Newly Appointed Expert Committees of Humanities and Social Sciences and Natural and Technical Sciences Begin Their Work
Newly selected members of the Research Council of Lithuania’s (RCL) Expert Committee of Humanities and Social Sciences and Expert Committee of Natural and Technical Sciences are beginning their terms of office. For a five-year term, three new members and two members for a second term have been appointed to the Expert Committee of Natural and Technical Sciences, while four new members have joined the Expert Committee of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The committees regularly undergo partial rotation of their members, with new experts joining as the terms of existing members come to an end. This ensures the renewal of ideas while maintaining institutional memory and continuity of activities.
A total of 29 candidates applied for membership in the two committees: 17 candidates applied to the Expert Committee of Humanities and Social Sciences and 12 to the Expert Committee of Natural and Technical Sciences.
The RCL expert committees bring together researchers and experts from various scientific fields who contribute to key decisions related to research funding, research quality, and the development of science policy. The committees organize the evaluation of research initiatives, provide recommendations on priority research directions, and contribute to ensuring the quality of science in Lithuania. They also contribute to the development of programmes aimed at fostering the next generation of researchers, strengthening international cooperation, and increasing the visibility of Lithuanian science.
Following the approval of the selected candidates by the RCL Board, the following members joined the Expert Committee of Humanities and Social Sciences: Dr Julija Melnikova (Klaipėda University), Prof. Dr Jurgita Paužaitė-Kulvinskienė (Vilnius University), Prof. Dr Dalia Satkauskytė (Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore), and Dr Rūta Žiliukaitė (Vytautas Magnus University, Vilnius University).
The following members were appointed to the Expert Committee of Natural and Technical Sciences: Prof. Dr (HP) Sonata Jarmalaitė (Vilnius University), Prof. Dr Laimas Virginijus Jonaitis (Lithuanian University of Health Sciences), Prof. Habil. Dr Eugenijus Norkus (Center for Physical Sciences and Technology), Prof. Habil. Dr Kęstutis Romaneckas (Vytautas Magnus University), and Prof. Dr Julius Žilinskas (Vilnius University).
The expert committees also contribute to the selection of independent experts, the evaluation of doctoral studies and other scientific activities, analyse the needs of the research system, and provide recommendations for its improvement.
“Expert committees are among the most important elements ensuring that decisions in the field of science are based on competence, an interdisciplinary approach, and independent expert evaluation. Over many years, the researchers serving on these committees have made a significant contribution to strengthening Lithuania’s research system, enhancing its international competitiveness, and advancing progress that responds to societal needs.
We sincerely thank all committee members completing their terms for their time, responsibility, and insights. Their work, ideas, and dedication have helped to build an open, high-quality, and socially meaningful research ecosystem. The activities of the committees have been distinguished by expert knowledge, critical thinking, and the ability to seek solutions to today’s scientific and societal challenges,” says Prof. Dr Jurgita Verbickienė, Chair of the Expert Committee of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Members of the Expert Committee of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Expert Committee of Natural and Technical Sciences are typically selected from highly qualified researchers with substantial academic and expert experience in Lithuania and abroad. The work of the committees helps ensure that decisions related to science are made professionally, transparently, and on the basis of expert knowledge.
Each committee consists of 11 members of impeccable reputation with experience in research management, international scientific cooperation, and expert evaluation.
“Scientific progress is inseparable from a strong expert community and trust in its decisions. The role of expert committees is particularly important in ensuring that state decisions regarding research funding, research evaluation, and strategic directions are made professionally, transparently, and in accordance with the highest academic standards. The natural rotation of committee members allows continuity to be maintained while strengthening the balance of different competences and experiences,” states Prof. Dr Vilmantė Borutaitė, Chair of the Expert Committee of Natural and Technical Sciences.
The following committee members have completed their terms of office:
In the Expert Committee of Humanities and Social Sciences: Dr Liutauras Kraniauskas (Klaipėda University), Dr Mikas Vaicekauskas (Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore), Dr Inga Vinogradnaitė (Vilnius University), and Prof. Dr Justinas Žilinskas (Mykolas Romeris University).
In the Expert Committee of Natural and Technical Sciences: Prof. Dr Edita Baltrėnaitė-Gedienė (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University), Prof. Habil. Dr Narimantas Evaldas Samalavičius (Klaipėda University Hospital), and Prof. Dr Egidijus Šarauskis (Vytautas Magnus University).
The Research Council of Lithuania is an institution performing expert and advisory functions on matters of national research and higher education policy, while also implementing national research and higher education policy within its competence. The RCL administers key measures and programmes dedicated to the development of Lithuanian science, establishes criteria for the evaluation of research activities, and represents the interests of Lithuanian science within institutions of the European Union and other international organizations.
More information about the activities and composition of the RCL expert committees is available here.
RCL information
Photo: the newly appointed Expert Committee of Natural and Technical Sciences
Last updated: 28-05-2026
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