Policy on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and technologies supporting it

This policy defines the principles and rules for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the preparation, submission, peer review, and editorial processing of scientific works. The aim of the policy is to ensure academic integrity, transparency of research, and author responsibility for the content of publications, and to comply with international publication ethics standards in accordance with the recommendations of: "Authorship and AI Tools" by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE); "The Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Writing" (Elsevier); and "Recommendations on the Use of AI in Scholarly Communication" by the European Association of Science Editors (EASE).

 

The journal's editorial board must periodically review and update this policy taking into account developments in AI technologies, changes in international recommendations on research ethics, and academic publishing practice.

 

Ethical and responsible use of AI and AI-based tools

AI tools – including text generation systems, data analysis, translation, or text editing tools – may only be used as an auxiliary instrument during the preparation of scientific materials. Authors may use AI tools for auxiliary tasks such as grammar and style checking, manuscript structure editing, text translation, or assistance with data processing and analysis. However, the use of such tools does not release authors from responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, and scientific validity of the information submitted. Authors must carefully verify results obtained with the aid of AI, as such tools may generate errors, inaccuracies, or unreliable statements. All scholarly conclusions, interpretations of results, and argumentation must be based on the authors' own analysis.

 

Declaration of AI use

Where AI tools were used during manuscript preparation, authors must notify the journal's editorial board. Information on the use of such tools may be stated in the "Materials and Methods" section or in a separate notification upon submission. Authors must clearly indicate for what specific purpose the AI tool was used – for example, for text translation or auxiliary data analysis. For instance: "…during manuscript preparation the authors used the artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT (OpenAI) exclusively for language editing and stylistic improvement of the text. All scholarly positions, research findings, and conclusions were formulated by the authors and verified by them…".

Regardless of AI use, authors bear full responsibility for the content of the article, the accuracy of citations, the reliability of the data presented, and the compliance of the material with the requirements of academic integrity.

 

Authorship

AI tools may not be listed as authors of scientific articles, as they are incapable of bearing responsibility for research findings, participating in scholarly discussion, or meeting the authorship criteria established by international standards of research ethics. Authorship may only be attributed to natural persons who have made a substantive intellectual contribution to the conduct of the research, the analysis of the results obtained, and the preparation of the manuscript.

 

Rules for the use of AI-generated images

The use of images created with AI tools (including photographs, illustrations, diagrams, charts, infographics, and other visual materials) in publications is prohibited. Such materials are not accepted for consideration or publication, except in specific cases.

AI-generated images may be used in articles whose subject matter is directly related to the study of artificial intelligence or the analysis of its capabilities and applications in the scholarly domain. In such cases, the images must serve a scientific and illustrative function.

Additionally, visual materials created using AI on the basis of verified scientific data may be used, provided that the method of their creation is mandatorily indicated. In such cases, the images must carry a clear label stating that they were generated using artificial intelligence tools.

 

Use of AI tools in the editorial process

During peer review, reviewers must adhere to the principles of confidentiality and are not permitted to upload manuscripts or parts thereof to AI systems without the editorial board's permission. The use of AI tools must not result in disclosure of the manuscript's content to third parties or breach of the confidentiality of materials submitted for review. Where auxiliary digital tools are used, the reviewer is required to ensure the preservation of the confidentiality of the materials provided.

The journal's editorial board may use AI tools for auxiliary technical tasks, such as grammar and style checking. However, final decisions on the acceptance, rejection, or editing of manuscripts are made exclusively by the journal's editors on the basis of peer review results and the manuscript's compliance with the editorial policy.