The JAMA Network has issued updated guidance restricting how authors can use artificial intelligence in research and scientific work published across its 13 peer-reviewed journals.
Three editors published an editorial Aug. 10 in JAMA outlining the guidelines:
- Annette Flanagin, RN, MA, executive managing editor and vice president of editorial operations for JAMA and the JAMA Network
- Roy H. Perlis, MD, editor-in-chief of JAMA+ AI
- Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, editor-in-chief of JAMA and the JAMA Network
The new policy prohibits AI-generated or AI-manipulated clinical images, illustrations, video and audio unless used as part of formal, fully disclosed research methods. It also discourages AI use for bibliographic references, citing a rise in fabricated or inaccurate citations.
Authors may still use AI for literature searches, manuscript preparation, translation and data visualization, provided they disclose the tool’s name, version, manufacturer, date of use and a description of how it was applied. Disclosure must appear in the acknowledgment or methods section, and authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy of all AI-assisted content. AI use for grammar and spell-checking is permitted without disclosure.
The update follows research the journal cited showing very low rates of AI-use disclosure by authors, despite the technology’s growing footprint in scientific publishing. The editors said they will continue monitoring and revising the guidance as AI use in research and publishing evolves.
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