KTU rector breached citing rules, academic ethics – watchdog

According to the finding, the Baršauskas’ monograph submitted as habilitation at the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University includes “coincidences with other publications are presented as the author’s ideas or make a reference to works by third authors,” also, the coincidences contained in the summary are not put in quotes or any other distinctive signs that would allow distinguishing them from the author’s ideas.

“The conclusion is that Petras Baršauskas violated the principles of ensuring requirements of academic ethics and intellectual property stipulated in (…) chapters of the Law on Science and Studies, as well as the principle of academic honesty envisaged in the KTU code of academic ethics in the part that stipulates that the academic principle of honesty is based on respect of intellectual property and (…) that plagiarism runs counter to the academic honesty,” read the conclusions.

Signed by ombudsman Vigilijus Sadauskas, the finding instructs VGTU to cancel its decision to grant higher education qualifications to Baršauskas, also informing the ministries of Education and Science, Culture and Justice and the Lithuanian Research Council about persons “affected by the violations of academic ethics by Petras Baršauskas.” A decision was also taken to notify the Prosecutor General’s Office about Baršauskas’ operations that “feature signs of criminal deed.”

The decision can still be appealed to court.

BNS was unable to reach Baršauskas on Tuesday.

Before the end of the inquiry, Baršauskas has submitted resignation and will leave the KTU rector’s position on October 25.