University of Limerick to investigate how AI text was part of book written by senior academic

A spokesperson for University of Limerick confirmed an investigation was under way under the institution’s protocol for managing allegations of misconduct in research. Picture: Kieran Clancy 

The University of Limerick has launched an investigation into how text-generated by AI came to be included in a scholarly book authored by one of its senior academics.

Earlier this year, the book, titled Advanced Nanovaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy, was first published by Springer Nature, a German-British academic publishing company.

The book, which retailed for between €100 and €140 while on release, comprised an overview of the different types of cancer vaccines and a discussion of how nanovaccines — those made up of very small particles — could be used to boost immunity from the disease.

However, soon after its release last March, an American academic John Mark Ockerbloom, based at the University of Pennsylvania, discovered a passage in the book which — while discussing the advantages of cancer vaccines over chemotherapy — advised the reader they were dealing with an AI response, and should ideally seek advice from a human.

“Cancer vaccines and chemotherapy are two different approaches to treating cancer, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual patient factors,” the passage began.

However, it then added: “It is important to note that as an AI language model, I can provide a general perspective, but you should consult with medical professionals for personalized [sic] advice.” 

The book’s author, Dr Nanasaheb Thorat, has been an associate professor at the University of Limerick’s Department of Physics since 2022. He had not formally responded for a request for comment at time of going to press.

Dr Thorat’s university biography notes he is “a three-time winner of the prestigious Marie Curie Fellowships” and is the “first Indian awardee of the European Commission’s Innovation Radar ‘Grand Prix of the Innovation Radar Prize 2020’”. 

It adds he has more than 100 academic publications to his credit.

Dr Thorat previously said, in correspondence obtained by the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, he had "sought help" from colleagues in compiling the book given he is "not particularly technically savvy", particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.

Springer Nature also did not respond to a request for comment. However, the book’s descriptor on the firm’s website now notes it has been “retracted”.

A spokesperson for University of Limerick, meanwhile, confirmed an investigation was under way under the institution’s protocol for managing allegations of misconduct in research.

“In line with UL policy and national guidance, all such allegations are treated with strict confidentiality to ensure impartiality, fairness, and adherence to the principles of natural justice,” they said.

UL is a member of the National Academic Integrity Network forum. The spokesperson noted the institution also has an official set of generative AI principles which have been promoted throughout its academic community over the past six months.

“Inappropriate use of generative AI tools would fall under the definition of research misconduct in the university’s institutional documents,” the spokesperson said.

UL remains committed to fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all academic and research activities.

The rise of generative AI has caused upheaval and consternation across a multitude of industries, not least of which academia.

Ireland’s secondary schools are facing a deal of uncertainty ahead of the start of the next academic year in September, when the Government plans to introduce sweeping changes to the Leaving Cert senior cycle — including a toleration for the use of AI in project work as long as it is properly referenced.