Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Bard, Claude, and similar software are increasingly being used in academic research and writing. These tools can provide valuable support for authors by improving grammar, spelling, sentence clarity, formatting, and organization of ideas, as well as by summarizing large volumes of text for easier understanding. AJPSci recognizes that, when used responsibly, AI can assist researchers in preparing high-quality manuscripts more efficiently. However, the journal emphasizes that AI is only a supportive tool and can never replace a researcher’s own scientific thinking, analysis, interpretation, or judgment. The responsibility for ensuring the accuracy, originality, and ethical integrity of the manuscript lies entirely with the authors. Acceptable uses of AI in manuscript preparation include language and grammar correction, improving sentence structure, aligning formatting with journal requirements, reorganizing content for clarity, and summarizing information, provided that the authors carefully verify the accuracy of the AI’s output and approve all final text themselves. Prohibited uses include generating fake or fabricated experimental data, creating false results, inventing or fabricating references, generating entire manuscripts without substantial human authorship, using AI to hide plagiarism by rephrasing copied content without proper attribution, or attempting to manipulate the peer review process by producing fake reviewer reports or identities. If AI is used in any part of the research or manuscript preparation, authors must clearly declare this in a separate section titled “Author Declaration on AI Use†within the manuscript, stating the name of the AI tool, its version or provider, the specific purpose for which it was used, and affirming that all content was reviewed, edited, and approved by the authors to ensure accuracy and originality. Even when AI tools are used, authors remain fully responsible for verifying that all references are real and correctly cited, ensuring that all results are genuine and match their actual experiments, and confirming that no misleading or false information is included.
Reviewers and editors of AJPSci are also permitted to use AI tools in limited ways, such as for checking grammar or improving clarity in manuscripts and for summarizing key points to assist in their assessment. However, they are strictly prohibited from uploading unpublished manuscripts or confidential review material into AI platforms that store or process data externally, as this would violate the confidentiality of the peer review process. All review decisions and editorial judgments must be based on the reviewer’s or editor’s own expertise, critical analysis, and professional evaluation not on AI-generated conclusions. The journal considers any AI-generated content containing uncredited copied material to be plagiarism, and all submissions are screened using plagiarism and AI detection software. If AI tools are used to disguise plagiarism, fabricate data, or mislead the editorial process, the manuscript will be immediately rejected; if the paper has already been published, it will be retracted. In serious cases, the authors may be blacklisted from future submissions for a defined period, and their affiliated institutions may be informed of the breach.
AJPSci’s AI policy is built upon and complies with the ethical recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), Elsevier-Scopus guidelines and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME). All use of AI must respect research ethics, maintain academic honesty, protect privacy, and avoid the introduction of false or misleading information into the scientific record. The journal’s stance is that AI should be used to assist(in limited manner) not replace human expertise, and that transparency in its use is essential to maintaining trust in published research. Violations of this policy will result in firm editorial action, including rejection, retraction, and possible reporting to relevant authorities. By following this policy, AJPSci aims to ensure that technological advancements support the integrity and credibility of scholarly publishing while safeguarding the value of human scientific contribution.