Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way we learn, work, conduct research and share knowledge. Alongside these new opportunities, however, come new challenges: how can we ensure that science remains not only open but also secure?

The Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania invites you to the discussion “Science in the Age of AI: What Must We Protect at All Costs?”, which will take place on 28 August at 2:00 PM during the Lithuanian Discussion Festival BŪTENT!, in the Transformation Space at Bernardine Garden, Vilnius. The festival will be held on 28–29 August, participation is free of charge, and no registration is required.

The discussion will explore questions that are becoming increasingly important for the academic community: How can we strike the right balance between openness and security in science? How can we safeguard academic integrity, research data, intellectual property, researchers and public trust in science while preserving the freedom to collaborate and innovate?

The discussion will feature:

Dr. Jurgis Bartkus
Prof. Dr. Virginijus Bitė
Dr. Reda Cimmperman
Prof. Dr. Regina Valutytė
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Julius Vengelis

The discussion will be moderated by Aurelija Povilaikė.

We invite researchers, students, policymakers, innovation professionals and everyone interested in the impact of artificial intelligence on science to join this open discussion.

Date: 28 August 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Venue: Transformation Space, Bernardine Garden, Vilnius

We look forward to seeing you at the Lithuanian Discussion Festival BŪTENT!

Effective science communication is about more than explaining research in a clear and accessible way. It also grows stronger when communication professionals share experiences, learn from one another, and explore new ways to engage society with science.

These ideas are explored in the commentary “If Science Is Global, Science Communication Cannot Be Local”, published in University World News by Dr Anna Przybyło-Józefowicz, Coordinator of the Polish COALESCE Hub and Communication & PR Manager.

The commentary argues that while scientific research has long crossed national borders—with researchers collaborating internationally, carrying out joint projects and sharing knowledge worldwide—science communication professionals still too often work and learn primarily within their own institutions or countries.

The author highlights international professional exchanges as one of the most effective ways to strengthen professional development. Observing colleagues’ work in other organisations enables science communicators not only to adopt good practices, but also to gain fresh perspectives on their own work, discover more effective communication approaches and build lasting professional networks.

The article also highlights the COALESCE project and its initiatives, including the European Competence Centre for Science Communication, the SciComm Academy, and the network of national Hubs. Together, these initiatives provide opportunities for science communication professionals across Europe to collaborate more systematically, exchange knowledge and strengthen their professional competencies.

As the Lithuanian partner of COALESCE, the Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures actively contributes to international cooperation aimed at promoting professional, responsible and publicly accessible science communication.

The full commentary, “If Science Is Global, Science Communication Cannot Be Local”, is available on the University World News website: https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20260707094528852

How can we ensure that science remains open while also being secure? Where should the line be drawn between the free exchange of knowledge and the responsibility to protect sensitive information? How can we balance international collaboration, academic freedom, research integrity, and the growing security challenges facing today’s research environment?

These questions are becoming increasingly important. To address them, the Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania is organising the international conference “Open but Secure Science: Where Should We Draw the Line?” on 2 October 2026, marking Global Ethics Day.

The conference will take place at the Great Conference Hall of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (Gedimino Ave. 3, Vilnius, Lithuania). The conference language will be English.

The conference will explore how to balance openness and security in today’s research environment. International experts will discuss how to safeguard research, preserve academic freedom, promote responsible international collaboration, and ensure that research findings are communicated responsibly and reliably.

The programme features keynote presentations and workshops led by experts from Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovenia, Ukraine, as well as representatives of international organisations. The conference will bring together members of the academic community, public authorities, and international organisations to exchange experiences, explore practical solutions, and discuss how science can remain both open and secure.

We warmly invite you to explore the conference programme and register for the event.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to Vilnius!

Conference Programme: https://etikostarnyba.lt/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Conference-Programme-Vilnius-2026.pdf

Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/kFzHZkK3US

Between May and June 2026, Dr Eglė Ozolinčiūtė, Chief Analyst at the Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania, participated in the Mutual Learning Exercises (MLEs) organised under the international COALESCE project. The activities were designed to strengthen cooperation among European countries in the field of science communication, facilitate the exchange of good practices, and identify solutions to current challenges.

Dr Ozolinčiūtė took part in discussions on the following topics:

• Crisis Navigation Discussions (21 May 2026);
• On Disinformation (28 May 2026);
• Science Communication in Research and Innovation (25 June 2026).

During the events, participants from across Europe exchanged experiences on effective science communication, strengthening public trust in science, countering disinformation, and developing science communication capacities at both the national and European levels.

According to Dr Eglė Ozolinčiūtė, these activities once again confirmed the need for a European Science Communication Competence Centre that would serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, methodological support, and the dissemination of good practices. For Lithuania, such an initiative would provide an opportunity not only to benefit from advanced international experience but also to systematically strengthen science communication capacities across national institutions.

It was also emphasised that Lithuanian universities should consider introducing bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in science communication to educate future science communication professionals. These specialists could be sustainably employed and funded within public institutions, research-performing and higher education institutions, and other organisations, contributing to high-quality science communication, public engagement, and greater resilience to disinformation.

Participation in the COALESCE Mutual Learning Exercises provided an opportunity not only to gain international experience but also to present Lithuania’s initiatives, establish new professional networks, and contribute to Europe’s joint efforts to strengthen the science communication ecosystem.

Our team continues to actively share insights on academic ethics and the responsible use of artificial intelligence both in Lithuania and internationally.

On 22 June, the Lithuanian Culture Research Institute (LKTI) hosted the practical seminar “Science in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Academic Ethics, Responsibility and Communication.” The Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures, Dr Reda Cimmperman, together with the Office’s Chief Analyst Lijana Radzevičienė, led the seminar, discussing the responsible use of artificial intelligence in research, the principles of academic ethics, researchers’ responsibilities, and the importance of science communication. Following the seminar, participants continued their discussions in an informal setting. We were delighted by the high level of engagement and the very positive feedback received.

On 25 June, Lijana Radzevičienė participated in the international conference “Education Law and Policy Shaping European Democratic Culture and Citizenship”, held at Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas. During the conference, she delivered the presentation “AI and Academic Ethics: Why Honesty Still Matters,” addressing the ethical challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence in academic work and highlighting the enduring importance of academic integrity.

We sincerely thank the organizers for the invitation and the opportunity to contribute to discussions on creating an ethical, responsible, and trustworthy environment for research and higher education.

Sharing knowledge and engaging in discussions with the academic community is an integral part of our work. We regularly provide seminars and training sessions on academic ethics, research security, science communication, responsible use of artificial intelligence and related topics.

Dr. Eglė Ozolinčiūtė and Kristina Puzarienė delivered a series of seminars for the communities of Mykolas Romeris University and the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. The sessions covered informed consent to participate in research, data management plans, ethical authorship, research security, science communication and promoting gender equality in scientific events. More than 200 members of the academic community participated in these seminars.

Lijana Radzevičienė also contributed to these educational activities by delivering training for the Lithuanian Energy Institute entitled “Artificial Intelligence in Research: Responsible Use and Academic Ethics.” The training brought together 85 participants and focused on the use of artificial intelligence in research, academic ethics considerations and practical recommendations for researchers.

We are pleased to see the growing interest of the academic community in fostering a responsible research culture.

If your institution would also like to organize training sessions on academic ethics, research security, science communication or the responsible use of artificial intelligence, please contact us at info@etikostarnyba.lt.

Academic integrity, the so-called “culture of silence”, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in higher education are topics receiving increasing attention both in Lithuania and internationally.

On the “Blind Spot” podcast, Dr. Reda Cimmperman, Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania, spoke with Artūras Jonkus about the state of academic ethics in Lithuania and beyond.

The discussion focused on current issues related to safeguarding academic integrity, the responsibilities of the academic community, the phenomenon of the “culture of silence”, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and its impact on research and higher education.

We invite you to listen to the conversation and explore Dr. Reda Cimmperman’s insights on current issues in academic ethics and their significance for the academic community.

You can watch the full episode here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29psJBLKRtQ

The Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania presents the results of its latest study, the Responsible Research Barometer 2026. Conducted for the fourth time, the study provides insights into how Lithuania’s academic community understands and applies the principles of research and publication ethics, the challenges encountered in everyday research practice, and evolving attitudes toward responsible research.

The study was carried out between 28 January and 17 March 2026. A total of 587 members of Lithuania’s academic community participated, including doctoral candidates, academic staff, researchers, and other members of the research community. The sample exceeded the minimum number of respondents required to ensure a 95% confidence level, allowing for a reliable assessment of attitudes and experiences related to academic ethics.

The Responsible Research Barometer was first conducted in 2020 and subsequently repeated in 2022 and 2024. Thanks to its consistent methodology, the study has become an important tool for monitoring changes in the culture of academic ethics across Lithuanian higher education and research institutions. Its findings not only help identify current challenges but also reveal how awareness of ethical issues and the perceived importance of responsible research are evolving over time.

The 2026 study places particular emphasis on research and publication ethics, academic integrity, and the practical implementation of research ethics principles. It also examines issues that have become increasingly significant in recent years, including the use of artificial intelligence in research, authorship practices, research data management, open science, accountability for research outcomes, and the strengthening of public trust in science.

Today, academic ethics extends far beyond compliance with rules or the prevention of misconduct. It has become an integral component of research quality, transparency, and public confidence in science. Accordingly, the study seeks to better understand not only researchers’ knowledge of ethical principles but also the real-life situations they encounter while conducting research, participating in international collaborations, and publishing research findings.

The results provide a broader perspective on the state of academic ethics in Lithuania, highlighting both persistent challenges and positive developments that reflect the growing attention paid to responsible research practices within the academic community. These insights may be valuable for higher education and research institutions as well as policymakers seeking to strengthen an ethical, transparent, and responsible research environment.

The Office hopes that the findings of the Responsible Research Barometer 2026 will encourage further discussion on academic ethics, contribute to the advancement of a culture of responsible research, and support efforts to maintain high standards of research conduct in Lithuania.

The study report was prepared by Lijana Radzevičienė.

The full report is available here: https://etikostarnyba.lt/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Atsakingo-mokslo-barometras-2026_LT.pdf

This question was among the key topics discussed at the 2nd European Forum on Digital Citizenship Education, which brought together experts, policymakers, and representatives of the education community from across Europe. The Forum was organised by the Council of Europe.

Dr. Reda Cimmperman, Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania, participated in the panel discussion “Human Dimension of AI and Education”, where she presented data and insights on the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence in education.

The discussion highlighted that while AI can provide significant support to teaching and learning processes, technological solutions should not replace the human judgement, responsibility, care, and fairness on which education is built.

The Forum explored a wide range of topics, including the impact of AI on education, digital citizenship, human rights in the digital environment, critical thinking, and the responsible use of technology.

Participation in international discussions such as this provides an opportunity not only to share Lithuania’s experience but also to contribute to broader European efforts to ensure the ethical, responsible, and human-centred use of artificial intelligence in education.

Photos from the Office archive