Is it OK for AI to write science papers? Nature survey shows researchers are split

The same surveys reveal widespread uncertainty about how to begin, with many researchers reporting limited familiarity with existing tools, limited confidence in their ability to use them responsibly, and limited institutional guidance on best practices.

“Second, the same surveys reveal widespread uncertainty about how to begin.Many researchers report limited familiarity with existing tools, limited confidence in their own ability to use them responsibly, and limited institutional guidance on best practices.”

Many more researchers express openness to trying AI writing tools in the future.

“Many more express openness to trying these tools in the future.”

Surveys across the scientific community consistently show three dominant themes: high interest, uncertainty about how to begin, and concerns about accuracy, bias, reproducibility, and erosion of critical thinking.

“Surveys across the scientific community consistently show three dominant themes [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] .”

About 10% of researchers believe AI use is never appropriate for editing, while 35% believe it is never appropriate for writing a first draft.

“While most people are open to using AI for these tasks, about 10% of researchers believe AI use is never appropriate for editing, while 35% believe it is never appropriate for writing a first draft 8 .”

Self-reported AI use in writing is relatively modest.

“Self-reported AI use in writing is relatively modest.”

Roughly 28% of researchers have used AI to edit a manuscript, and only 8% report using AI to write a first draft.

“Roughly 28% of researchers say they have used AI to edit a manuscript, and only 8% report using AI to write a first draft 8 .”

Interest in using AI to support research is extremely high.

“First, interest in using AI to support research is extremely high (Fig. 1).”

The Nature Kwon study is likely low due to specifically asking about use in writing.

“the Nature Kwon study 8 is likely low due to specifically asking about use in writing.”

Among those comfortable with AI-assisted drafting, many believe disclosure is necessary, and some feel authors should disclose the prompts used when generating text.

“Among those who are comfortable with AI-assisted drafting, many believe that disclosure is necessary, and some feel that authors should disclose the prompts used when generating text.”

Early career researchers and scientists for whom English is not a first language show higher willingness to use AI for writing tasks.

“Early career researchers and scientists for whom English is not a first language show higher willingness to use AI for writing tasks.”

Survey data show a sharp distinction between editing and drafting in AI use.

“Within the domain of writing, survey data show a sharp distinction between editing and drafting.”

Different surveys report mixed, but generally increasing adoption of AI by the scientific community.

“Different surveys report mixed, but generally increasing adoption of AI by the scientific community.”