With the boom of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, it is important to consider how this impacts academic publishing. In particular, as authors, it is crucial to consider how these tools can be used ethically in the production of research outputs of all types. Some of the principles we apply to our students are going to translate into how our researchers use AI.

It is important to assess properly what tools can be used, how they should be used, the quality of the output they generate and the importance of assessing it carefully for bias, errors and hallucinations. It is also important to consider how to retain your voice and originality as an author.

The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) issued a position statement in 2023. It underlines the responsibility of authors in creating content for publications. An AI tool cannot be named as the author. Authors have to disclose the use of AI tools and must be ready to take responsibility for all content included in their manuscript, including that generated by AI tools. Publishers are also releasing guidance on how authors can use AI ethically if they choose to do so.

In March 2025, Wiley released a set of guidelines and an FAQ detailing how authors could use AI in preparation for their publications. This is a useful guide. Publishers have all added some guidelines or policies relating to using AI in preparing a publication. Below is a selection:

• Elsevier's policies for authors of journal articles and authors of books.
• IEEE Author guidelines for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Generated text.
• Taylor and Francis AI policy.
• Springer Open included its statement on AI as part of its editorial policy. You can follow links there to several Springer imprints.
• Sage AI Guidelines for Authors.

You could also consult this article on the Challenges and Upsides of using AI in scientific writing.