Policy on the Use of Generative AI in Academic Publishing

1. Introduction

This document establishes expectations regarding the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the preparation, review, and editorial assessment of academic manuscripts. The objective is to preserve academic integrity and ensure all scholarly content meets high ethical standards.


2. What Is Covered

These guidelines apply to all forms of AI capable of generating text, imagery, data visualisations, or analytical suggestions based on user prompts. Examples include—but are not limited to—text generators, code assistants, and automated visualisation platforms.


3. General Principles
- Integrity and Originality
AI must never be employed to fabricate content or substitute genuine scholarly input. Any involvement of such tools must support, not replace, human expertise.
- Responsibility of Authors
The individual submitting the work is entirely accountable for its accuracy, credibility, and compliance with academic norms—regardless of whether any AI tools were used.


4. Permissible Applications

AI tools may be used to:

- Refine grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
- Produce diagrams or figures based on legitimate data, provided sources are cited.
- Assist in planning or outlining, provided final content is independently authored.


5. Unacceptable Practices

AI must not be used to:

- Invent data, references, or analytical findings.
- Rephrase or reproduce existing texts without proper acknowledgement.
- Generate content that is passed off as original scholarly interpretation.


6. Authorship and AI Tools

No AI system qualifies as an author under accepted scholarly conventions. Authorship requires meaningful intellectual contribution and accountability,
which AI cannot fulfil.


7. Use in Peer Review

Reviewers must inform the editorial office if they employ AI tools during their assessment. These technologies may support the review process, but must not
replace critical, independent evaluation.


8. Required Disclosures

Any use of AI tools must be declared clearly within the manuscript or accompanying documentation. Disclosures should include:

- The name(s) of any tools used.
- The precise function they served (e.g., proofreading, data visualisation).

Sample Statement:
"AI assistance was limited to grammar editing using [Tool Name]. All research analysis and content development were conducted independently by the
authors."


9. Editorial Procedure and Enforcement

Editors reserve the right to request clarification or resubmission should AI involvement appear excessive or undeclared. Manuscripts found to have violated these guidelines may face rejection, withdrawal, or formal notification to affiliated parties.