Events
Representatives of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences and LMAJA Attended international science academy network events in Warsaw
02 06 2026
On 26–29 May, several joint events of international networks of academies of sciences, organised by the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Polish Young Academy, took place in Warsaw, Poland: General Assembly of all European Academies (ALLEA), the meeting of the European Network of Young Academies (ENYA), the joint ALLEA–ENYA meeting, and the General Assembly of the Young Academies Science Advice Structure (YASAS). The ALLEA events were attended by Prof. Vytautas Nekrošius, president of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (hereinafter LMA, Lietuvos mokslų akademija), and Academician Prof. Jūras Banys, while the ENYA and YASAS events were attended by Dr Julius Vengelis, chairperson of the Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (hereinafter LMAJA, Lietuvos mokslų akademijos Jaunoji akademija). Dr Juozas Grigas, a member of LMAJA, participated in the YASAS General Assembly remotely.
Left to right, Academician Prof. Jūras Banys, Prof. Vytautas Nekrošius, president of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, Dr. Julius Vengelis, Chairperson of the Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences
The first day began with an open roundtable discussion between academics and members of young academies on the values, priorities and expectations shaping contemporary research assessment, which was organised by ALLEA and the Global Young Academy (GYA). In small working groups, participants discussed challenges related to research assessment reform from various perspectives and formulated joint recommendations. This was followed by the ALLEA General Assembly on the topic ‘Towards a Future of European Research Area: Boosting Trust, Integrity and Resilience’. Speakers included Prof. Robbert Dijkgraaf, president-elect of the International Science Council, Prof. Maria Leptin, president of the European Research Council (ERC), and others. In their presentations, they emphasised the importance of research freedom and researchers’ independence in shaping the European Research Area and increasing resilience to geopolitical shocks. During the event, Prof. Maria Leptin was also awarded the ALLEA Madame de StaëlPrize for fostering European cultural and academic values.
The following day, the ALLEA Board meeting discussed trends in research funding in Europe and decided to hold the 2027 ALLEA General Assembly in Vilnius, at the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences.
The discussions at the ENYA meeting covered numerous topics: current network matters, were discussed, including the extension of the Brussels Charter on visits for members of young academies, the Art/Earth project and in-depth discussions on the possibility of transforming ENYA into an official organisation uniting European young academies with its own board and leadership, as well as the future merger of YASAS and ENYA. This initiative was motivated by the aim of strengthening cooperation among national young academies and establishing an official organisation, which would represent all young academies and could more effectively advocate for the interests of early-career researchers at the European level. Following a vote, the initiation of this process and the formation of a working group were approved. Later, breakout discussions addressed aspects of academic freedom from political/administrative, technological/economic, and social/ethical perspectives. At the end of the meeting, it was announced that the 2027 ENYA meeting would take place in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The joint ALLEA–ENYA meeting began with invited presentations by representatives of the ERC and the Polish Ministry of Education and Higher Education on the challenges and future prospects of European research funding. The second part of the meeting continued with roundtable group discussions on the following topics: research ethics and integrity, trust in science and the resilience of democracies, science diplomacy at the interface of science policy and society, crossing borders in science: mobility, migration and career development. The conclusions formulated in the discussion groups are to be released in the ALLEA–ENYA meeting report.
On the final day, the joint practical YASAS–ALLEA workshop ‘Diversity in science advice for strengthened trust, public confidence and legitimacy’ took place. This was followed by the YASAS General Assembly, during which a new board member was elected and other current matters were discussed.
LMAJA and LMA actively participate in these international networking events, contributing to the development of initiatives and the shaping of strategic priorities. Participation in meetings of this level strengthens international visibility and interinstitutional cooperation and creates conditions for consistent integration of the directions of European science policy into the national activities of LMAJA and LMA.
Dr. Julius Vengelis, Chairperson of the Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences
