Feb 14, 2025
In response to feedback from nearly 5,000 researchers, publishing giant Wiley emphasizes the need for clear guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in scholarly research.
Wiley, a leading academic publisher, is urging the industry to take a proactive approach in establishing clear policies on artificial intelligence (AI) usage in research. This initiative follows feedback from nearly 5,000 researchers, highlighting the need for structured guidance on AI integration in scholarly work.
To better understand current AI adoption and future expectations, Wiley conducted a survey through ExplanAItions, gathering insights from researchers across various fields, career stages, and regions. The findings revealed that while AI use remains relatively limited, many researchers see AI skill development as crucial for their future work.
One of the key obstacles identified was a lack of clarity on how AI can be ethically and effectively applied in research. Approximately two-thirds of respondents cited insufficient training and guidance as a major barrier. Additionally, 70% of researchers expressed a strong desire for publishers to outline clear rules on acceptable AI usage in academic publishing.
In response, Wiley emphasized the importance of publishers taking the lead in setting AI policies and effectively communicating them to the research community. To help researchers navigate AI’s role, Wiley introduced a three-tiered framework:
Act – AI is already proving valuable in tasks such as manuscript writing and data processing.
Watch – Near-term applications, like AI-generated predictions and automating routine tasks, are emerging.
Envision – AI’s long-term potential could include advancements in research collaboration and peer review processes.
Wiley reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring AI trends, ensuring researchers receive ongoing support in understanding where AI can enhance research while maintaining the integrity of human expertise.