Photos from the Research Council of Lithuania’s archive
Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania
Curriculum Vitae Ombudsperson agendaOn October 15–16, representatives of the Office – Project Coordinator Kristina Puzarienė and Senior Analyst Dr. Eglė Ozolinčiūtė – participated in a conference organized by the Research Council of Lithuania, held during the International Science Week “(re)SEARCH 2025.”
The events – the Vilnius Science Diplomacy Forum 2025 and the Lithuanian Science Forum “Competitive and Creative Lithuania” – brought together representatives from the fields of science, politics, and business in Lithuania and abroad to discuss how science can strengthen national competitiveness, resilience, and international visibility.
The forums highlighted that today science can no longer be viewed as a field separate from politics or diplomacy. It has become an effective tool for addressing global challenges, shaping foreign policy, and building trust between nations. Discussions emphasized the importance of evidence-based (not merely informed) policymaking, ensuring research security, responsible data use, and open and secure science communication.
It was stressed that only transparent, ethical, and open science can become a long-term source of national strength.
These topics are particularly relevant to the work of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures. The insights gained during the forums were a reminder that research ethics is not merely a set of rules or temporary projects — it is the foundation of a culture of trust, based on values and a consistent approach to continuity.
The Office aims to ensure that international projects comply with data protection, conflict of interest prevention, and academic integrity principles. In the context of science diplomacy, ethics is not an add-on but a necessary precondition for responsible cooperation between institutions and states.
The conference also underlined that science should serve as the basis for decision-making, not just as an advisor on the sidelines. This means that ethical considerations must be integrated into policymaking — from research funding to the dissemination of results.
These insights are particularly valuable for the Office in updating methodological recommendations, organizing training for the academic community, and strengthening transparency and accountability standards in Lithuania’s science system.
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Photos from the Research Council of Lithuania’s archive