Boxing World Champion Alexander Usik recently won the Doctor of Philosophy in the field of law. However, his dissertation has already caused a scandal in scientific circles due to dubious sources and possible falsification.
The dissertation is a "quote"?
Former Associate Professor of Sumy State University Oleg Smirnov drew attention to a number of problems in the scientific work of Usik. According to him, it belongs to the category of so -called "quotes" - works containing a large number of indirect borrowings and formal references.
One of the main claims was the reference to unknown or low -relevant sources. For example, the dissertation refers to the concept of transformation in the context of the natural sciences, in particular genetic modification, but most references relate to the economy.
Source manipulation
The Usik's 100 dissertation page contains a paragraph on transformation in biotechnology. However, only one of the six sources of the sources really applies to the biological sciences. The rest is publications about economics, social transformations and even a book by American futurist Alvin Toffler's Third Wave.
Smirnov emphasizes that such a substitution of sources is actual falsification, since it misleads the reader on the scientific validity of the work.
The dissertation is a way of traveling athletes abroad?
Another controversial point was the conclusion of the dissertation, in which the author proposes to "implement foreign experience" in the field of sports training. In particular, Usyk recommends supporting the training programs of Ukrainian athletes abroad. Given the martial law, this recommendation has caused disputes.
Scientist Oleg Smirnov draws attention to the possible hidden motives of such a proposal: "Athletes suffer very much that they have to go down into the shelter, so they must be sent abroad." This suggests that the dissertation can be not only academic work, but also part of lobbying certain opportunities for departure of Ukrainian athletes.
Where did Usik defend himself?
Oleksandr Usik defended his dissertation at Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs (KNUVS). Its topic is "Administrative and Legal Support for International Cooperation in Physical Culture and Sports". From October 2021, the boxer studied at the postgraduate course of this institution.
Question to Ukrainian Science
The scandal with the dissertation of Usik once again raises the problem of quality of research in Ukraine. Such "quotes" undermine the trust in academic degrees and discredit real scientists who have been conducting research for years.
It is still unknown whether an investigation into the quality of Usik's work. However, it is obvious that the scientific activity of athletes in Ukraine sometimes raises more questions than answers.
