1. General Terms

This policy sets out the principles for the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence in the preparation, submission, peer review and editorial processing of scientific manuscripts. The document is aligned with international standards of academic integrity recommended by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), as well as the editorial policies of Elsevier and Springer. The policy aims to ensure transparency, accuracy and trust in scientific results obtained with the use of digital technologies. .

2. Authors’ use of generative AI

Authors may use generative AI tools as an auxiliary tool, for example, for proofreading, stylistic editing, technical translation, refining phrasing, or structuring text. Generative artificial intelligence may also be used for code analysis, calculations and statistical operations, provided that the results are verified by the author. The creation of supplementary illustrative materials is permitted; however, authors bear full responsibility for their accuracy.

At the same time, generative artificial intelligence may not be used to create fictitious data, quotations, literary sources or artificially generated ‘research results’. It is prohibited to use generative models to produce content that is presented as an original scientific contribution without the author’s actual involvement. It is also not permitted to upload confidential, unpublished or protected data to artificial intelligence tools.

3. Disclosure of the use of generative AI

Authors are required to transparently disclose any use of generative artificial intelligence in the process of creating the manuscript. Such a disclosure must be included in the ‘Main Body of the Research’ section, specifying the name of the tool used, its version (if available), and a clear description of the specific stages of text preparation or analysis in which it was applied.

Generative artificial intelligence cannot be listed as a co-author, as it is not capable of taking responsibility for the content of the work. Responsibility for the reliability of data, the accuracy of statements, the correctness of references and compliance with ethical standards lies entirely with the authors.

4. Use of generative AI by reviewers

Reviewers are prohibited from feeding the content of manuscripts into third-party generative AI models, as this contravenes the principle of confidentiality as defined by COPE. Reviews must not be created entirely or substantially by artificial intelligence tools. Only the technical use of such tools to improve the language or structure of the reviewer’s own text is permitted, without revealing the content of the manuscript.

5. Use of generative AI by the editorial team

The editorial team may use generative AI tools for technical and administrative tasks, for example, to improve the linguistic quality of supporting communications or to automate organisational processes. The editorial team does not use such tools to make editorial decisions, alter the content of manuscripts, or process confidential materials without editorial oversight.

6. Authors’ Responsibility

Authors bear full responsibility for all scientific findings, data, statements, citations and interpretations presented in the manuscript, regardless of whether generative artificial intelligence was used. If artificial intelligence tools have caused inaccuracies, errors or breaches, the responsibility for rectifying them or for the consequences remains with the authors. In cases of policy breaches, the editorial board reserves the right to request revisions, reject the manuscript or apply ethical procedures in accordance with COPE recommendations.

7. Policy Updates

The policy may be reviewed and updated in line with developments in generative artificial intelligence technologies, improvements in international standards, and changes in scientific communication practices.