From Scientific Breakthroughs to Strategic Technologies: US and Lithuanian Science and Innovation Leaders to Meet for Dialogue

Science is no longer confined to laboratories – today, it shapes the technologies we develop, the decisions we are able to make independently, and the resilience of our state. On 21 October, the Lithuanian-American Science and Innovation Forum at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) will bring these issues together as one of the key events of the international science week “(re)SEARCH 2026”.

The forum is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, with FTMC as a partner. It will bring together representatives of the Lithuanian and US science, policy and innovation communities to discuss how to strengthen cooperation between the two countries and turn scientific expertise into tangible technological opportunities.

When knowledge needs to become technology

Lithuania has strong expertise in biotechnology, lasers, space and other high-tech fields. Yet today, the value of scientific potential is measured not only by publications or discoveries. It is increasingly important whether knowledge can be translated into technologies, whether researchers’ expertise can be brought together in international teams, and whether cooperation can lead to new solutions that strengthen the economy, security and technological competitiveness.

This is precisely the link – from science to technological capability – that will be at the heart of the forum on 21 October. Discussions will explore how partnerships between Lithuania and the United States can help accelerate the development of technologies, strengthen innovation ecosystems and create long-term value for both countries.

According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys, science, technology and innovation are becoming not only drivers of economic development, but also factors shaping geopolitical influence and national resilience.

“We see cooperation between Lithuania and the United States in these fields as an important part of our strategic partnership. This forum will help bring together the Lithuanian and US science and innovation communities and explore concrete ways to turn our expertise and shared interests into new technologies, partnerships and long-term strategic advantage,” says Kęstutis Budrys.

Partnerships that expand opportunities

From FTMC’s perspective, international partnerships are meaningful when they do more than open up new contacts – they enable institutions to combine their different areas of expertise.

“The more advanced we are in science and technology, the greater our freedom to make our own decisions, shape our future and strengthen the resilience of our state. That is why investing in knowledge, talent and international cooperation is particularly important today. The partnership between Lithuania and the United States opens up new opportunities to bring together researchers’ expertise, exchange ideas and develop ambitious solutions that advance science,” says FTMC Director Ramūnas Skaudžius.

The programme of the Lithuanian-American Science and Innovation Forum is available here.

Registration is available here.

Five days – one question: what kind of science does the future need?

The Lithuanian-American Science and Innovation Forum will take place as part of the international science week “(re)SEARCH 2026”, held in Vilnius on 19–23 October. The week’s programme will focus on science diplomacy, international partnerships, innovation, research security and Lithuania’s role in a changing European research landscape. These themes take on additional significance as Lithuania prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027.

The week will open on 19 October with an event marking the 10th anniversary of the Lithuanian-Japanese scientific cooperation programme. On 20 October, the Lithuanian Science Forum will take place, followed on 21 October by the Lithuanian-American Science and Innovation Forum. On 22 October, an international conference will focus on research security and the management of geopolitical risks, while the week will conclude on 23 October with a lecture by Prof Vytautas Nekrošius, “The Constitution as a Value”.

The international science week “(re)SEARCH 2026” is organised by the Research Council of Lithuania (LMT). Organisational partners are the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Mykolas Romeris University and the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. Information partners are LRT.lt and LRT PLIUS.

Information by FTMC and LMT