As AI becomes increasingly embedded in the scholarly publishing ecosystem, it forces us to reexamine a fundamental question: What is editorial judgment, and why does it matter?
From manuscript screening and reviewer selection to research integrity checks and content evaluation, AI tools can support—or even attempt to replicate—many tasks traditionally performed by editors and reviewers. Yet the growing capabilities of these systems raise important questions about where automation ends and human judgment begins. Which decisions can be delegated to AI, and which still require human expertise, contextual understanding, and accountability? Does AI truly reduce editorial burden, or does it simply shift the nature of the work while creating new responsibilities and risks?
In this interactive discussion, panelists will explore how AI is reshaping editorial practice and peer review, where human judgment remains essential, and how publishers can preserve trust in the editorial process in this new era.
