Abstract
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing immunology research, advancing data analysis, systematic reviews, and clinical applications. Yet, its integration presents challenges related to transparency, ethical considerations, and reproducibility. This study investigates how top immunology journals respond to these issues and opportunities through their author guidelines and policies.
Methods: The top 100 immunology journals, ranked by the 2023 SCImago SJR indicator, were reviewed in a cross-sectional study. Data from each journal's 'Instructions for Authors' were analyzed to evaluate policies related to AI, such as reporting guidelines, authorship criteria, and the use of AI in preparing manuscripts and generating images. To explore connections between these policies and journal characteristics, correlational analyses were conducted.
Results: Of the 100 journals evaluated, 66% addressed AI use in their instructions, with most prohibiting AI authorship while requiring disclosure of AI involvement in submissions. AI-generated content was allowed by 29 % of journals, while 18 % approved of AI-generated images. Journals with higher impact factors were more likely to include detailed AI policies, but significant gaps in standardization and guidance remain.
Conclusion: Although many immunology journals acknowledge the growing role of AI in research, few have adopted AI-specific reporting guidelines, which hinders standardization and transparency. To address this, we recommend implementing comprehensive guidelines to promote ethical, reproducible, and high-quality research in the age of AI-driven advancements.
Methods: The top 100 immunology journals, ranked by the 2023 SCImago SJR indicator, were reviewed in a cross-sectional study. Data from each journal's 'Instructions for Authors' were analyzed to evaluate policies related to AI, such as reporting guidelines, authorship criteria, and the use of AI in preparing manuscripts and generating images. To explore connections between these policies and journal characteristics, correlational analyses were conducted.
Results: Of the 100 journals evaluated, 66% addressed AI use in their instructions, with most prohibiting AI authorship while requiring disclosure of AI involvement in submissions. AI-generated content was allowed by 29 % of journals, while 18 % approved of AI-generated images. Journals with higher impact factors were more likely to include detailed AI policies, but significant gaps in standardization and guidance remain.
Conclusion: Although many immunology journals acknowledge the growing role of AI in research, few have adopted AI-specific reporting guidelines, which hinders standardization and transparency. To address this, we recommend implementing comprehensive guidelines to promote ethical, reproducible, and high-quality research in the age of AI-driven advancements.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| State | Published - 14 Feb 2025 |
| Event | Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Week 2025 - Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, United States Duration: 10 Feb 2025 → 14 Feb 2025 https://medicine.okstate.edu/research/research_days.html |
Conference
| Conference | Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Research Week 2025 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Tulsa |
| Period | 10/02/25 → 14/02/25 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Artificial Intelligence
- authorship
- transparency
- immunology and allergy
- reporting guidelines