Minister R. Popovienė opened the Lithuanian Science Forum: “A strong national science base is essential for science diplomacy”
On October 20, Raminta Popovienė, Minister of Education, Science and Sport, opened the Lithuanian Science Forum “When Science Builds Bridges,” which focuses primarily on science diplomacy and Lithuania’s role in the international scientific arena. Held for the second consecutive year, the Forum brought together Lithuanian and international experts, as well as representatives from the academic and diplomatic communities, to discuss how science can strengthen mutual trust, competitiveness, and cooperation among nations.
“Diplomatic efforts in the field of science can open doors, but it is scientific potential that primarily gives substance and continuity to a partnership. A strong national research ecosystem helps attract talent that the whole world is competing for and, most importantly, helps develop and retain that talent in Lithuania. This requires consistent investment, modern research infrastructure, and conditions that allow scientists to build their professional futures here in Lithuania,” said Minister R. Popovienė as she welcomed the participants of the event.
The Minister emphasised that it is precisely the achievements of researchers that enable Lithuania to set more ambitious goals and make a more significant contribution to global scientific progress. One such goal today is Lithuania’s full membership in the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN). Prof. Costas Fountas, President of the CERN Council, is currently visiting Lithuania at the invitation of Minister R. Popovienė and participating in the Lithuanian Science Forum.
The Forum program will feature insights from Prof. C. Fountas, Prof. Gediminas Urbonas from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and other representatives of the international scientific community.
Also during the Forum, Dr. Regina Valutytė, Vice-Minister of Education, Science and Sport, together with Dr. Marcus Pleyer, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, Ambassador of Ukraine Olha Nikitchenko, and Ambassador of Spain José Fernando Fernández-Aguayo Muñoz, is participating in a high-level discussion titled “Science as a Strategic tool: How Europe Turns Research into Geopolitical and Competitive Advantage”. The discussion is intended to address the role of science in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, international cooperation in the context of geopolitical challenges, and the contribution of science to building resilient and innovation-driven societies.
Photo courtesy of the Research Council of Lithuania.
Last updated: 26-10-2026
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