On October 29, the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) organized the experts’ meeting of the project “Ice-jam flood risk management in Latvian and Lithuanian regions with respect to climate change” (ICEREG, LL-00136).
During the meeting, project partners discussed the main results achieved and presented the draft guidelines for early warning of ice-jam floods, risk mitigation measures, and hazard and risk maps for the pilot areas. Discussions were also held on the agenda of the upcoming meetings with stakeholders from Lithuania and Latvia and on the presentations for the Final Conference.
The meeting was attended by experts from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LEGMC), the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service (LHMT), and the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI).
For the second consecutive year, Lithuanian researchers joined the InSPiR2eS Global Pitching Research Competition (IGPRC). This international initiative empowers early-career academics to communicate their research ideas with clarity and purpose.
What began as a small event at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) has grown into a national platform for collaboration and inspiration. This year, the competition gathered young researchers and doctoral students from six Lithuanian institutions and a wide variety of fields – from physics and chemistry to economics, marketing and psychology.
The Lithuanian round of IGPRC 2025 built on last year’s success, evolving from a university-hosted seminar into a national event with a shared goal: to improve how researchers tell the story of their science. Participants were challenged to present their work using the Pitching Research Framework – a simple but powerful structure designed by Professor Robert Faff to help academics express the “what, why and how” of their research in just a few minutes. The atmosphere at KTU’s School of Economics and Business was both competitive and collaborative, with participants learning not only to pitch their ideas but also to listen, connect, and build bridges across disciplines.
At its heart, IGPRC reflects a shift that many universities are now embracing – research communication as a core academic skill. By focusing on storytelling, clarity, and purpose, the competition helps young scholars move beyond jargon and complexity, allowing their ideas to resonate with both academic and wider audiences.
Four winners to represent Lithuania on the global stage
After a day of inspiring presentations, the jury announced four national winners who will represent Lithuania in the IGPRC 2025 Global Semifinals: Gabrielė Bumbulytė Žukevičienė (Nature Research Centre), Justina Jaseliūnaitė (Lithuanian Energy Institute), Syed Muntazir Mehdi (KTU School of Economics and Business), and Roberta Spangelytė (Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry). These talented researchers stood out not only for their scientific excellence but also for their ability to communicate complex ideas with passion and precision.
Each winner brought a unique perspective to the competition. Gabrielė Bumbulytė Žukevičienė presented research on how food and beverage industry by-products can be transformed into high-value protein and biofertilizers, offering a sustainable model for the circular bioeconomy. Justina Jaseliūnaitė impressed the judges with her study of microchannel vortices and their role in improving cooling systems – a technical topic explained in a way that anyone could follow. Syed Muntazir Mehdi examined the delicate balance between efficiency and cognitive agency in AI-driven customer interactions, reflecting on how technology influences human decision-making. Meanwhile, Roberta Spangelytė focused on enzyme-assisted extraction and fermentation of underutilised plants to improve women’s nutrition, showing how science can directly impact health and wellbeing.
All four winners will compete with peers from around the world for a share of the AUD 20,000 prize pool. But beyond the financial reward, most participants see the experience itself as the real prize – an opportunity to gain confidence, receive constructive feedback, and see their work through a global lens.
From framework to movement: the InSPiR2eS network
Behind the competition stands Professor Robert Faff, a renowned academic and founder of the InSPiR2eS network. His Pitching Research Framework has become a global tool for academics who want to refine how they communicate their ideas. The framework encourages researchers to focus on the essence of their work – identifying the problem, explaining the approach, and highlighting why it matters.
“Lithuania’s engagement in the IGPRC this year has been truly inspiring,” said Professor Faff. “The national event reflected a wonderful blend of research diversity, intellectual curiosity, and communicative clarity – exactly what the Pitching Research Framework aims to cultivate. The quality of the pitches was exceptional, with participants showing impressive mastery not only of their research ideas but also of how to tell their research story with confidence and purpose.”
Faff’s collaboration with Lithuanian institutions, particularly with KTU, has played a significant role in building local capacity for effective research communication. Through workshops, mentorship, and international networking, he has helped doctoral students and early-career researchers gain a new appreciation for the human side of science – its stories, questions, and societal impact. The growing involvement of Lithuanian universities signals that this approach is taking root, gradually transforming the way researchers prepare, present, and promote their ideas.
A culture of clarity and connection
The Lithuanian round of IGPRC was organised by Assoc. Prof. Neringa Gerulaitienė from KTU’s School of Economics and Business, who also serves as Lithuania’s country node leader for the InSPiR2eS network. For her, the competition is more than just an event – it is part of a broader effort to nurture a culture of open and confident research communication in Lithuania.
“I am truly delighted that we succeeded in bringing this global competition to Lithuania,” she said. “The growing interest and participation from different institutions show that the Pitching Research Framework is becoming an important tool for developing research communication skills. It is inspiring to see how Lithuanian researchers are learning to present their ideas with clarity and confidence and connect with the global research community through InSPiR2eS.”
The jury, which included Professor Faff alongside Dr Rūta Ubarevičienė, Ernestas Uzdila, Dr Ieva Barauskienė, Dr Farrukh Naseem Qureshi, Dr Meda Andrijauskienė and Dr Eglė Butkevičiūtė, praised the participants’ enthusiasm and diversity. “It’s wonderful to see young researchers engaging in high-quality science communication and sharing their work across fields and institutions,” said Dr Ubarevičienė, Chair of the Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. “Such initiatives fill an important gap in Lithuania’s research culture, and I hope this becomes a lasting tradition.”
Assoc. Prof. Gerulaitienė echoed this sentiment: “We are incredibly proud of all participants and the progress we see in developing research communication skills across Lithuania. I do not doubt that our finalists will represent Lithuania with excellence on the global stage and continue to inspire other young researchers to share their ideas with confidence.”
Source: https://en.ktu.edu/news/ktu-hosts-the-national-round-of-the-global-pitching-research-competition/
Congratulations to Noura Ragab Abdelaty Elsalamouny, a PhD Student at the LEI Laboratory of Nuclear Installation Safety, who successfully defended her PhD dissertation on 24 October 2025 on the topic of “Numerical investigation of Severe Accident Phenomena based on Experimental investigations applying BEPU approach” (Technological Sciences, Energetics and Power Engineering, T006).
PhD students of the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) visited the Institute’s experimental laboratories, exploring six LEI research subdivisions: Center for Hydrogen Energy Technologies, Laboratory of Combustion Processes, Laboratory of Materials Research and Testing, Plasma Processing Laboratory, Laboratory of Heat-Equipment Research and Testing, and Nuclear Engineering Laboratory.
During the tour, the students learned about the infrastructure, ongoing research, and achievements of these subdivisions. They had the opportunity to see advanced technologies firsthand and learn about innovative solutions applied across various scientific and industrial fields to enhance sustainability and efficiency. The students showed great interest in the work of LEI researchers and asked questions about current projects and studies.
The laboratory visit helped the students gain a deeper understanding of LEI’s activities and the diversity of scientific research conducted at the Institute, enriching their knowledge and experience.
A researcher Dr. Ljubiša Gavrilović from the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), Norway, visited the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) for one week from September 29th till October 3rd to strengthen collaboration and expand knowledge in thermal conversion of solid materials and gas processing with plasma applications.
The researcher from IFE participated in hands-on training and joint research activities with LEI scientists. The main focus was improve syngas composition in terms of H2/CO ratio thermally decomposing plastic waste via plasma gasification under different water vapour amount, which support key tasks within the ongoing project “Plastic waste conversion to methanol through water vapor plasma gasification and advanced catalytic synthesis” funded by Nordic Energy Research and the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania. During his visit, the IFE researcher participated in experimental runs and contributed to the syngas analysis using FTIR and GC systems.
During the visit, the IFE researcher gained practical training and experience with FTIR gas analyzer Bruker OMEGA 5, portable gas analyzer VISIT 07 and gas chromatography systems Agilent and have deepened the knowledge in the field of gasification and plasma processing of solid and gaseous materials.
To strengthen collaboration, the researcher from IFE made a detail presentation about their group research and ongoing projects at IFE. Also the researcher visited the facilities of two laboratories: Laboratory of Combustion Processes and Plasma Processing Laboratory, and was introduced with research areas and ongoing projects at LEI related to pyrolysis, gasification and combustion. In addition, was discussed about future calls for joint applications.
This collaboration supports the exchange of early-career researchers and helps build long-term scientific capability at both institutions. The visit improved scientific expertise while encouraging innovation and international cooperation in sustainable chemical technologies.
On 17th September 2025, the second consortium meeting of the E-Pla2Meth project “Plastic Waste Conversion to Methanol through Water Vapor Plasma Gasification and Advanced Catalytic Synthesis” was held in Kjeller, Norway. The meeting was hosted by the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), a project partner.
Plastic waste remains a major environmental concern in the Nordic and Baltic states, with an estimated 70% of marine litter in the Baltic Sea consisting of plastic. In response, various efforts have been initiated to collect and recover plastic waste, which is often directed to waste-to-energy processes such as incineration. However, the growing volumes of plastic incinerated also result in increased CO₂ emissions. Aligned with the EU Green Deal and Nordic Vision 2030 objectives, the E-Pla2Meth project aims to demonstrate an innovative and sustainable solution. The project focuses on the integration of two intensified processes: water vapor plasma-assisted gasification and sorption-enhanced methanol synthesis (Plasma-Gasification-SEM). This approach seeks to convert plastic waste into valuable methanol, contributing to circular economy goals and reducing environmental impact.
During the one-day meeting, representatives from LEI (Project Owner) and Feenix Resource Recovery AS (Geo4) (Project Observer) joined their hosts at IFE to present updates on project progress. Detailed discussions were held on the ongoing activities within the project’s Work Packages, with particular attention to deliverables, milestones, and strategies for result dissemination.
A guest speaker from Carbon Recycling International delivered an insightful presentation titled “CO₂ Utilization to Green Methanol”, highlighting the growing demand for methanol production and trends in the expansion of the methanol industry.
Following the presentations, the consortium turned its attention to future planning, including participation in international conferences, and preparations for the final project meeting and workshop to be held in Lithuania.
The meeting concluded with a guided laboratory tour hosted by IFE, providing participants with a detailed overview of experimental setups and research activities, marking a productive and inspiring end to the session.
The project “Plastic waste conversion to methanol through water vapor plasma gasification and advanced catalytic synthesis (No. 189738)” is funded by Nordic Energy Research and the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania under the Joint Baltic–Nordic Energy Research Programme.
More information at: https://www.lei.lt/en/projektas/e-pla2meth/
Project coordinator: Dr. Rolandas Paulauskas, Chief Research Associate, e-mail: Rolandas.Paulauskas@lei.lt Tel: +370 37 401830.
Congratulations to Rimas Meištininkas, a PhD student at the LEI Laboratory of Heat-Equipment Research and Testing, who successfully defended his PhD dissertation on 26 September 2024 on the topic of Bioremediation Potential of Petroleum Contaminated Soil Using Legume Siderates, Biological Additives, and Seed Treatment Technologies (Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004).
Congratulations to Simona Breidokaitė, a PhD Student at the LEI Laboratory of Nuclear Installation Safety, who successfully defended her PhD dissertation on 25 August 2025 on the topic of Modeling of the neutron transport based on the Monte Carlo method and the numerical estimation of radiological quantities towards the future nuclear fusion reactor DEMO (Technological Sciences, Energetics and Power Engineering, T006).
From July 28 to 31, Professor Dr. Saulius Gudžius, Director of the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI), and Dr. Robertas Poškas, Chief Researcher at the Laboratory of Nuclear Engineering Problems, participated in the 17th International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection (SEEP 2025), held at Brunel University London.
The Importance of Energy Flexibility
Professor Dr. Saulius Gudžius was one of the keynote speakers at the conference. In his presentation, “The Grid Is Not Enough: Flexibility & Seasonal Energy Storage”, he discussed Lithuania’s goal of ensuring energy independence, the need to increase system flexibility, and the role of seasonal thermal energy storage technologies. He emphasized that Lithuania has made a firm commitment to move away from dependence on Russian energy resources by expanding local renewable electricity production. However, ensuring system reliability requires a complex set of measures – smart regulation, investment incentives, and enhanced infrastructure flexibility.
Professor S. Gudžius highlighted the crucial importance of developing and implementing advanced electricity and thermal energy storage technologies, which ensure system flexibility and help manage fluctuations in renewable energy sources.
While the number of solar and wind power plants is rapidly growing in Lithuania, and the amount of energy produced by them is increasing, these sources are inherently intermittent and not always available. Therefore, it is essential to develop not only short-term but especially seasonal energy storage solutions. Such solutions allow for storing surplus energy when it is produced and using it when production is low, thereby improving grid reliability and reducing dependency on imported energy resources. Achieving Lithuania’s energy independence requires consistent development of energy infrastructure, the implementation of modern regulatory mechanisms, and the promotion of investments in innovative technologies and solutions that help balance energy demand and supply in the long term.
Recovery of Wastewater Streams in Industry
On July 28, during the iWAYS symposium at the conference, LEI researcher Dr. Robertas Poškas delivered a presentation titled “Acidic Condensate Treatment Using a Reverse Osmosis Pilot Unit”, which explored the treatment of industrial acidic condensate.
This research is part of the EU’s Horizon 2020 project iWAYS, which focuses on sustainable resource recovery solutions in industry. The study analyzed ways to recover water, heat, and materials from industrial streams. Simulated industrial waste streams containing aggressive chemical compounds – which pose major challenges to heat exchangers by causing corrosion, reducing their lifespan, and leading to costly downtimes – were examined. The research aimed to identify materials that withstand such conditions best and to determine how recovered heat could be efficiently reused.
According to Dr. R. Poškas, the goal was not only to recover heat from acidic waste streams but also to effectively treat the resulting condensate so it could be reused in industrial processes. The polluted condensate was purified using a prototype filtration system with a reverse osmosis filter.
The results showed that the prototype filtration system significantly reduced ion concentrations and metal content in the treated water, although it only slightly affected the pH – the purified water remained mildly acidic. This indicates that the technology is effective in removing impurities from industrial condensate.
“The possibility to reuse treated water is becoming an increasingly important direction for sustainability – especially in Southern European countries, where water scarcity is becoming more acute,” the researcher emphasized.
International Dialogue
Held for the 17th time, this international conference brought together academics, industry representatives, and policymakers from around the world. It provided a platform to discuss the latest trends and innovations in sustainable energy and environmental protection, promote international cooperation, and exchange knowledge to address global challenges.
Dr. R. Poškas noted that the conference was a great opportunity to meet scientists from other countries and discuss prospects for cooperation. Moreover, participation in such high-level events enhances the Institute’s visibility, helps build new connections, and creates opportunities to publish research results in international scientific journals. This year, LEI also contributed to the organization of the conference.
This summer, student Deimantas Šmigelskas is doing his internship at the Thermal Equipment Research and Testing Laboratory of the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI). The future third-year chemistry student at Vilnius University stood out for his academic achievements two years ago—scoring four perfect scores in state graduation exams and missing the fifth by just one point. For his summer internship, he chose LEI, where he deepens his knowledge of computational chemistry.
A Heart Drawn to Chemistry
Although Deimantas excelled in many subjects at school, he decided to study chemistry. His interest in the field began around 8th–9th grade and steadily grew. By the end of school, he was confident in his chosen path. To him, chemistry seemed like the perfect balance between the exact sciences and understanding nature—closer to nature than mathematics or physics, but not quite biology either. Before applying to university, he also researched the job market—where specialists are in demand and where competition is too high. Chemistry appeared to be a rational choice: consistent demand for professionals, and less competition in studies.
“During my studies, I realized I enjoy two branches of chemistry—computational and organic. So I looked for institutions offering internships in these areas. I wanted a topic more focused on theoretical modeling and less on experimental lab work. LEI offered exactly such an internship involving computer modeling and theoretical tasks, so I chose this institute. Also, I’m from Kaunas, so it’s nice to return home and spend the summer in my hometown,” says D. Šmigelskas.
Fascinated by Fundamental Science
At LEI’s Thermal Equipment Research and Testing Laboratory, Deimantas is working on the topic “Investigation of Hydrogen Embrittlement in Steel Alloys Using Molecular Dynamics Method.”
“During the internship, I spend most of my time writing code to simulate processes on a computer rather than using physical equipment. For example, I simulate the process of stretching metal. Of course, this could be done in a lab with proper equipment—you insert a metal sample into a testing device and stretch it. But I do it computationally, which allows me to observe the process at the molecular level. In real-world experiments, you can’t see that when working with macroscopic objects,” he explains. “For me, the most important thing is understanding fundamental processes—that’s what interests me most. That’s why I choose computer simulation—it allows us to capture what’s invisible to the human eye.”
Deimantas studies how hydrogen affects the brittleness of metals. Though it is a theoretical investigation, he believes it has practical value.
“It’s especially important economically—in technical fields like hydrogen storage. For example, when hydrogen is transported through pipelines, over time the metals used degrade due to interaction with hydrogen—they become brittle and may break spontaneously. It’s a complex phenomenon to explain. With molecular-level simulations—observing systems made of tens of thousands of atoms—we aim to understand how and why these metal properties deteriorate. I believe this is relevant not only to industry, where preventive measures can be applied, but also to fundamental science—to describe and understand in detail the processes occurring at the molecular level,” he says.
A Valuable Experience
Deimantas recalls his first visit to LEI as a teenager—on a school field trip. The institute left an impression, though he never imagined he’d return in a few years as an intern. He emphasizes that the internship at LEI enriched his knowledge and strengthened his motivation to continue in his chosen field.
“Professionally, I’m most glad I learned to use specialized software for molecular modeling. I also gained planning skills—learning to set daily goals, plan my week, identify what I’m aiming for and by when. At first, especially during the first week, I worked rather chaotically—I didn’t know where to start or how to prioritize tasks. Now everything is clearer—I’m better at organizing my time and work,” he smiles. “I really like the people at the institute—everyone is kind and helpful. If I don’t know something, I can always ask the internship coordinator—she immediately explains where to go, what to do, or what form to fill out. My supervisor is also very understanding—he’s flexible about mistakes and gives advice when I get stuck. This kind of environment encourages curiosity, growth, and learning.”
A tour of LEI’s experimental divisions at the start of the internship also left a strong impression. Before that, Deimantas imagined labs in a more traditional “chemical” way—with flasks, fume hoods, and reagents. But here he saw entirely different types of laboratories—where researchers even build their own equipment.
“It was fascinating to see how researchers from various energy-related fields work and what equipment they use. It helped me understand how much effort goes into even the simplest experiment,” he says. “I was also surprised by the size of the institute. At first, I thought everything was in one building, but then I realized there are multiple buildings and departments. It even feels like a small town,” he laughs. “I can confidently say that LEI is a great place for both interns and long-term employees. I really enjoy it here, and the scientists make a very professional impression.”
Fostering Independence
Deimantas recommends doing an internship at LEI to other students—not only those studying energy or engineering but also future chemists, physicists, and even economists. It may seem like the institute is strictly focused on energy, but in fact, professionals from various fields work here.
According to him, an internship at LEI is a great way to broaden your horizons and knowledge. Though he studies chemistry, his internship also involves mathematics and programming. This gives him a taste of different disciplines, fosters interdisciplinary skills, and helps him understand how specialists from diverse fields collaborate to solve complex scientific and technological challenges. He says this experience is not only valuable for professional development but also motivates a broader view of studies and career prospects.
“I was surprised by how much independence is given to the intern. I expected stricter control, but instead I was free to find solutions myself. My supervisor emphasized that the key is learning to find your way, not just blindly follow instructions. So I work using a ‘trial and error’ approach—spot a mistake, analyze it, improve, and move forward. Of course, when needed, my supervisor gives pointed feedback. This work style is perfect for independent, curious students,” he says. “The people at LEI are very friendly and supportive. The administration is easy to work with, everything is explained clearly, and the general atmosphere is welcoming. I also appreciate the convenient infrastructure—the cafeteria, rest areas, and courtyard where you can relax during breaks. The internship not only expands your knowledge but also helps you grow as a professional. LEI is a great place for independent, inquisitive students, regardless of their study field.”
Aiming for Broad Experience
Deimantas is still considering his future career path. The internship at LEI helped him gain knowledge and experience and better understand what truly interests him. He now has a clearer idea of what it’s like to work as a theoretical chemist specializing in computer simulations. Though he enjoys the field, he isn’t yet ready to make a final career decision.
“Since I’m only halfway through my studies, in the next two years I want to try more practical lab work—the more ‘classic’ chemist path. For now, my goal is to experience as much as possible, learn, and explore different branches of chemistry. Only after finishing my bachelor’s degree will I feel ready to specialize. I want my choice to be conscious and based on real experience,” he explains. “Right now, I imagine two possible future scenarios. One is academic: working at a university or research lab, being part of a research group, tackling relevant scientific questions, maybe even teaching. The other is non-academic: working as a chemist in an industrial company or startup, creatively solving problems and constantly thinking. I’m not interested in managerial roles. While my mind is still young and curious, I want to use it to the fullest—to search, explore, create, and understand.”
