Generative AI Policy

Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in scientific writing, figures, images and artwork

Authors should strictly follow the rules for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies for journals (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/generative-ai-policies-for-journals).

Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies should only be used in the writing process to improve the readability and language of the manuscript. The technology must be applied with human oversight and control and authors should carefully review and edit the result. Authors are ultimately responsible and accountable for the contents of the work. Authors must not list or cite AI and AI-assisted technologies as an author or co-author on the manuscript. Authors should disclose in their manuscript the use of AI and AI-assisted technologies and a statement will appear in the published work.

It is not permitted to use of Generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create or alter images in submitted manuscripts. The use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools in the production of artwork such as for graphical abstracts is not permitted. The use of generative AI in the production of cover art may in some cases be allowed, if the author obtains prior permission from the journal editor and publisher, can demonstrate that all necessary rights have been cleared for the use of the relevant material, and ensures that there is correct content attribution.

Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the journal peer review process

The reviewers should strictly follow the Generative AI policies for journals (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/generative-ai-policies-for-journals). The manuscript for review must be treated as a confidential document. Reviewers should not upload a submitted manuscript or any part of it into a generative AI tool as this may violate the authors’ confidentiality and proprietary rights and may breach data privacy rights. Reviewers should not upload their peer review report into an AI tool, even if it is just for the purpose of improving language and readability. The reviewer is responsible and accountable for the content of the review report.

Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the journal editorial process

Editors should strictly comply the Generative AI policies for journals (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/generative-ai-policies-for-journals#3-for-editors).

The submitted manuscript and all communication about it, including any notification or decision letters must be treated as a confidential. Editors should not upload a submitted manuscript or any part of it and their letters into a generative AI tool, even if it is just for the purpose of improving language and readability. Generative AI or AI-assisted technologies should not be used by editors to assist in the evaluation or decision-making process of a manuscript.