What's Happening?
A recent survey conducted by the publishing company Frontiers reveals that over 50% of researchers are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in the peer review process of scientific manuscripts. The survey,
which included responses from approximately 1,600 academics across 111 countries, highlights a growing trend in the use of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, for tasks like writing peer-review reports, summarizing manuscripts, and identifying potential misconduct. Despite the increasing reliance on AI, many researchers are using these tools against external recommendations that caution against uploading manuscripts to third-party platforms due to confidentiality concerns. Some publishers, including Frontiers, permit limited AI use but require disclosure, while others, like Wiley, report low interest and confidence in AI for peer review.
Why It's Important?
The integration of AI into the peer review process signifies a shift in scientific publishing, potentially affecting the integrity and quality of academic research. While AI can streamline certain tasks, its use raises concerns about confidentiality, intellectual property, and the accuracy of reviews. The survey's findings suggest a need for publishers to establish clear guidelines and best practices to ensure responsible AI use. This development could impact the credibility of scientific publications and the trust placed in peer-reviewed research, influencing stakeholders such as researchers, publishers, and academic institutions.
What's Next?
As AI continues to permeate the peer review process, publishers may need to develop more robust policies to address the ethical and practical challenges posed by AI tools. This could involve creating standardized disclosure requirements and training programs for reviewers. Additionally, ongoing research and experiments, like those conducted by Mim Rahimi at the University of Houston, will likely continue to assess the efficacy and limitations of AI in peer review, potentially leading to improved AI models and practices.
