Journal Policy on the Use of AI

Authors may make use of generative AI tools during manuscript preparation; however, these tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors. Authorship is reserved for individuals who meet established authorship criteria and who can take full responsibility for the integrity and accuracy of the published work.

AI tools may support, but never replace, human expertise. They can be used for tasks such as idea generation, language refinement, content organisation, and assistance in navigating or synthesising relevant literature. These technologies can help authors work more efficiently and manage complex information, but they must always operate under human oversight and control. Authors remain fully accountable for critically evaluating all content generated or influenced by AI and for ensuring its accuracy, originality, and validity.

There are clear limits on permitted AI usage. AI tools must not analyse data, interpret findings, draw scientific conclusions, or undertake substantive drafting or editing. Submitting AI-generated abstracts or sections of the main text without thorough human review and revision is not allowed.

To protect confidentiality and intellectual property, peer reviewers and editors must not use generative AI tools to read, summarise, or evaluate submitted manuscripts or any portion of their unpublished content. AI may be used only to improve the clarity or language of review comments, not to conduct the review itself.

Authors are responsible for ensuring that their use of AI tools does not compromise data privacy, confidentiality, or third-party rights. Before uploading any material into an AI system, authors should review the tool’s terms of use and avoid submitting proprietary, sensitive, or legally protected content.

This policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect developments in technology, regulation, and best practice. Authors are expected to consult the latest version of the guidelines before submitting their work.