09-09-2024
Research Council of Lithuania: Partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology agreed at national level
Today, at the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL), partners from the government, public, business sectors, and research institutions signed a Letter of Intent to launch the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) leading global International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) program in Lithuania. This is a historic event for Lithuania, as all sectors have united for this program to be initiated. Lithuania's full membership in the MIT MISTI program would provide access to world-class science, technology, and innovation resources, enhancing the country's position across the transatlantic region, particularly in the field of security.
One of the key points of the document signed today is the agreement to form a consortium among Lithuanian organizations, universities, businesses, and other research and applied science institutions that will participate in the MISTI program. To solidify the partnership with MIT and take full advantage of the opportunities provided, Lithuania would need to contribute an annual fee of $300,000. This sum would be raised by the parties involved in the consortium. “These funds would be used exclusively for Lithuania’s benefit: student and researcher exchanges, initial funding for research and innovation projects, and other initiatives that directly contribute to strengthening Lithuania’s science and technology ecosystem. Therefore, it is essential to establish a sustainable network of consortium participants from both public and private sectors,” emphasized dr. Gintaras Valinčius, chairman of RCL.
Why the MISTI Program Matters to Lithuania
Currently, the MISTI program operates in over 25 countries worldwide, including Japan, Singapore, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and others. Lithuania has been offered this unique opportunity thanks to artist Prof. Gediminas Urbonas, who has been a professor at MIT for fifteen years and has worked to build bridges between Lithuania and the U.S. “By joining the MISTI network, Lithuania has an exceptional opportunity to become an active member of the global innovation and technology community. Program participants would gain access to the opportunities provided by the MIT MISTI center. Under the ‘Global Teaching Labs’ program, MIT students would come to Lithuania to teach STEAM and entrepreneurship classes in high schools, sharing the latest knowledge and innovative MIT teaching methods. There would also be opportunities to attract talent to Lithuania, as MIT students could intern at Lithuanian companies and organizations,” says G. Urbonas.
One part of the MISTI program, ‘Global Seed Funds,’ would promote joint projects, research, and innovation development between MIT, Lithuanian universities, and businesses. Together with MIT, Lithuania could also establish various MIT MISTI subprograms tailored to the country’s specific needs, such as biotechnology, laser technology, forestry, or other sectors.
The Letter of Intent has been signed by: Research Council of Lithuania, Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, Vilnius Academy of Arts, Vytautas Magnus University, Tech-park Kaunas, Association INFOBALT, LTG Group, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology, and Ignitis Group.
Last updated: 24-09-2024
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