Medical and Scientific Translation: Safety and Ethics in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

In a scenario where technology advances rapidly, artificial intelligence (AI) has been transforming the way we communicate, and the medical and scientific translation sector is one of the most impacted by this change.

Automated tools have become more accessible and efficient, capable of processing large volumes of data in seconds. However, when it comes to technical, sensitive content with direct impact on health and science, precision is non-negotiable.And this leads to a fundamental question: to what extent can AI replace the human eye in medical and scientific translation?

The Complexity of Medical and Scientific Translation

Technical translation, especially in the medical and scientific fields, demands terminological rigor, contextualization, and ethical responsibility.Every word carries weight and purpose. A single term change can alter the meaning of a diagnosis, the instructions in a clinical protocol, or the outcome of a research study.

Among the most common materials in this type of translation are:

• Scientific articles and research reports;

• Regulatory documents and technical opinions;

• Medication labels and instructions;

• Medical reports, test results, and patient records;

• Clinical studies, trials, and patents.

  
  

Medical translation requires technical expertise and knowledge of international standards (such as EMA, FDA, and WHO guidelines), in addition to an understanding of cultural and linguistic aspects that influence how health-related data is communicated.

For this reason, the role of the specialized translator is not merely desirable, it is indispensable.

Ethics and Safety: The Role of the Human Translator

In 2025, with the increased use of generative AI in corporate and institutional environments, the discussion surrounding ethics in technical translation has become urgent.

Medical and scientific translation deals with documents that often contain personal information, confidential data, and intellectual property.

For this reason, confidentiality is one of the core pillars of professional practice.

A specialized translator not only masters the language, but also follows security protocols and ethical principles, such as:

• Absolute confidentiality regarding the translated content;

• Secure storage of sensitive data and documents;

• Responsible use of technological tools, avoiding public or non-encrypted platforms;

  
  

In addition, there is a moral component that technology cannot replicate: the human responsibility behind the meaning of words.

In a medical report, a single preposition can change the interpretation of a diagnosis In a scientific article, a mistranslation can distort research results.

Ethics, therefore, is not just a value, it is a guarantee of safety and credibility.

Because when it comes to health and science, translating is not just communicating, it’s protecting lives!