UGent rector Petra De Sutter withdraws from Amsterdam honorary doctorate over AI errors
Ghent University rector Petra De Sutter will not receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Amsterdam next week following controversy over the use of AI in a speech. The university confirmed on Thursday that De Sutter had decided to withdraw under and asked for the ceremony to be cancelled.
Her decision follows reports that she used generative AI to help write her inaugural speech as rector of Ghent University last year. The AI produced several incorrect quotations, including quotes wrongly attributed to Albert Einstein. These errors were later corrected after questions from investigative outlet Apache.
The University of Amsterdam said that De Sutter’s academic and social achievements remained undisputed. In a statement, the university said her withdrawal was “without doubt a difficult decision, but given the circumstances, the right step”.
The honorary doctorate was to be awarded in recognition of her important contributions to medical science and her wider public engagement.
De Sutter has said she regrets the mistakes and that the experience has highlighted the need for a broader debate on the responsible use of AI in academic settings.
#FlandersNewsService | UGent rector Petra De Sutter delivers a speech at the opening lecture of the new academic year © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
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