Ensuring Academic Integrity in Scientific Activities from a Copyright Perspective

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of academic integrity in scientific activity and explores ways to foster good academic practices. The author examines doctrinal approaches to interpreting academic integrity through the lens of the moral qualities expected of a scientist. The article analyzes the list of behaviors deemed appropriate under the Law of Ukraine “On Education”. The author proposes a clarification of academic integrity, identifying four core elements:1) Independence in scientific work, demonstrated through the researcher’s personal understanding of a scientific problem, critical analysis of sources, and for the pursuit of answers to questions they independently pose. Independent research excludes copying others’ reasoning and conclusions, as well as republishing the researcher’s own prior work as a new study.2) Conducting new research requires the researcher to seek results that do not duplicate their previously published findings. Failure to meet this standard constitutes a violation of academic integrity in the form of self-plagiarism.3) Proper use of all information sources. This entails identifying the origin of every borrowed fragment — whether it is a quotation from another author’s work, a legal provision, or another source. Borrowed content must be distinguishable from the researcher’s original ideas. Such transparency enhances credibility, clarifies the researcher’s contribution to science, and fosters a positive scholarly reputation.4) Ensuring research reliability. Researchers must support their conclusions with current, verified data. If the information is outdated or altered, the study may become irrelevant—or worse, misleading. Since research is publicly disseminated, erroneous findings are unacceptable. Accuracy and precision are essential to ensure the trustworthiness and usability of research results.The article critically assesses the national approach to legislating academic liability for integrity violations without implementing preventive mechanisms. Using the European Research Area as an example, the article highlights the role of educational initiatives in fostering awareness of academic integrity and mitigating the risk of violations. The author concludes that systemic changes are needed in Ukrainian state policy on education and science, including the development of an informational and educational environment that promotes ethical conduct and best practices in academic activity.