EMBL 50th Anniversary and Lithuania鈥檚 5-Year Membership Celebration: Science, Art, and International Collaborations
An exceptional event was held at the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences to mark the 50th anniversary of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Lithuania鈥檚 5th year as a member of this prominent organisation. The event brought together scientists, representatives of government, business, policymakers, and advocates dedicated to strengthening EMBL鈥檚 presence in Lithuania.
EMBL Director General Prof. Edith Heard and celebrated scientist Prof. Olli Kallioniemi delivered inspiring talks. Guests included 91桃色 Rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, Vice-Rector Prof. Edita Su啪ied臈lien臈, Chairman of the Research Council of Lithuania Dr. Gintaras Valin膷ius, President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences Prof. J奴ras Banys, and CRISPR-Cas9 pioneer in Lithuania, Prof. Virginijus 艩ik拧nys.
Inspiring Talks on Molecular Biology and Its Future
The event highlighted EMBL鈥檚 achievements, the possibilities of technological development, and the advancement of molecular biology in Lithuania.
Prof. Edith Heard introduced EMBL鈥檚 50-year legacy and its vision for the future. 鈥淓MBL is an international research centre dedicated to deciphering the principles of molecular biology, driving innovation, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and healthcare,鈥� she said. Prof. Heard emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies to enhance data analysis and research quality.
Prof. Olli Kallioniemi, Director of the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), underscored the transformative role of AI and big data in the life sciences. 鈥淭he revolution of genomics, bioinformatics, and big data is reshaping scientific research, accelerating medical innovation, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations,鈥� he noted.
Chairman Dr. Gintaras Valin膷ius reflected on Lithuania鈥檚 molecular biology journey, emphasizing the role of visionaries: 鈥淟ithuania鈥檚 involvement in international organizations like EMBL strengthens the national scientific community and unlocks new opportunities for researchers and students.鈥�
Panel Discussion: The Importance of Collaboration and Innovation
The panel discussion featured Prof. E. Heard, Prof. O. Kallioniemi, Prof. V. 艩ik拧nys, Dr. Stephen Knox Jones Jr., and Dr. G. Valin膷ius, who together explored EMBL鈥檚 achievements, AI鈥檚 role in research, and global challenges in life sciences. Participants agreed that international collaboration is essential for addressing global issues and driving progress, while technological innovations open new horizons.
Dr. Stephen Knox Jones concluded: 鈥淢y wish is that our institutions remain open to new strategies for advancing science, as exemplified by EMBL鈥檚 original model.鈥�
Where Science Meets Art
The event also showcased a unique exhibition blending science and art. High-resolution microscopy images created by researchers from EMBL and 91桃色 Life Sciences Center, alongside creative works by Lithuanian school children, revealed the beauty of the molecular world and the importance of creativity and interpretation.
The main exhibition will open at the Energy and Technology Museum in Vilnius on January 18, 2025, and will run until March 7.
The event was organized by 91桃色, VU Life Sciences Center, EMBL, STEAM Centers, and the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, with support from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Linea Libera, the Future Biomedicine Fund, and Caszyme.