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The American Physical Society (APS) has introduced updated guidelines governing the use of artificial intelligence in the preparation and peer review of research papers submitted to its journals.
The revised policy expands the scope of permitted AI use while reinforcing requirements for transparency, accountability, and the protection of confidential peer review materials.
Under the previous policy, authors and reviewers could use AI tools only in a limited capacity, such as for polishing, condensing, or lightly editing manuscripts and reviewer reports, provided that such use was disclosed.
The new guidance allows a broader range of AI-assisted activities, including literature synthesis, data analysis, scientific reasoning, figure generation, translation, and other substantive contributions to manuscript and review preparation. APS emphasises that any use of AI tools must be disclosed.
Authors and reviewers are now required to provide details including the name and version of the AI tool used, how it assisted the work, how it was directed, how outputs were verified, and any other information necessary to ensure transparency and maintain human oversight throughout the research and peer review process.
To safeguard research integrity and confidentiality, APS has also prohibited authors and reviewers from sharing peer review materials with unrestricted AI systems. The Society says the policy provides additional guidance to help users navigate disclosure requirements and comply with editorial policies across APS journals.
According to APS, the updated framework is intended to balance the opportunities presented by rapidly advancing AI technologies with the Society’s commitment to ethical publishing practices and rigorous peer review standards.
Recognising the pace of technological change, APS said it will continue to review and update its AI guidance as the technology evolves.
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