President of the Research Council of Lithuania met with Prof. Fiona Watt, Director of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO)
19 September 2023 Prof. Fiona Watt, Director of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO), visited the Research Council of Lithuania (LMT). During the meeting, Dr. Gintaras Valinčius, Chairman of the LMT, presented the activities of the LMT, the ongoing research funding instruments, and participation in international partnerships. The Head of EMBO also discussed the issues of cooperation in the field of life sciences in order to open new opportunities for Lithuanian scientists to engage in cutting-edge research in molecular biology and to participate in joint programmes.
As a member of EMBO, LMT participates in the organisation's laboratory development programme (Installation grants) and has so far provided funding of €35 000 per year to three Lithuanian scientists. EMBO has granted them an additional €15 000. This programme is designed to help researchers working abroad to return to their home country and implement their ideas, using the scientific expertise they have gained. The Laboratory Development Programme supports the establishment of laboratories for early-career researchers in member countries. Participating countries provide the funding (in the last funding period, EMBO also contributes partly) and decide how many potential winners they will provide additional funding for each year. The programme lasts for 5 years (after 3 years there is an evaluation of the activities by EMBO, and if the evaluation is positive, it is extended for another 2 years. The winners join the Young Investigators' Network and can participate in training, courses, lectures, etc. organised by EMBO.
According to Dr. Gintaras Valinčius, Chairman of LMT, the partnership with this organisation is a significant contribution to the early career of Lithuanian scientists by supporting and attracting the most talented young researchers and giving them the opportunity to train in any science centre in the world.
EMBO provides opportunities for young scientists, team leaders and life scientists at any stage of their careers (see https://www.embo.org/).
EMBO brings together more than 2000 leading life scientists, supports talented scientists at all stages of their careers, and promotes the exchange of scientific information and international collaboration in molecular biology research. EMBO helps young scientists to develop their research, their international reputation and their mobility. Courses, seminars, lectures and EMBO publications disseminate the latest research and provide opportunities to learn techniques to maintain high standards of research practice.
Grantees become members of the EMBO Young Investigators Network, with professional support and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. They also have access to equipment grants, other financial and informational support from EMBO to develop contacts and skills. For more information about the organisation, click here.