University of Hamburg Re-Examines Plagiarism Allegations Against Robert Habeck
The University of Hamburg has concluded that its second examination of plagiarism allegations against Green party candidate Robert Habeck has confirmed the findings of its initial investigation.
Initial Examination Cleared Habeck of Misconduct
The first examination, conducted after allegations were made by Austrian plagiarism researcher Stefan Weber, found no scientific misconduct. The university stated that Habeck had not violated the standards of good scientific practice, either intentionally or through gross negligence.
Additional Allegations Prompted Second Examination
Following the initial review, Habeck provided the university’s Ombudsperson with additional information regarding his doctoral dissertation, titled "The Nature of Literature." The university subsequently conducted a second examination, carefully evaluating and classifying the new evidence.
Second Examination Confirms Original Findings
The second examination reached the same conclusion as the first: no scientific misconduct was found. The university stated that this result had been communicated to Habeck in writing, with additional recommendations provided for revising specific citations and footnotes in his dissertation.
Weber’s Allegations and Accusations
Weber, using the platform X, accused Habeck of deception and claimed that his work contained numerous plagiarized text fragments. He argued that Habeck had not conducted adequate source research and had misrepresented authors’ works as primary sources, when in fact he had not consulted those original sources and had instead copied source references from other, unnamed works.
Weber’s Assessment of Habeck’s Work
In his published investigation, Weber identified 128 instances of "source, citation, and text plagiarism." He described Habeck’s method as creating "the appearance of erudition" by citing the works of certain authors as primary sources, when in reality, he had not consulted those sources directly and had evidently never read them. According to Weber, the source references were copied from other sources without any mention of the original works.
Weber’s Conclusion
Weber concluded that Habeck’s source research "must be described as flawed and unscientific."
University’s Response to Weber’s Allegations
The university acknowledged Weber’s allegations and carefully examined the additional information provided by Habeck. However, the second examination did not alter the university’s position that no scientific misconduct had occurred.
Implications for Habeck’s Political Career
The plagiarism allegations have cast a shadow over Habeck’s political career. As the Green party’s candidate for chancellor in Germany’s upcoming federal election, he faces scrutiny over his academic integrity. The university’s findings will likely play a significant role in shaping public perception of Habeck and his suitability for high office.
