Researchers Amass Dataset of Over 18,700 Ads Selling Research Paper Authorships
Researchers have compiled the largest dataset of advertisements offering authorships on fake or low-quality research papers. The ads, posted by seven paper mills between March 2020 and early April 2026, reveal a global market for academic fraud targeting specific regions. Costs for authorship slots range from under $100 to over $5,000.
Substrate placeholder — needs review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Researchers have amassed a dataset containing more than 18,700 advertisements selling research-paper authorships online, according to a report by @Nature. The advertisements were posted between March 2020 and early April 2026 by seven paper mills, businesses that produce fake or low-quality research and sell authorships.
The cost of authorship slots on studies produced by these paper mills ranges from less than $100 to more than $5,000, the analysis found.
The seven paper mills cater to academics in the Middle East, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and India. @Nature reported that the collection is the largest dataset of its kind, shedding light on the global marketplace for such services.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2026-04-24
Current date; dataset compilation reported as recent based on ads up to early April 2026.
1 source@Nature - early April 2026
Latest advertisements posted in the dataset.
1 source@Nature - March 2020
Earliest advertisements posted in the dataset.
1 source@Nature - 2020-2026
Period during which seven paper mills posted over 18,700 ads selling authorships.
1 source@Nature
Potential Impact
- 01
The dataset could support global efforts to combat low-quality research, affecting journal submission policies.
- 02
Increased awareness of paper mill operations could lead to stricter regulations in academic publishing in targeted regions.
- 03
Exposure of authorship sales may prompt universities in the Middle East and India to audit researcher publications.
Transparency Panel
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