At the International Conference “Life Sciences Baltics 2012” that was officially opened on 12 September in Vilnius, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis underlined the opportunity to demonstrate to the world achievements of life sciences in Lithuania and other Baltic countries and to explore marketing opportunities for intellectual products.

 “No one could argue that Lithuanian researchers have made the essential breakthrough in the field of life sciences, however, there is a feeling that these achievements have not yet reached the full scope of recognition worldwide. We are here today to demonstrate to the world that we have grown to the level of competence where we are ready to share our innovative experience in life sciences, and more than willing to explore marketing opportunities for our intellectual products,” Ažubalis said.

This conference is the first event of such magnitude not only in Lithuania, but also in all the three Baltic countries. Educational institutions and companies of the Baltic Sea region are presented to foreign partners seeking to open the door to the world markets for products of Lithuanian universities and biotechnology products.

“Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia view “Life Sciences Baltics 2012” as a platform for our forward-looking science and start-up businesses to present their experience and new high quality products to the wider global audience,” the Minister said.

Ažubalis also noted that high level of participation in this event in Vilnius demonstrated the universality and importance of life sciences, as well as interest in scientific progress and impact on the quality of life today and in the future. Ažubalis wished to all the participants to have fruitful discussions, share knowledge actively and generate new ideas under the auspices of the forum.

At the three-day conference the Life Sciences Baltics Exhibition will be opened; the Partnership Event will take place; there will also be a Start-up programme; a number of site visits to the leading Lithuanian life sciences companies and R&D centres will take place. Over 700 participants are expected, half of the registered participants come from Lithuania, others from the foreign countries.

The event is a great opportunity for Lithuania to join the global life sciences research networks and to give a new impetus to the development of the field.