Generative AI (GenAI) tools have greatly facilitated academic research and paper writing, offering significant convenience to authors. However, alongside these technological advantages, it is essential for authors to uphold ethical responsibilities. Ensuring the authenticity, accuracy, and originality of AI‑generated content remains crucial. To mitigate ethical risks and maintain the quality of publications, important guidelines should be taken to transparently disclose the use of such tools and instruct strict academic standards.
AI Cannot Be an Author
Generative AI tools do not qualify for authorship because they cannot take responsibility for the work, understand authorship criteria, or approve the final manuscript. Listing AI as an author is prohibited.
Explicit Disclosure
Authors must clearly disclose any use of generative AI tools anywhere in the manuscript preparation process (writing, analysis, editing, etc.). This is required in the Methods, Acknowledgements, or a dedicated section.
Prohibition of Data Synthesis and Manipulation
Generative AI tools must not be used to synthesize data for the purpose of compensating for missing data, or to alter, manipulate, or falsify original images, charts, or any other research data.
Human Responsibility
Authors retain full responsibility and accountability for the entire content of the manuscript, including any portions generated or assisted by AI. This includes ensuring accuracy, integrity, originality, and adherence to ethical standards.
Verification & Validation
Authors are responsible for rigorously checking, verifying, and correcting all AI‑generated output. AI tools are known to produce errors, biases, hallucinations (fabrications), and plagiarized content. Blind reliance is unacceptable.
Proper Attribution for AI Output
When AI‑generated text, ideas, or images are included (where permitted), they must be clearly cited and attributed, similar to other sources. The prompt, tool name, version, date, and provider should be included.