Anhui University suspends researchers over AI misuse in paper
Anhui University of Finance and Economics disciplined a teacher and student for improper use of AI in an academic paper that contained fictitious case citations. An investigation found the authors had misplaced trust in AI search results without adequate scrutiny, and the university suspended them from promotions and research awards for two years.
What happened
A paper published by a teacher and student from Anhui University of Finance and Economics's law school in Southern Finance magazine in 2025 referenced civil court decisions with consecutive four-digit case numbers such as "(2020)δΊ¬01ζ°ε1234ε·" and "(2023)ι01ζ°ε6789ε·", prompting allegations of academic fabrication.
An investigation by five internal and external experts found the paper contained academic irregularities. The authors had misplaced trust in AI search results and lacked appropriate vigilance and rigor toward AI-generated content, constituting improper AI use.
Governance controls
The university issued a formal criticism and suspended the responsible parties from eligibility for various awards, merit selections, promotion, and research funding applications for two years, from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2028.
The university stated it would use the incident as a lesson, strengthen academic integrity education, optimize paper quality management, and uphold the seriousness and authority of academic standards.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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