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2024. 08. 01 -

Ramūnas Skaudžius takes up the post of Director of the FTMC

The new Director of FTMC, Prof. Dr. Ramūnas Skaudžius. Photo from personal archive
A new Director has started to work at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) on 1 August. Ramūnas Skaudžius, Doctor of Chemistry, Professor, former Vice-Minister of Education, Science and Sport, has taken over from Prof. Dr. habil. Gintaras Valušis, a physicist and Head of the FTMC Department of Optoelectronics, who held the post for two terms.
 
The FTMC community thanks the former Director for all his work and inspiring example and welcomes the new Head of the Center.
 
"I am delighted to have the opportunity to assume leadership of the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology. I am privileged to become part of the team at the largest science and research institution in Lithuania.
 
FTMC is an institution that cultivates scientific curiosity and creativity through pioneering research and the advancement of a new generation of scientists equipped with the expertise to address global challenges. Together, we will endeavour to develop innovative technologies and solutions that will enhance the quality of life and the natural environment, and become leaders in science not only in Lithuania but also on the international stage.
 
I am convinced that close collaboration, the exchange of knowledge and ideas, and collective endeavour will facilitate the attainment of our objectives. I encourage you to play an active role in the activities of our Centre, to strive for scientific excellence and internationalisation, and to construct a prosperous future collectively," says R. Skaudžius.
 
He became the new Head of the FTMC after winning a competition launched by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, in which 5 candidates took part. During the debate in June, R. Skaudžius presented the human-centred mission of the FTMC: to foster scientific curiosity and creativity through cutting-edge research and to develop the next generation of scientists capable of tackling global challenges. The chemist stressed that technology is created by people and personalities.
 
He also presented the strategic objectives, which highlighted the importance of conducting high-quality basic and applied research, developing and modernising infrastructure and technology, educating talented researchers and developing their careers. He identified participation in international programmes, partnership building and international events as key elements to help FTMC reach a higher level.
 
FTMC is the largest scientific research institution carrying out a unique fundamental research and technological development works in scientific fields of laser technologies, optoelectronics, nuclear physics, organic chemistry, bio and nanotechnologies, electrochemical material science, functional materials, electronics, etc. in Lithuania. In the Center not only the innovative science but also high technologies expedient for business and society needs are developed.
 
 
(Prof. Dr. Ramūnas Skaudžius at the debate of the candidates for FTMC Director. Photo: FTMC)
 
Biography of Ramūnas Skaudžius
 
Date and place of birth:
 
30 April 1985, Alytus.
 
Education:
 
2004 Alytus Vidzgiris Secondary School;
 
2008 Vilnius University, BSc in Chemistry;
 
2010 Vilnius University, MSc in Chemistry;
 
2010 Vytautas Magnus University, teacher qualification;
 
2014 Vilnius University, PhD in Chemistry in the field of physical sciences, professor from 2021.
 
Work experience:
 
2008 Teacher of mathematics and chemistry at Vilnius St. Christopher gymnasium;
 
2009-2012 Gymnasium chemistry teacher and deputy for education;
 
2012 4-month traineeship in Germany;
 
2013 12-month traineeship at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland;
 
2014-2016 Teacher at Vilnius St. Christopher gymnasium;
 
2016-2017 Lecturer at the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, chemistry teacher at KTU gymnasium;
 
2017-2020 Vice-Dean for Studies, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University;
 
2017 Associate Professor, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University;
 
2021-2024 Vice-Minister for Education, Science and Sport, responsible for general education;
 
From 1 August 2024, Director of the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC).
 
Other work experience:
 
Co-initiator of the Lithuanian Science Olympiad and the Lithuanian Geosciences Olympiad, Head of Chemistry section of the European Union Science Olympiad and the International Junior Science Olympiad, co-author of the integrated science curriculum for grades 5-8, Head of the STEAM Methodological Group at Vilnius University.
 
He has conducted workshops for teachers and advised schools on setting up science laboratories. In the last 5 years, he has had internships in Sweden, Japan, Taiwan and Jordan.
 
Awards:
 
2011 Meilė Lukšienė Prize;
 
2020 The Young Scientist Prize by the Rector of Vilnius University for significant scientific achievements.
 
Foreign languages:
 
English.
 
Leisure interests:
 
Travelling, hiking, basketball, volleyball, beekeeping.
 
Marital status:
 
Married, wife Vilija, sons Adomas, Žygimantas Vidas, daughter Liepa
 
Information from the FTMC and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania
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