This year’s Peer Review Week 2025 invites us to reflect on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in scholarly publishing. This year’s theme, “Rethinking Peer Review in the AI Era,” is especially relevant for peer reviewers navigating new technologies while safeguarding research integrity. Here are some practical tips to help peer reviewers uphold quality and ethics in this changing landscape:
Consider Copyright and Confidentiality Risks
Karger’s current policies indicate that it is not appropriate to input any of the contents of a submission under review to a Large Language Model (LLM) or any machine learning algorithm as this would be a violation of the privacy of peer review. Always check the journal’s policy before using external tools. When in doubt, avoid sharing unpublished content with third-party platforms, as this may breach confidentiality or copyright agreements.
Be Cautious with AI-Generated Content Detection
AI text or image detectors are still being developed, and are not foolproof. If you suspect undisclosed AI involvement in a manuscript, please raise your concerns to the Journal team and allow them to investigate.
Understand the Tool’s Role—But Don’t Abdicate Judgment
Generative AI, also called Gen AI, can assist with checking grammar in one’s peer review report, or help to standardize the report into a format required by the journal. However, it cannot replace human expertise. Reviewers should use Gen AI as a support—not a substitute—for critical thinking. As highlighted in a recent study, researchers want human judgment, as opposed to Gen AI judgment, to remain central in the peer review process.
Prioritize Constructive, Personalized Feedback
Gen AI can help structure your feedback, but peer reviewers should ensure their comments are tailored, context-aware, and grounded in scholarly standards. Generic suggestions from Gen AI lack the nuance required for meaningful critique, and may hinder the peer review process.
Stay Informed—Policies Are Evolving
The landscape is shifting rapidly. Publishers are working to provide clearer guidelines, and initiatives like Peer Review Week are fostering dialogue. As a peer reviewer, staying informed about the journal’s stance on Gen AI use is essential. The Scholarly Kitchen’s announcement of this year’s theme underscores the global urgency of this conversation.
Final Thoughts
Gen AI offers exciting possibilities —but it also introduces challenges. Peer reviewers must tread carefully, balancing innovation with integrity. By staying transparent, informed, and critically engaged, we can ensure that peer review remains a cornerstone of trustworthy scholarship—even in the AI era.
(Featured image declaration: Photo by Ivan_L from Freerange Stock)
