Professor fabricated AI-generated sources in research paper

Professor Hans Bonde used artificial intelligence to fabricate fictional passages and sources in a research paper, DR reports. The Danish Committee on Scientific Dishonesty reached the conclusion in May 2025, in a decision recently obtained by Kristeligt Dagblad.

The committee unanimously found that Bonde, a sports historian and professor at the University of Copenhagen, had acted in breach of scientific integrity. It was the first time the committee had reached such a conclusion in a case involving artificial intelligence.

The committee said it was undisputed that Bonde had included fictional text and source references in the introduction to the paper on 10 occasions. It found that he had constructed the passages and references using AI, at least through gross negligence.

Bonde acknowledges that he made mistakes but disputes the decision and says the case should not be classified as scientific misconduct. His appeal was rejected because he had not provided new information.

He described the passages and sources as “obviously fictional” and “absurd” AI hallucinations, and said his error could not have caused harm because it was clear they were pure fiction. He also said it was his first experience using AI in a research context.

Scientific misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification or plagiarism committed intentionally or through gross negligence during the planning, conduct or reporting of research.

The University of Copenhagen’s management declined to say whether the decision had consequences for Bonde, citing personnel confidentiality. He retired shortly before the decision was issued.