On October 23rd, 2024, the PAOLA Project hosted the first workshop introducing the Observatory for Academic Whistleblowing in Europe. This event, led by project leader, Francisco Valente Gonçalves from Rumo and project manager Szidónia Rusu from SciLink consortium partner, marked the official launch of this pioneering initiative, aimed at supporting academic integrity and safeguarding those who expose misconduct in Europe’s higher education and research institutions.
During the virtual session, attendees explored key resources available on the Observatory’s website, including legal protections and data sources for whistleblowers, comprehensive literature reviews, a communication toolkit, and a learning FAQ on misconduct reporting. Participants also gained insights into support channels and tools designed to empower individuals facing ethical challenges in academia.
The Observatory’s goals, partnerships with European institutions, and future steps were also outlined, highlighting a collaborative vision for strengthening transparency and accountability within the academic community across Europe.
