Non-existent AI-generated references trigger HKU PhD paper investigation

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is investigating a research paper authored by a PhD student in its Department of Social Work and Social Administration after allegations emerged that the paper cited multiple non-existent sources, some suspected to be generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

The paper, titled “Forty Years of Fertility Transition in Hong Kong” and published in the October issue of the international academic journal “China Population and Development Studies”, examined the factors behind Hong Kong’s declining fertility rates over the past four decades. However, the paper reportedly included up to 24 references that could not be verified, even though the journals exist. Attempts to access several of the cited articles via their DOIs were unsuccessful.

Publisher: Findings Unaffected

The journal’s publisher, Springer Nature, issued a correction notice Monday (Nov 10), saying the paper’s authors reported some “mismatches and inaccuracies” in the references.

The notice confirmed that the errors do not affect the paper’s main conclusions, data accuracy, or theoretical framework, and that “the core argument chain is independent of reference issues.”

HKU Reviews PhD Paper

The first author of the paper is HKU PhD candidate Bai Yiming, while Professor Paul Yip Siu-fai, Associate Dean (Institutional Advancement & Knowledge Exchange) of the Faculty of Social Sciences, is listed as the corresponding author. Professor Yip is also listed as a co-author on one of the disputed papers, “The Effects of Delayed Marriage on Fertility in Hong Kong”, which could not be located in the specified issue of the “Journal of Family Issues.”

Professor Yip, currently in the United States, told Sing Tao he acknowledged public concern over the matter. HKU also responded, emphasizing its strict guidelines for the use of AI in research and its commitment to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity.

The university confirmed that it has launched an internal review following established procedures, and any confirmed errors or misconduct will be addressed accordingly.