A new white paper from Frontiers shows that AI has quickly become an integral part of everyday peer review, with 53% of reviewers now use AI tools. The discoveries in Unlocking the untapped potential of AI: responsible innovation in research and publishing point to a pivotal moment for research publication. Adoption is accelerating and the opportunity now is to translate this momentum into stronger, more transparent and more equitable research practices, as demonstrated The main lines of border policy.
Drawing on insights from 1,645 active researchers around the world, the white paper identifies a global community eager to use AI confidently and responsibly. While many evaluators currently rely on AI to write reports or summarize findings, the report highlights significant untapped potential for AI to support rigor, reproducibility, and deeper methodological understanding.
Elena Vicario, Director of Research Integrity at Frontierssaid:
“AI is already improving the efficiency and clarity of peer review, but its greatest value is yet to come. With proper governance, transparency, and training, AI can become a powerful partner in strengthening the quality of research and increasing trust in the scientific record.”
The study shows broad enthusiasm for more effective use of AI, particularly among early-career researchers (87% adoption) and in fast-growing research regions such as China (77%) and Africa (66%). Researchers across regions see clear benefits, from reduced workload to improved communication, and many express a desire for clear, consistent policy recommendations that would enable more advanced use.
In response, Frontiers has made a series of evidence-based policy recommendations for publishers, institutions, funders, and tool developers. These include:
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demand transparency around the use of AI
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integrate AI knowledge and skills training across the research system
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strengthen integrity and oversight standards
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improve data provenance and auditability
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and ensure equitable access to reliable AI tools.
Together, these recommendations provide a practical roadmap to align publication policy with how researchers already use AI and to unlock its full potential to strengthen scientific rigor and trust.
Kamila 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 harness this potential. With aligned policies and accountable governance, AI will strengthen the integrity of science and accelerate discovery.”
The report encourages publishers, institutions and policy makers to collaborate on sector policy development, training pathways and transparent communication to support responsible and innovative use of AI throughout the research cycle.
About the report
Unlocking the untapped potential of AI: responsible innovation in research and publishing is based on a global survey of 1,645 active researchers, conducted in May and June 2025. It is the first large-scale study examining the adoption, trust, training and governance of AI in writing, editing and editing workflows.
About borders
Frontiers is a leading search publisher. Our role is to provide scientists around the world with a rigorous and efficient publishing experience. Scientists empower society and our mission is to accelerate collaboration and discovery by making science open – enabling researchers to find the solutions we all need to live healthy lives on a healthy planet. Powered by bespoke technology, artificial intelligence and collaborative peer review, our community journals provide experts from more than 1,700 academic fields with an open access platform to publish high-quality, high-impact research. Through our advocacy work to build strong partnerships with businesses, policymakers and educators, we are leading the transition to open science.