PLOS
~14 journals under this publisher
AI Policy at a Glance
Fully allowed with detailed disclosure. Among the most permissive publishers — requires disclosure of tool names, usage method, validation steps, and affected sections. AI cannot be used to fabricate or misrepresent primary research data.
Text
Writing or editing manuscript text with AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot)
Images
Creating or modifying figures, illustrations, or photos using AI
Data
Using AI to assist with data analysis, computational methods, or code
Disclosure required
This publisher requires you to disclose AI use. See the requirements below for where and how.
Detailed Policy Findings
AI TEXT / WRITING
AllowedAI IMAGES / FIGURES
AllowedAI DATA ANALYSIS
AllowedDisclosure Guidance
Most AI policies require disclosure of AI use in your submission.
Requirements
Must include: tool names, how tools were used, how output was validated, and what portions of the manuscript were affected.
Where to Disclose
Methods and/or Acknowledgements
From the Source Policy
Template Language
This is sample language only. Always review the publisher’s specific disclosure requirements before submitting. Requirements vary and may change. BioRender is actively developing an automated disclosure workflow that will provide clarity to publishers on exactly how AI was used, if at all, on its platform and the degree to which it is copyright safe.
AI Text
Required by policyGeneric template — this publisher may have specific formatting requirements. Check the disclosure requirements above.
Methods section
AI-assisted tools (including [specify tool, e.g., ChatGPT]) were used in the preparation of this manuscript for [specify purpose, e.g., language editing/drafting/summarization]. All AI-generated content was reviewed and verified by the authors. The authors take full responsibility for the integrity of the work.
AI Images
Required by policyGeneric template — this publisher may have specific formatting requirements. Check the disclosure requirements above.
Methods section
Figure [N] [or: Figures X–Y] was generated with the assistance of AI tools ([specify tool, e.g., BioRender/DALL-E/Midjourney]). The figure has been reviewed and approved by all authors.
Figure caption
Generated with AI assistance ([tool name]). Reviewed and approved by the authors.
AI Data
Required by policyGeneric template — this publisher may have specific formatting requirements. Check the disclosure requirements above.
Methods section
AI-assisted tools were used for [specify use, e.g., data analysis/statistical processing/code generation]. All AI outputs were independently verified by the research team. Raw data and analysis scripts are available at [repository].
Additional Policy Details
Peer Review Restrictions
Not explicitly addressed.
Exemptions
No specific exemptions — comprehensive disclosure expected.
Enforcement
Enforcement includes potential institutional notification and retraction if undisclosed AI use is discovered. Fabrication or misrepresentation of primary research data using AI is explicitly prohibited.
Source & Verification
Policy last updated
Not published on policy page
Policy checked on
April 1, 2026
PLOS Biology
Biology
PLOS Computational Biology
Computational Biology
PLOS Genetics
Genetics
PLOS Medicine
Medicine
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Tropical Medicine
PLOS ONE
Multidisciplinary Sciences
PLOS Pathogens
Microbiology
Policies are verified periodically but may change without notice. This tool does not constitute legal advice. Always confirm with the original policy page before submitting.
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