#53 Using AI in research

Hey friends,

I recently conducted a webinar on how AI can help researchers be more efficient.

Some participants raised some questions about the ethical use of AI in writing, editing and reviewing scientific manuscripts

So, I searched for the AI policies of major publishers: Springer Nature, Wiley, Royal Society, American Chemical Society and Elsevier.

Here is what I found. Make sure you take the time to go through these points

Their AI policies are publicly available on their website

Let’s start with Springer Nature

• AI Authorship: AI tools like ChatGPT cannot be authors. If used, disclose this use in the Methods section

• Generative AI Images: AI-generated images are generally not allowed unless legally sourced and reviewed

• Peer Review: Reviewers must not upload manuscripts to AI tools due to confidentiality issues

Wiley

• Allowed Uses: AI can assist with grammar, summarizing, and idea development

• Prohibited Uses: AI should not replace core author tasks or handle sensitive content

• Disclosure & Responsibility: Always disclose AI use and maintain human accountability

• Rights & Privacy: Review AI tool terms to protect content rights and privacy

American Chemical Society (ACS)

• Transparency: Disclose all AI tool use in the manuscript

• Authorship: AI tools cannot be listed as authors; humans are fully accountable

• Graphics and Images: AI-generated graphics must be disclosed in captions and acknowledgments

• Editorial Discretion: Editors may reject or request revisions if AI usage is excessive

• Peer Review: AI tools must not be used to evaluate manuscripts

Royal Society

• Disclosure: Mandatory disclosure of AI use in manuscripts

• Permitted Uses: AI may assist with language editing and data retrieval tasks

• Prohibited Uses: AI must not replace core research tasks or produce misleading content

• Authorship and Accountability: Only humans can be authors; they must ensure originality and accuracy

• Editorial Rights: Editors may request AI prompts and outputs used during manuscript preparation

Elsevier

• For Authors: AI can improve readability but must be disclosed. AI-generated images are not allowed unless part of research methods

• For Reviewers: Manuscripts and review reports are confidential and must not be uploaded to AI tools

• For Editors: Editorial decisions must be made by humans; AI tools should not be used to assess manuscripts

It is important you get familiar with such policies

As discussed during the recent webinar, think of AI as a tool, not a replacement.

I see language editing (grammar, spelling, readability) as one of the main challenges faced by authors, especially for non-native English researchers

And that’s where AI can help you. And using AI this way is allowed as per the policies.

That’s it for this week.

Let us know in the comments if you think I missed anything.

As usual, if anything is unclear or if you need help with your research projects, please contact me and I will reply.

See you next Sunday!

Jamal

My favorite things this week

1. A session with a research council developing a national research dashboard

2. More than 700 participants on Tuesday’s webinar about the use of AI in research

3. A meeting with a grants office of a University to explore funding opportunities

P.S.: If you enjoyed this newsletter, forward it to a friend! And if you aren't subscribed, subscribe here.