Spanish Ambassador Visits RCL: Focus on Scientific Cooperation
On March 25, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Lithuania, H.E. Maria Nieves Blanco Diaz, visited the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL). During her meeting with RCL Chairman Dr. Gintaras Valinčius, discussions focused on scientific and innovation cooperation between Lithuania and Spain.
The meeting addressed joint research projects within international programs such as Horizon Europe and Eureka, where Lithuanian and Spanish researchers collaborate particularly actively surpassing some larger European nations in engagement. According to the Horizon Europe summary report from March 2025, Lithuanian and Spanish researchers are currently participating in 988 joint projects under the program. Collaborative research efforts are especially prominent in the fields of health sciences (1,159 publications) and natural sciences (1,129 publications).
Dr. Valinčius introduced various RCL initiatives that provide new opportunities for both Lithuanian and international students and researchers. Special attention was given to the Student Summer Internship program, which allows young scientists to gain valuable experience in Lithuania, as well as other initiatives that promote international collaboration, grant access to cutting-edge research infrastructures, and support the development of scientific ideas. The Ambassador expressed interest in how Spanish researchers could benefit from RCL programs that are also open to the international community.
The meeting also explored potential partnerships between RCL and the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) to foster even closer scientific cooperation between Lithuania and Spain