A modern Materials Research Laboratory was opened at Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution
On February 27, Minister of Education, Science and Sports Raminta Popovienė visited Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution. During the visit, the Materials Research Laboratory was opened, designed to develop applied research, promote cooperation with regional businesses, and strengthen the quality of studies.
The new laboratory is equipped with modern equipment that allows for various studies of the physical and mechanical properties of materials. It will be used to conduct research for businesses, participate in national and international scientific projects, and support the study process.
"This laboratory is our clear commitment to being a regional center of applied science, where science, studies and regional development needs combine into real solutions with commercial potential. The opening of the scientific laboratory and the support of social partners are a significant step for the Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education director in strengthening studies based on practical competencies and expanding applied research opportunities. Investments in infrastructure and attracting researchers directly contribute to the training of highly qualified specialists and the competitiveness of the region," says the Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution director, dr. Lina Tamutienė.
On the day of the minister's visit, the first experiment was conducted in the laboratory, symbolizing the "switching on" of the laboratory and the start of its practical activities. The experiment was performed by the Minister of Education, Science and Sports Raminta Popovienė, Vice-President of the Šiauliai Industrialists' Association, Member of the Council of Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution Rolandas Gabrielaitis, and Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania Roma Janušonienė.
To demonstrate the scope of the research and new opportunities offered by the laboratory, a coffee bean was chosen as the object of analysis. The scientists from Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution invited guests to study it in the new Materials Research Laboratory.
“Let us examine it not as a source or basis for a drink we consume every day, but as a material with structure, mechanical properties, surface physics, and commercial potential. We took a simple coffee bean and mechanically operated it, analyzed is microstructure, evaluated surface physics, and measured mechanical properties. This is the entire cycle of material research in one laboratory. Here is a very important message: regional businesses often do not need “fundamental theories of physics”. They need problem identification, technological solutions, prototypes, or optimization. A coffee bean today is just a symbol. Tomorrow it may be a product of a regional company, a new material, a product for export, or a patented solution. If, by taking one coffee bean, we can demonstrate such a spectrum of research, imagine what we can do with real industry challenges,” said Urtė and Justas Ciganai, researchers at Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution, during the opening of the laboratory.
"In the laboratory, even an everyday object, such as a coffee bean, can become the starting point for scientific discoveries. At present, nearly twenty different research projects are being carried out at Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution. For business, we become not just a service provider - we are a partner and a participant in discussions, together looking for solutions," added dr. Simona Skėrė, Head of Innovation Development at Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution.
The opening of the Materials Research Laboratory marks a consistent renewal of the institution’s infrastructure and the implementation of its strategic goals - to strengthen practical studies, promote innovation, and develop partnerships with business and the public sector.
During the visit, the Minister also met with the leadership of Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution to discuss the challenges of higher education in the region, including issues related to accessibility, funding, and internationalization of studies.
