Cross-sectional review of top 100 endocrinology journals reveals varying AI usage policies in Instructions for Authors.
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Key Takeaway
Note that AI disclosure is common in endocrinology journals, but explicit guidelines and permitted tool usage remain limited.
A cross-sectional review examined AI usage policies within the Instructions for Authors of the top 100 endocrinology journals. The study assessed the presence of AI-related statements, requirements for disclosure, and permissions regarding specific AI tools across these publications. No statistically significant correlations were identified between these policies and journal metrics such as SJR or impact factor.
Regarding specific policies, 84% of the journals mentioned AI in their Instructions for Authors, and 79% required authors to disclose AI use during the submission process. However, none of the journals permitted AI tools for authorship. Permissions for other uses were more limited: 64% allowed tools for manuscript writing, 22% for content generation, and 50% for image generation. Furthermore, only 1% of journals required adherence to specific reporting guidelines, and endorsement of AI statements by organizations like IMCJE, COPE, or WAME was rare, occurring in 9%, 12%, and 0% of journals, respectively.
The review noted that current policies remain incomprehensive. While the majority of journals address AI to some degree, the lack of standardized guidelines and the absence of permitted tools for authorship highlight a gap in regulatory frameworks. The study emphasizes that it is critical for publishers and journals to establish explicit guidelines to promote transparent, reproducible, and reliable research.
View Original Abstract ↓
BackgroundWith expanding applications of artificial intelligence (AI) within the research pipeline of endocrinology, it is essential that journals uphold explicit AI usage policies that maintain the rigor and integrity of published research. In this review, we aim to evaluate current AI policies of leading endocrinology journals to assess the current landscape of research and the implications of its progression.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional review of the top endocrinology journals using the SCImago Journal Ranking (SJR) database. From November 2024 to July 2025, we reviewed AI usage guidelines from publicly available Instructions for Authors, including authorship, manuscript writing, and content/image generation. We also assessed whether journals endorsed AI-specific reporting guidelines (e.g., CONSORT-AI, SPIRIT-AI). Data were extracted independently and in duplicate using a standardized form. Reproducibility was supported through protocol registration on Open Science Framework.ResultsOf the top 100 endocrinology journals, 84.0% (84/100) mentioned AI in their Instructions for Authors and 79.0% (79/100) required disclosure of AI use during submission. Although no journals (0/100) permitted AI tools for authorship, 64.0% (64/100) allowed its use in manuscript writing, 22.0% (22/100) for content generation, and 50.0% (50/100) for image generation. Despite these guidelines, only one (1.0%; 1/100) journal required a specific reporting guideline, and very few endorsed AI statements by the IMCJE (9/100), COPE (12/100), or WAME (0/100). No statistically significant correlations were identified between AI usage policies and SJR or impact factor.ConclusionMany leading endocrinology journals have addressed AI use; however, their policies remain incomprehensive. It is critical that publishers and their journals establish explicit guidelines regarding the use of AI tools to promote transparent, reproducible, and reliable research.
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