The Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (LMAJA) is a division of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (LAS), established in 2018 to unite active, talented, and ambitious young Lithuanian researchers representing various scientific fields.

 

     • Representation of young researchers – brings together active and promising researchers, strengthens mentorship, and defends the interests of young scientists by providing input on science policy issues.
     • Strengthening the prestige and dissemination of science – initiates and publicizes science popularization activities and research results, increasing the value of science and the accessibility of knowledge in society.
     • Expert and advisory activities – conducts expert assessments and provides recommendations to the academic and science policy environment.
     • International cooperation – maintains relations and conducts joint activities with Young Academies and organizations representing young scientists from other countries.

On 24 September 2018, during the General Meeting of the members of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, the establishment of the Young Academy was announced: its regulations were approved and elections for new members were scheduled. LMAJA members are scientists who have achieved significant scientific results and are actively working in their professional field, whose doctoral degree was awarded no more than ten years prior and who are no older than 40 years on the day of the election. Each year, ten new members are elected for a four-year term. The term duration is four years. The first ten elected LMAJA members began their activities in 2019. In subsequent years, the number of members grew, and in 2022 reached the maximum of 40 members. After the term ends, members become LMAJA alumni, who may continue to contribute to LMAJA activities in an advisory capacity. At the initiative of the LMAJA leadership, alumni may be involved in working groups and expert evaluation committees, and may provide expert opinions. The rotational model of LMAJA membership ensures a continuous dynamic of renewal and a flow of new ideas: together with more experienced colleagues, new members continue ongoing activities and implement new initiatives.

LMAJA activities are based on the principles of democracy, collegiality, voluntarism, and responsibility. LMAJA members are assigned to one of five sections based on their scientific fields: Humanities and Social Sciences; Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry; Biology, Medicine, and Geosciences; Agricultural Sciences; Engineering Sciences.

Each section elects one representative to the Bureau of LMAJA. The work of the Bureau is coordinated by the LMAJA leadership – the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson – elected for a two-year term, who coordinate LMAJA activities, submit proposals to the LAS Presidium, and represent the Young Academy in international events together with other members.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once a year, a General Assembly of LMAJA members is held to discuss the results of the past year and to present the activity plan for the upcoming year. At least twice a year, joint off-site meetings are organized, during which current issues are addressed and future activities are coordinated. Since 2024, LMAJA activities are organized into working groups: Science Policy, Science Communication, and Expert Evaluation. Within their respective areas, these groups plan and coordinate activities, prepare proposals, contribute to decision-making, and shape the Young Academy's positions on relevant issues. In addition to the activities carried out within the working groups, LMAJA members also initiate and organize various events, including conferences, science popularization initiatives, seminars, discussions and consultations, and actively contribute to the activities organized by LAS sections and other institutions.
LMAJA members represent the interests of young researchers in meetings with representatives of the Lithuanian government and institutions. LMAJA members also collaborate with Young Academies and organizations representing young researchers in other countries and engage in expert and advisory activities.

 

The Young Academy reports annually on its activities to the LAS Presidium. Activity information is published on the LAS website, and the LMAJA Annual Activity Report is included in the overall LAS Annual Report submitted to the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. This report is presented annually by the LAS President to the Committee on Education, Science and Culture.

 

More information about LMAJA activities can be found on the LAS website and the LMAJA LinkedIn page.