AI in Scholarly Publishing: Finding the Sweet Spot Between Innovation and Integrity

A summary of [“Artificial intelligence in publishing: Navigating the balance between assistance and originality” by Ashutosh Ghildiyal, published in Editing Practice, December 2024.]

In a thought-provoking perspective piece, Ashutosh Ghildiyal, Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Integra, delves into one of academic publishing’s most pressing challenges: the integration of artificial intelligence while preserving the essence of scholarly work.

As AI tools become increasingly sophisticated, the publishing industry faces a crucial balancing act. While these tools offer promising solutions for common challenges like language barriers and structural requirements, their unchecked use could potentially undermine the very foundation of academic literature.

The Heart of Academic Writing: Human Insight

Ghildiyal emphasizes a fundamental truth: genuine scholarly work must stem from researchers’ direct observations and experiences. Words without lived experience lack depth and meaning. While an idea doesn’t need to be entirely unique to be original, it should reflect the writer’s unique perspective – something that AI alone cannot provide.

Where AI Shines (And Where It Shouldn’t)

The article outlines several appropriate applications for AI in scholarly publishing:

• As an editing tool: Particularly valuable for non-native English speakers and those who need help with structure and clarity
• As a thought partner: Useful for brainstorming and dialogue, while ensuring human judgment remains central
• In technical assessment: Helping with plagiarism detection, formatting checks, and reviewer selection

However, Ghildiyal warns against letting AI replace human judgment in critical areas like peer review and editorial decision-making. The core functions that require nuanced understanding, ethical considerations, and contextual awareness must remain firmly in human hands.

A Framework for Thoughtful Implementation

The article suggests a measured approach to AI integration:

• Begin with comprehensive workflow analysis
• Focus first on time-consuming tasks that require minimal creativity
• Maintain robust human oversight
• Establish clear metrics for success
• Roll out gradually, starting with low-risk, high-volume tasks

The Path Forward

The future of scholarly publishing lies not in choosing between human expertise and AI capabilities, but in finding ways to leverage both effectively. Success will come from thoughtful collaboration that preserves the integrity of academic work while embracing innovation’s benefits.

As Ghildiyal notes, “We should use AI to make our work better but not at the expense of our own unique thinking, insights, and work.” The goal isn’t to resist technological progress but to ensure it enhances rather than diminishes the quality and authenticity of scholarly publishing.

This balanced perspective offers valuable insights for publishers, researchers, and academic institutions navigating the AI revolution. It reminds us that while AI can be an invaluable tool, the heart of scholarly work remains fundamentally human.

Take the Next Step

At Integra, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of editorial professionals and recognize their essential role in advancing the scholarly community. Our advanced tools empower them to continue playing a crucial part in advancing human knowledge through research. As a trusted partner, we offer human expert-led, technology-assisted solutions tailored for editorial workflows, research integrity verification, and peer review management.

Contact us to explore how we can help you succeed!

About the Author

Ashutosh Ghildiyal is the Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Integra, a leading global provider of publishing services and technology. With over 18 years of experience in scholarly publishing, he champions innovation through AI-driven solutions while leading strategic growth initiatives. A recognized thought leader in scholarly communication, he works closely with scholarly societies, university presses, and educational publishers worldwide to advance transformative solutions in academic publishing.