State Awards Presented to FTMC Scientists Prof. Eugenijus Norkus and Prof. Vidmantas Gulbinas for Merits to Lithuania

On the occasion of the Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania, President Gitanas Nausėda presented state awards for merits to the Republic of Lithuania and for promoting Lithuania’s name worldwide.

We are delighted and proud that today two distinguished scientists from our Center were honoured!

Prof. Habil. Dr Eugenijus Norkus, a chemist at the FTMC Department of Catalysis and former head of the Department, was awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas “for outstanding world‑class scientific achievements in the fields of electrochemistry and applied materials science, as well as for his significant contribution to strengthening the prestige of Lithuanian science worldwide.”

(Prof. Habil. Dr Eugenijus Norkus with his family and President Gitanas Nausėda. Photo: Robertas Dačkus / Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania)

“16 February – the Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania – has always been one of the most memorable and important Lithuanian celebrations for me (I would like to mention that my grandfather, Klemensas Norkus, was a participant in the Lithuanian Wars of Independence in 1918–1920). I believe that receiving this order specifically on this day gives it special value. This award signifies that our scientific research and its results do not go unnoticed, and therefore we will strive to work even more productively, strengthening the prestige of independent Lithuanian science across the world.

I would like to thank my family (first my wife Rūta) for their understanding, support and assistance, as well as my former and current colleagues from the Department of Catalysis. I also extend my thanks to colleagues from other FTMC departments with whom we collaborate, for their qualified experimental work, engaging scientific discussions, and their active role in summarising our findings in scientific publications.

I will not be original, but as an optimist I hope that the most important scientific work still lies ahead,” says Prof. Habil. Dr Norkus.

Another award was presented at the Presidential Palace to Prof. Habil. Dr Vidmantas Gulbinas, Head of the FTMC Department of Molecular Compounds Physics. He received the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas “for merits to Lithuanian science in the field of organic and hybrid semiconductor physics.”

(Prof. Habil. Dr Vidmantas Gulbinas with his family and President Gitanas Nausėda. Photo: Robertas Dačkus / Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania)

“A distinguished state award compels one to reflect: why has it been granted? What useful or exceptional things have I done? Including my studies, I have devoted almost 50 years to physics. Yes, I have truly worked hard and honestly. But is that enough? It may seem unusual to some, but these questions have always troubled me. Unfortunately, the ultimate result of scientific activity – its benefit to society – is often less visible than, for example, a bridge built by an engineer or a patient healed by a doctor. Yet it is clear that without science there would be no societal progress. Perhaps, in a small way, my own work contributes to this.

My main field of research is the physics of organic and hybrid semiconductors. These materials are fascinating due to their properties, complexity and the intricate processes they exhibit. Their wide range of characteristics promises valuable applications in next‑generation electronic devices. This has been discussed since my student years. Perhaps not all expectations are fulfilled, and perhaps not as quickly. However, we already have displays made of organic materials, and organic and hybrid solar cells are reaching efficiencies comparable to silicon cells. To enable their broader use, we must understand their properties even better and discover new application areas.

In scientific work, the most interesting aspect for me has always been the scientific activity itself – the joy of achieving or understanding something that has not been achieved or understood before. It is also a great pleasure to work with intelligent, interesting people. I have worked and continue to work with many colleagues at our Center, in my department, and at Vilnius University. I have also met many remarkable persons through collaborations, conferences and research visits in Sweden, France, Taiwan, and the USA. I have always felt the support of the former Institute of Physics, FTMC leadership and former department heads. It is a pleasure to work with young, talented people. It is motivating,” shares Prof. Habil. Dr Gulbinas.

We congratulate our scientists and wish them new and inspiring discoveries!

Info: FTMC