Editing Practice

Investigation and analysis of the current situation and learning willingness of science and technology journal editors on generative artificial intelligence

Yuemin Hong — 2025-07-31

Background: This study aims to investigate the cognitive status and willingness to learn about generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) of science and technology (sci-tech) journal editors, and to propose corresponding training strategies to enhance their core competitiveness and promote the development of sci-tech journals in the artificial intelligence (AI) era. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among editors of Chinese sci-tech journals, focusing on the respondents' understanding and attitudes towards GenAI and its usage boundaries, their willingness to learn GenAI technology, preferences for learning methods, and choices for improving learning outcomes and interest. Results: A total of 238 valid questionnaires were collected. The respondents were primarily female editors aged 31-50 with editorial or associate editor titles. Editors, 98.74% of whom had varying degrees of knowledge about GenAI, and 88.66% of whom believed that GenAI would partially replace their work in the future. Only 10.92% of the editors had a clear understanding of the usage boundaries of GenAI in academic publishing, while 84.87% considered it essential to learn GenAI technology. In terms of learning needs for GenAI technology, the most requested knowledge content was methods, techniques, examples of use and policy regulations, followed by technical theories and historical development processes. The preferred learning formats were on-site centralized training, online expert lectures, watching educational videos, regular training at work units, self-study and practice, and live exchanges with experts. The methods to enhance learning effectiveness and interest, in order of priority, include: establishing a learning communication group for constant updates, applying for relevant research projects, formulating incentive policies by the workplace, forming study groups with colleagues or like-minded peers at work, participating in competitions and awards organized by educational training institutions, and writing academic papers. Conclusion: Sci-tech journal editors have a high level of awareness regarding GenAI but lack knowledge of policy guidelines. They have an urgent need to learn GenAI technology, and it is essential to adopt diversified and practical learning strategies along with personalized learning formats to improve learning efficiency. Encouraging the editorial and publishing societies to lead professional and standardized GenAI training programs, and increasing incentives from relevant organizations and institutions to boost editors' enthusiasm for learning, while emphasizing international training is crucial.

Research on capacity building for high-quality development of Chinese medical journals: A comprehensive study of the journal China Oncology

Ming Ni — 2025-07-31

Background: High-quality development and enhancement of global reputation are important for Chinese biomedical journals. This study analyzed the high-quality development status and strategies of China Oncology since the establishment of the Fifth Editorial Board, aiming to provide a reference for the high-quality development of biomedical journals in China. Methods: This study summarized all strategies adopted from 2020 to 2024 to enhance the competitiveness of China Oncology, including expanding the editorial board members, establishing policies, improving writing quality (following the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research [EQUATOR] Network guidelines), performing the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing, and applying for inclusion in international databases. In addition, GraphPad Prism 10.0 was used for graphical analysis. Results: China Oncology enhanced global influence and contributed to the improvement of cancer prevention and treatment. China Oncology has strengthened various capacity building through multidimensional development and has achieved significant results in all aspects, including expanding the editorial board members and establishing a youth editorial board, strictly controlling the academic quality of journals, promoting journal transparency, carrying out an open-access (OA) publishing model with Creative Commons (CC) license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, expanding inclusion in international databases (indexed by Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals [DOAJ], Excerpta Medica Database [Embase], EBSCO, Japan Science and Technology [JST], and Index Copernicus), and enhancing content quality by following the EQUATOR Network guidelines. Conclusion: By applying for inclusion in renowned international databases, enhancing academic influence and international visibility by expanding the members of the editorial board, strictly following the EQUATOR Network guidelines and Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing, strengthening publishing ethics, focusing on oncology hotspot studies, and improving the scientific and editorial quality of the manuscripts, Chinese medical journals can achieve high-quality development.

Current situation and prevention strategies of paper mills

Tian Zhang — 2025-05-29

In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the retraction of academic papers due to issue of "paper mills". Multiple pieces of evidence indicate that papers produced by paper mills have infiltrated academic papers, posing a huge challenge to academic publishing integrity. This article summarizes the definition and specific manifestations of paper mills, the harm they cause, as well as the preventive and response strategies carried out by stakeholders. In addition, it puts forward suggestions and areas for improvement for the Chinese academic community in preventing paper mill issues. It provides a reference for strengthening the awareness and attention of researchers and journal editors to the problems of paper mills, promoting the implementation of more effective countermeasures, and maintaining research integrity.

Expanding the blueprint: A commentary on strengthening high-quality development of Chinese english-language scientific and technological journals through insights from the journal Light: Science & Applications

Siqiu Guo — 2025-07-31

Omissions in STM Trends 2028: Reflections from China

Xiaogeng Wu — 2025-02-25

Impact of generative artificial intelligence on scientific paper writing and regulatory pathways

Youdong Wang — 2025-07-31

Generative artificial intelligence (AI), a key branch of natural language processing, is transforming scientific paper writing. This paper examines its technical features, applications, benefits, and risks and suggests regulatory measures. Generative AI enhances writing efficiency but poses challenges to academic integrity. Future development requires a balance among technical, institutional, and ethical approaches.