TThe Research Council of Lithuania has been established in 2009 and is the main national institution providing Research & Development (R&D) funding in the country. The Council oversee research and knowledge exchange functions in relation to universities and institutes. This includes providing block grant funding to the national research and education institutions (mainly universities and research institutes); for research and development; developing and implementing national funding streams; supporting and encouraging academic participation in EU Framework Programmes; overseeing the sustainability of the Higher Education research base in Lithuania; and promoting international collaborations. The Council aims to develop and sustain an outstanding research and development system in Lithuania that gives everyone the opportunity to contribute and to benefit, enriching lives locally, nationally and internationally.