Giedrius Andziukevičius Nominal Scholarship Awarded to LSMU Doctoral Student Darius Stukas

This year, the Lithuanian Masonic Lodge Adomas Mickevičius, in cooperation with the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), has awarded the Giedrius Andziukevičius Nominal Scholarship to Darius Stukas, a doctoral student at the Surgical Gastroenterology Laboratory of the Institute for Digestive Research, Medical Academy, 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.