BRUSSELS
The rector of Belgium’s Ghent University has stepped back from receiving an honorary doctorate following revelations that she used fabricated AI quotes in a speech last fall, Flemish-language broadcaster VRT reported on Thursday.
Petra De Sutter, who has been under scrutiny since investigative outlet Apache reported that a speech ushering in the new school year included false citations, including one from physicist Albert Einstein, told the University of Amsterdam that she would not take part in the upcoming award ceremony.
"While this decision was undoubtedly difficult, it is, given the circumstances, the right step," the University of Amsterdam said, emphasizing that De Sutter's academic and societal contributions remain intact.
The honorary degree was intended to recognize her significant contributions to medical science and social engagement.
The speech, delivered on Sept. 19, included the statement "Dogma is the enemy of progress," which De Sutter erroneously attributed to Einstein. Apache's investigation confirmed that the cited quotes were fabricated, resulting from AI "hallucinations" during the drafting of her speech.
Ghent University's press office noted that the draft was partially edited with AI tools, which led to the errors.
"I deeply regret that I fell into this trap," De Sutter told VRT. "I cannot undo this. This experience provides an important lesson and will further stimulate the debate around AI. Internally, this discussion has now been placed at the top of our agenda."
The incident is particularly sensitive as the university has established clear guidelines for AI use, cautioning that AI-generated content can produce fabricated sources and urging users to verify all references.
However, critics on social media, including philosopher Maarten Boudry, called for De Sutter's resignation, accusing her of "deliberate deception" by using nonexistent quotes.
De Sutter, a prominent Belgian physician and politician, previously served as a member of the European Parliament and as deputy prime minister before assuming her role as rector of Ghent University.