In response to the pressing challenges of maintaining non-discrimination and neutrality in academic publishing, the EASE Ukrainian Regional Chapter is advocating for the launch of a dedicated Working Group and an awareness-raising campaign. This initiative urgently addresses critical issues such as the dissemination of propaganda and misinformation through academic journals, the engagement of scholars affiliated with aggressor states, and the misuse of incorrect or false geographical information, including the misrepresentation of place names and territories.
Unfortunately, violations of rights continue to occur broadly in Europe and worldwide. The occupation of sovereign territories has led to the manipulation of information and the spread of propaganda, both online and through various media channels. The Ukrainian case, marked by brutal violations of sovereignty, is not isolated—we aim to address all such instances and unite against violators.
Our Working Group aims to develop best practices and guidelines to prevent the spread of propaganda and misinformation in academic publications, as well as the prevention of violations of authors’ and publishers’ rights. This includes developing protocols for additional verification measures, such as scrutinizing the affiliations of contributing scholars, ensuring the accurate use of geographical names, and upholding the integrity of academic content, research integrity, and peer review. Additional guidance and case-by-case assistance are also desirable.
The awareness campaign will engage the academic community in discussions about the ethical responsibilities of publishers, editors, and researchers. By fostering a culture of vigilance and integrity, we strive to safeguard scholarly communication from being compromised by biased or false information.
Through these efforts, the EASE Ukrainian Regional Chapter is committed to promoting ethical standards and ensuring that academic publishing remains a neutral and reliable source of knowledge, free from discrimination and external influence. This is the cornerstone of science and the pillar of academic publishing, earning the trust of professional and wider readerships, and our hope for a better future and further sustainable development.