From Vilnius to Harvard  

Born and raised in Vilnius, Prof. Ūla Jurkūnas moved to the United States at the age of fifteen. She studied medicine at the University of Louisville, completed her residency in ophthalmology at Boston University and continued her career at Mass Eye and Ear, one of the leading US institutions for eye care and research. 

She has worked at Harvard Medical School since 2006 and was appointed Professor of Ophthalmology in 2024, becoming the first Lithuanian woman to achieve this academic distinction. She is also currently a co-director of the Cornea Centre of Excellence under the Department of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. 

Despite spending decades across the Atlantic, she has maintained close ties with Lithuania, regularly visiting her home country and keeping in touch with its medical professionals. 

Research that preserves eyesight   

One of the main areas of Prof. Jurkūnas’ research is the development of new treatments for corneal diseases. She studies Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, a disease that causes progressive deterioration of vision, and contributes to the search for new treatment options. 

Her contribution to the development of stem cell therapy is particularly significant. Prof. Jurkūnas is one of the pioneers of cultivated stem cell transplantation in the United States. Her research team conducted the first clinical trials of this kind in the country, in which stem cells taken from a patient’s healthy eye are grown in the laboratory and transplanted into the damaged eye.  

The results of a clinical trial involving 14 patients, published in 2025, showed that the method holds promise for restoring the corneal surface, with some patients also experiencing improved vision. This experimental method, known as CALEC, is considered an important step in regenerative ophthalmology. 

Sharing international experience with the LSMU community 

During the meeting at LSMU on 23 October, Prof. Jurkūnas and University representatives discussed prospects for further collaboration, joint research projects and academic exchanges. The meeting was attended by LSMU Vice-Rector for Research Prof. Juozas Kupčinskas, Vice-Rector for Studies Prof. Indrė Čeponienė, and Prof. Reda Žemaitienė, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Faculty of Medicine. 

“It is a great pleasure to have Professor Jurkūnas as part of our University community. During the meeting, we discussed various projects and opportunities for further collaboration that could benefit our University’s researchers in the future,” said Prof. Kupčinskas. 

Prof. Jurkūnas also sees collaboration with the Lithuanian academic community as an opportunity to contribute to scientific progress in her home country. 

“There are many avenues for collaboration. This is one of the most meaningful things I can give to Lithuania. One possibility is student exchange programmes that would allow students to gain experience in laboratories and clinical practice. We can also carry out joint research projects, study the epidemiology of various diseases and different treatment approaches, and share experience between countries,” said Prof. Jurkūnas. 

Prof. Jurkūnas’ appointment at LSMU opens up new opportunities to strengthen international research ties and share the latest knowledge in ophthalmology. Her clinical and research experience will be of great value to the University’s students and researchers. 

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MEP V. P. Andriukaitis is an LSMU alumni and member of the LSMU Alumni Association and serves as one of the two European Parliament (EP) rapporteurs presenting the initiative within the European Biotech Act. He represents the EP Committee on Public Health and, together with Wouter Beke, the rapporteur for the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE), drafts the EP’s position on the proposed regulation.

Shortening the laboratory-to-patient pathway

The European Biotech Act aims at strengthening the EU’s biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors by providing more favourable conditions for research, attracting investment, developing the manufacturing capabilities and decreasing time-to-market. The first part of the initiative largely addresses biotechnology, including biological medicines, diagnostics, cell and gene therapies.

According to V. P. Andriukaitis, while Europe holds significant scientific potential, it encounters challenges translating it into new products. The long and expensive medicine development process, gaps in funding and differing national procedures hamper the growth of companies in this sector. Consequently, part of highly promising projects and investment set sail for other regions of the world.

“We hold a significant scientific potential, but the outcomes land somewhere else too often. Our task is to create conditions for an idea originating in Europe to be further developed, become the product and reach the patient in Europe,” emphasised V. P. Andriukaitis.

The Committee proposal provides for the simplification of clinical trial procedures, facilitating interinstitutional cooperation and improving the accessibility of funding. It also includes the proposals on regulatory sandboxes, allowing the stakeholders to test new solutions and appropriate regulatory approaches.

Connecting the infrastructure and competencies  

The meeting focused extensively on European research and healthcare infrastructure. Networks of European reference centres, biobanks, genomics initiatives, patient registries, and artificial intelligence resources open up vast opportunities, but better interoperability and long-term funding are essential to realizing their potential.

According to V. P. Andriukaitis, there are particularly significant opportunities in the field of rare diseases. Small patient populations in individual countries make research difficult, so international cooperation allows for the pooling of knowledge, data, and clinical experience. This infrastructure could also help develop advanced treatment methods.

“Europe’s strength lies in the knowledge accumulated at universities, hospitals, centres of excellence, and laboratories. We must bring this knowledge together so that a shared network opens up opportunities for all countries, not just those where the biotechnology industry is already the strongest,” said the Member of the European Parliament.

He presented the proposals he supports, aimed at strengthening high-impact strategic projects and cross-border biotechnology clusters on a pan-European scale. The goal is to enhance the involvement of the universities, hospitals and companies in smaller countries. These proposals are still under consideration, and the legislative provisions have not yet been finalised.

Funding throughout the innovation journey

Biotechnology companies need capital not only at the start of their operations. Preclinical and clinical trials, production preparation, and market entry – all of these require significant investment. Therefore, one of the main objectives of the legislation is to help promising companies navigate this entire journey in Europe.

The Commission is proposing a pilot health biotechnology investment programme, which will be implemented in cooperation with the European Investment Bank Group. V. P. Andriukaitis also presented a proposal to establish a broader European biotechnology investment fund, which would help pool the resources of national development banks, institutional and private investors.

Speaking about Lithuania’s potential, the politician emphasized translational research – the transfer of scientific discoveries into practical applications. This requires close collaboration among scientists, clinicians, technology developers and the business sector.

Universities need to respond to changing skills demands

Advances in biotechnology are also redefining the requirements for training specialists. The meeting discussed medical knowledge can be integrated with genomics, bioinformatics, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and disease modelling. Such competencies are crucial for developing diagnostic tools, planning research, and advancing personalized medicine.

“The need for new competencies is already here. Universities that are the first to combine clinical knowledge, biotechnology and data science will be able to actively participate in developing new treatment solutions,” said V. P. Andriukaitis.

In his view, Lithuanian research and healthcare institutions should actively seek out partners and prepare for future strategic projects, including the development of centres of excellence in advanced therapies. At the same time, it is essential to develop expertise in biosafety and the ability to assess the risks associated with new technologies.

The Act is still under discussion, but preparations can begin now

The European Commission presented proposals for the first part of the legislation – a regulation and an accompanying directive – in December 2025. They have not yet been formally adopted, as the European Parliament and the Council of the EU still need to reach an agreement on the final texts. The second part of the initiative is being developed for industrial biotechnology and biomanufacturing outside the health sector.

V. P. Andriukaitis expressed his desire for biotechnology, innovation, and investment to be a key part of the agenda during Lithuania’s presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027. According to him, it is important for Lithuania to assess its existing capabilities in advance, strengthen partnerships, and prepare to take advantage of future regulatory opportunities.

“For the first time, there is such a tremendous opportunity to galvanise European citizens and take European science to a new level: to mobilise universities, address the issue of diploma recognition, and develop new study programmes and specialisations,” emphasized the Member of the European Parliament.

At the end of the meeting, the MEP donated a copy of his book to the LSMU library, where a shelf bearing his name was established several years earlier.

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The visit took place as Lithuania seeks full membership of CERN and provided an opportunity to showcase the scientific expertise and infrastructure of LSMU and Kauno Klinikos, which enable the application of advances in physics, engineering and medicine to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Accompanying Prof. C. Fountas were Prof. Dr Saulė Mačiukaitė-Žvinienė, Chair of the Lithuanian Education Council, and Ambassador Rytis Paulauskas, Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva.

The guests were welcomed by the Rector of LSMU, Prof. Dr Rimantas Benetis; the Director General of Kauno Klinikos, Prof. Habil. Dr Renaldas Jurkevičius; the Vice-Rector for Research at LSMU, Prof. Dr Juozas Kupčinskas; the Director for Public Health, Science and Studies at Kauno Klinikos, Prof. Dr Tomas Lapinskas; the Head of the Nuclear Medicine Research Centre, Prof. Dr Donatas Vajauskas; the Head of the Department of Oncology and Haematology, Prof. Dr Elona Juozaitytė; Associate Professor Dr Erika Korobeinikova of the same department; and medical physicists Evelina Jaselskė, Mindaugas Silickas and Laurynas Gilys, who are involved in CERN-related research.

The guests were given a tour of the Nuclear Medicine Research Centre at Kauno Klinikos and took part in a discussion with representatives of the University and hospital management, as well as researchers involved in CERN-related research.

Following a presentation by Associate Professor Dr Erika Korobeinikova of the Department of Oncology and Haematology on the ongoing projects at LSMU and Kauno Klinikos, the ensuing discussion focused on the prospects for research into particle therapy, nuclear medicine, medical radioisotopes and radiobiology. These fields are linked by a common goal – to utilise advanced technologies for more accurate diagnosis, more effective treatment and new scientific solutions.

A partnership between physics and medicine – for the benefit of patients

“In the field of nuclear medicine research, the University’s researchers and specialist doctors at Kauno Klinikos have achieved internationally recognised results. This particular field, which has been developing for 30 years, could be claimed to be one of the strongest in the Baltic states. The strategic infrastructure – the Nuclear Medicine Research Centre, equipped with a cyclotron – has opened up broader diagnostic and treatment possibilities. Building on the experience we have accumulated, we are developing new research projects and discoveries that will benefit public health.

“We aim for LSMU to be positioned on the international stage not only as a centre for education, but first and foremost as a centre for cutting-edge research,” emphasised Prof. Dr Rimantas Benetis, Rector of LSMU.

“As Lithuania seeks full membership of CERN, it is important to demonstrate the country’s scientific and technological potential and existing expertise. Kauno Klinikos has accumulated significant experience in the field of nuclear medicine. We operate modern infrastructure and have a team of highly qualified specialists. We believe that closer cooperation with CERN could become a significant milestone in the development of nuclear medicine at Kauno Klinikos and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences,” said Prof. Habil. Dr R. Jurkevičius.

According to the Director General, such cooperation would open up wider opportunities for training placement for specialists, the exchange of international expertise, joint research and the implementation of advanced technologies.

“It is important to us that international cooperation eventually translates into actual results in scientific and medical progress. We aim to ensure that the latest technologies and scientific achievements are applied in clinical practice, opening up even better diagnostic and treatment options for patients at Kauno Klinikos,” emphasised Prof. Habil. Dr R. Jurkevičius.

“CERN is an excellent example of how fundamental scientific research findings turn into technologies that change our lives. At LSMU, we aim not only to be users of these technologies, but also partners in their development. We see great potential for collaboration in particle therapy, nuclear medicine and other fields where physics, engineering and medicine intersect. This visit is an opportunity to strengthen our collaboration and, together, contribute to the development of future medical technologies,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr E. Korobeinikova.

A key component of this partnership’s infrastructure is the Nuclear Medicine Research Centre, which was launched in 2024. It houses a cyclotron and a laboratory for the production and quality control of radiopharmaceuticals. This infrastructure enables the on-site production of short-lived radionuclides required for diagnostics and the advancement of biomedical research.

During the meeting with the President of the CERN Council, the opportunities for LSMU and Kauno Klinikos to develop nuclear medicine, radiopharmacy and advanced cancer treatment in collaboration with CERN were discussed. It was emphasised that the operational cyclotron, the production of radiopharmaceuticals, the biobank and the expanding pre-clinical research provide a solid foundation for the further integration of research and clinical practice.

According to Prof. Donatas Vajauskas, Head of the Nuclear Medicine Research Centre, there are plans to expand the range of radiopharmaceuticals, set up a laboratory for the production of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals and strengthen research into theranostics. Collaboration with the CERN MEDICIS group would open up opportunities to use radioisotopes that are more difficult to access in research.

Meeting participants welcomed the progress made over the past decade, whilst emphasising the need to invest in specialists, international partnerships and research funding. The idea of a Baltic Centre for Advanced Particle Therapy, linked to the HELIX compact helium and light-ion synchrotron being developed by CERN, was brought up during the visit.

CERN and Lithuania’s membership

The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) is an international organisation founded in 1954, with its laboratory situated on the border between Switzerland and France, near Geneva. Here, particle accelerators and detectors are used to study the fundamental structure of matter and the forces governing it. The technologies developed for this research are also applied in medicine, information technology and other fields.

Lithuania became an associate member of CERN in 2018. During this period, the country’s scientists, PhD students and undergraduates have become involved in the organisation’s activities. Full membership would grant Lithuania the right to participate in CERN’s strategic decision-making, expand career opportunities for the country’s scientists and early-career professionals, and allow Lithuanian high-tech companies to participate without restriction in the organisation’s tendering processes.

Lithuania’s aspiration to become a full member of CERN is included in the official programme of the 21st Government.

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At the invitation of LSMU Vice-Rector for Research, Prof. Juozas Kupčinskas, Prof. Hidekazu Suzuki, an expert in gastrointestinal diseases at Tokai University, is visiting LSMU together with a delegation.

Working alongside representatives of the LSMU Department of Gastroenterology and the Institute for Digestive Research, the visiting researchers are conducting research into gastric cancer as part of a project funded by the Research Council of Lithuania under the Lithuanian – Japanese Research Programme. The project focuses on developing an artificial intelligence model for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer.

This collaboration between the two universities and their researchers contributes to further advancement in medical science and the development of methods for gastric cancer prevention and early diagnosis.

The Japanese delegation also visited Kaunas City Municipality, as the cities of Kaunas and Hiratsuka, represented by the researchers, have a long-lasting partnership which has stretched over almost a decade.

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We would like to remind you of the key information to follow in the event of a potential emergency. Warnings are issued by sirens or alerts sent to mobile phones:

• “Air-raid warning” – an immediate threat from the air. Seek shelter immediately.
• Yellow alert – heightened state of alert; a potential threat exists. Be prepared and follow official information.
• Red alert – an air raid or attack is in progress. Seek shelter immediately.
• White alert – the threat has passed and the situation is safe.
• “Attention everyone” – detailed information and instructions will be broadcast on radio or television within 3 minutes.

What should you do when you hear an “Air-raid warning”?

Most importantly, remain calm. Proceed calmly and in an orderly manner to a safe location. Take shelter in a basement, underground passage or designated shelter.

If you are inside a building, move as far away from windows as possible. Seek shelter in a corridor, following the “two-wall rule”, or in a bathroom.

Turn on LRT radio or television and follow official alerts and updates on your phone. All staff and students will receive additional information if the situation changes.

Detailed information on emergency preparedness and the locations of the nearest shelters in Kaunas and throughout Lithuania is available on Lithuania’s official civil protection website www.lt72.lt and via the LT-Alert mobile app.

We encourage everyone to remain calm, support one another and rely only on information from official sources.

If you have any questions, please contact the Staff Health and Safety Service, tel. +370 37 327227, +370 615 34376.

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The space is open to both students and staff and is designed to accommodate a variety of everyday needs. Visitors can prepare for lectures, join an online meeting, simply relax between classes or work, meet colleagues, fellow students or guests, heat up their food and enjoy a meal in comfort.

A self-service shop will also be opening in the space shortly, offering a selection of snacks and drinks.

The space is located on the lower ground floor, in the premises formerly occupied by the Jazz Bistro café.

We invite you to come and visit!

Building a Better University for Everyone!

Geresnis Universitetas visiems!

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• Registration for activities opens 7 days in advance and remains open until the activity begins.
• Advance registration is required for self-directed workouts in the gyms (see Booking → Gyms).
• To access the gym at Tilžės g. 18, you need to register at least 2 hours in advance. Your access code will be sent to you 30 minutes before your booking starts and will remain valid until 30 minutes after it ends. For example, if you book the gym from 12:00 to 13:00, you will receive your code at 11:30, and it will remain valid until 13:30. You can use the same code to enter and exit the gym.
• A new gym at Dainavos g. 3 will be opening soon – we will be sharing more information shortly.

More ways to get active

• Football and tennis training continues at Žeimenos g. 106.
• The combat sports programme is expanding to include MMA training at Dainavos g. 3.
• Dance – Full Body Tone sessions will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 17:00.
• Online group fitness sessions for health strengthening will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 18:15.
• The Faculty of Nursing will host fitness sessions for health strengthening – we are forming two groups (Mondays and Thursdays).
• Morning exercise sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 at the facilities located on Tilžės street.
• Basketball training open to the entire LSMU community will take place on Mondays at 18:30 at Jankaus g. 2.
• There is plenty more to choose from, including badminton, table tennis, Nirvana fitness, functional training and other activities.

Find out more: https://sportas.lsmu.lt/

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The festive procession of students, members of the Rectorate and faculty deans along Laisvės Avenue marking the opening of the new academic year is a long-standing LSMU tradition. It symbolises joy, a sense of community, freedom and identity, traditions and continuity of the University, and its part in the life of Kaunas.

Symbolically, first-year students of LSMU, including many international students, were the largest group in the procession, testifying to the multicultural atmosphere of one of the most international universities in Lithuania.

The LSMU community and students embarking on their studies, gathered in Nepriklausomybės Square, were welcomed by LSMU Rector Professor Rimantas Benetis. The Rector emphasised that studies at the University begin with certain traditions, one of which is the festive procession on the first day of the academic year.

“I wish you every success in your studies. They will not be easy, but your faculties will be there to support you and give you strength. The University keeps upgrading its infrastructure for your convenience and needs. I wish you every success as you become professionals in the health, life and agricultural sciences,” said the LSMU Rector.

Professor Jūratė Macijauskienė, Chairperson of the LSMU Senate, expressed her delight that the LSMU community was beginning yet another academic year together, warmly welcoming the people of Kaunas, sharing in the excitement of first-year students, and greeting the lecturers ready to guide the students through the world of professional knowledge.

Rugilė Kriaučiūnaitė, student representative and President of the LSMU Student Union, also welcomed the large group of first-year students.

“The University will give you a great deal – knowledge, competences, new connections and opportunities – but university life is not only about what we receive, but what we bring to it ourselves as well. Do not be afraid to be the ones who ask questions, who say, ‘We can do better.’ Do not wait for the university life simply to happen to you – be the ones who also shape it. I wish you confidence in following your path,” said R. Kriaučiūnaitė.

Chloë de Moura, President of the International Student Committee, addressed international students with a word of encouragement: “If you are here today, it is not by chance: you have earned your place through your own efforts. Learning will not always be easy, but there will always be people around you who are ready to advise, help and share their insights. Do not isolate yourselves, stay curious, and never stop seeking knowledge,” said Chloë de Moura.

Nepriklausomybės Square then hosted a fair showcasing a wide range of activities at LSMU. First-year students were introduced to organisations, student initiatives, sports and artistic groups as well as other opportunities available at the University alongside lectures and practical classes.

Among those presenting their activity were the LSMU Student Union, Sports Centre, student associations, the academic choir, dance groups, the Cynology Centre, the Wildlife Rescue Centre, and other University organisations. First-year students were encourage not only to seek professional knowledge, but also to take part in sport, creative activities, volunteering, engage in community life and meet like-minded people.

The academic year opening events continued across LSMU faculties, and Holy Mass for the LSMU academic community took place at Archcathedral Basilica of Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul of Kaunas.

White coats presented to all first-year students

A special tradition pioneered in Lithuania by LSMU – the presentation of white coats, symbols of their future profession, to all first-year students of the University – was also part of the academic year opening celebration.

According to Professor Andrius Macas, Dean of the LSMU Faculty of Medicine, the international White Coat Ceremony tradition emerged in the United States towards the end of the twentieth century, and the LSMU Faculty of Medicine was the first in Lithuania to adopt and foster the tradition, at the initiative of the then Dean of the Faculty, Professor Dr Algimantas Tamelis.

“This is not merely a ceremony at which a coat is presented. At its heart are responsibility, professional commitment and the relationship with the patient. Medical students come into contact with patients while they are still studying, so it is important from the very beginning to understand that the white coat represents not a privilege, but a duty. The tradition embodies professionalism, integrity and unconditional commitment to the patient,” emphasised Prof. A. Macas.

According to Associate Professor Dr Laura Malakauskienė, Dean of Student Affairs, the Student Affairs Office initiated and continues the tradition of presenting white coats to all LSMU students, irrespective of their faculty or study programme.

The white coat symbolises responsibility, professionalism and respect for human and animal life, while also embodying the spirit of community and the values that unite all LSMU students.

Growing numbers choose to study at LSMU

LSMU begins the new academic year with a larger first-year student community. Following the second additional admissions around, 1,129 students signed study agreements with the University – almost 100 more than last year.

Medicine remains among the most popular study programmes. This year, 385 applicants signed agreements to study medicine: 168 in state-funded places and 217 in self-funded places. Compared with 2025, 40 more students chose medicine. According to the 2026 data published by the magazine Reitingai, LSMU continues to be one of the two highest-rated universities in Lithuania.

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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.

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