‘Student Geng’ ignites research-integrity scandal in China after calling out senior academics

A video blogger known as 'Student Geng' ignited a research-integrity scandal in China this week by accusing senior academics of data manipulation in papers published in Nature journals. The accusations, which gained rapid traction online, have prompted swift investigations by multiple Chinese institutions. Student Geng's initial video, posted on May 20, 2026, detailed alleged image manipulation in a 2019 Nature Communications paper authored by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Following this, the blogger released further accusations against papers from Peking University and Fudan University. In response to the widespread attention and the seriousness of the allegations, the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced on June 5, 2026, that it had launched an investigation into the paper in question. Similarly, Peking University stated on June 7, 2026, that it had initiated a review of the research linked to its faculty. The scandal highlights ongoing concerns about research misconduct in academia and the growing influence of social media in uncovering such issues. Nature itself has stated it is reviewing the papers implicated in the allegations.