Vilnius University Presents Innovations at ‘Life Sciences Baltics’

‘Life Sciences Baltics’ is the largest life sciences exhibition in the Baltic region that brings together representatives from academia and industry. The event, held this year on 17–18 September in Vilnius, provides an excellent platform to share expertise, learn about innovations and the latest research trends in life sciences, as well as establish connections for future initiatives. At Vilnius University (VU) booth, participants are invited to explore newest R&D solutions that have been developed at VU and, through virtual reality, experience the specifics of medical practice.

VU Vice-Rector for Research, Prof. Gintaras Valušis, emphasised the University’s role in life sciences sector in Lithuania:

‘Vilnius University is one of the key pillars of Lithuania’s life sciences ecosystem: our research, innovations, and talent development contribute significantly to the progress of the entire country. Participation in ‘Life Sciences Baltics’ is a great opportunity to present this potential and strengthen our connections with the international scientific and business community,’ said Prof. Valušis.

VU booth features a wide range of R&D solutions and patented inventions created at VU. One of the exhibits is a prototype developed by researchers at the Faculty of Physics in collaboration with colleagues from the National Cancer Institute and the National Cancer Center. This innovative technology has been designed for use in brachytherapy procedures.

‘Brachytherapy allows radioactive radiation to be delivered precisely to the tumour, minimising harm to the surrounding healthy tissue. Yet even small dose deviations can reduce the effectiveness of tumour control or increase side effects by irradiating the nearby tissues. The exhibition presents the collective work of several institutions – a brachytherapy treatment plan verification and dosimetry system that enables real-time in vivo 3D dose monitoring, detection of potential inconsistencies, and immediate treatment adjustments. This ensures accurate tumour irradiation and thereby improves treatment effectiveness,’ explained Prof. Tomas Čeponis from the Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology at the Faculty of Physics.

Another invention on display, developed for detecting and screening polymer-degrading enzymes, allows for quick and convenient evaluation of how effectively different biological samples can break down polymeric materials.

‘Our solution not only allows us to determine quickly and easily whether biological samples are capable of degrading various polymers but also helps identify promising enzymes for further research and industrial applications. This is an important step towards developing more sustainable materials and tackling plastic pollution more effectively,’ noted Dr Nina Urbelienė, one of the inventors from the Institute of Biochemistry of the Life Sciences Center.

Visitors to Vilnius University booth are also invited to step into the shoes of emergency medical doctors. Using virtual reality headsets, they can experience simulated scenarios of treating patients with multiple traumatic injuries.

‘The simulation tool created under the international project ‘MedEd PolyTrauma VR’ is being prepared for integration into medical studies. We are delighted to offer exhibition participants a unique opportunity to gain insight into the complexity of medical work and even experience it first-hand. We hope the connections made with international researchers and companies during this event will grow into meaningful collaborations and medical innovations,’ said VU lecturer and emergency physician Beatričė Raščiūtė.