The year 2021 at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos was marked by a never-ending, intense battle against COVID-19. Newly acquired data led to evidence-based decisions and significantly improved the diagnostic and therapeutic options for this disease. COVID-19 vaccines were developed in a record time and soon became one of the main tools for mitigating the pandemic. All this has served as a reminder that the rapid development of research and innovation is essential for effectively protecting the health of our patients and our country's society.