Chinese State Media Criticizes Academic Fraud, Citing Widespread 'Ghostwriting' and Outsourced Research

Scholars at several Chinese universities have recently been accused of academic fraud, drawing significant attention. On the 26th, the state-run Xinhua News Agency published a report criticizing the absurd and crude nature of the data in many papers, noting that the practice of 'ghostwriting' is rampant and research is often outsourced. The whistleblower, Geng Hongwei (known online as 'Geng Tongxue'), a former doctoral student at Beihang University, has triggered widespread discussion. Xinhua pointed out that the scandal involves high-level personnel with titles like 'Changjiang Scholar' and 'Distinguished Youth,' who have received various funding. Experts interviewed stated that the issue stems from administrative burdens, where researchers prioritize management over actual research, and from university research offices that perform only superficial checks. The report emphasizes that the focus on quantity-based metrics for career advancement has undermined academic integrity. Xinhua concluded that systemic reform and a shift in the evaluation system are essential to restore scientific value.