Generative AI policy

1AI cannot be an author

Generative AI systems cannot be listed as authors or co-authors. Authorship requires accountability for the work, which only a person can hold.

2Authors

Authors may use AI-assisted tools for language, readability and organisation. Where such a tool has made a substantive contribution to writing, analysis, content generation or methodology, it must be disclosed in the declarations with the tool, version and purpose.

Authors remain fully responsible for accuracy, originality, citations, arguments, conclusions and ethical compliance.

• Verify every bibliographic reference against the source. Fabricated references are a serious breach.
• Describe AI used as part of the research methodology in enough detail to be reproducible.
• Identify AI-generated or synthetic images and data clearly.
• Never use AI tools to alter research data, images or results deceptively.

3Reviewers and editors

Reviewers and editors must not upload manuscripts, reports or confidential correspondence to generative AI tools. Doing so breaches the confidentiality of material entrusted to them.

Final editorial decisions remain a human responsibility.

4Routine tools

Spelling and grammar checkers are not treated as substantive generative-AI use and need no disclosure.