How VDU Is Shaping Ethics and AI Governance in PRIM-ROCK
by Vytautas Magnus University (VDU)
To assess the consortium's readiness and existing practices, Vytautas Magnus University (VDU) conducted a comprehensive survey among all project partners covering three key areas:
Gender Equality Policies: What structures and practices were already in place to promote equal opportunities and diversity?
Personal Data Management & GDPR Compliance: How were partners handling sensitive data, and were they aligned with strict European regulations?
Institutional Approaches to AI Governance: What were the existing policies, if any, regarding the use and oversight of Artificial Intelligence?
With the results in hand, the VDU team conducted a systematic analysis, which revealed a rich tapestry of good practices that partners could learn from, common challenges that needed collective solutions, and specific gaps that required targeted attention. Based on this analysis, VDU developed a set of practical recommendations to support harmonised implementation of ethical, legal, and organisational requirements across the consortium.
The PRIM-ROCK Project Handbook
The findings and recommendations were incorporated into the PRIM-ROCK Project Handbook, which serves as a living guidance document for consortium members.
It is regularly updated to reflect:
New regulatory developments (especially in the fast-moving AI space).
Emerging best practices from within the consortium and the wider research community.
Lessons learned as we navigate the complexities of our work.
This ensures that our governance framework remains current, relevant, and practical.
VDU’s role in PRIM-ROCK
Vytautas Magnus University (VDU) leads activities related to Ethics Management, Inclusiveness, and Responsible AI. VDU helps ensure that all project activities comply with ethical standards, GDPR requirements, and the principles of transparency, fairness, and data protection.
The university also supports the implementation of the PRIM-ROCK Gender Equality Plan, promoting equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusiveness throughout the consortium. In addition, VDU supports the responsible and trustworthy use of Artificial Intelligence, in line with emerging European regulations and ethical principles.
