science
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.
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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.
