PAOLA aimed to provoque the discussion surrounding unethical practices in academia by developing a sustainable and inclusive observatory for whistleblowing at European level. The project pursued two core objectives: (1) to design the structure, governance, and tools for an independent observatory capable of collecting and analysing data on whistleblowing in academic contexts and (2) to promote awareness and engagement through a targeted outreach plan addressing key stakeholders in academia, civil society, and public institutions. These objectives were aligned with the broader goal of promoting safer and transparent academic environments, where individuals feel supported to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. The project also sought to strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration by combining legal, psychological, and civic expertise from a multidisciplinary team. Ultimately, PAOLA aimed to create a scalable and evidence-based model that gather data which informs institutional policies, influence legislation, and shift academic cultures towards greater integrity and accountability.
The PAOLA project was conceived in response to a growing concern across European academic institutions, namely the lack of effective, safe, and transparent mechanisms for reporting unethical behaviours that academics regularly observe or experience. Despite academia’s commitment to integrity, issues such as fraud, harassment, abuse of power, and discrimination continue to surface, often unreported due to fear of retaliation or institutional silence. The European Directive on Whistleblowing set a new legal standard, but its application within academic institutions remains limited and inconsistent. Through PAOLA, the consortium addressed this gap by developing the first European observatory dedicated to whistleblowing in academia. This initiative responds to the need for independent, cross-sectoral structures capable of collecting data, informing policy, and supporting a culture of transparency and protection for whistleblowers in academia. The project built on the expertise of partners in mental health, legal analysis, civic engagement, and academic policy to foster a safer and more inclusive higher education system across Europe.