Editorial

From learning to publishing: a commitment to research integrity

Abstract

As Athena Health & Research Journal approaches its second anniversary, this milestone provides an important opportunity for us as an institution to reaffirm our commitment to rigorous, ethical and credible research in the health sciences. The journal’s continued development shows our shared academic responsibility to promote scientific excellence and integrity, as well as engagement with evolving research practices.

The rapid advancement of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, has transformed the way scientific knowledge is produced, analysed and disseminated. While these tools can enhance the efficiency and scope of research, their use requires transparency, discernment and ethical accountability. Academic institutions influence not only the adoption of innovation, but also the integration of integrity and responsibility into everyday scholarly practice.

Scientific rigour and methodological clarity are particularly important in the health sciences, especially in disciplines guided by evidence-based practice. On our Physiotherapy degree programme, we emphasise our institutional responsibility to guide students in the principles of scientific methodology, ethical research conduct and the responsible use of AI tools. Faculty encourage students to engage with research from an early stage throughout the programme, fostering critical thinking and raising awareness of the potential and limitations of AI in scientific work.

Critical reasoning, analytical judgement and conceptual integration are rooted in human mind and must continue to underpin academic work. Beyond technical instruction, sustained pedagogical engagement is required to help students recognise the advantages and limitations of AI as these tools become embedded in their daily academic activities - from curriculum-based learning to preparing and publishing scientific studies. Supporting students in this reflective process will promote meaningful learning and academic integrity.

Integrating physiotherapy students into research activities, including faculty-led studies, is a valuable way to promote scientific initiation and strengthen academic integrity at the beginning of higher education. These collaborative approaches help to develop responsible researchers and reinforce institutional quality and ethical compliance standards.

In this context, Athena Health & Research Journal plays an important role as a platform for disseminating high quality evidence and fostering scholarly participation across the academic community, while also providing physiotherapy students with an opportunity to publish quality research conducted during their undergraduate and master’s degree programmes.