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

This year’s innovation and progress festival, LOGIN 2026, brought together thousands of participants from the fields of technology, business, science, the creative industries, and the public sector. A representative of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania also attended the event. According to the organizers, LOGIN has remained one of the largest platforms for innovation and future-oriented discussions in the Baltic States for nearly two decades.

The conference devoted significant attention to topics such as artificial intelligence, technological advancement, leadership, communication, innovation, and societal resilience. Discussions highlighted that, in an increasingly technology-driven world, not only technological solutions matter, but also human values, responsibility, critical thinking, and the ability to build relationships based on trust.

One of the most notable highlights of the conference was the keynote speech delivered by former President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė. Her insights on leadership, responsibility, and resilience emphasized the importance of values-based leadership and the ability to make responsible decisions in the face of complex challenges.

LOGIN 2026 once again demonstrated that innovation and technological progress cannot be separated from the human dimension. Open dialogue, collaboration, and shared values remain essential factors in building a responsible and forward-looking society.

More information about LOGIN 2026 is available on the official LOGIN website:

https://login.delfi.lt/

Photos from the Office archive

How can integrity in research be maintained in an era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence? Why is the academic community increasingly discussing publication pressure and trust in science?

These questions were explored at one of the world’s leading academic ethics conferences, WCRI 2026 in Canada, where Lithuania was represented by Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures dr. Reda Cimmperman.

Research presented from Lithuania attracted international attention, highlighting issues related to academic ethics violations, the use of artificial intelligence in research, publication culture, and the need to strengthen a responsible and transparent academic environment.

Read more in the press release:

https://www.15min.lt/verslas/naujiena/bns-spaudos-centras/akademines-etikos-issukiai-pasaulyje-531108

 

 

How can artificial intelligence be used ethically? What do students think about academic integrity? Why is science communication more important today than ever before?

These and other questions are explored in the latest newsletter by the Office, covering current topics related to academic ethics, artificial intelligence, science communication, and responsible research.

Readers will find not only the latest news and insights, but also discussions on issues that are highly relevant to the academic community today — from the challenges posed by emerging technologies to strengthening public trust in science.

The Office aims to encourage open dialogue on academic ethics and foster a community where responsible, honest, and ethical behavior is seen as a standard rather than an exception.

We invite you to read the latest newsletter by the Office: https://mailchi.mp/95ad2de74152/akademins-etikos-naujienlaikis

Academic freedom is increasingly becoming part of international discussions. Growing pressure on science, researchers’ independence, and publicly expressed ideas shows that this value cannot be taken for granted, it must be protected and strengthened.

In an interview with IQ magazine, Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures dr. Reda Cimmperman shares her insights on this issue. She emphasizes that academic freedom is important not only for researchers, it also shapes public trust in science and enables society to raise difficult questions and seek well-reasoned answers.

At a time when restrictions on academic freedom are being discussed more frequently across Europe, cooperation, open dialogue, and respect for academic values are becoming especially important.

Read more in the IQ magazine publication.

Academic Ombudsperson Dr. Reda Cimmperman notes that the greatest challenge lies not in the technologies themselves, but in how responsibly and transparently they are used in studies and research activities. According to her, artificial intelligence can become not a threat, but a tool for strengthening academic ethics if the academic community establishes clear rules and ensures accountability and transparency. Read more about the challenges of academic ethics, the boundaries of AI use, and the trends for 2026 in the press release.

More in the press release: https://www.15min.lt/verslas/naujiena/bns-spaudos-centras/dr-reda-cimmperman-kokios-yra-etisko-dirbtinio-intelekto-naudojimo-ribos-530294?fbclid=IwY2xjawR9q2hleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeHYAosnhXSznwqH8WEqdCQc1TkKSJF6Ei6hZJuQTfdlCzz13rXEmm58gFfNk_aem_TgI7sMz-jrpDGmygXXINHw

What do students themselves think about academic integrity? Where do the biggest challenges lie? How is the social climate in higher education institutions perceived? What role does artificial intelligence already play in the study process today?

These and other relevant questions were explored by the Office’s Chief Analyst, Lijana Radzevičienė, who prepared the research report “Student Survey on Ethical Behaviour 2026.” The report analyzes students’ experiences, attitudes toward academic integrity, trust in institutions, and perceptions of the academic environment.

A total of 2,540 respondents participated in the study, and the results reveal not only students’ attitudes, but also broader trends shaping today’s academic culture.

We invite you to explore the research report: https://etikostarnyba.lt/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ataskaita_Studentu-apklausa_LT_atn-2026-05-11.pdf

When crises arise unexpectedly, preparedness, clear communication, and responsible decision-making become especially important. In cooperation with the COALESCE project, the Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures has translated the “Crisis Navigator” into Lithuanian.

The publication is intended to support higher education and research institutions in responding to challenging situations responsibly, clearly, and ethically, while strengthening trust and ensuring effective crisis management.

The publication is available here: https://etikostarnyba.lt/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Crisis-Navigator.pdf