Researcher predicts AI will play growing role in scientific publications

Artificial intelligence (AI), in various forms, has burst into society and medicine. Its role in medicine is still evolving, but it will undoubtedly help in the evaluation of images (x-rays, pathology reports, colonoscopy videos), as well as in the preparation of discharge summaries, consultative assessments, and diagnosis. It could also contribute to the long-awaited goal of precision medicine. In addition, it has played and will play an increasing role in scientific publication in at least two areas, peer review and manuscript writing.

According to the former editor-in-chief of Journal of the American Medical Association According to Dr. Howard Bauchner, in the coming years, AI will transform the writing of scientific manuscripts, helping to revise them and helping editors select the most impactful articles.

“Potentially, this could help publishers increase the influence of their journals,” says Bauchner, professor of pediatrics at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

In a guest editorial in the European Journal of Emergency MedicineBauchner discusses how AI could be used by publishers: “As it becomes increasingly difficult to identify enough peer reviewers, publishers could use AI to provide an initial ‘score’. A paper that has a satisfactory score could then be sent to an external peer review committee (with just a quick review by the editors). For papers that have an inadequate score, publishers could still consider publishing them after reviewing them or even possibly, depending on the report, ask the authors to revise the manuscript,” he explains.

When AI becomes available to predict citations, which influences journal impact factors, Bauchner questions whether publishers should use this information.

“First, editors need to establish a vision for their journal, meaning what its mission is, and determine whether an individual article is consistent with that mission and scope. Next, editors need to carefully consider the role of value-added articles. How can they increase the value of the journal? Third, editors need to maximize the reach of their journal, especially on social media. Journals are communication networks,” he explains.

“Fourth, editors need to understand what open science means, including open peer review, data sharing, and open access. Once an editor has thought about these questions, it is then reasonable to ask AI to help determine how well a paper will be cited – assuming the study’s results are valid and not intended to attract attention.”

Bauchner emphasizes that AI will not replace editors or reviewers, but rather will provide additional information about the quality of a manuscript, making manuscript sorting faster and more objective.

“AI will play an increasing role in scientific publishing, particularly in peer review and manuscript writing. Given that both areas present significant challenges, researchers, reviewers, editors and funders should welcome the help that AI will provide,” he adds.