Last Updated: 20-04-2025
AI Use and Content Policy
This policy outlines the acceptable use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the creation, editing, review, and publication of scholarly content submitted to journals published by RES Publishers. It applies to all stakeholders, including authors, editors, peer reviewers, and editorial staff. The policy aims to maintain scientific integrity, transparency, accountability, and ethical publishing standards.
Acceptable Uses of AI Tools
Authors may use AI tools under strict conditions, and only for assistance, not authorship or content generation that replaces critical thinking or original analysis.
Permissible uses include:
• Grammar and language refinement (e.g., using tools like Grammarly)
• Formatting references or citations
• Data visualization assistance (e.g., chart generation)
• Automated statistical validation (with full transparency)
• Enhancing readability without altering content or meaning
All uses of AI must be transparently disclosed in the manuscript. Example Disclosure (to include in the "Acknowledgments" or Methods section): AI-assisted tools (e.g., ChatGPT by OpenAI, Grammarly) were used for language editing and grammar refinement. No AI tool was used to generate or interpret scientific findings.
Prohibited Uses of AI Tools
AI tools must not be used for the following:
• Writing sections of the manuscript involving original intellectual contribution, including Introduction, Discussion, and Conclusion
• Generating falsified or fabricated data
• Creating references or citations without author verification (AI-generated references must be independently validated)
• Making clinical, diagnostic, or therapeutic claims
• Replacing peer review or editorial judgment
• Generating entire manuscripts
Violations may result in desk rejection, retraction, or blacklisting of authors depending on severity.
Authorship and AI Tools
AI tools cannot be credited as authors under ICMJE authorship criteria, as they:
• Cannot take responsibility for the work
• Cannot consent to publication
• Cannot respond to peer review
Any manuscript listing AI as an author will be automatically rejected.
Editor and Reviewer Use of AI
Editors and reviewers are permitted to use AI only to assist administrative or linguistic tasks, not for:
• Making editorial or peer review decisions
• Evaluating the quality or originality of scientific content
• Summarizing manuscripts for recommendation
If AI tools are used to assist in any way, editors and reviewers must disclose this to the Editor-in-Chief or handling editor.
Plagiarism and AI-Generated Content
AI-generated content is subject to the same standards as all other content. The journal uses plagiarism detection tools and AI-content detectors to verify originality. Any AI-generated content submitted without disclosure or used to bypass scholarly authorship standards will be investigated under the journal’s Publication Ethics and Misconduct Policy.
AI Use in Images and Figures
• AI-enhanced or generated images must be disclosed clearly and appropriately labelled.
• Images must not be used to misrepresent data, simulate results, or fabricate figures.
• Generative AI should not be used to create scientific images unless the process is fully disclosed and scientifically justified.
Data Privacy and Security (GDPR Compliance)
If AI tools are used for manuscript preparation, authors must ensure that:
• No personal data of human participants is uploaded into AI systems unless explicit, informed consent is obtained and documented.
• Any data uploaded into AI systems complies with GDPR, HIPAA, or other relevant data protection regulations.
• Publishers, editors, and reviewers do not store or process manuscripts using unauthorized AI services that may pose privacy risks.
Monitoring and Enforcement
RES Publishers will:
• Randomly audit submissions for undisclosed AI use
• Utilize AI-detection tools during peer review
• Refer questionable cases to the Research Integrity Team for further investigation
Sanctions may include:
• Rejection or withdrawal of submissions
• Retraction of published articles
• Reporting to institutional or funder authorities
• Banning from future submission
Policy Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually or upon significant advancements in AI tools or ethical standards. Updates will be published on the RES Publishers website, and stakeholders will be notified accordingly.