Warring academics locked in legal battle over serious allegations of plagiarism

An internationally renowned Melbourne professor has launched legal action against a British academic who he claims trolled him with “scandalous” allegations of plagiarism.

Melbourne University professor John Hattie is suing an academic in the UK over allegations he plagiarised parts of his crowning achievement, Visible Learning. Photo: Facebook

An internationally renowned Melbourne professor has launched legal action against a British rival who he claims trolled him with “scandalous” allegations of plagiarism that have quickly spread along the academic grapevine.

Laureate Professor John Hattie claims he is the victim of a targeted and defamatory social media campaign, which he likened to a form of cyber-bullying, at the hands of UK academic Dr Stephen Vainker.

Both Professor Hattie and Dr Vainker share expertise in education research, with Professor Hattie rising to prominence following the release of his influential book ‘Visible Learning’ in 2009.

The book – believed to be one of the largest evidence-based studies on student learning – has earned the Melbourne University professor international acclaim as one of the most prominent voices in the field.

That is until an article published by Dr Vainker in May last year alleged Professor Hattie had plagiarised and misrepresented other academics in his work.

Professor Hattie's Visible Learning book published in 2009.

Mr Hattie is suing UK academic Dr Stephen Vainker for defamation over allegedly false and 'scandalous' claims in an article published last year. Photo: X

Dr Vainker went as far as suggesting the professor should be “discredited” and “disciplined” in light of his allegations.

The article, titled ‘John Hattie’s failures of academic integrity and the fragility of the education reform movement’ has been viewed and downloaded hundreds of times across several different online platforms.

Late last month, Professor Hattie filed legal action against Dr Vainker in the Supreme Court of Victoria, claiming the article was grossly defamatory.

In a writ filed before the court, Professor Hattie also makes reference to several X posts published by Dr Vainker, which he claims “overtly” encouraged people to read the article as well as making further false and defamatory statements.

He claims Dr Vainker engaged in a “protracted, defamatory social media campaign” which has since spread in academic circles across Australia and the UK.

Professor Hattie was also made aware of a complaint made by Dr Vainker to the Office of Research Integrity Melbourne University and his publisher, Routledge, following the publication of the article.

Dr Stephen Vainker claims Prof Hattie plagiarised and misrepresented other academics in his crowning achievement, Visible Learning, published in 2009. Picture: X

While it was later removed from two online platforms in December last year, the article remains publicly accessible on SocArXiv and none of the X posts have been taken down.

Professor Hattie claims the article and the X posts have damaged his personal and professional reputation, adding he has been left hurt, distressed, embarrassed and humiliated.

Professor Hattie’s legal representation highlighted how “extremely serious” it was to accuse an academic of plagiarism, particularly in Australia and the UK.

“The defendant (Dr Vainker) has made that allegation against the plaintiff (Professor Hattie) in the strongest of terms, suggesting that his lack of academic integrity is so serious that his work has been or should be completely discredited,” a writ reads.

They also fear the “gravity and scandalous nature” of the claims have been, and will continue to be, spread within the academic community.

Dr Vainker responded to a concerns notice issued to him earlier this year in which he declined to remove the article or posts on X and refused to apologise.

Dr Vainker complained about Professor Hattie to Melbourne University. Picture: Diego Fedele

Professor Hattie is seeking the immediate removal of the article and the X posts, a written apology from Dr Vainker and compensation for legal costs and damages.

In a statement to the Herald Sun Dr Vainker defended his article, adding that he had highlighted multiple examples of alleged plagiarism throughout the book.

Mr Vainker said he received a legal threat from Professor Hattie which included a long list of demands, including a withdrawal of his complaint to Melbourne University.

Professor Hattie said he was “extremely proud” of his work on education research which he has invested nearly 50 years into.

“These continuous, unjustified and malicious attacks on the work leave me with no alternative but to initiate legal proceedings,” he said.

Melbourne University was unable to respond to questions posed by the Herald Sun.

Originally published as Warring academics locked in legal battle over serious allegations of plagiarism