LSMU Hosts Thermo Fisher Scientific Day of Science Featuring Scientific Insights and Latest Technologies
On 15 October, the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) hosted the Thermo Fisher Scientific Day of Science 2026. Bringing together researchers, laboratory specialists and students, the event focused on the latest scientific research, laboratory technologies and opportunities for collaboration in the life sciences.
This year’s theme Dare Every Day encouraged the participants of the Day of Science to ask questions, explore new solutions and promote scientific progress. It also offered the opportunity to gain valuable insights from experts across various fields, attend scientific presentations, participate in workshops and discover the latest laboratory technologies at a dedicated exhibition.
Why collaboration matters
In his opening address, LSMU Vice-Rector for Research Prof. Juozas Kupčinskas welcomed the fact that this year, the Day of Science was being hosted at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. He emphasised that the life sciences are integral to the LSMU’s activities, including education, research and the translation of research findings into clinical practice.
“For many years now, Thermo Fisher Scientific has been a beacon for the life sciences in Lithuania. Its contribution to the education of students and its support for young researchers are invaluable to the entire life sciences community. Our collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific provides an outstanding opportunity for our undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students and researchers to learn more about innovations in biotechnology and the latest research methodologies. Both early-career and more experienced researchers at our University will be able to apply them in their future research work,” said Prof. J. Kupčinskas.
Dr Lukas Taujenis, Senior Manager at the Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Division at Thermo Fisher Scientific, noted that the Day of Science has been an established tradition for many years, with the primary aim of bringing together the research community, exchanging knowledge about the latest scientific developments and gaining a better understanding of the researchers’ needs.
“Our mission is to provide researchers with opportunities to conduct research in their respective fields and thereby contribute to a healthier, cleaner and safer world. Such face-to-face meetings offer excellent opportunities not only to present our products, but also to learn about the work of research groups,” said Dr L. Taujenis.
According to him, collaboration with universities goes beyond simply presenting technology. The company offers students research topics and provides the necessary infrastructure, whilst the universities ensure academic supervision. One such example is V. Pedišius, a doctoral student at LSMU, whose research is jointly supervised by Dr L. Taujenis and Prof. Valdas Jakštas, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy.
Research presented by scientists
This year, the Day of Science, held in Kaunas, covered various fields of the life sciences. The presentations explored topics in genetics, immunology, gut microbiota and cell biology, as well as modern research methods.
Topics such as AI-driven protein design, environmental pollutant analysis and plant metabolomics were also discussed. Scientists from Lithuania and abroad presented their research, discussed current scientific issues and explored the opportunities offered by modern technologies.
The speaker line-up also included LSMU researchers Dr Rūta Inčiūraitė and Dr Aistė Jekabsonė. Dr R. Inčiūraitė presented the potential applications of intestinal organoids in scientific research, whilst Dr A. Jekabsonė spoke about extracellular vesicles and particles and their role in signal transduction within living organisms.
Dr Hesham El Abd, a researcher at Kiel University and a visiting researcher at the LSMU Institute for Digestive Research, discussed the role of genetics in the study of inflammatory diseases associated with immune system dysfunction. Vilmantas Pedišius, a doctoral student at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, LSMU, who also works at Thermo Fisher Scientific, presented research into the chemical composition of plants and the application of mass spectrometry methods.
According to Dr R. Inčiūraitė, such events provide an opportunity not only to present one’s research but also to strengthen ties with other researchers and representatives of the biotechnology sector.
“This is an excellent opportunity to bring the Lithuanian scientific community together in one place to discuss opportunities for collaboration and new ideas. Collaboration with Thermo Fisher is also very valuable, as it allows us to work with biotechnology companies that are developing new products and seeking to meet the needs of scientists. It’s a wonderful synergy,” said Dr R. Inčiūraitė.
In addition to scientific presentations, the event featured workshops and the exhibition showcasing technologies and solutions designed for laboratory work. Participants had an opportunity to interact with specialists from Thermo Fisher Scientific and discuss potential applications of the technologies. The Talent Connect Zone provided a dedicated space for participants to meet and build professional networks.
Visitors to the exhibition could learn more about Thermo Fisher Scientific products developed in Vilnius, whilst activities aimed at young people showcased the Mobile BioClass and iGEM initiatives, designed to foster interest in the life sciences among young talent.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Day of Science provided researchers with an opportunity not only to learn about the latest research and technologies, but also to exchange experiences, discuss current issues and forge professional connections. Such initiatives strengthen collaboration between the academic community and the biotechnology sector, foster new ideas and create opportunities for joint projects that contribute to progress in the life sciences.
