The impact of AI-assisted technologies in scientific research and writing: opportunities and ethics disclosure

The impact of AI-assisted technologies in scientific research and writing: opportunities and ethics disclosure

Authors

  • Vincenzo De Sanctis Co- Editor of Acta Biomedica, Ferrara, Italy
  • Joanna Taouki 100mentors – eLearning Providers, Athens, Greece
  • Christos Kattamis First Department of Paediatrics, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

Keywords:

editorial, AI, ethics disclosure, scientific research, writing

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from early theoretical concepts to advanced generative models capable of producing human-like text and supporting scientific research. The recent diffusion of large language models has accelerated the use of AI-assisted technologies in medical research and academic publishing, offering opportunities such as language editing, literature review support, protocol drafting, and data analysis. At the same time, these tools raise important concerns related to accuracy, originality, transparency, ethical responsibility, and the potential spread of misinformation. This editorial examines the role of AI-assisted technologies in scientific research and writing, with a focus on medical publishing. It reviews current international recommendations issued by organizations such as COPE, ICMJE, and WAME, highlighting shared principles that prohibit AI authorship and encourage disclosure of AI use, alongside substantial heterogeneity in journal policies and disclosure practices. The article underscores the need for clear governance, consistent reporting standards, and human oversight to ensure scientific integrity and trust as AI technologies continue to advance.

References

1. Zafer Kocak Z. Publication Ethics in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. J Korean Med Sci. 2024;39(33): e249. doi: 0.3346/jkms.2024.39.e249.

2. Giglio AD, Costa MUPD. The use of artificial intelligence to improve the scientific writing of non-native english speakers. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2023;69 (9):e20230560. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230560.

3, Carobene A, Padoan A, Cabitza F, Banfi G, Plebani M. Rising adoption of artificial intelligence in scientific publishing: evaluating the role, risks, and ethical implications in paper drafting and review process. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2024;62(5):835–843. doi:10.1515/cclm-2023-1136.

4. International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Recommendations for the conduct, reporting, editing, and publication of scholarly work in medical journals. https://www.icmje.org/ recommendations/. Updated 2023. Accessed June 1, 2025.

5. International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals. 2024a. https://www.icmje.org/ icmje-recommendations.

6. Stokel-Walker C. AI bot ChatGPT writes smart essays - should professors worry? Nature. 2022. doi:10.1038/d41586-022-04397-7.

7. Thorp HH. ChatGPT is fun, but not an author. Science. 2023;379:313. doi:10.1126/science.adg7879.

8.Resnik DB, Hosseini M. Disclosing artificial intelligence use in scientific research and publication: When should disclosure be mandatory, optional, or unnecessary?, Account Res.2025;24;1-13.doi: 10.1080/ 08989621.2025.2481949.

9. Ganjavi C, Eppler MB, Pekcan A,et al. Publishers' and journals' instructions to authors on use of generative artificial intelligence in academic and scientific publishing: bibliometric analysis. BMJ. 2024;384:e077192. doi: 10.1136/bmj-2023-077192.

10. Ahn S. Generative AI Guidelines in Korean Medical Journals: A Survey Using Human-AI Collaboration. medRxiv preprint 2024. doi:10.1101/2024.03.08.24303960.

11. Laffaye TA, Carlson BH, Freeman WK, Ayoub C. Artificial intelligence for manuscript writing: policies and implementation in cardiovascular journals. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2025;15(5):1107-1097. doi: 10.21037/cdt-2025-381.

12. Tang A, Li KK, Kwok KO, Cao L, Luong S, Tam W. The importance of transparency: Declaring the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in academic writing. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2024;56 (2):314-318. doi: 10.1111/jnu.12938.

13. Luo X, Tham YC, Giuffrè M, et al. Reporting guideline for the use of Generative Artificial intelligence tools in MEdical Research: the GAMER Statement. BMJ Evid Based Med. 2025: bmjebm-2025-113825, doi:10.1136/ bmjebm-2025-113825.

Downloads

Published

15-12-2025

Issue

Section

EDITORIAL

How to Cite

1.
De Sanctis V, Taouki J, Kattamis C. The impact of AI-assisted technologies in scientific research and writing: opportunities and ethics disclosure . Acta Biomed. 2025;96(6):18387. doi:10.23750/abm.v96i6.18387