The meeting marked an important step in deepening Lithuania’s integration into the Nordic scientific cooperation network and enhancing the region’s research and innovation capacity. Participants emphasised that, in order to prepare for the future EU framework programme, countries in the region must continue to strengthen mutual ties, encourage joint investment, and share research infrastructure.
“Today, we see clear potential to further strengthen the voice of the Nordic–Baltic region in European science policy. We want Lithuanian researchers not only to initiate but also to lead joint projects that bring impact both within the region and beyond,” said Professor Gintaras Valinčius, Chair of the RCL.
One of the most notable examples of successful collaboration is Lithuania’s involvement in the Green Transition initiative, where researchers seek innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Since 2024, Dr Aušra Brazaitytė of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry has been coordinating the Green Nitrogen Transition project, which explores the use of leguminous plants for natural nitrogen production, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers. Working alongside partners from the Swedish Environmental Research Institute and the University of Helsinki, Dr Brazaitytė is helping to strengthen Lithuania’s leadership within the Nordic research ecosystem and contribute to the development of sustainable farming solutions.
Several other successful cooperation projects were presented during the event, illustrating the diversity of scientific partnerships. The project “LINC: Linguistic Integration of Refugee Children and their Families”, led by Professor Ineta Dabašinskienė, Rector of Vytautas Magnus University, examines the linguistic integration of refugee children—including those from Ukraine—in the Nordic and Baltic countries. Professor Dabašinskienė emphasised that language is a fundamental tool for integration, enabling children and their families not only to adapt, but also to participate actively in society. The project is being implemented in collaboration with institutions in Norway, Sweden, and Estonia.
Meanwhile, Professor Antanas Kairys of the Institute of Psychology at Vilnius University is conducting research on “Sustainable Working Life for Ageing Populations in the Nordic–Baltic Region” together with institutions from Sweden, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, and a partner from Liechtenstein. The project focuses on how to ensure sustainable working lives and psychological well-being in ageing societies, helping older people remain active in the labour market while maintaining a high quality of life.
NordForsk Director Arne Flåøyen noted that Lithuanian researchers participate in NordForsk calls not only through RCL-funded measures, but also independently as third-country partners without direct national financing. Such initiative has been demonstrated by Vytautas Magnus University, Vilnius University, and the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences, all of which joined social integration projects, further strengthening Nordic–Baltic research cooperation.
“The main mission of the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania is to initiate and promote cooperation between Nordic and Lithuanian institutions, and the partnership between the RCL and NordForsk – an organisation under the Nordic Council of Ministers that funds research – is an excellent example of such collaboration,” said Ole Andreas Lindeman, Director of the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania.
In partnership with NordForsk, the RCL has launched nine calls for proposals covering a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, climate change, sustainable forestry and agriculture, fisheries, ageing, social challenges, migration, integration, and the future of work. The results of six calls have already been announced: twelve projects will receive support, with the RCL allocating a total of €1.5 million. A further €0.9 million has been earmarked for three upcoming calls, the results of which will be published shortly, with more than five projects expected to receive funding.
The RCL has also signed an agreement with NordForsk and research funding institutions in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Estonia for a joint call in the field of education. Together with the Nordic and Baltic countries, it is also participating in preliminary consultations on a planned call on food safety. Both calls are expected to be launched in the first half of 2026.
