American Physical Society releases updated AI policy for APS journals

The policy allows authors and reviewers to use AI tools and establishes boundaries to preserve human oversight and accountability.

The American Physical Society has refreshed its policy on using artificial intelligence tools to prepare and peer review research articles submitted to APS journals. The new policy establishes clear guidelines for appropriate AI use, including when it should be disclosed, where accountability sits, and how to protect the confidentiality of data and peer review materials — upholding the Society’s standards for ethics and research integrity while keeping pace with rapidly evolving AI technology.

Previously, the Society allowed authors and reviewers to use AI tools in a limited capacity to polish, condense, and lightly edit manuscripts and reviewer reports with full disclosure. The new policy allows more substantive AI use in manuscript and report preparation — including tasks like literature synthesis, data analysis, scientific reasoning, figure generation, translation, and more — with disclosure. Disclosures must include the tool’s name and version, how it assisted, how it was directed, how its output was verified, and any additional information needed to support full transparency and keep human judgment at the center of peer review. To protect confidentiality, the policy prohibits authors and reviewers from sharing peer review materials with unrestricted AI tools. It also provides guidance for navigating disclosures and complying with APS journals’ editorial policies and practices.

To remain adaptable to AI’s rapid evolution, the Society will reassess and update these guidelines as the technology develops. It encourages authors and reviewers to contact the APS help desk with questions about the new policy.