RCL invites students to ‘try on’ the role of a researcher – offering a wide range of topics and summer scholarships
This year marks the 20th edition of the student summer research internship programme “Science Summer with RCL,” organized by the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL). Students are invited to spend part of their summer working alongside researchers at universities and research institutes, contributing to real scientific projects.
Students from Lithuania and abroad can choose from internship opportunities selected through a competitive process. These placements are offered by Lithuanian research and higher education institutions. The internships will take place in July and August, and each participating student will receive a €2,000 scholarship (€1,000/month).
Fostering the next generation of researchers
“Science Summer with RCL” is the Council’s longest-running student programme, designed to provide hands-on research experience in laboratories and academic institutions. It offers students the opportunity to gain new knowledge, deepen analytical and scientific skills, develop research writing and presentation abilities, connect with the Lithuanian research community and infrastructure, and strengthen essential social and professional skills.
This year, RCL plans to fund 267 internships. Since 2005, RCL has supported around 3,000 student placements across all academic fields, including natural sciences, technology, medicine and health, agriculture, humanities, social sciences, visual arts, and performing arts.
“Lithuania is among the few European countries systematically supporting and encouraging students to pursue research careers. For 20 years, we have been investing in young researchers, offering them opportunities to grow and test their abilities by contributing to real research projects early on. It’s rewarding to see former participants become part of the academic community, carrying out impactful research for society and the country,” says RCL Chairman dr. Gintaras Valinčius.
Past participants emphasize that the programme not only helped them gain valuable research experience but also exposed them to international collaboration and cultural diversity.
Blending tradition with modern technology
Last summer, Jorė Vilkelytė, a student from the Department of Photography, Animation, and Media Art at Vilnius Academy of Arts (VAA), carried out a creative research project combining weaving and animation. Her internship project, Weaving a Film: Textile Animation (supervised by Assoc. Prof. Gintarė Valevičiūtė-Brazauskienė), was realized at VAA and a mobile lab set up in the countryside home where her great-grandmother once wove fabrics.
Jorė used weaving techniques to create frames for experimental animations, working with recycled textile materials. Her woven pieces were later animated through stop-motion videos and a zoetrope-inspired installation. She was inspired by the stories she used to hear from her great-grandmother, which she listened to again while working on the project.
During her internship, Jorė also discovered that traditional four- and eight-harness looms function based on a coding system: by designing patterns and pressing the loom’s pedals, animation frames are produced automatically and can be filmed.
Would she recommend the internship? “Definitely—especially for art students. Artists often say they want to push viewers out of their comfort zone, but they’re not always ready to step out of it themselves. Looking at art through the lens of science is incredibly enriching—every student should experience that,” Jorė shared.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to first- and second-cycle (Bachelor’s and Master’s) and integrated study students whose weighted average from the last semester is at least 8 (or equivalent to at least 80% of the maximum grade scale in case of international studies). Exceptions apply to:
- Final-year students,
- Those who have already received RCL funding for this programme in 2022 or later,
- Doctoral students or those who already hold a PhD.
- Each student may apply for up to two internship positions.
In the first phase of the competition, Lithuanian research and higher education institutions, together with potential supervisors, submitted 733 proposed internship topics. Based on expert evaluations, RCL selected 267 topics for funding.
“Every year, we see growing interest from the research community, which confirms the programme’s relevance and the willingness of researchers to mentor the next generation. This year’s topics focus on technology and innovation, sustainability and the environment, social inclusion, the economy and entrepreneurship, education, and skills development—areas that resonate with today’s students,” says Prof. Valinčius.
Students select their preferred topic and supervisor from the approved list and may apply for up to two internship placements. Supervisors will evaluate applicants based on merit, motivation, and academic performance. One student will be selected per internship topic.
Additional support is available for international students or for those who need to relocate within Lithuania for the internship.
In 2024, 14 students studying at universities in countries such as Ukraine, France, the Netherlands, Austria, the USA, Spain, and Germany completed their summer research internships in Lithuanian institutions.
“We want to encourage cultural exchange—bringing together students with diverse experiences and enabling them to collaborate with experienced researchers on real scientific ideas. Our goal is to attract top talent, promote innovation, and inspire future researchers,” Prof. Valinčius adds.
How to apply?
To participate, students must submit a CV, transcript of records, motivational letter, and select up to two preferred internship topics by May 8, 2025.
At the end of the internship, students will be invited to present their research results at a dedicated RCL conference.
Selection process
RCL will first carry out an administrative review of applications. Supervisors will then evaluate candidates based on transparency, impartiality, and fairness, focusing on students’ motivation and academic performance to ensure an objective selection process.
List of topics here.
To apply, please visit here.
Last updated: 19-05-2025
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