Ghent University rector Petra De Sutter uses AI-fabricated quotes in speech (www.vrt.be)

Rector Petra De Sutter of Ghent University delivered a speech featuring fabricated quotes generated by an AI tool, a situation that came to light following an investigation by news outlet Apache. The speech, presented at the start of the academic year on September 19, 2025, included false attributions to notable figures like Albert Einstein and philosophers Hans Jonas and Paul Verhaeghe. This misstep has been acknowledged by the university, which admitted that errors occurred while editing the draft text with AI. This incident has significant implications for the AI/ML community, highlighting the risks associated with the irresponsible use of AI tools, particularly in academic and official contexts. Ghent University, known for its clear AI policy, faced embarrassment as it emphasized the importance of critically reviewing AI-generated content. In response, the university amended the speech twice, replacing the erroneous quotes with paraphrases and accurate sources, while also adding a disclaimer to its online publication. This case serves as a cautionary tale, reminding users of AI technologies to thoroughly verify information and consult original sources to avoid misinformation.