Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania
Curriculum Vitae Ombudsperson agendaBetween 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:
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.