Geng Tongxue Levels New Misconduct Claims at 5 Scholars as 4 Universities Open Probes
Updated
Updated · eastisread.com · May 29
Geng Tongxue Levels New Misconduct Claims at 5 Scholars as 4 Universities Open Probes
1 articles · Updated · eastisread.com · May 29
A 27 May video widened Geng Tongxue’s campaign, accusing prominent academics — including deans, Distinguished Young Scholar recipients and a Chinese Academy of Engineering candidate — of misconduct in published papers.
The allegations have already produced visible fallout: Tongji University removed a life sciences dean after confirming misconduct in a challenged Nature paper, while Nankai, Sun Yat-sen and Shanghai universities opened investigations.
From April 9 to May 12, Geng questioned papers tied to five prominent scholars at four universities, turning what began as disputes over images and data into a broader public challenge to academic oversight.
His reach has amplified the pressure — by May 14, his Bilibili account had more than 1.8 million followers and about 230 million views, while state outlets including Xinhua and People’s Daily Online highlighted systemic weaknesses.
Geng said he had reviewed only about one-tenth of Distinguished Young Scholar recipients and found a “bumper harvest” of problems, but will stop reporting directly to universities because of concerns for his family’s safety.
A student exposed a national scandal, then went silent for safety. Who in China will dare speak next?
China's 'publication bubble' is growing. Can its academic system reform itself before it bursts?
$2 Billion Scandal: Geng Tongxue, Academic Fraud, and the 2026 Reckoning in Chinese Science
Overview
In May 2026, science influencer Geng Tongxue released a video exposing serious academic fraud by five 'Outstanding Young' scientists from top Chinese universities, with allegations centered on papers published in Nature and related to the National Outstanding Young Science Fund. His preemptive disclosure, highlighted by Xinjingbao, revealed weaknesses in academia's internal monitoring systems and targeted highly esteemed figures. This led to a swift investigation at Tongji University, where academic misconduct was confirmed and disciplinary actions were taken. The scandal has sparked nationwide scrutiny, raising urgent questions about research integrity and the effectiveness of oversight in Chinese academia.