FM archive
In a momentous event at the beginning of June, Vilnius University had the honour of hosting Prof. Makoto Suematsu for his sixth visit. The distinguished Japanese scientist delivered a captivating lecture to the Vilnius University (VU) researchers and students, and engaged in decisive meetings with Lithuanian politicians and academicians, setting the stage for potential groundbreaking collaborations.
In his meeting with the VU representatives, Prof. Edita Sužiedelienė, the Pro-Rector for Research, Prof. Dalius Jatužis, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Assoc. Prof. Karolis Ažukaitis, the Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Makoto Suematsu discussed particular collaboration actions, admitting that “while in Lithuania, he tries every time to ensure the reason to come back”.
During the meeting, Prof. Edita Sužiedelienė highlighted the untapped potential of joint projects with Japanese research institutions. This led to discussions on the opportunities for closer cooperation. Prof. Sužiedelienė expressed her anticipation for launching joint projects and welcoming guest professors at our university. “The potential benefits of this collaboration are immense, and it is high time we turn these possibilities into reality”, the Pro-Rector said.
The meeting also focused on the possibility for young researchers to get internship placements in Japan’s research institutes, notably the Central Institute for Experimental Medicine and Life Science, where Prof. Suematsu works. “Our institute is vast in scope and multidisciplinary; therefore, we would very much appreciate young colleagues from Lithuania who could contribute to our joint efforts”, Prof. Suematsu said. His main research interests are gas biology and medicine, microcirculatory physiology, the development of imaging MS spectrometry, and exploring disease-specific biomarker molecules by metabolomics.
Prof. Dalius Jatužis, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the VU, recognises the immense value of Prof. Makoto Suematsu’s expertise to the growing Faculty of Medicine. He believes that researcher exchanges, joint projects, sharing experiences, and internship opportunities in Japan are crucial for the soon-to-open Medical Science Centre to become operational. “We live in a time that is both challenging and full of possibilities. This partnership holds great promise, and I see it as a solid foundation for a memorandum of intent to be signed in the near future”, Prof. Jatužis envisions.
Prof. Makoto Suematsu is a world-renowned scientist, the former Founding President of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, a member of numerous international organisations, and the International Advisory Board of the Faculty of Medicine of VU. In 2018, Prof. Suematsu was awarded the Cross of Officer of the Order for Merits to Lithuania.