AI’s transformative potential in scientific publication

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is set to revolutionise several fields, and the realm of scientific publication is no exception. AI’s evolving role in medicine, ranging from image evaluation to aiding in precision medicine, is well noted. However, its influence is poised to extend substantially into the academic publishing sector, particularly in the peer-review process and manuscript drafting.

Dr Howard Bauchner, the former editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Medical Association and a professor of paediatrics at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, has weighed in on this transformative potential. Bauchner, in a guest editorial for the European Journal of Emergency Medicine, outlined how AI could streamline and enhance the editorial workflow of scientific journals.

One of the significant challenges faced by editors today is the identification of sufficient peer reviewers for submitted manuscripts. Bauchner suggests that AI could be deployed initially to score manuscripts. This preliminary scoring could help editors make informed decisions about whether a manuscript should proceed to external peer review or require revisions. This AI-assisted process may not only expedite decision-making but also ensure a more objective assessment of the manuscript’s quality.

Additionally, as AI technology advances to predict the potential for journal citations, editors might find themselves equipped with data influencing their journal’s impact factor. Bauchner posits that while this development is on the horizon, editors must first ensure that an article aligns with their journal’s mission and scope. Moreover, they must consider the contribution of value-added pieces, the journal’s reach, especially on social media, and the principles of open science, including open peer review and data sharing.

While AI promises to facilitate the editorial process, Bauchner is clear that it will not supplant human editors or peer reviewers. Instead, the technology will provide supplementary data that can expedite the triaging of manuscripts, thus fostering a more efficient editorial process.

Dr Bauchner emphasises that as AI becomes increasingly integral to scientific publication, those involved—be it investigators, funders, or editors—should embrace this technological assistance. With AI handling some of the more daunting aspects of publication, the scientific community is anticipated to benefit from enhanced efficiency and potentially, a greater depth of scholarly communication.

In conclusion, while AI will not replace the human element in the publication process, its role as a supportive tool is expected to grow, offering a new dimension to both peer review and the drafting of scientific manuscripts. As this technology continues to develop, its contribution to the field of academic publishing could become indispensable in managing the challenges of modern scientific communication.

Source: Noah Wire Services