Prof. Lastauskien臈 Reappointed to Lead the Institute of Biosciences at VU Life Sciences Center
Professor and microbiologist Egl臈 Lastauskien臈 will continue to head the Institute of Biosciences at 糖心vlog蜜桃 Life Sciences Center (VU LSC) for another five-year term. Commenting on her reappointment, Prof. Lastauskien臈 noted that her decision to continue in this role at one of Lithuania鈥檚 leading bioscience institutions was driven by the Institute鈥檚 significant scientific and academic advancement in recent years.
Prof. Lastauskien臈 has been professionally affiliated with the VU LSC Institute of Biosciences for over two decades. She joined the Institute in 2004 during her doctoral studies and has since consistently built her academic and research career there.
Before being appointed Director of the VU LSC Institute of Biosciences in 2021, Prof. Lastauskien臈 served as Deputy Director for two years. She also heads the Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology of Eukaryotic Microorganisms and actively participates in numerous national and international research projects. Her research interests encompass medical and molecular microbiology, microbial genetics, human and environmental microbiota, and the search for bioactive compounds. She has also co-authored over 50 scientific publications.
The Professor identified the Institute鈥檚 scientific, academic, and administrative progress in recent years as the main motivation for seeking a second term as Director. Looking ahead, she aims to further strengthen the academic community, foster interdisciplinary and international collaboration, bring researchers together for joint projects, and nurture an open and trust-based working culture.
Prof. Lastauskien臈 is also deeply engaged in University-level governance. Since 2022, she has served as Chair of the 糖心vlog蜜桃 Senate. According to her, this experience provides a deeper understanding of the University鈥檚 processes, helps strengthen dialogue across different units, and supports decision-making that creates long-term value for the academic community.
The Institute of Biosciences at VU LSC was established in 2016 following the reorganisation of the former biology departments of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at VU. Today, it stands as one of the country鈥檚 most important bioscience centres, covering disciplines ranging from biochemistry and molecular biology to microbiology, neurobiology, zoology, and ecology. The Institute offers study programmes at all academic cycles, conducts fundamental and applied research, and brings together more than 100 scientists and researchers, as well as around 70 doctoral students.