2025-10-23

The Office Begins a New Stage of International Cooperation

The Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania is beginning a new stage of international cooperation by joining the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) network activity “PrimSeedPower.”

The first meeting of this initiative, led by Professor Erna Karalija and co-led by Professor Vasileios Fotopoulos, brought together experts from across Europe. The project aims to contribute to the development of climate-resilient agriculture through the use of advanced seed priming technologies, based on scientific progress, collaboration, and ethical responsibility.

The initiative involves representatives from 27 European countries, including 19 Inclusiveness Target Countries. A total of 43 participants took part, ensuring an excellent gender balance – 50 percent women and 50 percent men – and engaging 16 young researchers and innovators under the age of 40.

Each working group contributes its unique expertise, while the overall collaboration strengthens a culture of openness, integrity, and respect that supports academic excellence and responsible science.

The Office is proud to be part of this international initiative – a community that unites not only science and innovation but also the values shared by the entire academic Europe. After all, it is collaboration, trust, and responsibility that help build a more sustainable and ethical future for science.