Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed and applied an AI tool to combat "predatory" academic journals—publications that mimic scholarly activity by charging scientists fees for publication without proper peer review. As announced on September 3, 2025, the AI analyzed thousands of academic journal websites, identifying characteristic signs of fraud: the absence of a reputable editorial board, promises of ultra-fast publication, grammatical errors, and the use of template-based designs. As a result of the tools operation, over 1,000 publications of questionable integrity were identified. The developers emphasize that their AI is not a final arbiter but rather a "firewall" or an early warning system for the scientific community. It is designed to help researchers, universities, and funding agencies avoid collaborating with unscrupulous publishers who undermine trust in science.
AI Tool Identifies Over 1,000 "Predatory" Academic Journals
