AI Use Policy

Guidelines for using AI tools in manuscript preparation

Overview

Pearl Academic Publishing recognizes that AI-based tools are increasingly used in research and writing. This policy provides guidance on the acceptable and transparent use of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) in manuscript preparation.

Core Principle

Authors are fully responsible for all content in their submissions, including any content produced with AI assistance. AI tools cannot be listed as authors.

Permitted Uses

AI tools may be used for:

  • Language editing, grammar checking, and improving clarity
  • Generating initial drafts that are substantially revised by authors
  • Summarizing literature or organizing notes
  • Code assistance in computational research (with disclosure)
  • Translation assistance for non-native English speakers
  • Data visualization support

Prohibited Uses

AI tools must not be used for:

  • Generating core research content without substantial human contribution
  • Fabricating data, results, or citations
  • Misrepresenting AI-generated text as entirely human-written
  • Circumventing plagiarism detection
  • Creating figures or images that misrepresent findings

Disclosure Requirements

Authors must disclose AI use in their manuscripts:

What to Disclose
  • The AI tool(s) used (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot)
  • The version or date of use (if known)
  • The specific purpose (e.g., language editing, code generation)
  • The extent of human review and modification
Where to Disclose

Include an AI Use Statement in the Methods section or Acknowledgments, as appropriate to the type and extent of use.

Example Disclosure Statements

"The authors used ChatGPT (GPT-4, OpenAI, March 2024) for language editing and improving readability. All content was reviewed and verified by the authors."

"GitHub Copilot was used to assist with code development for the data analysis pipeline. All code was reviewed, tested, and validated by the authors."

"No AI tools were used in the preparation of this manuscript."

Author Responsibility

  • Authors must verify all facts, citations, and claims in AI-assisted content
  • Authors are accountable for accuracy, originality, and ethical compliance
  • Failure to disclose significant AI use may be considered misconduct
  • AI-generated content is subject to the same standards as human-written content

For Reviewers

Reviewers should not use AI tools to:

  • Upload confidential manuscript content to external AI services
  • Generate review text without substantial personal evaluation
  • Compromise the confidentiality of the peer review process

Limited use of AI for language assistance in reviews is acceptable with discretion.

Policy Updates

This policy will be reviewed and updated as AI technology and scholarly norms evolve. Authors should check for the latest version before submission.

Related Pages
Quick Summary

Disclose all AI tool use

Authors remain responsible

AI cannot be an author

Verify all AI-generated content

No fabrication or deception

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