A new white paper from Frontiers shows how AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday peer review. 53% of reviewers are using AI tools. survey results Unlocking the untapped potential of AI: Responsible innovation in research and publishing It points out a pivotal moment for research publishing. Adoption is accelerating, and now is our chance to translate this momentum into stronger, more transparent, and more equitable research practices, as outlined in the Frontiers policy brief.
Based on insights from 1,645 researchers around the world, this whitepaper identifies a global community committed to using AI confidently and responsibly. While many reviewers are now using AI to write reports and summarize findings, this report highlights the huge untapped potential of AI to support rigor, reproducibility, and deeper methodological insight.
Elena Vicario, Director of Research Integrity, Frontierssaid:
“AI is already improving the efficiency and clarity of peer review, but its greatest value is yet to come. With the right governance, transparency, and training, AI can be a powerful partner in enhancing the quality of research and increasing the trustworthiness of the scientific record.”
The survey shows widespread enthusiasm for leveraging AI more effectively, particularly among young researchers (87% adoption rate) and in fast-growing research regions such as China (77%) and Africa (66%). Researchers everywhere see clear benefits, from reduced workloads to improved communication, and many want clear and consistent policy recommendations that will enable greater use.
In response, Frontiers has launched a series of evidence-based policy recommendations for publishers, institutions, funders, and tool developers. These include:
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Mandating transparency around the use of AI
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Incorporate AI literacy and competency training across research systems
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Strengthening integrity and monitoring standards
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Improve data provenance and auditability
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Ensure fair access to trusted AI tools.
Taken together, these recommendations provide a practical roadmap for aligning publication policies with how researchers are already using AI and unlocking the full potential of AI to enhance scientific rigor and trust.
Camilla Markram, CEO and Co-Founder of Frontierssaid:
“AI is transforming the way science is written and reviewed, opening new possibilities for quality, collaboration, and global participation. This white paper is a call to action for the entire research ecosystem to embrace that potential. With aligned policies and responsible governance, AI will strengthen the integrity of science and accelerate discovery.”
The report encourages publishers, institutions and policy makers to collaborate on policy development, training pathways and transparent communication across the field to support the responsible and innovative use of AI across the research cycle.
About the report
Unlocking the untapped potential of AI: Responsible innovation in research and publishing This is based on a global survey of 1,645 active researchers conducted in May and June 2025. This is the first large-scale study to examine the adoption, trust, training, and governance of AI in authoring, review, and editing workflows.
About Frontiers
Frontiers is a leading research publisher. Our role is to provide a rigorous and efficient publishing experience for scientists around the world. Scientists power society, and our mission is to accelerate collaboration and discovery by opening up science and empowering researchers to find the solutions we need to live healthy lives on a healthy planet. Powered by custom-built technology, artificial intelligence, and collaborative peer review, the community journal provides experts in more than 1,700 academic fields with an open access platform to publish high-quality, high-impact research. We are leading the transition to open science through our outreach efforts that build strong partnerships with business, policy makers, and educators.
