Lithuanian Consortium for Collaboration with MIT

Who we are

The Lithuanian Consortium for Engagement with MIT is a strategic partnership established between the Lithuanian science and business, the MIT Center for International Studies, and MIT Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) in January of 2025.

Originating as a unique, bottom-up initiative, this partnership aims to bridge Lithuania’s aspirations with MIT’s global expertise in science, technology, innovation, and education, recognizing that science contributes to national economies, anchors meaning, and fosters innovation in public life, thus seeking real impact in the region. This transatlantic three-year initiative is designed to foster an impactful, sustainable, and innovation-driven ecosystem for science, studies, and business in Lithuania. 

Meeting of the Lithuanian delegation with MIT President Sally Kornbluth and Vice Provost Duane Boning. Photo by Vera Pronova.

Initiative Group:

  • Universities: Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuanian Consortium Coordinator) , Kaunas University of Technology, Klaipėda University, Vilnius University, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius Academy of Arts.
  • Research Institutes: Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Lithuanian Energy Institute.
  • Business Partners: Euromonitor International – Eastern Europe, Ignitis Group, Lithuanian Railways, Novian Group.

The activities of the Lithuanian consortium are supported by the Research Council of Lithuania.

Activities

Photo from the signing of the letter of intent for the MISTI program at the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL), featuring the RCL Chairman. Photo courtesy of RCL.

The Lithuanian Consortium for Engagement with MIT is a science and study platform dedicated to fostering high value-added competencies and advancing joint scientific research, technologies, and innovations, through close collaboration with Lithuanian business and industry. The first phase takes place from 2025 to 2027.

Lithuania’s engagement with MIT is currently structured around the MIT Center for International Studies (CIS) and MISTI Lithuania. The Center advances the Institute’s international research efforts while educating the next generation of global citizens and leaders. It empowers students, faculty, and fellows to apply MIT’s interdisciplinary approach to research and scholarship in addressing complex global challenges. CIS also houses the MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI), which integrates core elements of an MIT education with global engagement. MISTI fosters close partnerships in over 40 countries, including Lithuania, to create unique opportunities and strengthen MIT’s connections with globally minded individuals and organizations.

Program activities include:

  • Early-Stage Research Projects (“Global Seed Funds”)
    The program supports early-stage research projects that encourage interdisciplinary research and collaboration between Lithuanian and MIT scientists.
  • Joint Events
    These are collaborative events organized by Lithuania and MIT both in Lithuania and at MIT, fostering networking and knowledge sharing.
  • Internships
    The program makes it possible for MIT students to experience Lithuania while advancing knowledge, tackling tough challenges, and preparing for lives of impact, service, and leadership in an interconnected global society. It also offers opportunities at MIT for Lithuanian students, doctoral candidates, and early-career researchers to strengthen their skills in transdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation development and application.

MIT Student internships:

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