On 13 May 2026, LithuaniaBIO hosted the Day of Life Sciences, Biotechnology, and Bioeconomy at the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences in Vilnius, bringing together researchers, innovators, industry representatives, and policymakers to discuss the latest developments shaping the future of biotechnology and the bioeconomy sector.
A key part of the programme was the workshop “Leveraging Genetics to Increase Bioeconomy Resilience”, which explored how genetic technologies and innovative research initiatives can contribute to more sustainable and resilient bioeconomy systems. During the session, participants were introduced to several inspiring projects and practical case studies.
DIVERSE_GENE_WATCH coordinator Darius Danusevičius from Vytautas Magnus University presented the DIVERSE_GENE_WATCH case on developing a Forest Genetic Monitoring System for the Baltic Sea Region, emphasising the importance of genetic monitoring in strengthening ecosystem resilience and supporting sustainable forest management.
Gintaras Brazauskas from the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry introduced PhenoPlantCC – the International Plant Phenotyping for Healthy Food and Sustainable Agrobiological Resources Competence Centre – highlighting the role of advanced plant phenotyping technologies in developing healthier and more sustainable agricultural systems. Meanwhile, Tomas Urbaitis from the biotechnology company Caszyme shared insights into the application of CRISPR technologies in agri-tech and industrial biotechnology, highlighting the growing potential of gene-editing solutions in the bioeconomy.
The discussions continued with an expert panel focusing on key trends, challenges, and opportunities to leverage genetics to increase bioeconomy resilience. The panel, moderated by Virginija Kargytė (Vytautas Magnus University), brought together representatives from academia, industry, and innovation support organisations, including Darius Kavaliauskas from Vytautas Magnus University, Gintaras Brazauskas from the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Tomas Urbaitis from Caszyme, Goda Grigorianaitė from SeqVision, and Karolina Trakšelytė-Rupšienė from Innovation Agency Lithuania. The discussion highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation, technology transfer, and regional collaboration in building a more resilient European bioeconomy ecosystem.
The wider event programme also addressed future European cooperation and funding opportunities, highlighting factors that contribute to strong international project development. Discussions emphasised the value of well-structured partnerships, early engagement between consortium members, clear long-term vision, and alignment between project goals, planned activities, and expected results.
The event also created space for connecting forest genetic monitoring and biodiversity-related expertise with broader bioeconomy innovation discussions in Lithuania and the Baltic Sea Region. The discussions highlighted the value of collaboration between research, industry, and policy stakeholders in supporting resilient ecosystems and advancing biodiversity monitoring practices.
The event was co-organised by LithuaniaBIO and the DIVERSE_GENE_WATCH consortium, with contributions from the Research Council of Lithuania, National Contact Points, the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), and the BIO-INSPIRE project.
If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact the consortium of DIVERSE_GENE_WATCH partner LithuaniaBIO leading contact: inga.matijosyte@lithuaniabio.com.
