Generative AI policies

Introduction
The development of artificial intelligence has profound implications for research and publishing practices. Our journal is committed to ensuring that the use of AI in research adheres to the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and integrity. This policy sets out our expectations and requirements regarding the use of AI in submissions to our journal.

Scope
This policy applies to all manuscripts submitted to our journal that involve the use of AI in any aspect of the research process, including but not limited to: data analysis, writing assistance, experimental design, and interpretation of results.

Transparency and Disclosure

  • Disclosure of AI use: Authors must clearly indicate any use of AI in their research and/or in the preparation of their manuscripts. This includes specifying the AI tools, algorithms, or software employed and the role they played in the research process.

  • AI-generated content: Authors must transparently identify any parts of the manuscript that were generated by AI or substantially influenced by it. Authors must ensure that AI use does not undermine the originality of the research or its intellectual contribution.

Ethical Considerations

  • Bias and fairness: Authors should take steps to identify and mitigate potential biases in AI algorithms and ensure that their use does not perpetuate or exacerbate existing biases.

  • Data privacy: AI use must comply with all relevant data-protection regulations and ethical standards. Authors must ensure that AI systems are used in ways that safeguard individuals’ privacy and confidentiality.

  • Scientific judgment: AI should complement—not replace—human judgment. Authors retain full responsibility and accountability for the content and integrity of their research.

Accuracy and Reliability

  • Validation and accuracy: Authors must verify the correctness of outputs produced by AI systems used in their research. This includes conducting robustness checks and ensuring that AI-derived results are reproducible.

  • Documentation: Comprehensive documentation of AI methods— including source code, training data, and parameter settings—should be provided to enable replication and verification of the research.

Intellectual Property and Authorship Rights

  • Authorship criteria: AI may not be listed as an author on any manuscript. Authorship must be based on human intellectual contributions to the research. Use of AI tools does not qualify for authorship.

  • Attribution: Proper attribution must be given to the developers and sources of AI tools and datasets used in the research. Authors should cite relevant references and acknowledge contributions appropriately.

Misuse of AI

  • Plagiarism detection: The journal uses AI tools to detect plagiarism and ensure the originality of submitted articles. Authors found to have used AI to produce content without proper attribution will face appropriate actions, including manuscript rejection.

  • Fabrication and falsification: The use of AI to fabricate or falsify data, results, or any part of the research is strictly prohibited and will lead to severe consequences, including retraction of published articles and bans on future submissions.

Review and Monitoring

  • Peer review: Manuscripts that employ AI will undergo rigorous peer review, including assessment by AI-knowledgeable experts, to ensure compliance with ethical standards and methodological rigor.

  • Policy updates: The journal will periodically review and update this AI policy to reflect advances in AI technology and evolving ethical considerations.