Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Scientific Writing and Images
This policy applies only to the writing process and excludes the use of AI for data analysis or research insights. Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies may be used solely to enhance the readability and language of a manuscript, under human oversight. Authors must carefully review and edit AI-generated text, as such tools may produce inaccurate, incomplete, or biased content. Authors bear full responsibility for the manuscript’s content.
Use of these technologies must be disclosed in the manuscript, and a statement will appear in the published article. AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors, nor cited as such, as authorship entails responsibilities that only humans can fulfill, including final approval of the work, ensuring originality, compliance with authorship criteria, and adherence to ethical publishing standards.
Generative AI and AI-assisted tools may not be used to create or modify images, figures, or artwork, except for adjustments in brightness, contrast, or color balance that do not alter underlying information. Detection tools may be applied to identify image manipulation. Exceptions are permitted only when AI use forms part of the research methodology (e.g., biomedical imaging), in which case detailed, reproducible descriptions—including software details—must be provided in the methods section, along with original, unaltered image data when requested. Use of AI in graphical abstracts or other artwork is prohibited.
Disclosure of Generative AI Use
Authors who have used generative AI or AI-assisted tools in the writing process must include a statement titled “Declaration of Generative AI use” at the end of the manuscript, immediately before the references or bibliography. This statement should specify the tool or service used and the purpose of its use, following the recommended format:
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 publication.
The disclosure will also appear in the published version of the work.
