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The CBE JU states’ representatives group (SRG) has elected Ugnė Dirdaitė, Science and Innovation Advisor at the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, as its new Vice-Chair. The SRG brings together representatives from EU Member States and Associated Countries to provide strategic advice and align CBE JU activities with national priorities and policies.
Ugnė’s election brings a fresh perspective to the group. A former EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador and biotechnologist by training, she represents a new generation of leaders dedicated to advancing Europe’s circular and sustainable bioeconomy.
“It always feels right to collaborate with people whose eyes shine. I’m grateful to have met CBE JU team members who have that same spark,” said Ugnė.
Bridging science and policy
In her current role, Ugnė serves as a knowledge broker between scientists and policymakers. She identifies policy needs and coordinates with academia to provide evidence, in line with Europe’s ‘science for policy’ and an evidence-informed policymaking approach. She is also building a national system for science communication for policymaking, represents Lithuania in Horizon Europe Cluster 6, and serves as an expert for CBE JU.
Ugnė’s passion for the bio-based sector is rooted in her academic background in industrial biotechnology, bio-based sciences and biorefinery. “My lecturers once said this field was the future, but seeing CBE JU flagship projects, it is clear the future is here, built by dedicated enthusiasts,” she said. “CBE JU gave me hope that there are real, practical paths to create jobs in the bio-based sector, even for SMEs.”
From youth ambassador to bridge-builder between science and policymaking
Reflecting on her time as a EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, Ugnė says the experience gave her confidence and taught her the value of dialogue and collaboration. “I never pictured myself speaking on big stages or contributing to European innovation projects because it all felt out of reach. Guided by inspiring people in the bioeconomy, I have grown into these responsibilities quietly and gratefully,” she said. “I have learned that effective problem-solving starts by listening to different views and bringing them together through a critical-thinking lens.”
A full circle moment
Ugnė describes her election as a full circle moment. In 2022, while still a student, she attended a bioeconomy event in Brussels where she first met Nicoló Giacomuzzi-Moore, now CBE JU’s Executive Director. “I was not yet familiar with CBE JU, but his passion for this EU partnership and the opportunities it enables stayed with me,” she recalled.
Looking ahead
As Vice-Chair, Ugnė hopes to bring new energy to the SRG by connecting policy discussions with real project experiences. She plans to propose webinars with past project participants to share lessons learned and explore how the CBE JU can further support data-driven decision-making.
“Building on the new Biotech Act and the Life Sciences and EU Bioeconomy strategies, I would like to identify ways for Europe to be more agile and competitive while staying true to our commitments to planetary health and human well-being,” she said.
CBE JU warmly congratulates Ugnė on her election and looks forward to working with her and SRG Chair Sari Tasa, who was re-elected as SRG Chair, to advance Europe’s circular bio-based transition.