iThenticate
iThenticate is a web-based service that compares research manuscripts, grant proposals, and other scholarly writing against an extensive database of published content to highlight both potential originality concerns and inclusion of AI-generated text. Using iThenticate, the same tool utilized by most scholarly journals and funding agencies to screen submissions, allows Stanford authors to identify and address potentially inappropriate duplication and citation practices prior to external distribution.
Who can use iThenticate?
iThenticate may be used by Stanford faculty members to review research works, such as scholarly manuscripts and funding proposals, of which they are an author or co-author.
iThenticate may NOT be used to review student coursework. Instructors should consult Stanford’s guidance on technology tools for academic integrity for information on the use of products that review student work for originality and may reach out to the Office of Community Standards for further policy information.
Accessing iThenticate
Stanford faculty members can access iThenticate using their SUNet IDs and passwords. Other Stanford community members should email ithenticate@lists.stanford.edu to inquire about access to iThenticate.
How does iThenticate work?
Stanford researchers can submit writing to iThenticate by uploading a file or cutting and pasting text directly into the iThenticate web interface. iThenticate then generates a similarity report highlighting text in the submission that matches text in iThenticate’s database. The iThenticate similarity report identifies content that matches other sources but does not determine whether a submission contains plagiarism. Individual authors should check that their sources have been properly cited and decide whether any similarities detected by iThenticate are appropriate in context and in line with the research practices of their discipline.
Resources that provide more information on using iThenticate and interpreting similarity reports are available on the iThenticate website:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does iThenticate detect AI-generated text?
Yes, Stanford’s iThenticate license includes a feature that identifies text that may have been created by a generative AI tool, such as a chatbot or large language model. This feature detects patterns characteristic of AI but may not always be accurate in characterizing text as generated or paraphrased by an AI tool. iThenticate provides detailed information about the AI detection feature, its limitations, and how authors can best make use of it on their website.
Can I use iThenticate to check student work?
No, iThenticate may be used only for review of scholarly research works of which the submitter is an author or co-author and may not be used to check work submitted by students. Instructors should consult Stanford’s guidance on technology tools for academic integrity for information on the use of products that review student work for originality and may reach out to the Office of Community Standards for further policy information.
Are submitted works kept confidential?
Yes. iThenticate does not add submissions to any databases or otherwise share them. Other iThenticate users cannot access documents submitted to your account for review.
How can I detect integrity or duplication concerns with images?
iThenticate reviews text in scholarly research manuscripts and will not flag potential image integrity issues. Stanford makes Proofig, an online service that flags image duplication errors in research articles, available to Stanford affiliates with SUNet IDs. Information about using Proofig at Stanford, including login instructions, is available from Lane Medical Library.
Where can I get help?
If you have technical questions, need assistance in accessing or using iThenticate, or would like to schedule an iThenticate training session for a department or other faculty group, please contact ithenticate@lists.stanford.edu.
For general questions regarding scholarly publishing and copyright, please contact the Stanford University Libraries Office of Scholarly Communications at scholarlycomms@lists.stanford.edu.