Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania
Curriculum Vitae Ombudsperson agendaThe 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