From Organoid Cultivation to Digital, Cancer Fighting Tools: The New Medical Science Centre Boasts Remarkable Innovations

The Medical Science Centre of the Faculty of Medicine at Vilnius University (VU) was opened on 3 October 2024 in Santara Valley in Vilnius. This marks the most significant investment in medical education infrastructure in Lithuania’s independence history. The new Centre’s primary goal is to convert fundamental scientific discoveries into medical solutions for practical use.

The new Medical Science Centre houses unique laboratories and research facilities. By leveraging diverse tools – from human cell cultivation and modern molecular research to digital innovations – it will focus on advancing translational, personalised, and digital medicine.

The Centre will host a range of genetic, biomarker research, neuroscience, dental, and other laboratories and will enhance the fight against cancer by employing AI tools developed and patented by its researchers. The Medical Science Centre complex also launched the country’s only population biobank – the Biobank of the Lithuanian Population and Rare Disorders – which is set to collect biological samples from the country’s population. The collaborative efforts of researchers working at the Centre are expected to significantly advance the development of personalised medicine in Lithuania.

This is just a fraction of the new Centre’s capabilities: the entire complex comprises six buildings and nearly 900 individual premises, all equipped with top-tier research amenities. The building spans an impressive area of 19,000 square metres and signifies a total investment of EUR 66 million, including EUR 36.6 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

The opening ceremony of the Medical Science Centre was attended by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Education, Science and Sport, the Vice-Minister of the Economy and Innovation, as well as a large community of medical scientists, politicians, and business representatives.

According to the participants of the opening ceremony, the Centre will elevate scientific activities to a new level of quality and contribute to achieving breakthroughs in medicine for the benefit of Lithuania and beyond.
‘The establishment of this innovative and much-needed Medical Science Centre reflects the abundance of talent and intelligence in the country, which is growing in strength and setting high-quality standards. The Centre’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern facilities, and location at the Santariškės Medical Campus will foster the synergy between cutting-edge research and clinical practice. This, in turn, will contribute to the development of innovation, more effective patient treatment, especially in the fight against rare and critical diseases, as well as the smooth transfer of knowledge to the next generation of specialists and researchers,’ said Ingrida Šimonytė, Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania.

‘Lithuanian science is rapidly developing, and our scientists are gaining international recognition. But we will definitely not stop here: to attract top talent to the science sector and advance research to new heights, we need to ensure superior working conditions and access to modern infrastructure. The State is making substantial investments for this purpose,’ remarked Radvilė Morkūnaitė-Mikulėnienė, Minister of Education, Science and Sport. According to Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas, Rector of Vilnius University, the opening of this Centre marks a significant milestone in the University’s history.

‘We have established the Medical Science Centre to pursue excellence in both fundamental science and science-based clinical treatment. The opening of the Centre on this campus is crucial, as it is increasingly evolving into a place of both medical treatment and scientific research and studies. The key to unlocking success across all fields is the combination and integrity of science, studies, and their practical application. This is especially true in medicine, where scientific and treatment advancements have gained remarkable momentum,’ noted VU Rector Prof. Petrauskas.

Information by Vilnius University

Last updated: 17-10-2024

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