First Lithuanian Scientist to Receive EMBO Installation Grant

For the first time, the name of a Lithuanian scientist has appeared among the projects of young scientists recognized by the experts of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). The project of biochemist Algirdas Toleikis to establish a molecular biology laboratory at the Life Sciences Center of Vilnius University (VU LSC) in Lithuania in compliance with EMBO standards was highly evaluated in the international selection of the EMBO.

Aimed to apply experience and skills in Lithuania

According to Dr Toleikis, there is a significant number of young scientists from Lithuania working in foreign countries – his life also revolves between his home country and his career abroad. Having obtained a degree in biochemistry from VU, Dr Toleikis went to study in the United Kingdom, where he won a Wellcome Trust scholarship and pursued a doctorate degree at the prestigious University College London.

“In London, I explored the mechanics of single molecules and how it affects protein-DNA interactions. Then I continued my research at the University of Warwick, where I studied the activity of motor protein kinesins and how they transport cargo in cells,” Dr Toleikis points out.

Although the young scientist had every opportunity to continue his successful scientific activities abroad, returning to Lithuania has always been one of the most important goals of his life. “This dream was not only sentiments for my home country. I wanted to bring the experience that I acquired after my doctorate back to Lithuania, which once gave me a great start,” Dr Toleikis says.

The opportunity to start the realisation of this dream came at the beginning of last year, when Dr  Toleikis applied to take part in the EMBO grant programme aimed at encouraging young researchers to return home and set up laboratories there.

More opportunities will arise

Dr Toleikis found out about the possibility to apply for an EMBO grant after getting acquainted with the invitation of the Research Council of Lithuania (LMT). “This success story began with LMT’s announcement of an invitation to participate in the international EMBO grant competition. I realized that in case of victory, this competition would give me the opportunity not only to receive a solid grant, but also to realize my dream – to set up a laboratory in Lithuania,” Dr Toleikis recalls.

Under the agreement with the EMBO, the project will be funded by the LMT. Taking into account the suggestions of parties, the EMBO is considering co-financing and thus contributing to the grant to set up a new molecular biology laboratory.

According to him, even without thinking about victory, the mere participation in the EMBO competition was a truly significant and motivating event for him: “The EMBO, an organization that unites over 1,800 top scientists, promotes high-level molecular biology research. Therefore, I was just proud to participate in this competition.”

Dr Toleikis was informed about his success in the competition by the EMBO itself. “I am one of eight researchers from different countries who have received a grant. This news seemed to open the door for me to return to Lithuania. The grant, which amounts to EUR 50,000 per year, allows implementing 3–5 year projects which develop high-level modern science. I will be realising my ideas at VU LSC, which is the certain leader in this field in Lithuania,” Dr Toleikis assumes.

Biomolecule research will be conducted

Dr Toleikis is convinced that VU LSC is a great place for CRISPR research, and that his experience in biomolecule mechanics will be very useful for a successful project. The new laboratory, which will be set up thanks to the EMBO, will carry out mechanical research into biomolecules such as proteins and DNA using magnetic tweezers technology. The similar technology involving optical tweezers was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics.

“The so-called force microscopy of single molecules allows to mechanically affect biomolecules with high accuracy and to measure the force generated by them. In the new lab, we will be able to better understand how DNA motor proteins work. They resemble nanorobots that “walk” on a DNA strand, and their job is to mechanically separate the two DNA strands and allow DNA information to be copied. Such DNA motors are also very important in the mechanism of protecting bacteria against viruses (CRISPR). In other words, we will carry out activities in Lithuania that will help to better understand not only DNA motor proteins, but also CRISPR, which may even contribute to the improvement of gene shear technology,” Dr Toleikis implies.

The director of VU LSC Prof Dr Gintaras Valinčius has no doubts about the success of this laboratory. “VU LSC is continuously hunting talented scientists. When Algirdas wrote a letter a year ago sharing the idea of microscopic research into single biomolecules, there was quite obvious that we need to set up such a laboratory in LSC,” Prof Dr Valinčius states.

Kavli Prize winner VU LSC professor Virginijus Šikšnys says that the grant won by the young researcher Toleikis shows the overall success story of Lithuania’s membership in the EMBO. “In 2017, when Lithuania became a member of the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC), new opportunities emerged for getting young scientists with unique experience in foreign laboratories to return to Lithuania by means of EMBO programmes. We hope that Algirdas’ success will inspire other young scientists to take advantage of new opportunities and implement their scientific ideas in Lithuania,” Prof Šikšnys supposes.

EMBO programme is a unique opportunity for everyone

LMT representatives also accentuate that the EMBO laboratory development programme is the first step for talented young researchers to create laboratories, achieve scientific results and contribute to the development of the life sciences sector in Lithuania.

“The grant, which encourages young researchers to return to Lithuania and create a laboratory here, will help new scientific talents to emerge Lithuanian. This is the country’s investment both in the new names as well as promoting and embracing in the culture of cooperation of the international academic community – a feature characteristic of the EMBO,” Prof Romas Baronas, Chairman of LMT says. He hopes that the future will see more scientists returning home under this programme, creating the value of Lithuanian science and making the country’s name famous in the world.

Researchers that receive grants become members of the EMBO network of young researchers, are provided with professional support, and have access to top-level research infrastructures. In addition, they have the opportunity to receive a grant of up to EUR 10,000 for the purchase of equipment, to use other financial and information support from the EMBO aimed at helping to develop relations and skills.