Declaration of GenAI

Our policy on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence and AI-assisted technologies in scientific writing and the publication process.

Authors must declare the use of generative AI in scientific writing upon submission of the paper. The following guidance refers only to the writing process, and not to the use of AI tools to analyse and draw insights from data as part of the research process.

 

  1. Authorship and Accountability

AI Cannot Be an Author. AI tools and technologies such as Generative AI (e.g., Large Language Models) are not considered authors as they do not meet the requirements for intellectual contribution, accountability, or responsibility. Therefore, AI tools cannot be listed as authors on any manuscript.

  • Full Responsibility of Authors: Authors are solely responsible for the accuracy, integrity, originality, and ethical soundness of their manuscript — including any content generated, edited, or enhanced using AI. Authors must verify the factual correctness of AI-generated content, including statements, citations, data, or figures.
  • Human Oversight Is Required: AI tools must be used under direct human supervision. Authors must critically review and edit AI-generated material to ensure its alignment with scientific standards and ethical guidelines.
  • No Co-authorship for AI: Authors must not list or cite AI and AI-assisted technologies as an author or co-author on the manuscript, since authorship implies responsibilities and tasks that can only be attributed to and performed by humans.

 

  1. Transparency and Disclosure of AI Use

Mandatory Disclosure: The use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in scientific writing must be declared by adding a statement at the end of the manuscript when the paper is first submitted. The statement will appear in the published work and should be placed in a new section before the references list.

What to Disclose

  • The name(s) of the AI tool(s) used (e.g., ChatGPT, GPT-4, Grammarly, Midjourney).
  • The purpose(s) of using the AI tool(s) (e.g., language refinement, grammar check, data analysis, image generation).
  • The extent of AI involvement, describing how the tool contributed to the manuscript.

Where to Disclose

  • Acknowledgements section — for general writing assistance.
  • Methods section — if AI was used for specific tasks like data analysis or coding.
  • "Declaration of AI Use" section — either before the References section or in a footnote on the title page.

Example Declaration

Section title: Declaration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.

Statement: During the preparation of this work the author(s) used [NAME TOOL / SERVICE] in order to [REASON]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the published article.

Note: The declaration does not apply to the use of basic tools, such as tools used to check grammar, spelling, and references. If you have nothing to disclose, you do not need to add a statement.

 

  1. Permissible AI Uses (with Disclosure)

Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies should only be used in the writing process to improve the readability and language of the manuscript. AI tools may be used in the following ways, provided there is full disclosure:

Language & Grammar Refinement

AI can assist in improving readability, spelling, grammar, and sentence structure of the manuscript.

Drafting Support

AI may assist in generating initial drafts of non-research-critical sections such as Introduction or Discussion.

Brainstorming & Ideas

AI may aid in the conceptualization of ideas or outlining the structure of the manuscript.

Data Analysis & Visualization

AI tools may assist in data processing or generating figures and tables when properly disclosed.

Literature Summarization

AI can summarize existing literature, but authors must ensure accuracy and proper citation of sources.

Translation Assistance

AI may help translate content for clarity, provided the final content is reviewed and verified by the authors.

 

  1. Prohibited Uses of AI

The following uses of AI are strictly prohibited, regardless of disclosure:

  • Generating Fictitious ContentAI must never be used to create false data, fabricated research results, or non-existent references and citations.
  • PlagiarismAI-generated content must be properly attributed if it draws from existing sources or intellectual property.
  • Substituting Human Intellectual ContributionAI cannot perform the core intellectual work of research such as formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, interpreting findings, or drawing original conclusions.
  • Violating ConfidentialityReviewers and editors must not use AI tools to process, summarize, or evaluate confidential manuscript content.
  • Misrepresenting ResearchAI must not be used to intentionally mislead readers about research methods, results, or conclusions.

 

  1. Use of AI by Editors and Reviewers

Confidentiality: To protect the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and the intellectual property of authors, editors and reviewers are not permitted to use generative AI or AI-assisted technologies (including but not limited to ChatGPT or similar services) during the peer-review and manuscript evaluation process.

Prohibited: Submitting manuscript content — in whole or in part — to any external AI system during the review process. This includes using AI to draft review comments, summarize manuscripts, or assist in evaluation decisions.

Note: We are actively evaluating compliant AI tools and may revise this policy in the future as the landscape of responsible AI in publishing evolves.

 

  1. Consequences for Misuse of AI

Violations of this policy may be treated as a breach of publication ethics. Any misuse or non-disclosure of generative AI will be investigated and may result in:

  • Rejection of the submitted manuscript prior to publication.
  • Retraction of the published article from the journal.
  • Banning of the authors from submitting future works to the journal.
  • Notification to the authors' institutions and relevant ethics committees.

Ethical Compliance: This journal adheres to internationally recognized standards of publication ethics and transparency, including principles promoted by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

 

  1. Periodic Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated to reflect advancements in AI technology and evolving ethical guidelines in scholarly publishing. Authors and contributors are encouraged to stay informed about updates to this policy to ensure compliance with the latest standards and best practices in the use of AI in research and academic publishing.

Stay informed: Please read the author policy on the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies available in our GenAI Policies section for the most current guidance.