On 8 September, EMBL and Vilnius University Life Sciences Center signed a framework agreement for the establishment of the VU LSC-EMBL Partnership for Genome Editing Technologies.
The Life Sciences Center at Vilnius University (VU LSC) hosts Institutes of Biochemistry, Biosciences, and Biotechnology. VU LSC was conceived to strengthen research studies and technological advances in the fields of biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, and related areas.
Soon after Lithuania became an EMBL prospect member state in September 2015, a memorandum of understanding was signed between EMBL and VU LSC to foster collaboration as Lithuania progressed towards full membership. In June 2019, Lithuania became EMBL's 27th member state. To intensify institutional synergies, a framework agreement for the establishment of the VU LSC-EMBL Partnership for Genome Editing Technologies was signed on 8 September 2020.
The partnership builds on complementary scientific and technological strengths in the field of targeted genome modification. It will include the establishment within the LSC of a partner unit based on the EMBL model, which will employ six high-level groups of international researchers and will pursue a collaborative programme in genome editing.
The scientific focus will be the development and application of novel genome editing tools and technologies to improve our understanding of fundamental biological processes and disease mechanisms. The partnership will also promote cooperation between VU LSC and other EMBL partnership institutes, enabling the sharing of knowledge, scientific services, and scientific training.
Edith Heard, EMBL Director General said "We congratulate the Vilnius University for this partnership agreement and look forward to new and exciting opportunities for collaborations with EMBL".
