real-world challenges. This model is reinforced across MIT through early involvement in team-based projects, close collaboration with faculty and industry, and access to entrepreneurship platforms such as MIT DesignX, combining practical application with a strong interdisciplinary academic foundation.

Testing Ideas in Practice

The delegation also visited the MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, one of the few university-based research reactors in the world. The facility enables advanced materials testing under extreme conditions, significantly accelerating research processes and supporting collaboration with industry partners developing next-generation energy technologies.

Another important stop was at the Lithuanian-founded biotechnology company Northway Biotech in Waltham, Massachusetts. The tour of modern laboratories highlighted how the manufacturing technologies for biological medicinal products are developed and medicinal products are produced for clinical trials.

The new member of the Consortium is continuing talks with Lithuanian Science institutions about a possible collaboration for building the joint Research and Innovation Centre for biotechnologies. The Center is primarily defined by its explicit focus on dual-use research. Idea was presented in a meeting with Prof. Dr. Robert Desimone, Dr. J. Christopher Love, Prof. Dr. Michael J. Cima, Prof. Dr. Hadley Sikes who was a guest speaker at the conference Human and More than Human Futures organized by the Lithuanian Consortium last October.

Building the Momentum

The engagement between Lithuanian institutions and MIT is already yielding concrete results. In the first year of collaboration, Lithuanian participants submitted seven MIT Global Seed Funds applications—administered through CIS—together with MIT researchers.

Another tangible outcome is a planned joint academic micro-module under development by 6 Lithuanian universities, scheduled to launch in October 2026. The pilot initiative will connect students from Lithuanian universities with MIT’s academic environment through MITx and teaching practices.

Reflecting on the broader exchange, Professor Wood also highlighted the mutual learning dimension of the visit:

I also learned a lot about Lithuanian self-reliance and independence in conversations with members of the delegation. Overall, it was a fascinating and fruitful set of meetings and discussions. I’m delighted that so many wonderful colleagues were able to come to visit.

Summarizing the experience, participants emphasized that MIT’s model should be seen as a source of inspiration rather than a blueprint.

MIT’s environment is unique. You cannot simply transfer it to another system, Ina Žurkuvienė noted. Not all science needs to become business, but where it does, it requires strong support. This is a broader systemic question – but it is one worth exploring.

Special thanks to Gediminas Urbonas, Deliana Ernst, Ekaterina Zabrovski for making this visit so enriching.

About the Consortium

The Lithuanian Consortium for Engagement with MIT brings together leading Lithuanian universities, research institutions, and companies, including Euromonitor International, Ignitis Group, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Lithuanian Railways, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Klaipėda University, Kaunas University of Technology, Mykolas Romeris University, Northway Biotech, Novian, Vytautas Magnus University, Vilnius TECH, Vilnius University, and Vilnius Academy of Arts.

Coordinator of the Consortium – Vytautas Magnus University.

Consortium activities are supported by the Research Council of Lithuania.

Paper Submission is Now Open for ENTRUST 2026

Paper submission for ENTRUST 2026 Conference is now open. Researchers, doctoral students, and young scientists are invited to submit their abstracts and participate in the conference, which will take place on 8–11 September 2026 in Kaunas, Lithuania. ENTRUST will bring together researchers, innovators, industry professionals, and policy makers to explore technological solutions for energy transformation.

Abstracts must be prepared in English and should briefly present the research focus, methodology, key results, and main conclusions. The abstract length is limited to 2,500 characters and must follow the official submission guidelines. All abstracts must be submitted by 15 June 2026 via the designated online submission form which can be found here.

Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

In response to the growing demand for dialogue on energy transformation, the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) has initiated the first ENTRUST Conference, bringing together visionary scientists, innovators, and decision-makers to share research, exchange ideas, and collaborate across disciplines.

The conference aims to unite the broader energy research and innovation community for constructive dialogue on the challenges of modern energy systems and potential solutions, promoting interdisciplinary cooperation and fostering innovation for a sustainable future.

One of the key components of ENTRUST will be CYSENI, a long-standing international conference for young scientists in the fields of energy and natural sciences. For more than two decades, CYSENI has provided an important platform for early-career researchers to present their work, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional connections across Europe.

In 2026, CYSENI enters a new stage, transitioning from an independent conference into becoming an integral part of ENTRUST.

At the first ENTRUST Conference, CYSENI will continue its close cooperation with long-term partners while offering young researchers the opportunity to join a broader international conference community. Doctoral students, early-career researchers, and young professionals will remain a vital part of ENTRUST, with expanded possibilities to engage with senior scientists, industry representatives, and policy makers.

To receive the latest updates about the conference, we invite you to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn.

3rd ResMe2E Consortium Meeting took place in Warsaw

Last week, the ResMe2E consortium met in Warsaw for a productive and engaging project meeting. With the project now around its midpoint, the discussions became especially dynamic and focused, reflecting the growing maturity of the work and the strong engagement of all partners. The exchanges were highly constructive, helping to review progress, align next steps, and strengthen collaboration across the consortium.

The meeting took place in Powiśle, an area where a former power plant once operated – an inspiring setting for conversations about the future of sustainable energy systems.

More about the project: https://www.lei.lt/projektas/resme2e-lt/

Congratulations to Justina Jaseliūnaitė on completing her PhD

Congratulations to Justina Jaseliūnaitė, a Junior Research Associate at the LEI Laboratory of Nuclear Installation Safety, who successfully defended her PhD dissertation on 13 February 2026 on the topic of The influence of coherent flow structures on the thermohydraulic efficiency of microchannels (Technological Sciences, Energetics and Power Engineering, T006).

A Step into the World of Science: Undergraduate Students Begin Their Internship at LEI

The ICEREG Project Final Conference Took Place

On 21 January 2026, the ICEREG project final conference “Ice-jam flood risk management in Latvian and Lithuanian regions with respect to climate change” was held in Riga at the Radisson Blu Daugava Hotel. Experts from Latvia and Lithuania presented the key project results, including ice-jam flood risk modelling and mapping, climate change impact projections, improvements to early warning systems, and proposed flood risk mitigation measures. The conference highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation and learning from historical flood events to strengthen public safety and resilience in the future.

The Project is funded by the European Union’s Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027

The Lithuanian Energy Institute announces a call for applications for a Project Leader position 

The Lithuanian Energy Institute announces a call for applications for a Project Leader position 

The Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) announces an open international call for applications for an early-career researcher (Project Principal Investigator) seeking to establish their first independent research team and to implement a high-level research and experimental development (R&D) project under the Progress Measure No. 12-003-03-06-01 “My First Research Team”. 

This measure provides opportunities for an early-career researcher to begin an independent stage of their scientific career, strengthen scientific leadership, form a thematic research group, and contribute to the development of energy efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. 

The Project Leader position under the “My First Research Team” programme is open to a researcher at the beginning of their scientific career who is prepared to lead an independent research team within the Lithuanian Smart Specialisation thematic area related to R&D and innovation (R&D&I)priority “New Production Processes, Materials and Technologies” including the following thematic areas: 

a) Advanced materials and structures; 
b) Energy efficiency and smart solutions. 

Applications are accepted for the following topic: 

“Investigation of the Synergy between Hydrophobic Nanostructured Coatings and the Leidenfrost Effect for Friction Reduction.” 

As the need to reduce emissions and energy consumption in the maritime sector increases—particularly with the transition to innovative fuels such as hydrogen—new solutions for reducing friction-related losses are required. The Leidenfrost effect, in which a stable vapour layer forms on a surface, can significantly reduce friction between water and a ship’s hull. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the synergistic effect of hydrophobic nanostructured coatings and surface texturing, enabling the initiation, stabilisation, and maintenance of a vapour film under realistic ship operating conditions.  

The main research objective is to develop and experimentally validate a technological concept for reducing hydrodynamic drag through surface modification, experimental investigation of the Leidenfrost effect, assessment of friction and energy losses, and analysis of heat and mass transfer. 

The research should focus on the application of two-phase flows, the Leidenfrost effect, and surface engineering to reduce hydrodynamic resistance in maritime transport, including: 

• the use of hydrophobic and nanostructured coatings; 

• studies of vapour film formation and stability; 

• combination of active and passive drag-reduction methods; 

• investigation of heat and mass transfer processes under non-standard conditions; 

• applications in the context of maritime energy efficiency and emission reduction. 

The research results will contribute to a fundamental understanding of the impact of two-phase flows on the reduction of hydrodynamic drag and energy efficiency, thereby providing a foundation for future technological innovations in maritime transport   

Applicant’s compliance with the call requirements  

a) Qualification Requirements 

Candidates who are eligible to apply are those who:  

• have obtained a PhD degree within the last 7 years prior to the application deadline (periods of maternity, paternity, parental leave, or long-term illness are not included); 

• not have previously served as a project leader of Lithuanian Research Council-funded projects specified in the ineligibility criteria of this call; 

• demonstrate scientific output and competencies indicating the potential to independently lead a research team; 

• be prepared to implement an original, relevant, and feasible research project aligned with LEI’s scientific fields and infrastructure. 

The candidate must: 

• possess competencies to carry out, organise, and coordinate R&D activities; 

• be able to conduct scientific research independently and collaboratively within research teams; 

• critically analyse and synthesise complex scientific ideas; 

• have experience in preparing and/or participating in national and/or international R&D, innovation, and science dissemination projects; 

• be capable of publishing research results in national and/or international scientific journals and presenting them at scientific events; 

• understand the potential application of research results in cultural, social, and economic contexts; 

• have proven scientific experience in heat and mass transfer processes and materials engineering. 

b) Funding Eligibility Restrictions 

To ensure support for the target group of the programme “My First Research Team”—early-career researchers—the candidate must not have served as a project leader, by the application deadline, in Lithuanian Research Council-funded projects implemented under the following measures and/or programmes:  

1. the 2014–2020 EU Structural Funds Investment Action Programme Measure No. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718 “Targeted Research in Smart Specialisation Areas”. 
2. the 2014–2020 EU Structural Funds Investment Action Programme Measure No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of the Scientific Competence of Scientists, Other Researchers, and Students through Practical Scientific Activities”, excluding measures for promoting students’ scientific activities and for postdoctoral fellowships. 
3. researcher’s groups projects. 
4. the State Programme for Lithuanian Studies 2016–2024. 
5. short-term research in the fields of health, education, and training. 
6. national research programmes: Welfare Society, Healthy Ageing, Sustainability of Agro-, Forest and Water Ecosystems, Towards Future Technologies, Modernity in Lithuania. 
7. competitive priority research programmes: Welfare Society, Strengthening Societal Resilience and Crisis Management in the Context of Contemporary Geopolitical Events. 
8. the dedicated programme “Information Technologies for the Development of Science and the Knowledge Society”. 
9. projects carried out under bilateral and multilateral international agreements: Lithuania–Taiwan projects, the Baltic Research Programme, Lithuania–Poland projects. 
10. projects carried out under measure No. 12-001-01-02-01 “Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems in Research Centers” Annex 13 to the description of the project being implemented (applies to the scientific direction of applied competence centers, thematic leaders, research team leaders, and their proposed teams that will carry out R&D projects in accordance with the internal procedures of the relevant partner institution). 

c) Main Responsibilities of the Project Principal Investigator 

The Project Principal Investigator will: 

• organise and coordinate project team activities and project implementation; 

• conduct the planned research and experimental development activities; 

• analyse, summarise, and document research results; 

• prepare and publish scientific publications and present results at conferences; 

• ensure dissemination of project results and international cooperation; 

• prepare interim and final project reports. 

d) Requirements for team composition and target indicators 

• The MPK project team must include at least one student (Bachelor’s–Doctoral level), at least one postdoctoral researcher, and at least three researchers from abroad. One or more scientists employed as research staff may also be hired. The MPK research team may not include scientists who are employed by the Partner or another institution in senior or principal researcher positions and/or who hold administrative positions (this restriction does not apply to the MPK Project Leader). 

• When planning the MPK research project, the Project Leader must aim to achieve the following monitoring indicators: 

1. Implemented research and experimental development projects – 1; 
2. Number of publications produced under the funded project – 2; 
3. Number of researchers from abroad attracted to LEI – 3 researchers; 
4. MPK project researchers undertaking professional development abroad – 4 researchers 

Funding and Working Conditions  

• Funding: up to EUR 350 000 for direct project costs and 7% for indirect costs; 

• Project duration: up to 36 months; 

• Project start date: no later than 1 September 2026; 

• Employment contract: full-time (40 hours per week) for the Project Principal Investigator; 

• Hourly rate: up to EUR 36.36/hour (gross); 

• Workplace: Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos g. 3, Kaunas, Lithuania. 

Benefits and Opportunities 

By choosing the Lithuanian Energy Institute, you will receive: 

• meaningful scientific work at one of the strongest energy research institutes in the Baltic region, conducting nationally and internationally significant research in energy, sustainability, and innovation; 

• an opportunity to start an independent scientific career, establish and lead your first independent research group, and strengthen your scientific leadership as a project leader; 

• access to modern laboratory and experimental infrastructure for advanced research in two-phase flows, surface engineering, heat and mass transfer, and energy technologies; 

• international collaboration opportunities, including long-term partnerships with EU universities and research centres, and participation in international projects and networks (Horizon Europe, COST, EERA, etc.); 

• active support for early-career researcher development, including leadership training, international visibility, and opportunities to prepare future international proposals; 

• a supportive institutional environment fostering scientific initiative, innovation, open collaboration, and dissemination of research results. 

The mandatory application document package must include: 

• Description of the MPK research project and additional annexes related to the project description (e.g. Gantt chart, schematics, etc.). 

• a functional (narrative) CV following the Research and Innovation CV (R4RI) format, in line with The Declaration on Research Assessment, substantiating: 

1. contribution to knowledge creation (key research, methods, publication impact); 
2. contribution to the scientific community (mentoring, peer review, open data); 
3. societal/economic impact (applied results, cooperation with industry); 
4. future plans (research development, especially in the context of the programme); 

• list of scientific publications (journal articles—especially indexed in Clarivate Analytics Web of Science, international monographs or chapters); 

• description of other scientific activities (conference presentations, memberships in national and/or international organisations, participation in scientific committees, expert activities); 

• results of project activities (applications to national and/or international R&D and innovation projects; funding received; patents granted or patent applications filed); 

• participation in doctoral training (supervision of PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, interns, involvement in doctoral studies); 

• copy of the PhD diploma or certificate; 

• description of the R&D project’s alignment with the Smart Specialisation priority and thematic focus (up to 3 000 characters); 

• documents substantiating the extension of the eligibility period, if applicable (copies of documents confirming maternity / paternity / parental leave or long-term incapacity for work, if the PhD degree was awarded more than 7 years before the application deadline; copies of documents confirming long-term illness, if applicable). 

Applications must be submitted via the online form no later than 15:00:00 (CET) on 13 February 2026. Applications submitted after the specified deadline will not be considered. 

You can find the description of the selection procedure for the project leader of the “My First Research Team” programme here.

NOTE: The Lithuanian Energy Institute will process personal data submitted for the purpose of this project leader selection in accordance with data protection regulations.  

Applicants may withdraw their consent to participate in the selection process at any time and request deletion of their personal data by contacting Rimantas.Levinskas@lei.lt. 

Contact Information 

For information about the call, consultations, or application submission, please contact: 

Rimantas Levinskas
Lithuanian Energy Institute
Tel. +370 374 01 804
Email: Rimantas.Levinskas@lei.lt 

Climate and Health: LEI Scientists Investigate the Impact of Extreme Weather on Mortality in Lithuania

In November 2025, LEI launched the project “Linking Cardiovascular Mortality and Suicide Risks with Extreme Weather Events in Lithuania under Climate Change (CliMed-LT)”. The aim of the project is to investigate how extreme weather events affect human health and mortality risk in Lithuania and to help better prepare for the challenges posed by climate change.

Alarming Statistics

Mortality from stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and suicides remains one of the most serious public health problems in Lithuania and worldwide. Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally and one of the main causes of death in Lithuania. The number of deaths from stroke in the country is twice the European Union average. Acute myocardial infarction accounts for 38% of female deaths and 44% of male deaths from cardiovascular diseases.

Lithuania has also long been among the top ten countries in the world with the highest suicide rates. These figures indicate serious challenges to public health that require deeper understanding and new solutions.

Extreme Weather and Health Risks

Epidemiological studies conducted in the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and European countries show that extreme climatic (weather) events can have a significant impact on human health. Heatwaves and cold spells, air pressure fluctuations, precipitation, humidity, and sunlight exposure have been linked to higher risks of stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and suicides.

However, in the Lithuanian context, these links are still poorly understood and insufficiently studied. There is a lack of detailed research that would allow an assessment of how our country’s specific climatic conditions affect public health.

Developing Advanced Forecasting Models

The CliMed-LT project, conducted in collaboration with the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), aims to identify links between extreme weather events and their impact on public health in Lithuania. Special attention will be paid to suicide rates and mortality from non-communicable diseases – stroke and acute myocardial infarction.

To achieve this goal, data from different fields will be combined – high-resolution meteorological datasets and death registry information. Statistical methods will be used to develop advanced forecasting models that can identify the most important risk factors, quantitatively assess their impact, and model possible future scenarios in the context of climate change.

From Research to Practical Solutions

The project focuses not only on theoretical research but also on practical benefits. It aims to create early warning systems and evidence-based recommendations to help strengthen the national healthcare system’s preparedness and resilience to extreme weather events.

By combining environmental and health data, the CliMed-LT project will contribute to a deeper understanding of the interactions between climate change and public health and help build a more resilient and better-prepared healthcare system in Lithuania.