The FTMC Annual Conference Concludes with Awards for Top Scientists and a Visit from the Minister

The FTMC Annual Conference was full of activity!

On the first day, our researchers delivered presentations and took part in discussions on defence and quantum technologies. The second day began with a new format: representatives of scientific departments shared their ideas through short peer‑to‑peer conversations and engaged with colleagues while presenting their achievements during the poster session. We hope this not only helps colleagues get to know each other better but also inspires new projects.

As is tradition, the second day featured the FTMC Director’s annual address. For this occasion, we welcomed distinguished guests: the Minister of Education, Science and Sport, Raminta Popievienė, and the Head of the Ministry’s Science Division, Tadas Juknevičius. Opening the event, the Minister emphasised that every achievement by our researchers is a victory for Lithuania as a whole, as the added value contributes to the country’s progress and benefits us all.

“I sincerely want to thank all of you for your successful work and your active participation in international projects, as this strengthens Lithuania’s visibility across Europe and the world,” said Popovienė.

Strengthening Internationalisation Among Key Goals

FTMC Director Prof. Dr Ramūnas Skaudžius presented the Center’s main developments, implemented changes, the most significant achievements of our researchers, and the goals set for 2026. You can already read the FTMC Annual Report 2025 by clicking this link.

According to the Director, particular focus will be placed on attracting new talent and enhancing internationalisation: the FTMC Doctoral School will continue to grow, collaboration opportunities with top global research institutions will be actively pursued, and more research and experimental development (R&D) work will be carried out.

“Speaking of the successful work completed last year, I would first highlight the annual performance conversations, held for the first time. I already see their benefits in how colleagues discuss results and engage in focused dialogue – it sets a positive tone. I am already genuinely looking forward to the 2026 report and believe we will move more strongly into the international arena.

Another aspect involves administrative changes that are gathering momentum. Again, I see real progress in areas such as evaluation systems, fair remuneration, and the development of an infrastructure and asset database. These may seem like small things, but together they bring strategic value,” Prof. Skaudžius noted.

Awards from the Minister and the FTMC Community

After the annual address, the most joyful part of the event took place – the awards ceremony. This year it was longer than usual, as a surprise awaited attendees: the Minister honoured four employees for their exceptional work, presenting them with special certificates of appreciation and commemorative gifts.

Dr Paulius Ragulis, Head of the Microwave Laboratory at the Department of Physical Technologies, was recognised “for the application of microwave technologies in the field of defence and for his leadership in heading the laboratory, significantly contributing to the development of advanced solutions and the strengthening of national security”. You can read about the latest achievement of Paulius and his team – a system capable of identifying ship radar signals – here.

Dr Lina Grinevičiūtė, Head of the Optical Coatings Laboratory at the Department of Laser Technologies, was recognised “for significant breakthroughs in optical coatings research and for her leadership in heading the laboratory, greatly contributing to scientific progress and innovation”. Optical coatings are an integral part of laser systems, and Lina and her colleagues demonstrate top‑level achievements in this field.

FTMC organisational psychologist and HR/Organisational Development Partner Šarūnas Mačiulis received an award “for strengthening the spirit of the Center by organising Running and Nordic walking clubs, and for supporting community well‑being as the organisation’s psychologist”.

The fourth employee honoured by the Minister was Dr Vladislovas Čižas, physicist at the Department of Optoelectronics, recognised “for high‑level scientific achievements, for his 2024 dissertation – awarded PhD – and for tireless educational activity, actively contributing to STEAM education, project implementation and student initiatives”. You can read more about Vladislovas's dissertation here.

The traditional FTMC awards followed, with laureates selected through voting for their colleagues’ contributions in 2025. We congratulate and thank the following colleagues, and are proud of their work:

• Administration Employee of the Year: Aušra Vilutienė, Head of the Department of Project Management
• Scientist of the Year: Dr Paulius Ragulis, Department of Physical Technologies
• Young Scientist of the Year: Kernius Vilkevičius, PhD candidate in the Department of Laser Technologies
• Patent of the Year: Method for selective metallisation of inorganic dielectrics or semiconductors (authors: Dr Karolis Ratautas, Dr Gediminas Račiukaitis, Dr Aldona Jagminienė, Dr Ina Stankevičienė, and Prof. Habil. Dr Eugenijus Norkus)
• Project of the Year: ChipsC²‑LT (Project leads: Dr Gediminas Račiukaitis and Dr Saulius Tumėnas)
• Initiative of the Year: New Year party “Back to the Future” (organised by HR Head of the Department of Personnel Ramunė Stankevičienė and Deputy Director for General Affairs Marija Gutauskienė)

Awards were also presented to the authors of the six best scientific publications of 2025, whose work appeared in high‑ranking journals. We congratulate the following colleagues and wish them continued success:

• Aurimas Kopūstas and Dr Marijonas Tutkus (Department of Molecular Compound Physics) (article link)
• Dr Martynas Talaikis (Department of Organic Chemistry), Dr Ahmed Taha, Dr Monika Kirsnytė‑Šniokė, and Dr Arūnas Stirkė (Department of Functional Materials and Electronics) (article link)
• Dr Vytautas Žalandauskas, Rokas Silkinis, and Dr Lukas Razinkovas (Department of Fundamental Research) (article link)
• Dr Andrius Garbaras (Department of Nuclear Research) (article link)
• Simonas Kecorius, Dr Kristina Plauškaitė‑Šukienė, and Dr Steigvilė Byčenkienė (Department of Environmental Research) (article link)
• Dr Vilma Ratautaitė and Prof. Habil. Dr Arūnas Ramanavičius (Department of Nanotechnology) (article link)

Once again, we congratulate all laureates and extend our sincere thanks to the organisers, participants and volunteers of the FTMC Annual Conference!

Info and photos: FTMC