“Most peer reviewers now use AI” – report
Artificial intelligence has rapidly become part of everyday peer review, with 53% of reviewers now using AI tools, according to a report from Frontiers. The findings in “Unlocking AI’s untapped
Drawing on insights from 1,645 active researchers worldwide, the white paper identifies a global community “eager to use AI confidently and responsibly”. While many reviewers currently rely on AI for drafting reports or summarising findings, the report highlights significant untapped potential for AI to support rigour, reproducibility, and deeper methodological insight.
Elena Vicario, Director of Research Integrity at Frontiers, said: “AI is already improving efficiency and clarity in peer review, but its greatest value lies ahead. With the right governance, transparency, and training, AI can become a powerful partner in strengthening research quality and increasing trust in the scientific record.”
The study shows broad enthusiasm for using AI more effectively, especially among early-career researchers (87% adoption) and in rapidly growing research regions such as China (77%) and Africa (66%). Researchers in all regions see clear benefits, from reducing workload to improving communication, and many express a desire for clear, consistent policy recommendations that would enable more advanced use.
In response, Frontiers has set out a series of evidence-based policy recommendations for publishers, institutions, funders, and tool developers. These include:
- Mandating transparency around AI use;
- Embedding AI literacy and competency training across the research system;
- Strengthening integrity and oversight standards;
- Improving data provenance and auditability; and
- Ensuring equitable access to trustworthy AI tools.
Kamila Markram, CEO and Co-founder of Frontiers, said: “AI is transforming how science is written and reviewed, opening new possibilities for quality, collaboration, and global participation. This white paper is a call to action for the whole research ecosystem to embrace that potential. With aligned policies and responsible governance, AI will strengthen the integrity of science and accelerate discovery.”