Resources, policies, and perspectives to help scientists use AI with confidence
Key requirement(s): AI may be used for simple explanatory schematic images and data-faithful visualizations. Modification of primary research images is forbidden. Graphical abstracts require the use of a dedicated scientific illustration tool. All AI use must be documented in a dedicated AI disclosure statement.
Key requirement(s): AI-generated or enhanced scientific images are not permitted. Exceptions for images directly referenced in articles about AI, reviewed case by case.
Key requirement(s): AI-generated or altered illustrative figures are not permitted; exceptions require discussion with the editor.
Key requirement(s): Cell Press journals follow Elsevier's figure policy. AI may be used for simple explanatory schematic images and data-faithful visualizations. Modification of primary research images is forbidden. Graphical abstracts require the use of a dedicated scientific illustration tool. All AI use must be documented in a dedicated AI disclosure statement.
Key requirement(s): AI permitted for data visualizations and research illustrations (diagrams, flowcharts) with disclosure. AI-edited photographs and AI-generated factual or evidential images are not permitted. Disclose tool, version, and role in the figure caption.
Key requirement(s): AI contributions must be disclosed in the methods or acknowledgments section, including tool name, how it was used, and which parts of the study were affected.
Key requirement(s): Applications or sections substantially developed by AI will not be considered original ideas of the applicant.
Key requirement(s): AI-generated figures, illustrations, and visualizations are not permitted. AI tool use must be disclosed in the Methods section and cover letter.
Key requirement(s): AI-generated figures, illustrations, and visualizations are not permitted across all JAMA Network journals.
Key requirement(s): AI-generated content must be disclosed in the acknowledgments section with the AI system identified and specific sections noted.
In Spring 2026, BioRender surveyed over 1,000 scientists and reviewers on how they use and trust AI in scientific publications. The results show a growing gap between AI adoption and trust. The report breaks down what's driving this shift and what researchers can do to publish with confidence.
Every BioRender icon and template is hand-built by trained medical illustrators and science designers with deep scientific expertise. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the research and peer review process that goes into getting the science right.
Every BioRender icon and template is hand-built by trained medical illustrators and science designers with deep scientific expertise. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the research, peer review, and continuous corrections that go into getting the science right.
Every BioRender icon and template is hand-built by trained medical illustrators and science designers with deep scientific expertise. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the research, peer review, and continuous corrections that go into getting the science right.
Some AI platforms use submitted inputs such as prompts, reference images, and uploaded data to improve their models. For researchers working with unpublished findings or clinical data, this is a real concern. BioRender is SOC 2 certified, so your unpublished research stays private.
Copyright ownership of AI-generated content is unsettled and subject to active litigation. BioRender's AI generates figures from BioRender-owned icons and assets, so the license transfers directly to researchers, removing copyright ambiguity.
Journals are actively reviewing published work for AI-generated imagery. Figures built in BioRender are accepted by top journals including Elsevier, Springer, Nature, and Science, giving researchers a clear, compliant path.
AI-generated content, including figures and images, is restricted or prohibited by most major scientific journals. Always check your journal's editorial policies before submitting.
As of NIH's July 2025 Notice, NIH will not consider applications that are either substantially developed by AI, or contain sections substantially developed by AI, to be original ideas of applicants.