Development of the Bioeconomy Research Excellence in Lithuania

To help universities achieve the highest international level of scientific results, the Lithuanian state allocated by 2027 a total of approximately 60 million euros for this purpose. Universities were invited to prepare project implementation plans for the establishment of centers of excellence in advanced research fields in order to achieve the foreseen goals. Vytautas Magnus University has chosen bioeconomy research as a strategic research area. Therefore, a plan to establish the Bioeconomy Research Center of Excellence (BioTEC) was prepared. The aim of BioTEC is to strengthen the quality of R&D in areas of Agronomy and Environmental Engineering by developing advanced, high quality research. Research topics of the Center include healthy soil and plants, sustainable agriculture and food systems, digitization and robotization of agriculture, climate change and the importance of sustainable use of resources. BioTEC creates added value for the state, Vytautas Magnus University and Agriculture Academy. Scientists are provided with conditions to strengthen their competences, conduct research, create innovations, publish open access scientific articles in prestigious scientific publications with a high citation index, and participate in high level conferences. Innovations created by scientists are further adopted and commercialized by business. Moreover, the mission of the Center is to attract more foreign experts working in strategic research fields of BioTEC and find young talents. For the effective operation of BioTEC, it was necessary to create a modern infrastructure, purchase equipment, and provide funds necessary for scientific research activities. BioTEC scientists prepare proposals and carry out national and international projects that translate innovative solutions into practice, actively involving stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural specialists, agribusiness companies, and policymakers.