An international team of researchers, including an LSMU scientist, has published the results of its research in the Journal of Hepatology, one of the world’s leading journals in the field, with an impact factor of 40.1.

The researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence tool, the ELM Score, which enables the non-invasive prediction of clinically significant portal hypertension in patients with compensated chronic liver disease.

The tool:

• combines liver and spleen stiffness measurements obtained using any elastography technique with basic clinical data;
• reduces the proportion of inconclusive, or ‘grey-zone’, cases from nearly 48 per cent under the current Baveno VII criteria to just 12 per cent;
• maintains a high level of diagnostic accuracy;
• enables earlier and safer identification of patients requiring treatment; and
• helps reduce the need for invasive diagnostic procedures in patients with chronic liver disease.

The ELM Score calculator is available HERE.

The scientific publication is available HERE.

The post LSMU Associate Professor Dr Romanas Zykus Co-Authors Major Scientific Paper and New AI Tool appeared first on LSMU.

“Freemasons are increasingly re-engaging with society. They have always stood for the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity. Those who upheld these ideals were often at the forefront of change, as these values were central to their lives. Partnerships between Masonic organisations and research institutions are well established around the world, and we are pleased to see similar initiatives becoming increasingly prominent in Lithuania,” said a representative of the Adomas Mickevičius Masonic Lodge.

The scholarship recipient was selected following a meeting of the Board of the LSMU Science Fund held on 27 April 2026, during which nine outstanding doctoral students’ applications were assessed. Candidates were evaluated on the basis of their scientific achievements, publications, participation in research projects and other criteria established in the University’s Regulations on Research Activities. Following a thorough review of the applications, the Board selected Darius Stukas as this year’s scholarship recipient.

The Giedrius Andziukevičius Nominal Scholarship, established by the Adomas Mickevičius Masonic Lodge, aims to encourage promising early-career researchers and recognise their contribution to scientific advancement. The scholarship is named in honour of physician Giedrius Andziukevičius, who served for many years as Director of the Kaunas Dainava Polyclinic. Throughout his career, he was committed to improving the quality of healthcare services, promoting innovation and creating a more patient-centred healthcare system.

Darius Stukas is pursuing doctoral studies in Biology within the field of Natural Sciences under the supervision of Professor Žilvinas Dambrauskas. His research focuses on the biology of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. By advancing the understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, his work has the potential to contribute to the development of new diagnostic and treatment approaches.

According to the scholarship recipient, the award represents important recognition of the work he has undertaken during his doctoral studies.

“The award of this scholarship demonstrates that research into the biology of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is both important and highly relevant. I regard it not only as a personal achievement but also as encouragement to continue my research and pursue new scientific achievements. I am sincerely grateful to my doctoral supervisor, our research group and my colleagues for their constant support, valuable discussions and encouragement. I would also like to thank the scholarship sponsors for their trust in young researchers and for promoting their scientific research,” says Darius Stukas.

Alongside his doctoral studies, Darius Stukas is actively involved in both research and academic work. He is employed as a Junior Researcher at the Surgical Gastroenterology Laboratory of the Institute for Digestive Research, Medical Academy, LSMU. He also lectures at the Department of Surgery and the Department of Biochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine, and serves as a Junior Assistant at the Institute of Biological Systems and Genetic Research, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Veterinary Academy, LSMU.

On behalf of the University, Professor Ingrida Ulozienė, Head of the LSMU Research Affairs Department, expressed her appreciation for Darius Stukas’ contribution to the future of medicine.

“This recognition is of great importance to our entire research community and represents a meaningful tribute to the memory of Giedrius Andziukevičius. Today, Darius is conducting research of considerable importance, requiring exceptional concentration, long hours in the laboratory and great perseverance. Your recognition and financial support are therefore a truly valuable gift. This is tangible support that contributes to the advancement of future medicine and may one day help save lives. Your generosity sets an outstanding and inspiring example for society as a whole,” she said.

On 17 April, prior to the award ceremony held at the Pažaislis Monastery, the benefactors met last year’s scholarship recipient, Jolita Stabrauskienė, a doctoral student at the Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, LSMU. During their visit, they were introduced to the activities of the LSMU Pharmacy and invited to visit the Faculty of Pharmacy.

The first Giedrius Andziukevičius Nominal Scholarship was awarded in 2024 to Karolina Mėlinytė-Ankudavičė, a doctoral student in Cardiology at LSMU.

The scholarship is awarded annually to doctoral researchers whose scientific achievements and academic activities demonstrate outstanding professionalism, commitment and a significant contribution to scientific progress.

During the scholarship presentation ceremony, the benefactors thanked the Rector of LSMU for the University’s commitment to supporting promising young researchers.

“This University, under the leadership of Professor Rimantas Benetis, is an excellent example of how the next generation of scientists should be nurtured,” they said.

Special thanks were also extended to Professor Ingrida Ulozienė, Head of the LSMU Research Affairs Department.

“Having witnessed Professor Ulozienė’s exceptional professionalism in supporting young researchers and her outstanding leadership of the Research Affairs Department, this year we looked for ways to provide even greater encouragement by increasing the value of the scholarship. We have now done so. We sincerely hope to strengthen this cooperation in the

years ahead. With leaders such as these, we can achieve a great deal,” said the representative of the Adomas Mickevičius Masonic Lodge.

“We congratulate Darius Stukas on receiving the Giedrius Andziukevičius Nominal Scholarship and wish him every success in his future research. This scholarship has already become a valued tradition, and next year we will once again invite doctoral students to apply,” the representative concluded during the award ceremony, attended by Professor Ingrida Ulozienė, Head of the LSMU Research Affairs Department, members of Giedrius Andziukevičius’ family and other invited guests.

The post Giedrius Andziukevičius Nominal Scholarship Awarded to LSMU Doctoral Student Darius Stukas appeared first on LSMU.

At the event, Rector Professor Rimantas Benetis and Prof. Habil. Dr Daiva Rastenytė, Chancellor of the Medical Academy, presented LSMU to the Alliance. They introduced the University’s structure, current projects, international partnerships and main areas of activity.

LSMU was also represented by Prof. Habil. Dr Arimantas Tamašauskas, Director of the Neuroscience Institute of the Medical Academy; Prof. Dr Juozas Kupčinskas, Vice-Rector for Research; Prof. Dr Indrė Čeponienė, Vice-Rector for Studies; and Prof. Dr Ingrida Janulevičienė, Dean of the International Relations and Study Centre. They explored opportunities for cooperation and strengthened international partnerships.

The NeurotechEU Summit and General Assembly in the Swedish capital focused on strategy, practical solutions and shared guidance for shaping the future of international education and research.

Earlier this year, representatives of the NeurotechEU Alliance visited LSMU. The visit was an important step in strengthening international connections. Following the meetings, the parties agreed to continue active cooperation, develop networking and continue discussions on LSMU’s possible accession to the NeurotechEU Alliance.

NeurotechEU is an alliance of European universities focused on neurotechnology, a fast-developing field of research that brings together medicine, artificial intelligence and technology.

The post LSMU presented at NeurotechEU Summit and General Assembly appeared first on LSMU.

As the scope of research and technological needs have grown, the Oncology Research Laboratory has moved from its former small premises on the lower ground floor to new 330-square-metre facilities at the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos, next to the Department of Radiation Therapy.

The new premises house laboratories for molecular research, protein research, functional cell studies and cell cultures, as well as a lecture room for students, facilities for sample preparation and storage, and a laboratory for Bachelor’s and Master’s students working on their final theses. 

Ambitious plans for a priority area

Oncology is one of LSMU’s strategic research areas. LSMU Rector Professor Rimantas Benetis highlighted the University’s ambitious plans and expectations in this field.

“Oncology research at the University should in future continue expanding into the areas of molecular research, digestive system studies, nuclear medicine and proton therapy. We are actively working in this direction and discussing sources of funding so that, in the future, we can significantly expand treatment options for oncology patients. We view the development of oncology research with hope, commitment and a sense of responsibility,” said Professor Benetis.

Professor Elona Juozaitytė, Head of the LSMU Institute of Oncology and Head of the Department of Oncology and Haematology, noted that the renewed and highly favourable conditions for developing radiobiology experiments and other research activities mark a new stage in the scientific work of the entire Institute of Oncology.

“The expansion of the Oncology Research Laboratory is not only an investment in infrastructure; it is also an investment in people. We are investing to ensure that young researchers – our future leaders – have comfortable conditions in which to work. The renovated infrastructure will serve both studies and Master’s students’ laboratory work, and will help consolidate efforts for the further development of radiology and oncology research,” said Professor Juozaitytė.

Professor Renaldas Jurkevičius, Director General of the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos, emphasised the importance of collaboration.

“Both at LSMU and at the university hospital Kauno Klinikos, oncology is a priority area. From a clinical perspective, we can be proud of strong progress: new technologies are being introduced, and individualised therapy based on genetic diagnostics is being applied. These are systemic steps; without research and without the University, such progress would not be possible,” said Professor Jurkevičius.

According to Professor Juozaitytė, research findings are directly applied in patient treatment. Recognising the value, importance and benefit of such research for patients, Avon – a well-known cosmetics company and organiser of various cancer-awareness initiatives – contributed EUR 25,000 to support the renovation of the Oncology Research Laboratory and breast cancer research carried out there.

Applying the most advanced technologies

Established 15 years ago, the LSMU Faculty of Medicine Institute of Oncology comprises the Department of Oncology and Haematology and the Oncology Research Laboratory. The laboratory conducts fundamental and applied research covering a broad spectrum of oncological and oncohaematological diseases, as well as radiobiological experiments.

The laboratory’s main research focus is the search for new prognostic and predictive cancer biomarkers. Using patients’ blood and tumour samples, as well as cell culture models, researchers analyse gene sequence variants and changes in gene expression at RNA and protein level.

Advanced technologies are used in the research, including real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), Western blotting, flow cytometry and other methods. Around 200 human exome sequencing studies have already been carried out using NGS technologies.

Another important area of the laboratory’s research is radiobiology. Researchers analyse the response of breast cancer cells to ionising radiation and search for phytochemicals that increase radiosensitivity.

Fundamental knowledge for treatment and diagnostics

Biologists and geneticists working at the Oncology Research Laboratory collaborate closely with oncologists and haematologists and conduct translational research, the results of which are directly applied in clinical practice.

The Institute of Oncology of the LSMU Faculty of Medicine stands out for its growing research output and significant achievements internationally.

Researchers from the Institute of Oncology are involved in the activities of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). In 2022, the Institute joined the CERN Baltic Group and participates in the activities of the Particle Physics Consortium, which brings together Lithuanian researchers from various fields and disciplines to conduct research on topics relevant to CERN. The consortium includes a Radiobiology Research Group representing LSMU.

With research activity and the number of scientific publications having increased significantly, it is expected that targeted development will create the conditions for the continued strengthening of the Institute of Oncology and an even greater contribution to the advancement of oncology research in Lithuania.

The post New Opportunities for Research: Renovated Oncology Research Laboratory Opens at the Institute of Oncology appeared first on LSMU.

It is becoming clear that we learn most effectively not through monotonous repetition, but through lived experience, adapting and exploring. These insights are already transforming not only rehabilitation and sports practices but also offering a broader perspective on the human capacity to adapt to a constantly changing world.

We have discussed this in a conversation with Agnė Slapšinskaitė-Dackevičienė, physiotherapist, Associate Professor at the Department of Sports Medicine of the Faculty of Nursing, and Senior Researcher at the Health Research Institute at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU).

According to the researcher, our movements are not mechanical repetitions of identical actions – they form a dynamic, ever-changing system reflecting our physiology and emotional state. Each person’s movement is unique: even the smallest micro-movement can serve as a biometric identifier – like a fingerprint.

What new discoveries have been made about movement, and why are they significant?

Movement is an integral part of everyday life – from simple morning routines to complex artistic or professional activities. For example, you can pick up a cup of coffee in a thousand different ways, because our central nervous system allows for a wide range of movement variation.

Modern science increasingly shows that movement is not an identically repeatable process. Based on Nikolai Bernstein’s concept of “repetition without repetition”, each execution of a movement contains variability.

Even if the same person performs the same action repeatedly, it will differ slightly each time depending on the state of the nervous system, fatigue, emotions, or circadian rhythms. For this reason, movement becomes individual – like a signature or fingerprint.

This individuality has practical significance: in everyday life, we often recognise people by the way they move and their specific movements. Movement analysis is already widely used in biometrics and forensic science – for example, in some countries individuals can be identified by their gait alone.

The ability to vary movement is directly linked to safety and injury prevention. Movement variability is a valuable trait that helps us adapt to the world. For example, children growing up in Lithuania learn to walk on ice: their central nervous system and muscles learn from the environment and interact with it. If you are visiting Lithuania and encountering ice for the first time, your central nervous system is much less adapted to this kind of environment, and you fall more often.

If you do not train variability, do not attempt to perform a movement in a different way than we are used to, we reduce our movement repertoire and adaptability, increasing the risk of injury, especially in older age.

Variability is a broadly applicable concept both in rehabilitation and in a gym.

Movement and learning: how are they connected?

Movement is a learned ability closely linked to general learning processes. However, traditional repetition-based approaches are increasingly questioned.

Repetitive learning – repetitive performance of an identical action – is considered less effective, particularly in older individuals. Learning by repetition should be exercised among children below 12. Starting the age of 13, a movement should be performed identically no more than three times to make sure that it still holds the subjective information, which is new to the learner.

Scientific evidence shows that excessive repetition reduces new information and slows learning.

An alternative is contextual interference and differential learning, based on variation of environment, tasks, movement execution modes. Differential learning introduced by Professor Wolfgang Schöllhorn prompts the system to self-organise by maintaining a high level of “subjective information”, i.e. by keeping a component of novelty for the learner.

Learning movement is not linear: even relearning a skill leads to a different execution due to changes in the body and experience. For example, if you return to a gym or physiotherapy sessions after a longer pause, you may have forgotten a certain movement and will be learning to execute it in a completely different way than previously. As Heraclitus said, you cannot step into the same river twice.

The differential approach to learning movement was borrowed by the field of rehabilitation from sports back in 2009. It may sometimes take decades for scientific knowledge to find way into daily practice – this method is still too little known in Lithuania and even Europe.

Interestingly, differential learning used to be applied in other areas of learning, such as learning to write at schools in Germany. Instead of a single “right” model, children would be provided with different conditions to experiment using different writing surfaces, tools, and body positions. The aim was to enable the child to discover the most appropriate individual movement pattern for their central nervous system and muscular system having tried out and accumulated diverse writing experience.

This approach relies on the systems theory, neurophysiology, and reform pedagogy (underpinned by the ideas proposed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Friedrich Fröbel, and Maria Montessori), emphasising the individual experience and enriching learning environment.

Where is global science heading in this field, and what is in the focus?

Contemporary movement science is developing in two directions: the integration of technology and the analysis of subjective information. In this respect, we are living through a genuine revolution.

Advanced technologies – 3D motion capture systems, wearable sensors, and artificial intelligence – make it possible to analyse not only movement parameters, but also more complex indicators, such as fluctuations. These can function as biomarkers, helping to diagnose or monitor conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

What happens, for instance, when analysing the same gait? We can observe not only stride length, speed, and amplitude, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, but also monitor so-called fluctuations – oscillations within the biomechanical signal. If a person has Parkinson’s disease, these oscillations will differ from those of healthy individuals. Professor Jeffrey Hausdorff of Tel Aviv University, who researches this phenomenon, argues that fluctuations are not merely background noise, but a biomarker that helps identify the earliest signs of the freezing of gait (FoG) characteristic of Parkinson’s disease.

When observing the effectiveness of different learning methods, electroencephalography studies reveal how brain activity changes – how the brain is activated or inhibited during movement, and what occurs following training conducted using differential learning.

Another important direction is the assessment of subjective experience. Growing attention is being paid to how a person perceives their own body, how they interpret movement, how they are able to sense what is happening within the body, recognise new information, and use it to adapt. This capacity is considered essential both for learning and for high-level performance in sport.

The objective task may be identical for everyone – for example, walking across a balance beam – yet the subjective experience will differ fundamentally: for a professional athlete, it will be an almost automatic action; for a less experienced person, a demanding task; and for someone with a fear of heights, perhaps even a traumatic experience.

It is therefore important for a therapist, coach, or teacher not only to measure movement, but also to understand how the individual experiences it. Appropriately chosen small challenges can help reveal which learning method is best suited to a particular person.

In summary, movement and learning are inseparable processes, dependent on initial conditions and continuous change. Even minor adjustments can significantly affect movement execution, particularly in the early stages of learning. It is therefore crucial to cultivate the ability to vary, adapt, and explore. Learning takes place not through mechanical repetition, but through lived experience – a journey that itself becomes the destination.

A publication of exceptional value for rehabilitation and sports professionals

These insights are brought together in the book Differential Learning in Physiotherapy. The editors are Wolfgang Schöllhorn and Agnė Slapšinskaitė-Dackevičienė. Other LSMU researchers who contributed to the book are Dr Deivydas Velička and Vidmantas Zaveckas.

At the public launch of Differential Learning in Physiotherapy on 27th April, one of the editors, Professor Wolfgang Schöllhorn, offered detailed examples to illustrate what readers can expect.

“Most of the methods used in physiotherapy today were initially tested in sport. In other words, the methods currently in use are the result of a long process of work with professional athletes. That is precisely why we did not focus solely on one area, but expanded our knowledge and its application more widely,” said one of the editors, speaking about how the book came to be written. 

Those who were interested in the book had the opportunity not only to be among the first to browse through it, but also to put their questions directly to Professor Schöllhorn and the co-authors representing LSMU.

The post Physiotherapist: Human Movement is like a Fingerprint, and Lived Experience is the Best Way to Learn appeared first on LSMU.

Indeed, the products stand out for their effective combination of active ingredients, encapsulation technology or playful dispenser-activated release. The fact that adds uniqueness to the line is that the author of the idea is a fifth-year student of Pharmacy at LSMU, and she worked together with the LSMU researchers throughout the process of development of the new product line. 

An eye-catching innovation

The three-product routine line based on dermocapsule and spherulite technology has already attracted interest at fairs and presentations. The product line covers the whole daily skincare routine: from deep cleansing to skin regeneration and protection. The unique appearance of the gels comes from the “bubbles” created using the advanced dermocapsule and spherulite technology that preserves the active ingredients up until they are released during the application, making sure that they remain active at the contact with the skin.

According to Professor Jurga Bernatonienė, Head of the Department of Drug Technology and Social Pharmacy at the LSMU Faculty of Pharmacy, dermocapsules could be compared to microscopic containers protecting the active ingredients contained within from external influence, such as light, oxygen, or interaction with other ingredients.

This approach is very practical as many active ingredients tend to lose efficacy over time. Research has recently demonstrated that the encapsulation technology increases the stability of the ingredients, promotes faster delivery into the skin, and boosts the overall effect. Spherulites – a different kind of microparticles – act as reservoirs or can even be compared to a cleaning system, as their porous structure absorbs the excessive sebum or impurities from the skin surface.

Science-based formula: discover the capsules within

“Upon pressing the dispenser, dermocapsules and spherulites are delivered onto the skin surface. The As the product is gently spread or massaged into the skin, the capsules break down mechanically, releasing the active ingredients at that very moment. These ingredients remain fresh within the product and are activated only upon application. This ensures a fresh, targeted effect that conventional skincare often cannot achieve,” explained Prof. J. Bernatonienė.

Each product has its specific function. Acmella Carbonia with carbon spherulites acts as a smart skin cleansing and detox system by removing impurities and excessive sebum without damaging the skin. Acmella Lumina with silver-coloured dermocapsules improves the skin tone by reducing pigmentation thanks to the tranexamic acid, while the ceramides also contained within strengthen the protective skin barrier.  Acmella Aurea with gold-coloured dermocapsules has been developed to boost skin regeneration and glow. The peptides, plant stem cell extracts, ceramides, and moisturising complexes in the product help improve skin vitality and elasticity.   

Prof. J. Bernatonienė has also emphasised that the products rely on the consistently and carefully formulated composition rather than a single component. For example, the Spillanthess acmella (also  known as the toothache plant for its numbing proprieties) flower extractprovides natural firming effect and helps reduce the expression lines. The Helichrysum italicum (more commonly known as the Immortelle) extract has a calming effect on the skin and promotes skin regeneration. The effect of these plant extracts is boosted by other active ingredients ranging from barrier-strengthening lipids to intensive moisturising components.  

“It is not a single component but their combination and delivery technology that makes these products unique. The active ingredients act in synergy, and the dual encapsulation technology makes sure that they are delivered onto the skin at the moment of their peak efficacy,” the Professor has noted.

From idea to product: challenges and victories

Globally recognised  as a cutting-edge solution, encapsulation technologies have not yet become mainstream in skincare. Moreover, the combination of dermocapsules, spherulites and science-based active ingredients in a single system at this technological level is an essentially new approach in Lithuania and marks clear transition from traditional skincare to science-based skincare solutions.

“Although the first attempts almost never succeeded in the course of development, the repeated attempts and consistent search for the optimal technological solutions proved to be effective, which eventually lead to success,” said Urtė Bernatonytė, the author of the idea behind the products and a fifth-year Pharmacy student at LSMU, describing the process. She not only came up with the idea but also carried out most of the development process.

Having developed an interest in dermocapsule technology, the young researcher explained that her aim was to create a product that would be distinctive – one that people would want to use every day and that would immediately catch the user’s attention. For this reason, she chose a gel format: within its transparent texture, dermocapsules and spherulites become visible, giving the product a unique appearance.

Developing the final product from the initial idea, optimising the formula and preparing it for production took around two years.

The greatest challenges the young pharmacist encountered were related to the process technology. For instance, in order to ensure product stability, she had to abandon the idea of incorporating an essential oil into the gel, as it was observed to cause the dermocapsules to break down. Considerable time was also required to select safe and gentle preservatives, as well as an appropriate viscosity for the gel base to prevent the embedded dermocapsules and spherulites from settling during storage. Additional challenges arose for the LSMU Pharmacy team when adapting the formula for larger-scale production, as it was necessary to adjust equipment parameters to ensure that the dermocapsules were not damaged during mixing.

U. Bernatonytė notes that, in developing cosmetic skincare products, the knowledge of pharmaceutical technology and pharmacognosy acquired during her studies at LSMU, as well as the experience shared by Prof. J. Bernatonienė, proved invaluable.

“I am delighted that LSMU provided the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practice, from initial gel formulation trials in the laboratory through to the production of final products at the LSMU pharmacy. Without the efforts of the LSMU pharmacy team, many of the subsequent stages of bringing these products to market – from adapting equipment for industrial gel production to product registration, packaging selection and design, and label production – would not have been possible. I would like to thank the entire LSMU Pharmacy team, especially Director Mantas Jurkonis and Production Coordinator Jolita Stabrauskienė, for their effort, patience and dedication in bringing this idea to life,” said U. Bernatonytė.

Soon available at the LSMU pharmacy

Looking ahead, the future pharmacist plans to continue exploring innovative dermocosmetic formulations and to seek new solutions for improving gels and creams.

The technology behind the new products has already been transferred to the LSMU Pharmacy, and the products themselves have been officially notified. This means they comply with all safety and quality requirements applicable to cosmetic products. Final organisational steps and market launch preparations are currently underway, and customers will soon be able to purchase these products at the LSMU Pharmacy.

According to Prof. J. Bernatonienė, collaboration with the younger generation of pharmaceutical specialists is always both inspiring and rewarding.

“After establishing the ‘Pharmacy of the Future Scholarship’, I became convinced that students are not only curious but also exceptionally creative – they think boldly and are not afraid to look for new solutions. Today we have a result that is already being introduced to the market, which, in my view, is the best proof of the immense potential of the younger generation when they are given the opportunity to create,” she said with a smile.

The post From Student’s Idea to Innovation: Dual Action Encapsulated Dermocosmetics Developed at LSMU appeared first on LSMU.

The guest was received by Prof. Dr Juozas Kupčinskas, Vice-Rector for Research; Prof. Jurgita Skiecevičienė, Head of the Institute for Digestive Research; Prof. Vilmantė Borutaitė, Head of the Biochemistry Laboratory, and Prof. Astra Vitkauskienė, Head of the Department of Laboratory Medicine.

Prof. Dr J. Kupčinskas, Vice-Rector for Research, presented the University’s structure and student body, LSMU Hospital Kauno Klinikos – the largest university hospital in the Baltic States – as well as the University’s institutes and its ongoing development.

“There is considerable potential for research and collaboration,” he emphasised.

During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening awareness of research security and embedding its principles within the Lithuanian scientific community. The Director of the NIAID Office of Global Research showed particular interest in how research is conducted and in the activities of the University’s institutes.

The guest accompanied by Giedrė Gurevičiūtė-Demereckienė, a representative of the US Embassy in Lithuania was introduced to the University’s Biochemistry Laboratory and the Institute for Digestive Research.

“Many of the universities I have visited are not focused on the same areas of research as my own, so it was particularly interesting to gain closer insight into the biological, medical, and animal research conducted at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences,” said Joyelle Kalei Dominique after the meeting. She added that it is essential to maintain dialogue on why research security matters and how risks can be mitigated.

During the seminar on Research Security, J. Kalei Dominique discussed potential risks in international scientific collaboration, emphasised the importance of responsible partner selection and the protection of sensitive research information, and shared practical tools for risk assessment.

View all photos

The post US NIH Director of Research Visits LSMU: Collaboration Opportunities Explored and Insights Shared  appeared first on LSMU.

The collaboration between the Institute for Digestive Research (VSTI) at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) and the Institute of Clinical and Molecular Biology (IKMB) at Kiel University extends over more than two decades. A strong partnership formed during this period, encompassing joint research projects, researcher exchanges, the implementation of advanced technologies, and active participation in international microbiome research.

This collaboration has become not only the foundation for academic ties but also a platform for new strategic initiatives. A key result of this partnership is the International Centre for Microbiome and Precision Medicine, developed at the LSMU Institute for Digestive Research in partnership with Kiel University, enabled by a competitive EUR 8.0 million grant from the Research Council of Lithuania for the creation of international centres of excellence.

In this context, the visit of the LSMU delegation to Kiel University on 23–26 March 2026 was a purposeful step toward bringing the partnership to a higher, strategically coordinated level. During the visit, considerable attention was devoted not only to reviewing ongoing joint activities but also to identifying specific directions for further development.

The agenda of the visit included meetings with the leadership and researchers of the Faculty of Medicine, as well as familiarisation with advanced research platforms. During the visit to the Centre for Molecular Life Sciences (ZMB), the delegation was presented with its activities in genomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and biobanking, emphasising the importance of integrated data and infrastructure in modern biomedical research.

Significant attention was also given to the development of experimental models and microbiome research. The discussions included opportunities to strengthen joint work in microbiome research by integrating clinical data, omics technologies, and advanced models, including gnotobiotic systems.

Another important part of the visit took place at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) and the new state-of-the-art Quincke Research Centre, where the delegation was introduced to the advanced solutions for the creation and organisation of scientific research infrastructure. This experience is particularly relevant for LSMU as it plans the development of its scientific infrastructure and aims to ensure the effective integration of science, studies, and clinical activities.

During the visit, specific mechanisms for strengthening cooperation were also discussed, including a visiting professor scheme, joint master’s programmes, researcher mobility, and the expansion of joint initiatives. These mechanisms are considered essential for achieving long-term, structured, and internationally competitive cooperation.

The visit of the LSMU delegation to Kiel University marks a consistent transition from a long-term successful partnership to a broader, strategically coordinated cooperation model. This step is expected to strengthen the University’s international visibility, create opportunities for new high-level research projects, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions in the biomedical field.

The post LSMU Delegation Visit to Kiel University: From Longstanding Partnership to Microbiome & Precision Medicine Centre and Strategic Cooperation appeared first on LSMU.

The Dr. Rudolf Bares Award was established in 1993 by the German-born pharmaceutical entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Rudolf Bares (1929–2005). The award is presented every two years to scientists and physicians for the best scientific publications on gastrointestinal and liver diseases. In the 2025 competition, 70 scientific publications from 16 countries were submitted. Following the initial selection, 33 papers advanced to international expert evaluation, from which three prize-winning publications were selected.

Dr. Rūta Inčiūraitė received 2^nd place for the article “The microRNA expression in crypt-top and crypt-bottom colonic epithelial cell populations demonstrates cell-type specificity and correlates with endoscopic activity in ulcerative colitis”, published in Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis. The study analysed microRNA expression in distinct populations of colonic epithelial cells in ulcerative colitis. The results showed that microRNA regulation depends on epithelial cell type and disease activity, while the identified microRNA expression networks may also be involved in maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier function. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and may support the development of new therapeutic strategies. The research was conducted in collaboration with scientists from the LSMU Institute for Digestive Research and the Department of Gastroenterology, together with international partners.

1^st place in the competition was awarded to Dr. N. D. Pilonis from Poland for a publication in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) analysing how physicians’ adenoma detection rates during colonoscopy are associated with patients’ subsequent risk of colorectal cancer. 3^rd place was awarded to Dr. L. Skladany from Slovakia for an article published in The EPMA Journal, which explores innovative treatment approaches for severe hepatitis, including the application of personalised medicine principles and faecal microbiota transplantation.

Dr. Inčiūraitė’s recognition marks thefourth Dr. Bares Award received by researchers from the LSMU Institute for Digestive Research and the Department of Gastroenterology. Previous recipients include Prof. Jūratė Kondrackienė (2007 and 2009) and Prof. Juozas Kupčinskas (2019).

The award ceremony will take place during the 14^th International Symposium of Gastroenterology on 3-6 June 2026 in Georgia.

The official list of award winners is available HERE.

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