AI Use Policy

This policy governs the use of generative artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) at every stage of the editorial process: manuscript preparation by authors, evaluation by reviewers, and decision-making by editors. It is intended to preserve accountability, originality, and trust in the scholarly record while allowing legitimate, transparent use of AI as a writing and productivity aid.

1.1 Authorship

AI tools, including chatbots and large language models, cannot be listed as an author or co-author of a manuscript. Authorship carries accountability for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of the work, and the ability to give final approval for publication; AI tools cannot hold copyright, cannot be held responsible for misconduct, and cannot provide the affirmations required of authors. The named human authors remain fully responsible for all content in the manuscript, whether or not it was produced with AI assistance.

1.2 Disclosure Requirements

Authors must disclose any use of generative AI tools that materially shaped the manuscript. Disclosure should be made in the Methods section (for AI used in the research itself, such as data analysis or code generation) or in the Acknowledgements (for AI used in manuscript preparation, such as language editing or drafting assistance). The disclosure must specify:

•      Tool name and version: for example, ChatGPT-4, Claude, or another named model or platform.

•      Purpose of use: for example, language editing, literature summarization, drafting of specific sections, code generation, or data visualization.

•      Extent of use: a brief description of which parts of the manuscript involved AI assistance and the degree of human review and editing applied afterward.

1.3 Prohibited Uses

•      AI tools must not be used to fabricate, falsify, or manipulate research data, results, or images.

•      AI-generated text must not be submitted without independent verification; authors are responsible for the accuracy of all facts, citations, and references, including confirming that AI-suggested references actually exist and say what is claimed.

•      AI tools must not be used to generate fictitious data, participants, or study results, or to disguise plagiarism through paraphrasing tools that closely mirror the original source.

•      Undisclosed or inappropriate AI use identified at any stage, including after publication, will be treated as a breach of research integrity and handled under the journal's Research and Publication Ethics policy, up to and including rejection, correction, or retraction.

1.4 Use by Reviewers and Editors

Reviewers and editors must not upload manuscripts, in whole or in part, into generative AI tools, cloud-based writing assistants, or any external platform, as this may breach author confidentiality, violate data protection obligations, and compromise the integrity of the review process, since submitted manuscripts are confidential and unpublished intellectual property. Editors and reviewers may use AI tools only for narrow, non-substantive purposes, such as improving the grammar or clarity of their own written comments, and must never rely on AI to generate the substantive scientific judgement, recommendation, or decision on a manuscript.

1.5 AI-Assisted Peer Review Tools

Where the editorial office uses AI-assisted tools for administrative purposes such as plagiarism screening, reference verification, or initial technical checks, these tools support but do not replace human editorial judgement. Any AI-assisted screening result will be reviewed by a human editor before any action is taken on a manuscript.