Ringvorlesung Fake Science — Isolated Cases or a Systemic Problem?

The CRS organises a University of Zurich Ringvorlesung next fall:

Doctored images, invented data, published studies that never took place — are these unfortunate but inevitable isolated cases? Or do they unveil a systematic problem in how research operates?

In this lecture we investigate the problem of evidently fraudulent science from multiple angles — ranging from specific cases, investigative techniques and the importance of whistleblowing, epistemological considerations, the role of AI, to possible reforms in scientific publishing, institutional responsibility, and avenues for fostering research integrity.

The lecture series brings together perspectives from various fields of empirical research, such as biomedicine and psychology, with those of empirical meta-research, statistics and methodology, as well as philosophy of science and science policy. It is aimed at students and researchers from all disciplines and at a broad public audience.

Each of the biweekly events features two talks and a joint discussion. The lecture series is held in English.

Date: Fall Semester 2026

Location: University of Zurich, Main Building, Rämistrasse 71, 8001 Zürich

Find the programme and detailed information here.