AI Use Policy
JACOBS recognizes that generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools can support research and writing. This policy explains how such tools may be used by authors, reviewers, and editors so that the integrity, confidentiality, and accountability of the scholarly record are preserved. It is informed by the COPE position statement on authorship and AI tools and the ICMJE recommendations.
Scope
The policy covers generative AI tools, such as large language models and chatbots, image and figure generators, and AI-assisted tools for paraphrasing, translation, literature searching, coding, or data analysis.
Core Principles
- AI is not an author. AI tools cannot meet the criteria for authorship because they cannot take responsibility for the work, approve the final version, or be held accountable. AI tools must not be listed as authors or cited as authors.
- Humans are accountable. Authors are fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of all content, including any part produced with AI assistance.
- Use must be disclosed. Any use of generative AI beyond basic spelling and grammar checking must be declared.
- Confidentiality comes first. Manuscripts under review and identifiable research data must never be uploaded to AI services that may store or reuse the content.
Uses by Authors
| Use | Status | Disclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling and grammar checking with standard tools | Permitted | Not required |
| Improving the language and readability of text written by the authors | Permitted | Required in the AI declaration |
| Translating the authors' own text | Permitted | Required in the AI declaration |
| Assistance with literature discovery, provided every source is read and verified by the authors | Permitted | Required in the AI declaration |
| Assistance with code or statistical syntax, provided all output is checked by the authors | Permitted | Required in the Method section |
| AI as part of the research method (for example machine learning, natural language processing, or AI-assisted coding of qualitative data) | Permitted | Full description in the Method section: tool, version, settings, prompts, and validation procedure |
| Generating substantive parts of the manuscript (for example the introduction, discussion, or interpretation of results) without substantial intellectual input from the authors | Not permitted | - |
| Generating, fabricating, or altering data, results, or participant responses | Not permitted | Treated as research misconduct |
| Producing references or citations that have not been verified against the original source | Not permitted | - |
| Creating or modifying images or figures with generative AI, unless this is part of the research design and is described in the Method section | Not permitted | - |
| Uploading identifiable participant data to public AI services | Not permitted | - |
Disclosure Statement
Authors who used generative AI must include a section titled Declaration of Generative AI Use before the reference list, stating the tool, its version, the purpose of its use, and the extent of human review. Example:
If no generative AI was used, state: "The authors did not use generative AI tools in the preparation of this manuscript."
Uses by Reviewers
Manuscripts under review are confidential. Reviewers must not upload a manuscript, or any part of it, to a generative AI tool, and must not use AI to write or evaluate a review report. The critical judgment expressed in a review must be the reviewer's own.
Uses by Editors
Editors are bound by the same confidentiality rules. Editorial decisions are made by people. The journal may use similarity and AI-detection tools as supporting information, but their results are never the sole basis for a decision. Where AI-generated content is suspected, the editor may ask the authors for an explanation, drafts, or version history.
Non-Compliance
Undisclosed or inappropriate use of AI identified before publication may lead to rejection. If identified after publication, it may lead to a correction or retraction. Cases are handled according to the Allegation of Research Misconduct procedure.
This policy will be reviewed regularly as AI technology and international guidance develop.
