NEWS

Springer Nature launches updated AI policies
and guidance to support responsible AI use

New framework provides practical, future-focused guidance for authors,
reviewers and editors in an evolving AI landscape

As AI continues to evolve, researchers, reviewers and editors are increasingly looking for clear, practical guidance on AI use, with more than 70% seeing publisher guidance as increasingly important. In response, Springer Nature has updated its AI editorial policies and is providing practical guidance to support the responsible and transparent use of AI across the research publishing lifecycle.

Building on the publisher’s AI principles of accountability, transparency and human oversight, alongside the core principle of confidentiality in editorial assessment, the new framework sets out a shared set of principles, supported by tailored guidance to help each group apply them in their day-to-day research and editorial activities. Rather than focusing on whether AI has been used, the updated policies consider:

• how AI has been used
• the potential impact of that use
• the level of risk introduced
• whether appropriate human oversight has been maintained

Importantly, the framework recognises that not all uses of AI are the same. Some uses may support efficiency, clarity or accessibility and come with relatively limited risk – such as improving language, cleaning data, or structuring comments. Others may influence interpretation, evaluation or decision-making – such as suggesting methods, identifying patterns in data or helping interpret results – and therefore require greater assessment, human oversight and transparency.

AI use that would replace accountable human judgement or compromise the integrity of the publishing process – such as using AI to generate conclusions or delegating peer review to an AI tool – continues to not be permitted.

As AI becomes embedded in research and publishing workflows, disclosure is key. By consistently requiring appropriate declarations of AI use, the policies support transparency and informed assessment, while acknowledging that many forms of responsible AI-assisted activity are now routine parts of the scholarly process.

Harsh Jegadeesan, Chief Publishing Officer at Springer Nature, commented:

“We believe AI can accelerate discovery and improve research communication when used responsibly. Our updated AI policy guidance makes clear that human accountability remains the cornerstone of research and publishing and helps researchers use AI responsibly, transparently and with confidence.”

Ellie Gendle, Head of Journals Policy at Springer Nature, added:

"AI use in research and research communications is evolving continuously, and as it continues to become more embedded it is increasingly important to be able to confidently distinguish between different use cases. Policies and guidance that apply an assessment and management approach to AI use can help academics to navigate this evolution responsibly, transparently and with greater confidence, whilst ensuring clear protections where greater risks to integrity or accountability may arise.

Our new guidance continues to make clear that AI is not a substitute for human judgement and accountability, whilst recognising that, assuming it is done with care, responsibility and appropriate disclosures, AI can and will be applied in an increasing range of research and publishing activities.”

The policies will be reviewed periodically to ensure they remain aligned with emerging developments, regulations, community expectations and publishing practices.

https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/ai/ai-guidance-for-our-researchers-and-communities