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TAM Report / Moldova - Academic Ethics and Integrity

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Petya Mitova • 17 December 2025
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GENERAL INFORMATION

TAM title: Promoting Academic Ethics and Integrity: Developing University Codes of Ethics in Higher Education and Research Institutions

Type of Event: Seminar

Modality: Presential

Location: Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, Chișinău

Country: Moldova

Dates: 23–24 September 2025

Participants: A total of 83 participants attended the seminar, representing the majority of Moldovan universities. Participants included academic staff, rectors, vice-rectors, deans, heads of departments, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Research, and the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Education and Research (ANACEC). Approximately 80% of participants were women, reflecting the gender distribution in the national higher education sector, with participation from both northern and southern regional institutions.

              

THEMES COVERED

  • Academic ethics and integrity in higher education and research
  • Development and implementation of university Codes of Ethics
  • Prevention of plagiarism, academic fraud, and research misconduct
  • Enforcement mechanisms and institutional accountability
  • Ethical challenges related to artificial intelligence in higher education
  • Building an organisational culture of integrity and responsibility

 

KEY OUTCOMES

During the workshop, participants:

  • Developed a shared understanding of international and European standards for academic ethics and integrity in higher education and research.
  • Examined common ethical challenges, including plagiarism, academic fraud, conflicts of interest, and AI-related risks.
  • Strengthened institutional capacity to design, revise, and implement university Codes of Ethics and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Reinforced commitment to fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency within Moldovan higher education institutions.

OVERVIEW

The two-day Technical Assistance Mission focused on strengthening academic ethics and integrity within Moldova’s higher education and research institutions. The seminar combined expert presentations, interactive discussions, case studies, and a hands-on workshop addressing international standards, European practices, and common ethical challenges in academia. Particular attention was given to the development of comprehensive university Codes of Ethics and the mechanisms required to ensure their effective implementation.

The programme also explored emerging ethical challenges, including plagiarism, research misconduct, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education and research. The second day included a working meeting at the Ministry of Education and Research, where discussions centred on the development of national Recommendations for the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education. This reinforced the policy relevance of the mission and strengthened links between universities and national authorities.

 

THE FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY

Title of the activity: Dissemination and Policy Development Activities on Academic Ethics and Integrity in Higher Education

Dates: Publications: 24–28 September 2025

Follow-up message to participants: 25 September 2025

Creation of ministerial working group on AI ethics: September 2025

Audience: Academic staff and institutional leadership from Moldovan higher education institutions, including rectors, vice-rectors, deans, and heads of departments, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Education and Research and national quality assurance bodies.

Description: The follow-up activities focused on dissemination, policy development, and institutional impact. They included wide publication of seminar outcomes through national and institutional communication channels, distribution of all seminar materials to participants, and the establishment of a working group by the Ministry of Education and Research. This working group, involving members of the HERE team, was tasked with developing national Recommendations for the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education, ensuring continuity between the TAM discussions and concrete policy action.

 

ENHANCING IMPACT: PROPOSED NEXT STEPS

  • Strengthen structured collaboration between higher education institutions and the Ministry of Education and Research on academic ethics and integrity.
  • Support the development, revision, and consistent implementation of institutional Codes of Ethics across universities.
  • Establish clear and transparent mechanisms for preventing and addressing academic misconduct, including plagiarism and research fraud.
  • Continue the development of national Recommendations for the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education.
  • Promote regular training and capacity-building activities for academic and administrative staff on ethics and integrity.
  • Encourage peer learning and exchange of good practices with Ethics Committees in higher education institutions in the EU.
  • Align national and institutional ethical frameworks with European principles and standards of research integrity.

 

RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL

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