Art Ragauskas, the acting department head of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair of Biorefining, has been selected as a Laureate of the Global Lithuanian Awards 2024 in the category for International Scientific Achievements by the Diaspora Professional Network Global Lithuanian Leaders.

The Global Lithuanian Awards is a platform for Lithuanians from all over the world to enhance the country’s international presence and expand its influence across global economic, scientific and cultural dimensions.

Throughout his academic career, Ragauskas has made several professional friends and connections in Lithuania. He’s worked on projects involving biofuels, bioengineering, biomaterials, and biorefineries that involved Lithuanian colleagues.

The award has great personal significance to Ragauskas. His father came from Lithuania to Canada after World War II to raise his family. Ragauskas’ parents instilled in their three children a belief in hard work, excellence, independence, and the need for a university education.

“As academics, we face many challenges, but my purpose is clear: I have dedicated my life to instilling in students the values of excellence, respect, and collaboration, both at UT and around the world. These core values were shaped by my upbringing,” Ragauskas said. “Receiving the Global Lithuanian Award is not just an individual honor; it is a reflection of the lessons I learned from my family and the faculty and students who have guided and supported my career.”

The Global Lithuanian Awards ceremony will take place on December 20, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Vilnius Philharmonic Hall in Vilnius, Lithuania, and will be broadcast live on LRT Plius, a Lithuanian television station.

Contact

Rhiannon Potkey (865-974-0683, rpotkey@utk.edu)