Adapting peer review for the future: Digital disruptions and trust in peer review

Abstract

• Academia is undergoing transformation with rapid technological advancements, global collaboration, and the rise of AI.
• Maintaining research integrity is paramount in the face of new challenges and opportunities.
• The peer review process, vital for research integrity, is strained due to the high volume of academic papers.
• Cactus Communication's (CACTUS) global survey during Peer Review Week 2022 gathered insights from 685 participants on research integrity and peer review.
• Survey participants emphasized the importance of peer review in detecting various issues, including plagiarism and questionable research practices.
• Actions taken in response to integrity concerns varied, with some participants seeking guidance from colleagues or informing journal editors.
• Digital innovations, especially AI-driven tools, promise to revolutionize peer review processes, from manuscript screening to reviewer selection and evaluation.
• AI tools like Chat GPT can aid authors in improving writing quality and assist reviewers in generating detailed feedback.
• Concerns about data privacy and the need for a balance between human expertise and AI assistance are raised in the context of peer review.
• AI plagiarism detection tool scan complement human efforts, providing an additional layer of scrutiny.
• Increased digital innovation allows for flexible review formats, international collaboration, and heightened transparency in the review process.
• The integration of AI into peer review holds the potential to enhance efficiency and objectivity but raises concerns about bias and transparency.
• Guidelines, bias mitigation measures, accountability mechanisms, and ongoing training are essential for the responsible use of AI in peer review.
• Encouraging peer review systems to embrace innovation and ethical AI is crucial for adapting to changing dynamics while upholding core principles of research integrity.