Dr Viktorija Vaštakaitė-Kairienė

Dr Viktorija Vaštakaitė-Kairienė has a diverse work experience in the field of research and academia. Dr Viktorija is currently serving as a Senior Researcher at the Bioeconomy Research Institute, Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, starting from 2023. Prior to this, they held the position of Associate Professor at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy since 2022. Dr Vaštakaitė-Kairienė has also worked as a Chief Researcher at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry since 2013, where they have held various roles including Principal member of the research, Senior Researcher, and Junior Researcher. Additionally, they have held the position of Alumni Council Member at the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation and has been a Member of Young Academy at The Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. Dr Viktorija has also served as the Vice Chair of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences - Young Academy. Dr Vaštakaitė-Kairienė has gained international exposure through their roles as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Nature Research Centre, Visiting Researcher at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Visiting Researcher at the University of Agriculture in Krakow, and as a Visiting Research Associate at Michigan State University.

Dr. Viktorija Vaštakaitė-Kairienė obtained their secondary education from Kaunas Jesuit gymnasium. Dr Viktorija then went on to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) degree from Vytautas Magnus University in 2011. Dr Viktorija further pursued their education at Vytautas Magnus University and received a Master of Science (MS) degree in Applied Biochemistry in 2013. Dr. Vaštakaitė-Kairienė then pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Agriculture from the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, which they completed in 2017. Dr Viktorija also took part in various short-term programs and courses at the University of Agriculture in Krakow and the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. In 2022, Dr. Vaštakaitė-Kairienė obtained a certificate from the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation's BAFF Alumni Mentorship Program. Additionally, they are currently pursuing studies at the Università degli Studi di Padova, although the specific degree and field of study are not provided.