GoKawiilNature investigation finds fake 'National Academy of Artificial Intelligence' duped researchers
A Nature investigation has uncovered a network of bogus academic societies, including a fake 'National Academy of Artificial Intelligence,' that tricked computer scientist Moshe Vardi and other researchers into believing they'd won prestigious honors. One of the sham group's websites reportedly used a digitally altered image of a University of Gothenburg building to appear legitimate. Vardi had to retract a press release from his institution after realizing the award was not genuine.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The case illustrates how fraudulent academic organizations can convincingly mimic legitimate scientific institutions, potentially damaging the credibility of researchers who unknowingly associate with them. Fan Xiudi, who studies academic rigour in China, suggests the networks' real purpose is selling memberships and awards to early-career researchers, which could exploit career pressures in academia. This points to broader vulnerabilities in how scientific prestige and credentials are verified globally.
- A fake 'National Academy of Artificial Intelligence' deceived prominent computer scientist Moshe Vardi into believing he'd won a real award.
- The sham group used a digitally manipulated image of a University of Gothenburg building to appear credible.
- A researcher suggests such fraudulent networks aim to profit by selling memberships and awards to early-career scientists.
Source: nature.com — Graham, 2026-09-29
Published there as: “Daily briefing: Vaping has ‘alarming’ risks for children”
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