In Memory of Prof. A. P. Piskarskas – Family Allocates Another €200,000 to Named Sub-Fund

Prof. Algis Petras Piskarskas (1942–2022) family contributed an additional 200,000 euros to the named endowment sub-fund in May and July of this year. After this significant philanthropic contribution, the value of the sub-fund dedicated to supporting laser physics science reached 800,000 euros.

Since the sub-fund’s establishment in April 2023, it has received broad support from the physics community. The laser and laser systems manufacturing company “Light Conversion” and the family of Reda and Alvydas Žabolis each contributed 100,000 euros; the family of Irena and Algirdas Juozapavičius donated 200,000 euros; and the largest contribution—400,000 euros—was made by the Piskarskas family.

To honor one of Lithuania’s most prominent scientists, known as the father of Lithuanian lasers, the investment income from the sub-fund along with targeted support provide annual Named Prof. A. P. Piskarskas scholarships for talented laser science students at the VU Faculty of Physics:

• Scholarship for the best bachelor’s thesis (2,000 euros);
• Scholarship for the best master’s thesis (3,000 euros);
• Postdoctoral Fellowship (20,000–35,000 euros).

In 2024, the first named Postdoctoral Fellowship was awarded—Dr. Balys Momgaudis became the laureate. In 2025, Scholarships for the best bachelor’s theses were awarded to Antanas Butkus and Ūla Marija Lauciūtė, and for the best master’s thesis to Simona Armalytė.

Prof. A. P. Piskarskas made a significant contribution to the development of Lithuanian laser science and industry, actively developed the high-tech development strategy, and was concerned with the international competitiveness of the country’s laser industry. His achievements continue to inspire new generations of talents in laser physics.