Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania
Curriculum Vitae Ombudsperson agendaNearly one hundred scholars, students, representatives of higher education and research institutions, and education policymakers from Lithuania and abroad gathered in Vilnius to discuss how technological change is reshaping study processes, the concept of academic ethics, and public trust in science.
The international conference “Academic Ethics in Higher Education: Study Approaches, Assessment, and the Role of AI” became an important platform for open dialogue on educational transformation and the significance of ethical principles in a rapidly evolving academic environment.
The event was organized by the Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter – the Office), which consistently strengthens the culture of academic ethics at both national and international levels. The Office initiates discussions on technology-related challenges to the quality of studies, develops practical solutions, and actively participates in European academic ethics processes.
Study Processes Are Changing – New Challenges Emerge
Technological progress and the application of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education are opening new opportunities but also pose serious risks to academic integrity. Some students use AI tools not for learning but for producing assignments, forcing teachers and institutions to address issues of authenticity, citation, authorship, and responsibility. This directly affects the quality of studies and assessment systems.
“AI technologies offer unprecedented opportunities, but at the same time they pose serious threats to the reliability of science – from fabricated data and ‘paper mills’ to entirely new forms of manipulation. Coordinated international action is needed to maintain trust in science,”
emphasized Prof. Dr. Ana Marušić, Professor at the University of Split School of Medicine (Croatia), a member of the COPE Council, and one of Europe’s leading experts on publication ethics.
Academic Ethics Is a Concern Not Only for Institutions but for Society as a Whole
The conference opened with a welcome address by Vaida Aleknavičienė, Chair of the Committee on Education and Science of the Seimas (Parliament) of the Republic of Lithuania, who underscored that academic ethics is a cornerstone of public trust in the education system.
“The reliability of the science and higher education system depends on our ability to ensure honesty and transparency. Therefore, education policy must be built not only on technological solutions but also on values that foster trust among researchers, students, and society,”
said Aleknavičienė.
Additional welcome remarks were delivered by representatives of the academic community.
On behalf of the Lithuanian Society of Scientists, Prof. Dr. Dalius Serafinas highlighted the importance of academic ethics for scientific progress and public trust.
Barbora Lekešytė, speaking on behalf of the Lithuanian Society of Young Researchers, emphasized the crucial role of early-career researchers in promoting academic integrity and fostering an ethical research environment.
From Discussion to Action
The conference devoted significant attention to the analysis of study methods and assessment practices, students’ attitudes toward generative AI, and the role of educators in preventing non-independent work. In addition to theoretical presentations, the program included practical workshops focused on science communication, disinformation, and the responsible use of technology.
Participants explored how to effectively respond to AI-related challenges, strengthen academic integrity, and foster an ethical learning environment.
“This conference offers a space where the academic community can openly discuss changing realities—how technology is transforming studies, research, and our understanding of ethics. It is important to us that these discussions translate into concrete solutions within institutions, policy, and everyday practice,”
said Dr. Reda Cimmperman, Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures.
Education as Part of the Solution
The Office not only identifies problems but also works systematically to address them.
In November, it will launch a specialized training series for first-year students at Lithuanian higher education institutions to strengthen the culture of academic ethics and integrity. A total of 12 seminars will be held in Lithuanian and English. They will be led by Ombudsperson Dr. Reda Cimmperman and the Office’s Senior Analysts Dr. Rima Sinickė and Dr. Eglė Ozolinčiūtė.
The seminars will address topics such as plagiarism prevention, proper citation practices, research planning, and responsible data use.
The Office has also developed the Science Communication Guidelines for Ethical Academic Communication, which help members of the academic community communicate with the public clearly, responsibly, and ethically. These guidelines are a practical tool designed to strengthen academic transparency and public trust.
You can access the guidelines here:
https://etikostarnyba.lt/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/„Mokslo-komunikacijos-gaires-atitinkancias-akademine-etika.pdf
Looking Ahead – 2026 Conference with ENRIO
The Office has already begun planning the 2026 conference, which will focus on themes of research ethics and responsibility. The event will take place on October 2, 2026, immediately following the prestigious ENRIO Annual Conference (European Network of Research Integrity Offices), to be held on September 30 – October 1.
This will offer Lithuania a unique opportunity to bring together the international academic ethics community and further strengthen the country’s voice in the European context.
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Photographer Kęstutis Vanagas