The First Lady in Washington: Lithuania calls for strengthening the transatlantic partnership in science

During her visit to Washington, First Lady Diana Nausėdienė visited Johns Hopkins University (JHU), one of the world's leading research institutions. In a meeting with the academic community, she spoke about Lithuania's academic tradition, the country's scientific potential, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between universities in Lithuania and the United States.

"It is a great honor to be here today at a university that has been setting the standard for the modern academic community for more than 150 years. Johns Hopkins University is globally associated with scientific progress, medical breakthroughs, and ideas that change people's lives," said Diana Nausėdienė.

The First Lady emphasized that Lithuania's academic and cultural tradition spans centuries. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was once one of the largest and most culturally diverse countries in Europe, bridging the civilizations of East and West, while Vilnius long stood as a center of scholarly and intellectual exchange. Diana Nausėdienė noted that this tradition continues today in a modern state-a member of the European Union, NATO, and the transatlantic community-with an open and modern research system.

The First Lady also noted that Lithuania's historical path has not always been easy-in the 20th century, the country's academic and intellectual development was disrupted by occupations. Universities and science were constrained; however, even under these conditions, the tradition of free thought endured. Today, it is once again flourishing within an academic community that is open and ready for international collaboration.

Speaking about Lithuania's current scientific ecosystem, the First Lady highlighted that the country is among the most innovative research environments in Central and Eastern Europe. Lithuanian scientists are global leaders in laser technology, and the lasers they develop are used in CERN research, semiconductor manufacturing, medicine, and space technology.

Diana Nausėdienė also drew attention to the Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University, a state-of-the-art research hub in biotechnology, molecular biology, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics, employing around 600 scientists and training approximately 170 doctoral students. She further noted that the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in Kaunas has the most advanced medical research infrastructure in the Baltic region, including a cyclotron for nuclear medicine and a biobank enabling cutting-edge genomics research and the development of personalized medicine.

"Today, I would like to speak not only about achievements, but also about opportunities. We are living in a time when science and geopolitics are becoming increasingly intertwined. Democratic states must not only safeguard their values, but also build shared ecosystems of science and innovation. In this context, transatlantic academic partnership becomes a strategic investment in the future," the First Lady emphasized.

According to Diana Nausėdienė, Lithuania could become an important part of such partnership: it is a country within the European Union and on NATO's eastern flank, with an open and rapidly growing innovation ecosystem. Lithuanian universities actively participate in European research programs and are ready to expand cooperation with partners worldwide.

The First Lady noted that cooperation between Lithuanian universities and Johns Hopkins University could open up new opportunities in life sciences, personalized medicine, biophotonics, advanced medical technologies, lasers, and space research. According to Diana Nausėdienė, such a partnership would be a meaningful investment in a shared transatlantic research space.

"Lithuania has always been a bridge between regions and cultures. Today, we seek to make this bridge a link of science and innovation between Europe and the United States," Mrs. Nausėdienė pointed out.

During her visit, the First Lady also invited the Johns Hopkins University community to take part in "Science Week," an international week of scientific conferences to be held in Lithuania this October, which brings together scientists, researchers, and innovators from around the world.