Editorial policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

1. General Principles

The journal recognises that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, including generative language models, may serve as auxiliary resources in research, writing, reviewing and scientific publishing processes.

Their use must, however, comply with the principles of academic integrity, transparency, intellectual responsibility and scientific rigour.

The use of AI tools does not exempt authors from meeting the criteria for scientific authorship, nor does it transfer to such tools any responsibility for the published content.

2. Use of AI by Authors

Authors must declare the use of AI tools in the preparation of their manuscripts whenever such tools have made a significant contribution to the production, transformation or analysis of the submitted content.

The declaration must identify:

  • The AI tool(s) used and, whenever possible, the corresponding version(s);

  • The purpose for which they were used;

  • The nature and scope of the tool's contribution to the work.

The use of AI for language editing, grammatical correction or translation must be distinguished from its use in text generation, the development of arguments, data analysis, image creation or the production of research findings.

Authors remain fully responsible for verifying the accuracy, originality and scientific validity of all content produced or transformed with the assistance of AI, including the verification of bibliographical references, citations, data and sources.

AI tools cannot be identified as authors or co-authors of submitted works.

3. Scientific Integrity and Originality

The use of AI tools to produce or manipulate data, results, images or bibliographical references in a misleading manner is not acceptable. Nor is it acceptable to present as original research content whose origin or validity cannot be duly substantiated.

Authors must ensure that the use of such tools does not compromise the originality of their work, the proper acknowledgement of sources, copyright or the principles of scientific integrity.

Deliberate failure to disclose the use of AI, where such disclosure is required under this policy, may constitute grounds for requesting further clarification, rejecting the manuscript or taking other appropriate editorial measures.

4. Use of AI by Peer Reviewers

Reviewers must preserve the confidentiality of manuscripts and all materials made available during the scientific peer-review process.

Manuscripts, whether in whole or in part, must not be uploaded, entered or otherwise disclosed to external AI tools that do not guarantee the confidentiality and protection of submitted content.

The use of AI as an aid to scientific assessment must not replace the reviewer's critical, independent and reasoned judgement, nor compromise the confidentiality of the peer-review process.

Any use of AI in the review process must comply with the editorial board's guidelines and, where applicable, receive prior authorisation.

5. Responsibilities of the Editorial Team

The editorial team undertakes to promote the responsible and transparent use of AI tools, ensuring that they do not replace the scientific and editorial decisions for which the team is responsible.

The use of AI in editorial tasks, including editing, translation or content preparation, must respect manuscript confidentiality, data protection and the integrity of the publication process.

6. Final Provision

Submission of a manuscript to the journal implies that the authors have read and accepted this policy.

The editorial board reserves the right to request further clarification regarding the use of AI tools whenever it considers this necessary to ensure compliance with the principles of scientific integrity and transparency.