The group on the Facebook was founded on September 1, 2020, in response to a series of investigative articles published by Thanh Nien, a leading Vietnamese newspaper. These articles revealed deceptive practices at Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) and Duy Tan University (DTU), where foreign authors were paid substantial sums to falsely affiliate with these institutions in their scientific publications.
The revelations sparked significant debate among scientists, university leaders, and the public. However, Thanh Nien faced backlash for allegedly attempting to discredit institutions that many viewed as sources of national pride due to their high international rankings.
Since its inception, the group has experienced remarkable growth, increasing from fewer than 5,000 members in 2020 to nearly 100,000 prior to its recent disappearance. The group’s most significant contributions have been in raising awareness, enhancing knowledge, and influencing policies surrounding scientific integrity in Vietnam.
