Changes at the Research Council of Lithuania – Leadership Transition
Today, on 21 April, the Seimas adopted a resolution to remove Dr Gintaras Valinčius from his position as Chair of the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL).
The decision followed the RCL Board’s refusal to approve the Council’s 2025 annual activity report. Exercising its right under applicable legislation, the Board submitted a proposal to dismiss the Chair. The proposal was endorsed by the Government, with the final decision taken by the Seimas.
“The activities of the RCL are always based on continuity, long-term decisions, and tangible results. Therefore, a change in leadership does not alter the institution’s strategic direction. In recent years, amid increasing research funding, we have ensured investments in researchers’ careers at all levels, strengthened internationalisation, expanded partnerships, and created favourable conditions for Lithuanian researchers to implement their ideas. At present, the key priority is to maintain this stability, continue ongoing work, and fully honour all commitments to the scientific community,” said G. Valinčius.
During this transition period, the functions and operations of the RCL continue as usual. Further procedures for appointing a permanent Chair of the RCL will be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in the Council’s statutes.
“The results of the RCL’s activities are driven by a strong and professional team, whose competence and consistent work form the foundation of the institution’s achievements,” G. Valinčius has repeatedly emphasised.
Key results of the RCL’s activities in 2025:
- Research funding: €61.2 million allocated to competitive funding (around 18% more than in 2024); 2,224 projects funded.
- International integration: Strengthening Lithuania’s participation in the Horizon Europe programme, the total value of grant agreements signed over the first five years reached €190.9 million. In 2025, 1,542 individual consultations were provided through the National Contact Points (NCP) network.
- Internationalisation and quality: The share of joint publications with international partners reached 58.82%.
- Strengthening the research system: The RCL carried out an assessment of research activities, analysing 13,493 research and art outputs, which are used for funding allocation and science policy development.
The RCL continues to consistently implement its mission—to promote Lithuania’s competitive participation in global knowledge creation. This is also reflected in the institution’s slogan, “The engine for your idea.”
G. Valinčius served as Chair of the RCL since March 2023. Under the RCL statutes, the Chair is appointed by the Seimas, upon nomination by the Government, for a five-year term.
Information provided by the RCL