生成AIに関するジャーナル向けポリシー
このページは「Generative AI policies for journals」の日本語訳版です。
これらのポリシーは、研究者による利用が今後ますます増えると見込まれる生成AI*およびAI支援技術の台頭をきっかけに策定され、その後、変化する適切な実践を反映するよう更新されています。本ポリシーは、著者、査読者、編集者、読者、寄稿者に対し、より高い透明性と明確なガイダンスを提供することを目的としています。Elsevierはこの分野の動向を継続的に注視し、必要に応じてポリシーの調整または改定を行います。
著者向け
原稿作成における生成AIおよびAI支援技術の利用—概要
Elsevierは、生成AIおよびAI支援技術（「AI Tools」）が責任ある形で使用される場合、研究者が効率的に作業し、重要な洞察を迅速に得て、より良い成果につなげるうえで有用になり得ると考えています。AIエージェントやディープリサーチツールを含むこれらのツールは、複雑な文献の統合、分野や研究課題の概観の提示、研究ギャップの特定、アイデア創出、コンテンツの構成や言語・可読性の改善といった作業に対する個別支援などに、ますます活用されつつあります。Elsevierが出版しているジャーナルに投稿する原稿を準備する著者は、支援のためにAI Toolsを使用できます。ただし、これらのツールは、人間の批判的思考、専門知識、評価の代替として決して用いてはなりません。AI Toolsは常に、人間による管理のもとで適用される必要があります。最終的に、著者は自身の成果物の内容について責任と説明責任を負います。これには、以下に関する責任が含まれます:
AI生成アウトプットの正確性、網羅性、公平性を慎重に確認・検証すること（AIが生成した参考文献は誤りや捏造である可能性があるため、出典の確認を含む）。
原稿が著者自身による独自の貢献を示し、著者自身の分析・解釈・洞察・考えを反映した内容となるようにすること。
AIに基づくか否かを問わず、使用したツールや情報源が読者に対して明確かつ透明になるようにすること—AI Toolsの使用については、投稿時に開示声明が必要です。
使用したAI Toolの利用規約を確認し、データプライバシー、知的財産、その他の権利を保護する形で原稿を作成すること。
AI Toolsの責任ある利用
著者は、使用するAI Toolの利用規約を確認し、未公表原稿を含むデータおよび入力内容のプライバシーと機密性が維持されることを確保しなければなりません。特に、個人を特定できる情報には十分な注意が必要です。既存の著作権保護画像を複製または参照する画像、実在の人物、または他者の識別可能な製品・ブランドに該当する画像を生成してはならず、個人の声の類似も生成してはなりません。著者は、事実誤りおよび潜在的な偏りについても確認する必要があります。
著者はまた、使用を予定するAI Toolの利用規約を確認し、AI Toolに付与する権利が、サービス提供のために著者の素材を利用する権利に限定され、入力した素材に関してそれ以外の権利（例として、当該素材でAI Toolを学習させる権利を含むがこれに限られない）を付与しないことを確保すべきです。さらに、AI Toolがアウトプットの利用に制約を課し、当該論文のその後の出版を制限し得るような条件を課していないことも確認しなければなりません。
開示
著者は、原稿作成におけるAI Toolsの使用を、投稿時に原稿内の独立したAI申告声明として開示し、掲載論文にも当該声明が表示されます。著者は、使用したAI Toolの名称、使用目的、管理の程度を含め、AIの使用状況を記録する必要があります。AI Toolsの使用を開示することは、著者、読者、査読者、編集者、寄稿者の間の透明性と信頼を支え、関連するAI Toolの利用規約への準拠を促進します。文法、スペル、句読点の基本的なチェックについては、開示は不要です。研究プロセスにおけるAIの使用については、方法（Methods）セクションにおいて詳細に開示・記載する必要があります。
オーサーシップ
著者は、AI Toolsを著者または共著者として記載したり、AI Toolsを著者として引用したりしてはなりません。オーサーシップには、人間のみが担うことのできる責任と役割が伴います。各（共）著者は、成果物のいかなる部分の正確性または完全性に関する疑問についても、適切に調査・解決されることを保証する責任を負い、オーサーシップには、最終版の承認および投稿への同意が求められます。著者はまた、成果物が独創的であり過去に公表されていないこと、記載された著者がオーサーシップの要件を満たしていること、第三者の権利を侵害していないことを確保する責任を負っており、投稿前にElsevierの出版倫理（Ethics in Publishing）ポリシーを確認する必要があります。
図表、画像、アートワークにおける生成AIおよびAI支援ツールの使用
Elsevierは、投稿原稿において、生成AIまたはAI支援ツールを用いて画像を作成または改変することを認めていません。これには、画像または図中の特定の特徴を強調する、隠す、移動する、削除する、または新たに追加することが含まれ得ます。明るさ、コントラスト、色調バランスの調整は、元の情報を隠したり除去したりしない限り、許容されます。画像の不正行為や異常を検出するために、画像鑑識ツールやたは専門ソフトウェアを投稿原稿に適用する場合があります。
唯一の例外は、AIまたはAI支援ツールの使用が研究設計または研究方法（例えば、生物医学画像の分野における基礎研究データの生成または解釈を行うAI支援画像化アプローチなど）の一部である場合です。この場合、その使用は方法（Methods）セクションにおいて再現可能な形で記載しなければなりません。具体的には、画像の作成または改変プロセスでAIまたはAI支援ツールをどのように使用したかの説明、ならびにモデルまたはツールの名称、バージョンおよび拡張番号、製造元を含める必要があります。著者は、当該AIソフトウェアの個別の利用ポリシーを遵守し、適切なコンテンツ帰属を確保しなければなりません。該当する場合、編集上の評価のため、AI調整前の画像および／または最終版作成に用いた合成前の生データ画像の提出を求めることがあります。
グラフィカルアブストラクトなどのアートワークの制作に生成AIまたはAI支援ツールを使用することは認められません。カバーアートの制作に生成AIを使用することは、場合によっては認められることがありますが、著者が事前にジャーナル編集者および出版社の許可を得ていること、関連素材の使用に必要なすべての権利がクリアされていることを示せること、そして適切なコンテンツ帰属を確保することが条件となります。
The use of generative AI and AI-assisted tools in figures, images and artwork
The use of AI tools for the creation of figures, images and artwork is only permitted in specific circumstances.
Images generally fall into three categories, and the permitted use of AI tools differs for each of these categories, as described below.
(1) Explanatory images
Explanatory images illustrate concepts, processes or relationships (such as flow charts, decision trees, timelines or schematic conceptual illustrations).
Authors may use AI tools to support the creation of certain types of explanatory images for publication, such as flow charts, decision trees, timelines, schematic conceptual illustrations, or experimental workflow diagrams.
Where AI tools are used for this purpose, the principles of responsible use, human oversight, transparency, disclosure and authorship, as described in the section on “Authorship” apply.
The use of AI tools should be disclosed in the caption of each image (including the specific tool, version, and how the tool was used) and in the general AI disclosure statement in the article.
(2) Research and data images
Research and data images present research data or results. These include (a) data visualizations, which are generated from underlying datasets through analytical, computational, or statistical workflows (such as plots, charts, graphs, or heatmaps) and (b) primary research images, which represent primary observed or experimental data (such as microscopy, histology, western blots, radiology scans, or patient images).
2a) Data visualizations
Data visualizations present results derived from underlying datasets through analytical, computational, or statistical workflows (such as plots, charts, graphs, or heatmaps).
AI tools must not be used to fabricate results, invent or alter underlying data, or generate figures that are not faithfully derived from the underlying data and methods used in the research.
AI tools may be used to support the creation of data visualizations only when the visual output is directly derived from underlying data. Such visualizations must be created via reproducible analytical, computational, or statistical methods that are clearly reported within the Methods section. Where AI tools are used in the generation of data visualizations, authors should disclose the name of the model or tool, the version used, and the developer or manufacturer, in the Methods section. Authors should adhere to the AI tools’ usage policies and ensure proper attribution where required. Authors may be asked to provide documentation of their AI use and the original, unprocessed images for editorial assessment.
2b) Primary research images
Primary research images represent primary observed or experimental data (such as microscopy, histology, western blots, radiology scans, or patient images).
AI tools must not be used to create or alter images that represent primary observed or experimental data that were not directly obtained in the research. This includes adjustments to brightness, contrast, or color balance, which should only be done using established image processing software. Please refer to our artwork instructions for more information.
Use of AI tools in research methods
This policy does not prevent the use of AI tools in formal research design or research methods (such as in AI-assisted imaging approaches used for collection and/or interpretation of the underlying research data or predictive modelling of clinical outcomes based on patient data). Where the use of AI tools forms part of the research design or research methods, the use of the tools must be described in a reproducible manner in the Methods section. This should include the name of the model or tool, the version used, and the developer or manufacturer, where applicable. Authors should adhere to the tools’ usage policies and ensure proper attribution where required.
(3) Graphical abstracts and cover art
Graphical abstracts and cover art are created to visually summarize or represent the article rather than form part of the scientific content of the manuscript.
General-purpose generative AI image tools must not be used to create graphical abstracts. Graphical abstracts are often complex visual summaries that combine multiple graphical elements, icons, and design components.
Authors are encouraged to use dedicated scientific illustration tools when preparing graphical abstracts. Dedicated illustration tools offer well-defined licensing terms which support responsible use of copyrighted and intellectual property.
The use of AI tools in the creation of journal cover art may in some cases be permitted. Authors must obtain prior permission from the journal editor and publisher before submitting AI-generated cover art. Authors must also demonstrate that all necessary permissions have been obtained for any third-party material used and ensure that appropriate content attribution is provided.
Author responsibilities
Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and originality of all images submitted for publication. This includes verifying that the concepts presented are accurate and that all images reflect the author’s own work and ideas. Where images are based on existing artwork or graphics, appropriate attribution must be provided and permission from any relevant rights holder must be obtained before submission. Images that duplicate or refer to existing copyrighted images, real people, or others’ identifiable products or brands must not be generated, nor any likeness of an individual’s voice.
For further information please refer to the section on “Responsible use of AI tools” above.
査読者向け
ジャーナルの査読プロセスにおける生成AIおよびAI支援技術の使用
研究者が別の研究者の論文の査読を依頼された場合、原稿は機密文書として扱わなければなりません。査読者は、投稿原稿またはその一部を生成AIツールにアップロードしてはなりません。これは、著者の機密性および専有権を侵害する可能性があり、また論文に個人を特定できる情報が含まれる場合は、データプライバシー権を侵害するおそれがあります。
この機密保持要件は、査読報告書にも適用されます。査読報告書には、原稿および／または著者に関する機密情報が含まれる場合があるためです。この理由から、言語や可読性を改善する目的に限る場合であっても、査読者は査読報告書をAIツールにアップロードしてはなりません。
査読は科学エコシステムの中核であり、Elsevierはこのプロセスにおいて最高水準の公正性を遵守しています。科学原稿の査読には、人間にのみ帰属し得る責任が伴います。生成AIまたはAI支援技術は、査読に必要な批判的思考および独自の評価が本技術の範囲外であり、原稿について誤り、不完全、または偏った結論を生成するリスクがあるため、査読者が科学的な査読を行う支援として使用すべきではありません。査読者は、査読報告書の内容について責任と説明責任を負います。
ElsevierのAI著者ポリシーでは、著者は投稿前の原稿作成プロセスにおいて、適切な監督と開示のもとで、生成AIおよびAI支援技術を使用することが認められています（ElsevierのGuide for Authorsopens in new tab/windowの指示に従う必要があります）。査読者は、そのような開示を、参考文献一覧の前の独立したセクションとして論文末尾にて確認できます。
なお、Elsevierは、スクリーニングプロセスにおいて完全性および盗用チェックを実施し、適切な査読者を特定するために使用されるものなど、RELX Responsible AI Principlesopens in new tab/windowに準拠した、識別情報が保護されたAI支援技術を保有しています。これらの社内技術またはライセンス技術は、著者の機密性を尊重します。当社のプログラムは、偏りに関する厳格な評価を受けており、データプライバシーおよびデータセキュリティ要件に準拠しています。
Elsevierは、編集プロセスにおいて査読者および編集者を支援する新たなAI駆動技術を受け入れており、著者、査読者、編集者の機密性およびデータプライバシー権を尊重する社内技術またはライセンス技術の開発・採用を継続しています。
What is a private AI tool?
When we refer to a "private" AI tool, we mean a version of an AI tool that does not retain, re-use, share, or learn from the content you submit to it. This means that when you paste or upload any content into the tool, that content should not be retained beyond what is necessary to provide the service, and must not be used to train or improve the AI model or shared with any third party.
Before using any AI tool, you should verify the following:
Read the privacy policy and terms of service. Look specifically for statements about data retention and model training. A private tool will clearly state that user inputs are not retained beyond what is necessary to provide the service and are not used for training. In addition, users should ensure that the tool they use provides the necessary rights for publication.
Prefer paid or enterprise versions over free tools. Many AI tools that are free to use are not private by default. We recommend checking whether your institution offers an enterprise version of a tool or a locally hosted model. Enterprise versions or locally hosted models are more likely to include privacy protection, although this is not guaranteed and should still be verified.
編集者向け
ジャーナルの編集プロセスにおける生成AIおよびAI支援技術の使用
投稿原稿は機密文書として扱わなければなりません。編集者は、投稿原稿またはその一部を生成AIツールにアップロードしてはなりません。これは、著者の機密性および専有権を侵害する可能性があり、また論文に個人を特定できる情報が含まれる場合は、データプライバシー権を侵害するおそれがあります。
この機密保持要件は、原稿に関するすべてのコミュニケーション（通知書または決定レターを含む）にも適用されます。これらには、原稿および／または著者に関する機密情報が含まれる場合があるためです。この理由から、言語や可読性を改善する目的に限る場合であっても、編集者は自らのレターをAIツールにアップロードしてはなりません。
査読は科学エコシステムの中核であり、Elsevierはこのプロセスにおいて最高水準の公正性を遵守しています。科学原稿の編集上の評価を管理することには、人間にのみ帰属し得る責任が伴います。生成AIまたはAI支援技術は、評価や意思決定に必要な批判的思考および独自の評価が本技術の範囲外であり、原稿について誤り、不完全、または偏った結論を生成するリスクがあるため、編集者が評価または意思決定を支援する目的で使用すべきではありません。編集者は、編集プロセス、最終決定、および著者への連絡について責任と説明責任を負います。
ElsevierのAI著者ポリシーでは、著者は投稿前の原稿作成プロセスにおいて、適切な監督と開示のもとで、生成AIおよびAI支援技術を使用することが認められています（ElsevierのGuide for Authorsopens in new tab/windowの指示に従う必要があります）。編集者は、そのような開示を、参考文献一覧の前の独立したセクションとして論文末尾にて確認できます。編集者が、著者または査読者が当社のAIポリシーに違反した疑いがあると考える場合、出版社に連絡してください。
なお、Elsevierは、スクリーニングプロセスにおいて完全性および盗用チェックを実施し、適切な査読者を特定するために使用されるものなど、RELX Responsible AI Principlesopens in new tab/windowに準拠した、識別情報が保護されたAI支援技術を保有しています。これらの社内技術またはライセンス技術は、著者の機密性を尊重します。当社のプログラムは、偏りに関する厳格な評価を受けており、データプライバシーおよびデータセキュリティ要件に準拠しています。
Elsevierは、編集プロセスにおいて査読者および編集者を支援する新たなAI駆動技術を受け入れており、著者、査読者、編集者の機密性およびデータプライバシー権を尊重する社内技術またはライセンス技術の開発・採用を継続しています。
出版プロセス
出版プロセスにおけるElsevierのAIおよびAI支援技術の使用
ジャーナルの著者、査読者、編集者の体験を向上させるという継続的な取り組みの一環として、Elsevierは出版プロセスを改善するための革新的な方法を継続的に検討しています。当社の目標は、最新の技術を活用し、当社の専門家が出版物の最高品質を維持し、当社が刊行するコンテンツへの信頼を守ることを支援することです。
出版プロセスにおけるElsevierのAI活用の現状
当社の著者は、Journal Finderopens in new tab/windowなどのツールの支援を受け、研究内容に適したジャーナルを特定できます。また、希望するジャーナルで採択されなかった場合には、Article Transfer Serviceが、専門家の推薦またはマッチングアルゴリズムを用いて、代替の出版オプションを提案することがあります。
当社のチームは、次の目的でAIツールを活用しています:
投稿論文の技術的チェック（投稿要件への適合確認や、完全性の評価など）を行うこと。
当社のポリシーへの準拠を確保するため、研究インテグリティ（研究公正）チェックを実施すること。
採択後の出版段階を支援すること（校正準備、コピーエディット、最終稿における不整合や不正確さの特定など）。
当社は、人間による管理が意思決定の中核であり続けることを確保することにコミットしています。当社のAIツールは、専門家が十分な情報に基づいて判断できるよう支える有用な支援メカニズムとして機能します。
*なお、AIの利用範囲はジャーナルによって異なります。ご不明点がある場合は、該当ジャーナルに直接お問い合わせください。
Frequently asked questions
Authors
FAQ for authors about our generative AI policiesNo, this policy refers to generative AI and AI-assisted technologies when they are used to create content for publication. This policy does not prevent the use of AI tools in formal research design or research methods, including but not limited to study design, code development and data analysis. We recognize that the use of such technology is common in many fields. Where AI tools are used in this context, they should be described as part of the methodology of the work, with details provided in the Methods section.
Authorship implies responsibilities and tasks that can only be attributed to and performed by humans. Each (co-) author is accountable for ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately answered and authorship requires the ability to approve the final version of the work and agree to its submission. Authors are also responsible for ensuring that the work is original, that the stated authors qualify for authorship, and the work does not infringe third party rights.
If authors write or edit code using AI tools as part of their research, they should declare this in detail in the Methods section and follow field-specific standards and guidance. The same standards for the validity and reproducibility of code apply whether the code was produced with AI assistance or not.
If authors only use AI tools to improve the presentation of their code in a manuscript, for example, for formatting, this should still be done with human control and oversight and should be reported in the AI declaration.
No, this policy does not relate to tools such as spelling or grammar checkers which may be integrated in text processing software. These tools can be used by authors without disclosure. This policy is specific to generative AI and AI-assisted tools which can generate output that may be used as content for publication.
Yes, authors can use AI tools to help organize literature and suggest sources. However, authors should carefully review and verify the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and impartiality of all AI-generated output. Authors should always check sources, as AI-generated references and citations can be incorrect, hallucinated, or fabricated. Inclusion of fabricated references may lead to rejection of a manuscript.
Authors should also note that many traditional reference managers (such as Mendeleyopens in new tab/window, EndNote, and others) now offer generative AI options. If these tools are used without a generative AI option to organize references, this process does not require disclosure. If these or any other AI tool are used to select, collate, generate or edit references, this should be declared in the manuscript.
AI tools can be used in a limited, supportive way during manuscript preparation, provided that authors maintain full oversight and responsibility for the content. Authors must carefully review and verify all AI-generated output and ensure that the final manuscript reflects their own analysis, interpretation, and scientific judgement.
Examples of appropriate use may include:
Summarizing research literature in preparation for manuscript writing.
Assisting in organizing or structuring the content of a manuscript.
Improving language, clarity, and readability of text written by the authors.
Checking your manuscript for completeness and against specific guidelines before submission.
Assisting in the creation of certain types of images.
Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and originality of all content submitted for publication and the disclosure of the use of AI tools.
Examples of inappropriate use may include:
Generating sections of a manuscript without genuine intellectual contribution from the author.
Fabricating or altering research data, results, or references.
Using AI tools to generate or alter images that represent research results, such as microscopy images, western blots, or patient images.
As with documenting the research process, documenting the use of AI during manuscript preparation supports transparency and reproducibility. Authors should keep a separate record of which tool and model was used, and how AI tools were used. This may include retaining logs provided by the tool, saving prompts and generated outputs, and keeping evidence of how the content was reviewed and edited, for example through tracked changes or annotated drafts.
In the manuscript itself, authors must include a declaration describing their use of AI tools during manuscript preparation. Please refer to the question on declaration of use for more information. If requested by editors, authors should be able to provide documentation of their use of AI tools. As practices in this area continue to develop, standards for documenting AI use may evolve over time.
If you use AI tools to translate text that you have written, you must carefully review the translation for accuracy, completeness and potential bias. The output should be checked by a person who has a good understanding of both languages and the scientific content. As with any AI use, you should ensure that confidentiality, privacy and intellectual property rights are protected and review the tool’s terms and conditions before uploading your content. You remain fully accountable for the translated text, and you should disclose the use of AI tools for translations included in your manuscript.
Although AI tools may support your writing process, they must not replace your own scientific judgement, analysis, interpretation or intellectual contribution.
Any AI-generated output must be carefully reviewed and edited before being included in your manuscript. Authors are responsible for verifying factual accuracy, checking references independently, and ensuring that the manuscript reflects their own authentic contribution. Authors remain fully accountable for the final manuscript.
AI tools can generate incorrect, incomplete or biased information, including fabricated or inaccurate references. They can also produce text that appears authoritative but does not reflect your own scientific reasoning.
If you use AI assistance in accordance with our author policy, you must carefully review and edit all generated content. This includes independently verifying factual statements, confirming that cited sources are accurate and correctly represented, and checking for omissions or unintended bias. You should ensure that the final manuscript reflects your own analysis, interpretation and conclusions.
AI tools may support drafting or improving clarity, but they must not replace your intellectual contribution. Authorship requires accountability for the accuracy and integrity of the work and approval of the final version. You remain fully responsible for everything that appears in the published article, regardless of how it was produced.
If you use generative AI tools in preparing your manuscript in line with our author policy, you must include a separate declaration section at the end of your manuscript, immediately before the references, titled for instance:
“Declaration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the manuscript preparation process.”
Your statement should include the name of the tool used, the purpose of its use and should confirm that you reviewed the output and take full responsibility for the content.
Suggested format:
During the preparation of this work the author(s) used [NAME OF TOOL/SERVICE] in order to [REASON]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication.
This declaration will appear in the published article.
Please note: Basic tools that check spelling, grammar, or punctuation, as well as the use of basic reference manager functions do not require disclosure. In addition, authors are not required to disclose the use of AI tools or features within specialist disability-related assistive technology, provided these are used solely for accessibility purposes.
Images and artwork
FAQ about our generative AI policies for images and artworkGenerative AI tools may be used to create explanatory images that illustrate concepts, processes, or relationships. Authors must verify the accuracy of these images, ensure they reflect the authors’ own ideas and interpretation, and disclose the use of AI in the figure caption and the manuscript’s AI disclosure statement.
Generative AI tools may also be used to create data visualizations, such as plots, charts, graphs, or heatmaps, where the output is directly derived from underlying data using reproducible analytical, computational, or statistical methods. Where AI tools are used as part of the research design or methods, including data analysis or the generation of data visualizations, this use must be described in a reproducible manner in the Methods section.
AI tools must not be used to fabricate results, invent or alter underlying data, or create figures that are not faithfully derived from the underlying data and methods used in the research. AI tools must not be used to create or alter primary research images that represent primary observed or experimental data, such as microscopy images, histology images, western blots, radiology scans, or patient images.
The table below summarizes which types of images may or may not be created using generative AI tools, and where to disclose their use.
Type of image | Use of generative AI permitted? | Where to disclose? |
Explanatory images in the article (flow charts, conceptual diagrams, schematic illustrations, decision trees, timelines, experimental workflows, etc.) | ✔ Permitted | In image caption and general AI disclosure statement |
Data visualizations (e.g. plots, charts, graphs, heatmaps) | ✔ Permitted only if directly derived from underlying data using reproducible methods | In Methods section |
Primary research images (microscopy images, histology images, western blots, gels, radiology scans, patient images, etc.) | ✖ Not permitted | |
Images or figures generated using AI tools as part of the research methods (e.g. AI-assisted imaging approaches to generate or interpret the underlying research data, or predictive modelling of clinical outcomes based on patient data)) | ✔ Permitted | In Methods section |
Graphical abstracts | ⚠ Only use dedicated scientific illustration tools | Mention the tool used in the image caption |
Journal cover art | ⚠ Permitted only with prior permission from the journal editor and publisher |
Authors should use dedicated scientific illustration tools (such as BioRender or Mind the Graph) or other professional illustration tools when preparing graphical abstracts. General-purpose generative AI tools must not be used to create graphical abstracts.
Scientific illustration platforms provide curated icons and graphical elements with clear licensing terms, which can help authors create graphical abstracts that are suitable for academic publication.
Authors should ensure that the tool they use provides the necessary rights for publication and are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and originality of their images. In some cases, free versions of illustration tools are intended for educational or internal use only and may not permit publication in academic journals. Authors may wish to check whether their institution provides access to a licensed or institutional version of such tools.
If you use generative AI tools in preparing your manuscript in line with our author policy, you must include a separate declaration section at the end of your manuscript, immediately before the references, titled for instance:
“Declaration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the manuscript preparation process.”
Your statement should include the name of the tool used, the purpose of its use and should confirm that you reviewed the output and take full responsibility for the content.
Suggested format:
During the preparation of this work the author(s) used [NAME OF TOOL/SERVICE] in order to [REASON]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication.
This declaration will appear in the published article.
Please note: Basic tools that check spelling, grammar, or punctuation, as well as the use of basic reference manager functions do not require disclosure. In addition, authors are not required to disclose the use of AI tools or features within specialist disability-related assistive technology, provided these are used solely for accessibility purposes.
If you have used generative AI tools to generate or alter images in your manuscript, we ask that you also disclose this in each image caption, including the name of the tool used. Please see some examples below.
“Figure 1. Schematic overview of study design. Initial image generated using [NAME OF TOOL/SERVICE] and subsequently edited by the authors. All elements were reviewed for accuracy and completeness.”
“Figure 2. Workflow diagram. Draft created with [NAME OF TOOL/SERVICE]. The final figure was refined and verified by the authors.”
Reviewers
FAQ for reviewers about our generative AI policiesSubmitted manuscripts are confidential documents. Uploading a manuscript, or any part of it, to an AI tool could infringe the authors’ confidentiality and intellectual property rights and, where the paper contains personally identifiable information, may breach data privacy rights. Many AI tools process and store the information that users upload to them, and in some cases this content may be retained, reused, or used to train the underlying model.
Even if an AI tool is described as “private,” uploading a manuscript still means sharing confidential and unpublished research with a third-party system. For these reasons, reviewers must not upload submitted manuscripts, or any information from them, into AI Tools. AI tools may only be used in a supportive way, for instance to improve the language and structure of their review reports, or for background literature searches, provided that confidentiality is maintained and human control and oversight are exercised.
If reviewers have used AI tools to support them in preparing their reports (for instance to improve the language or structure), they should include a statement directly in their report(s) (specifically in the comments to the authors section), specifying the tool they used and the reason for using the tool. We suggest that reviewers follow this format when preparing their statement:
During the preparation of this report, I used [NAME OF TOOL / SERVICE] in order to [REASON]. After using this tool/service, I reviewed and edited the content as needed and I take full responsibility for my critical assessment and feedback on this manuscript.
Please note: AI tools that only check spelling, grammar, or punctuation do not require disclosure.
Editors
FAQ for editors about our generative AI policiesManaging the editorial evaluation of a scientific manuscript implies responsibilities that can only be attributed to humans. Submitted manuscripts are confidential documents. Uploading a manuscript, or any part of it, to an AI tool could infringe the authors’ confidentiality and intellectual property rights and, where the paper contains personally identifiable information, may breach data privacy rights. Many AI tools process and store the information that users upload to them, and in some cases this content may be retained, reused, or used to train the underlying model.
Even if an AI tool is described as “private,” uploading a manuscript still means sharing confidential and unpublished research with a third-party system. For these reasons, academic editors must not upload submitted manuscripts, or any part of them, into AI tools. AI tools may only be used in a supportive way that does not involve sharing confidential manuscript content.
*生成AIは、テキスト、画像、音声、合成データなど、さまざまな種類のコンテンツを生成できる人工知能技術の一種です。例：ChatGPT、NovelAI、Jasper AI、Rytr AI、DALL-E など。
ポリシー更新：2025年9月。