Participants of the event / MF archive
From 31 May to 3 June 2026, Lithuania hosted the international TBnet Academy 2026 for the first time. The event brought together almost 50 tuberculosis researchers from 14 countries, including Germany, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, the United States and others, at the Medical Science Centre of Vilnius University (VU). Five early-career physicians and doctoral researchers from Lithuania also participated in the training programme.
On behalf of the VU Faculty of Medicine, the event was organised by Laima Vasiliauskaitė and Rūta Mereškevičienė, doctoral candidates whose research focuses on tuberculosis-related topics. In less than a year, this marked the second international tuberculosis training event organised at the Medical Science Centre by the PhD researchers.
TBnet Academy is an educational initiative of the TBnet network of tuberculosis researchers, established to facilitate the exchange of experience, foster new professional connections, promote collaborative scientific initiatives, and support the development of early-career professionals. The programme is open to young physicians, laboratory specialists, doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers (up to 35 years of age) with an interest in tuberculosis diagnosis, treatment and scientific innovation.
Laima Vasiliauskaitė, PhD researcher of the VU Faculty of Medicine and organiser of the event / MF archive
This year, more than 80 candidates applied for participation. Twenty participants selected by the review committee were awarded scholarships from the Monteillet-Musiolik Tuberculosis Foundation, established by the Borstel Research Centre – Leibniz Lung Center (Forschungszentrum Borstel, Leibniz Lungenzentrum). The organisers were particularly pleased to welcome eight researchers from Ukraine, whose contributions enriched the international discussions and exchange of expertise.
Participants were assigned to small groups, each supported by dedicated mentors who assisted them in preparing presentations based on the latest scientific evidence. In addition, the TBnet network offers participants the opportunity to continue within its mentoring programme for a further year following the Academy.
The training programme featured not only presentations of complex clinical cases but also a range of innovative learning activities. Among the highlights was an education “Tuberculosis Escape Room”, developed by Dr Thomas Brehm, Dr Raquel Duarte, Dr Ohanna Kirakosyan and Dr Niklas Köhler.
A particularly memorable experience for the international guests was their visit to the Hospital of infectious diseases and tuberculosis and the Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Department of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. In addition to guided visits, the departments organised practical training sessions and clinical case discussions specifically tailored for the Academy participants. Advanced diagnostic and treatment approaches for mycobacterial diseases were showcased, reflecting the highest international standards. The professionalism, expertise and dedication of the staff to patient care and research received exceptionally high praise from the TBnet committee.
According to Professor Christoph Lange (Germany), Medical Director of the Borstel Research Centre – Leibniz Lung Center, Lithuanian colleagues have set a remarkably high benchmark for other European countries that will take on the responsibility of organising future TBnet Academy events.
This year is also a special milestone for the TBnet scientific community, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, TBnet has become one of the leading international networks of tuberculosis experts, making significant contributions to education, research, the dissemination of evidence-based clinical practice, and the strengthening of international collaboration both across Europe and beyond.
In her opening address, Dr Liga Kuksa (Latvia), Chair of TBnet and Head of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis, highlighted the longstanding traditions of cooperation among the Baltic States. She reflected on the significance of the Baltic Way and emphasised that a shared purpose and mutual trust remain the cornerstones of successful international collaboration.
According to the organisers of TBnet Academy 2026, close international cooperation, the integration of scientific research and clinical practice, and the continuous exchange of knowledge are essential drivers of progress in tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Vilnius provided an excellent setting for this dialogue, while the VU Faculty of Medicine contributed significantly to the success of the Academy and the continuity of future collaborations by providing not only modern facilities for the academic programme but also comprehensive organisational and team support throughout the event. Participants and speakers repeatedly praised the warm hospitality, professional organisation and excellent environment for scientific discussion.
Rūta Mereškevičienė and Laima Vasiliauskaitė, PhD researchers of the VU Faculty of Medicine and organisers of the event / MF archive
The event was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, BMZ) through the Hospital Partnerships Funding Programme, and by the German Agency for International Cooperation (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, GIZ).