The Promise and Perils of AI Use in Peer Review
Renee Hoch, Head of Publication Ethics at PLOS, examines the complex role of artificial intelligence in scholarly peer review. While authors are increasingly permitted to use generative AI for manuscript preparation, strict prohibitions remain for editors and reviewers due to risks like confidentiality breaches, loss of rigor, and potential fraud. The article highlights a distinction between external AI use and controlled in-house applications by publishers, which can enhance consistency in detecting technical issues without compromising data security. Despite AI's ability to streamline administrative tasks and reduce review times, human expertise remains indispensable for critical evaluation, creativity, and contextual interpretation. The text discusses emerging hybrid models, such as NEJM AI’s 'Fast Track' system, which aims to accelerate decision-making. However, it emphasizes that human oversight is crucial for maintaining scientific integrity. The analysis suggests that while AI can alleviate the burden on academics, it should support rather than replace human judgment in assessing novel scientific contributions.
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The Promise and Perils of AI Use in Peer Review
Renee Hoch, Head of Publication Ethics at PLOS, examines the complex role of artificial intelligence in scholarly peer review. While authors are increasingly permitted to use generative AI for manuscript preparation, strict prohibitions remain for editors and reviewers due to risks like confidentiality breaches, loss of rigor, and potential fraud. The article highlights a distinction between external AI use and controlled in-house applications by publishers, which can enhance consistency in detecting technical issues without compromising data security. Despite AI's ability to streamline administrative tasks and reduce review times, human expertise remains indispensable for critical evaluation, creativity, and contextual interpretation. The text discusses emerging hybrid models, such as NEJM AI’s 'Fast Track' system, which aims to accelerate decision-making. However, it emphasizes that human oversight is crucial for maintaining scientific integrity. The analysis suggests that while AI can alleviate the burden on academics, it should support rather than replace human judgment in assessing novel scientific contributions.
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