Gen AI Policy

For Authors

AI in Manuscript Preparation

The journal recognizes the potential of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies ("AI Tools"), when used responsibly, to help authors work efficiently. Authors can use AI Tools to support them in synthesizing literature, identifying gaps, and improving language. However, these tools must never be used as a substitute for human critical thinking and expertise. Ultimately, authors are responsible and accountable for the contents of their work. This includes:

• Accuracy: Carefully reviewing and verifying the accuracy and impartiality of all AI-generated output (including checking sources for fabricated references).
• Originality: Editing all material thoroughly to ensure it represents the author’s authentic contribution.
• Transparency: Making the use of AI Tools clear to readers via a disclosure statement upon submission.
• Privacy: Ensuring the manuscript safeguards data privacy and intellectual property by checking the T&Cs of the AI Tool.

Responsible Use & Disclosure

Authors must check the terms of any AI Tool to ensure the confidentiality of their unpublished manuscripts is maintained. Particular care should be taken with personally identifiable data. Authors should disclose the use of AI Tools in a separate AI declaration statement upon submission, documenting the tool's name, purpose, and extent of oversight. Basic checks of grammar and spelling need no declaration.

Authorship

Authors should not list AI Tools as an author or co-author, nor cite AI Tools as an author. Authorship implies responsibilities that can only be attributed to humans, including accountability for work integrity and the ability to approve the final version.

AI in Figures, Images, and Artwork

However, the use of generative AI is permitted in the production of non-data artwork, specifically for graphical abstracts and cover art. Authors must ensure the generated artwork accurately reflects the scientific content without factual errors or copyright infringements. This use must be explicitly disclosed in the AI declaration statement.

For Reviewers

Confidentiality: When invited to review, the manuscript must be treated as a confidential document. Reviewers should not upload a submitted manuscript (or any part of it) or their peer review report into a generative AI tool. Doing so may violate the authors’ confidentiality, proprietary rights, and data privacy rights.

Scientific Integrity: Peer review implies responsibilities that can only be attributed to humans. Generative AI should not be used by reviewers to assist in the scientific review of a paper, as the critical thinking needed is outside the scope of AI, and there is a risk of generating incorrect or biased conclusions. The reviewer is fully responsible for the content of the review report.

For Editors

Confidentiality: A submitted manuscript must be treated as a confidential document. Editors should not upload a submitted manuscript, nor any communication about the manuscript (including notification or decision letters), into an AI tool, even for the purpose of improving language and readability.

Decision Making: Managing the editorial evaluation implies responsibilities attributed only to humans. Generative AI must not be used to assist in the evaluation or decision-making process due to the risk of incorrect or biased conclusions. The editor is exclusively responsible and accountable for the editorial process and the final decision.