Ambassador, together with colleagues from the embassy team, had the opportunity to visit Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC). It was fascinating to see how Lithuania is driving innovation in laser technology, nanotechnology, materials science, and renewable energy research. One particularly pressing area of their research is the study of microplastics and their effects on the human body and the environment. With growing concerns about plastic pollution, FTMC is working to better understand how these tiny particles interact with our health and ecosystems—an important field with global implications. As an additional step towards a healthier environment, FTMC is researching novel, more sustainable materials for batteries as a replacement for lithium, which can be used to support green energy grids.