Nine quick tips for trustworthy machine learning in the biomedical sciences

Luca Oneto and Davide Chicco

PLOS Computational Biology, 2025, vol. 21, issue 10, 1-13

Abstract: As machine learning (ML) becomes increasingly central to biomedical research, the need for trustworthy models is more pressing than ever. In this paper, we present nine concise and actionable tips to help researchers build ML systems that are technically sound but ethically responsible, and contextually appropriate for biomedical applications. These tips address the multifaceted nature of trustworthiness, emphasizing the importance of considering all potential consequences, recognizing the limitations of current methods, taking into account the needs of all involved stakeholders, and following open science practices. We discuss technical, ethical, and domain-specific challenges, offering guidance on how to define trustworthiness and how to mitigate sources of untrustworthiness. By embedding trustworthiness into every stage of the ML pipeline – from research design to deployment – these recommendations aim to support both novice and experienced practitioners in creating ML systems that can be relied upon in biomedical science.

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pcbi00:1013624

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1013624

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