Frontiers has published a whitepaper reporting that 53% of peer reviewers now use AI tools and outlining the need for publishing policy to adapt. The whitepaper, titled 'Unlocking AI’s untapped potential: responsible innovation in research and publishing,' reports that AI has rapidly become part of everyday peer review. The findings are based on insights from 1,645 active researchers worldwide and indicate a pivotal moment for research publishing as adoption accelerates. The report highlights the opportunity to translate this momentum into more transparent and equitable research practices, as reflected in Frontiers’ policy outlines.
According to the findings, many reviewers currently use AI tools for drafting reports or summarizing findings, while significant untapped potential remains for AI to support rigor, reproducibility, and deeper methodological insight. The research community is described as eager to use AI confidently and responsibly.
The study shows strong interest in more effective AI use, particularly among early-career researchers, with an adoption rate of 87%, and in regions experiencing rapid research growth, including China at 77% and Africa at 66%. Researchers across regions identify benefits such as reduced workload and improved communication and express a need for clear and consistent policy recommendations to support more advanced applications.
In response to the findings, Frontiers has outlined evidence-based policy recommendations for publishers, institutions, funders, and tool developers. These recommendations include mandating transparency around AI use, embedding AI literacy and competency training across the research system, strengthening integrity and oversight standards, improving data provenance and auditability, and ensuring equitable access to trustworthy AI tools.
The report presents these recommendations as a practical framework for aligning publishing policy with existing researcher practices and for strengthening scientific rigor and trust. It also encourages publishers, institutions, and policymakers to collaborate on sector-wide policy development, training pathways, and transparent communication to support responsible and innovative AI use throughout the research lifecycle.
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