The Future of Science: A New Generation of FTMC Doctoral Students Begins Its Journey

A new generation of first-year doctoral students at FTMC, comprising 39 students from Lithuania and abroad, is beginning its journey at our Center. To mark the occasion, the FTMC Doctoral School organised an introductory meeting, during which the students were presented with the key tasks ahead and the most important practical matters related to their studies.

Welcoming the new doctoral students, FTMC Director Prof. Dr Ramūnas Skaudžius described them as the main force of the Center and encouraged them to remain true to themselves. He reminded them that, over the next four years, the most important things would not be published papers or a diploma, but life itself: learning, growing, and making the most of the experience.

The importance of doctoral students as emerging talent is also emphasised by Ieva Stirkė, Project Manager at the FTMC Doctoral School:

“These are the people who may become the future of FTMC. We hope that talented and motivated doctoral students will choose to remain at the Center and continue their scientific careers after defending their dissertations. The future of science is being built with their minds and hands, which is why their presence here is so important to us.”

Now in its second year, the FTMC mentoring programme helps young researchers integrate more quickly into the community and overcome the challenges they encounter, says the specialist.

“The greatest support during the first few weeks is usually needed by doctoral students arriving from abroad. Everything is new to them here, from the study system to everyday life, so it is only natural that many questions arise.

That is exactly why we created the mentoring programme. Since last year, new doctoral students have been supported by more experienced colleagues who volunteer to share their knowledge and experience. Most of the mentors are senior international doctoral students who have already gone through the same challenges faced by newcomers: finding accommodation, dealing with bureaucracy, adapting to the Lithuanian winter, and much more.

They are always willing to help first-year doctoral students, and the programme has proven its value and continues to operate successfully,” says I. Stirkė.

At present, FTMC has a total of 118 doctoral students in physics, chemistry and materials engineering, including 45 international students.

FTMC Information