New Researchers to Boost Nanophotonics Research
Dr. Dimitra Ladika and Dr. Gordon Zyla will collaborate on a project in the Laser Nanophotonics Laboratory, focusing on optically active materials and laser 3D lithography at the micro- and nanoscale. This research has potential applications in various fields of photonics. Both scientists bring strong backgrounds and international experience that will strengthen the group's capabilities.
Dr. Ladika, originally from Greece, has worked at the Institute for Electronic Structures and Lasers (IESL-FORTH). She has also developed close ties with the VU Laser Research Centre, having completed a Laserlab-Europe fellowship in 2023. She holds degrees from the University of Patras and the University of Crete.
Dr. Zyla, from Germany, completed his studies at Ruhr University Bochum and has held postdoctoral positions, including at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His previous work has been supported by grants such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie and Feodor Lynen grants. Both researchers are currently based at IESL-FORTH in Greece.
Dr. Dimitra Ladika, VU Faculty of Physics (left) and Dr. Gordon Zyla, VU Faculty of Physics (right)
Support from VU Foundation and Philanthropy
The VU Foundation's competition aims to attract and retain promising researchers by providing additional funding. In 2024, five researchers were awarded co-funding, with a total budget of €89,000. The selected researchers will receive between €14,000 and €30,000 in additional funding to supplement their salaries paid by VU departments. Dr. Ladika and Dr. Zyla are among the five winners, joining researchers from other faculties at Vilnius University.
The competition is supported by the VU Foundation's investment returns and contributions from partners, including the Marius Jakulis Jason (MJJ) Foundation. Since its launch in 2020, the competition has supported 13 researchers across various VU departments.
Long-term Investment in Research
The VU Foundation, managed by VU alumni, plays an important role in advancing scientific research at Vilnius University. With an investment portfolio of approximately €7 million, the foundation has provided more than €300,000 in additional funding to researchers since the start of the competition. This ongoing support helps to foster research and collaboration at the university, contributing to its role as a leader in advanced light technologies.
With the addition of Dr. Ladika and Dr. Zyla, the Laser Research Center is set to enhance its research in nanophotonics and expand collaborations in Europe and beyond.
For more information about the VU Foundation 2024 competition results, please visit the website:
https://naujienos.vu.lt/vu-fondas-skelbia-2024-m-konkurso-rezultatus-papildomas-finansavimas-skirtas-5-perspektyviems-mokslininkams/