Events
Four Members of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences Honoured at the Presidential Palace
15 07 2025
On 6 July, the Statehood Day (coronation of King Mindaugas of Lithuania) and the National Anthem Day, Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, awarded 71 citizens of Lithuania and foreign countries with Lithuanian state decorations for their contributions to Lithuania and for promoting the country’s name around the world. Prominent figures from of culture, education, and public life, scientists, representatives of the military and other professions, and loyal friends of Lithuania abroad were honoured in the White Hall of the Presidential Palace.
‘I am sincerely grateful to all of you for what you have done for Lithuania and what you will do in the future. The lives of each of you is a living example and a proof of a daring, creative, and modern state that actively participates in international life. The brightest gem in Mindaugas's crown is the light that fills us today with a special sense of pride in our country,’ said President Gitanas Nausėda at the award ceremony.
On this solemn occasion, the most distinguished scientists were also honoured, among them four full members of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.
Gediminas Račiukaitis, a physicist, Doctor of Science, a pioneer in the development and implementation of laser technologies in Lithuania, author of significant scientific achievements, an active participant in organisational, expert, and public work, a promoter of Lithuania's name in the world, was awarded the Cross of Officer of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas.
Three members of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences were awarded the Cross of the Knight of the Order for Merits to Lithuania:
Pavelas Duchovskis, an agronomist, habilitated doctor, was awarded for his outstanding achievements in scientific activity, active training of scientists, and participation in the implementation of science policy in Lithuania.
Gediminas Niaura, a physicist, professor, habilitated doctor, was awarded the state decoration for world-class research into molecular structure and functionality aimed at creating and improving cutting-edge technologies.
Gediminas Valkiūnas, a biologist, habilitated doctor, was honoured for his outstanding contributions to Lithuanian science, international academic activities, training young scientists, and promoting Lithuanian science worldwide.
When congratulating the academicians on such an outstanding occasion at the Presidential Palace, Prof. Jūras Banys, President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, said that the academy was proud that as many as four of its members had received state awards. He wished them continued success in promoting science and raising the profile of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.
Left to right, full members of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences Gediminas Račiukaitis, Pavelas Duchovskis, Jūras Banys, and Gediminas Niaura
Information is published at:
https://lrp.lt/lt/prezidentas-iteike-valstybes-apdovanojimus-uz-nuopelnus-lietuvai-ir-jos-vardo-garsinima/45465
Photography: Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania / Eitvydas Kinaitis
https://lrp.lt/lt/ziniasklaidos-centras/nuotrauku-galerija/21461/prezidentas-valstybes-dienos-proga-iteikia-valstybes-apdovanojimus/a6089
Information of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences
Translated by Diana Barnar
