Declaration of GenAI

Policy on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

This policy sets forth the guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and AI-assisted technologies in the preparation of manuscripts submitted for publication in Goodwood Publishing’s journals. The primary goal is to maintain the integrity of the scientific record, ensure transparency, and uphold accountability in the research and publishing process.

Use of Generative AI by Authorship and Accountability

  • AI Cannot Be an Author: AI tools and technologies such as Generative AI (e.g., Large Language Models) are not considered authors as they do not meet the requirements for intellectual contribution, accountability, or responsibility. Therefore, AI tools cannot be listed as authors on any manuscript.

  • Full Responsibility of Authors: Authors are solely responsible for the accuracy, integrity, originality, and ethical soundness of their manuscript. This includes any content generated, edited, or enhanced using AI. Authors must verify the factual correctness of AI-generated content, including statements, citations, data, or figures.

  • Human Oversight Is Required: AI tools must be used under direct human supervision. Authors must critically review and edit AI-generated material to ensure its alignment with scientific standards and ethical guidelines.

Use of Generative AI by Editors and Reviewers

  • Confidentiality: To protect the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and the intellectual property of authors, editors and reviewers are not permitted to use generative AI or AI-assisted technologies (including but not limited to ChatGPT or similar services) during the peer-review and manuscript evaluation process.

Transparency and Disclosure of AI Use

  • Mandatory Disclosure: Authors must disclose the use of AI or AI-assisted tools in manuscript preparation. This disclosure must be clear, specific, and transparent.

    • What to Disclose:

      • The name(s) of the AI tool(s) used (e.g., ChatGPT, GPT-4, Grammarly, Midjourney).

      • The purpose(s) of using the AI tool(s) (e.g., language refinement, grammar check, data analysis, image generation).

      • The extent of AI involvement, describing how the tool contributed to the manuscript.

    • Where to Disclose:

      • Acknowledgements section (for general writing assistance).

      • Methods section (if AI was used for specific tasks like data analysis or coding).

      • "Declaration of AI Use" section (either before the References section or in a footnote on the title page).

    • Example Disclosure Statement:

      • "Portions of this manuscript were drafted/edited/enhanced using [AI Tool Name, e.g., ChatGPT-4]. The authors used this tool for [specific purpose, e.g., improving grammar and clarity]. All AI-generated content was thoroughly reviewed, edited, and validated by the authors."

Permissible AI Uses (with Disclosure)

AI tools may be used in the following ways, provided there is full disclosure:

  • Language and Grammar Refinement: AI can assist in improving readability, spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.

  • Drafting Support: AI may assist in generating initial drafts of non-research-critical sections (e.g., Introduction or Discussion), which must be thoroughly reviewed and revised by the authors.

  • Brainstorming and Idea Generation: AI may aid in the conceptualization of ideas or outlining the manuscript structure.

  • Data Analysis and Visualization Assistance: AI tools may assist in data processing or generating figures/tables, but the methods and validation steps must be described in the Methods section.

  • Literature Summarization: AI can summarize existing literature, but the authors must ensure the accuracy of the summary and proper citation of original sources.

Prohibited Uses of AI

AI and AI-assisted tools are strictly prohibited for the following purposes:

  • Generating Fictitious Content: AI should never be used to create false data, fabricated research results, or non-existent references/citations.

  • Plagiarism: AI-generated content must be properly attributed if it draws from existing sources or intellectual property. It cannot be used without proper citation.

  • Substituting Human Intellectual Contribution: AI cannot perform the core intellectual work of research such as formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, interpreting findings, or drawing original conclusions.

  • Violating Confidentiality: Reviewers and editors must not use AI tools to process confidential manuscript content (e.g., by uploading manuscripts to publicly available AI models), as this can breach confidentiality and the peer-review process.

  • Misrepresenting Research: AI should not be used to intentionally mislead readers about research methods, results, or conclusions.

Consequences for Misuse of AI

Failure to adhere to this policy regarding the ethical use of AI and AI-assisted technologies will be considered a serious breach of publication ethics. Violations may result in:

  • Rejection of the submitted manuscript.

  • Retraction of the published article.

  • Banning of the authors from submitting future works to the journal.

  • Notification to the authors' institutions and relevant ethics committees.

Ethical Compliance

Goodwood Publishing adheres to internationally recognized standards of publication ethics and transparency, including principles promoted by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Any misuse or non-disclosure of generative AI may be treated as a breach of publication ethics and handled according to the journal’s ethical procedures.

Periodic Review and Updates of the Policy

This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated to reflect advancements in AI technology and evolving ethical guidelines in scholarly publishing. Authors and contributors are encouraged to stay informed about updates to this policy to ensure compliance with the latest standards and best practices in the use of AI in research and academic publishing.