INFN, Vilnius University and FTMC sign a framework agreement to strengthen scientific collaboration between Italy and Lithuania

The National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN, Italy), Vilnius University (VU) and the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) signed a Framework Agreement in Rome aimed at strengthening scientific and technological cooperation between Italy and Lithuania. The agreement, signed at the INFN Headquarters, represents a new step in the collaboration path launched earlier this year between the research institutions of the two countries.

The agreement promotes joint activities in strategic areas of interest ranging from particle physics to nuclear physics and astrophysics, from research on dark matter and gravitational waves, for the Einstein Telescope, to laser, quantum and high-performance computing technologies. The agreement also provides for the promotion of exchanges of researchers, programmes for young postdoctoral researchers, training activities, workshops, conferences and other joint initiatives aimed at fostering the growth of scientific collaborations between the two research communities.

“The signing of the Framework Agreement between INFN, FTMC and VU marks an important milestone in strengthening scientific cooperation and opening new horizons for joint research.

Our institutions already share strong scientific interests in several frontier research areas, ranging from particle and nuclear physics to gravitational waves, and advanced computing. This agreement provides a valuable foundation for transforming these shared interests into ambitious collaborative projects, fostering the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and creating new opportunities for researchers, particularly early-career scientists and postdoctoral fellows.

FTMC is truly delighted and honoured to be part of this important initiative. We believe that bringing together the complementary expertise, scientific excellence, and research capabilities of our institutions will inspire groundbreaking discoveries and contribute to extraordinary scientific achievements in the years ahead,” says Dr Lina Mikoliūnaitė, FTMC Deputy Director for Science.

(Dr Lina Mikoliūnaitė, FTMC Deputy Director for Science, Prof Antonio Zoccoli, President of INFN, and Prof Rimvydas Petrauskas, Rector of VU. Photo: FTMC)

“The Framework Agreement signed today marks an important step in strengthening the scientific ties between Italy and Lithuania. INFN, Vilnius University and FTMC already share scientific interests in several frontier research areas, from particle and nuclear physics to gravitational waves, quantum technologies and advanced computing, as well as in major international projects such as Einstein Telescope.

This agreement provides a structured framework to further develop these collaborations, promote the exchange of researchers and create new opportunities, particularly for early-career scientists and postdoctoral researchers. Addressing the major scientific and technological challenges of our time increasingly requires international cooperation, and we are pleased to contribute to building a long-term partnership between our research communities,” Prof Antonio Zoccoli, President of INFN notes.

The signing of the Framework Agreement follows on from the dialogue launched at the beginning of the year, when a Lithuanian delegation composed of representatives of scientific institutions and the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Italy met with the INFN board to explore new opportunities for collaboration. On that occasion, a number of topics of common interest that are now the subject of the agreement had already been identified. Following the signing ceremony, the Lithuanian delegation will visit the INFN Frascati National Laboratory.

Source: INFN