ESR Journals editors’ joint statement on Guidelines for the Use of Large Language Models by Authors, Reviewers, and Editors

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technologies, such as Large Language Models (LLMs), chatbots, or image creators, on biomedical publishing was discussed by the editors of radiology journals at the annual Radiology Editors’ Forum, held on August 11–12, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois. The forum was attended by over 40 individuals, representing 30 biomedical imaging journals from 9 countries. In addition to considering the May 2023 ICMJE update [1], the editors considered relevant statements regarding contributions by AI-assisted technologies from other publication committees, associations, and societies, including the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and the Council of Science Editors (CSE) policies [2‐4]. New NIH guidelines to address the role of generative AI-assisted review of submitted applications were also reviewed [5], as well as policies developed by various medical journals and medical publishers [6‐12]. At the conclusion of the forum, the following policies were endorsed in principle. With this article, the Editors-in-Chief of the ESR Journals adapt these policies to their journals. It is obvious that generative AI tools will continue to quickly evolve and develop new possibilities in our daily lives. The statements and policies will need to be re-evaluated and updated regularly. …