First Prof. A. P. Piskarskas Scholarship Awarded for Best Bachelor’s Thesis in Laser Science

During the Vilnius University (VU) Faculty of Physics bachelor's diploma awarding ceremony, the named Professor Algis Petras Piskarskas Scholarship was presented for the first time for the best bachelor's thesis in laser physics. The prestigious scholarship was awarded to Antanas Butkus, a student of the Light Engineering study program. He was also awarded a Cum Laude diploma.

The purpose of the named Prof. A. P. Piskarskas Scholarship for the best bachelor's thesis is to encourage talented VU Faculty of Physics students to achieve better academic results, participate in scientific research in laser science, and motivate them to pursue master's studies. The scholarship amount is 2,000 euros.

From left: VU Foundation Director Justinas Noreika, scholarship recipient Antanas Butkus, and VU Faculty of Physics Dean Prof. Dr. Aidas Matijošius (Photo by Ugnius Bagdonavičius)

This summer, the first-ever named Prof. Algis Petras Piskarskas Scholarship will be awarded for the best master's thesis in the field of laser science. The scholarship amount is 3,000 euros. At the end of 2024, the first named Prof. A. P. Piskarskas Postdoctoral Fellowship, worth 20,000 euros, was awarded to researcher Dr. Balys Momgaudis.

The named scholarships at all levels are annually funded from the investment returns and targeted donations of the Prof. Algis Petras Piskarskas Sub-Fund. This sub-fund was established in 2023 by the Piskarskas family together with the company "Light Conversion," with significant contributions from the Žabolis and Juozapavičius families. Thanks to their joint efforts, a capital of 600,000 euros has been accumulated, ensuring the long-term tradition of scholarships and promoting the advancement of laser science in Lithuania.

Prof. A. P. Piskarskas began his work at the VU Faculty of Physics in 1968. In 1983, he defended his doctoral dissertation in physics and mathematics and, in the same year, became the scientific director of the VU Laser Research Center. Known as the father of Lithuanian lasers, he is one of the country’s most prominent scientists and played a significant role in earning Lithuania the title of the "land of lasers." The professor dedicated considerable effort to the strategy for high-tech development and worked to ensure the international competitiveness of Lithuania's laser industry.