Who Should Be Entrusted with Academic Ethics in Latvia?

Marking its 20th anniversary, the Latvian Young Scientists Association invites you to a special discussion series highlighting key issues at the intersection of science and society. The series is organised in cooperation with the National Library of Latvia, with each event dedicated to a topic essential to the development of science in Latvia.

Third discussion: Who Should Be Entrusted with Academic Ethics in Latvia?

When: 18 December, 17:30–19:00

Where: National Library of Latvia (Conference Centre)

For several years, the Latvian Young Scientists Association (LYSA) has been actively promoting academic integrity in Latvia. We have now reached the next crucial stage: how to create and strengthen an environment in which academic honesty becomes the norm rather than the exception. The quality of science is inconceivable without adherence to and promotion of the principles of academic ethics and research integrity. Therefore, it is essential to move towards practices grounded in academic honesty at all levels — from students to senior leadership positions.

The discussion aims to explore how an independent institution for academic ethics and research integrity can strengthen the culture of academic honesty in Latvia and ensure the sustainable and responsible development of the scientific environment. The discussion will address the following questions:

What are academic ethics and research integrity? What should be the role, functions, and direction of a national academic ethics and research integrity institution? How could such an institution complement and/or support academic ethics committees within research institutions? What can we learn from international examples? What is required to establish such an institution in Latvia?

Programme

17:30–17:40 Introduction (in English) – LYSA representative

17:40–17:55 Functions, activities, and role of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Academic Ethics and Procedures of the Republic of Lithuania (in English, online) – Dr Loreta Tauginienė (Lithuania), Associate Professor at Kaunas University of Technology, member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Council

17:55–18:10 Estonia’s experience in establishing an independent office for academic ethics and research integrity (in English, online) – Marten Juurik (Estonia), Researcher at the University of Tartu, Head of the Research Integrity Department at the Estonian Research Council (ETAG)

18:10–18:50 Panel discussion “Who Should Be Entrusted with Academic Ethics in Latvia?” – moderated by LYSA Board Member Laila Silamiķele, with participation from Signe Mežinska (Associate Professor at the University of Latvia) and Timurs Tomsons (Chair of the Council of Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music)

18:50–19:00 Summary and next steps

Registration

Registration for the event is open until 17 December 2025, 17:00, by completing the registration form.

The event is financially supported by the Society Integration Foundation, funded by the Latvian state budget.