As part of our commitment to transparency, research integrity, and responsible innovation, UK Scientific Publishing Limited has established the following policy on the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the scholarly publishing process. We also adhere to COPE's case guidance on AI tools to ensure that article cases involving Generative AI are handled comprehensively and responsibly.

This policy applies to authors, reviewers, and editors, and it focuses specifically on the use of AI during manuscript preparation and editorial processing, not on AI tools used as part of research methodologies (e.g., for data analysis or scientific discovery).

For Authors

Authors may use generative AI or AI-assisted tools during the manuscript writing process, but only to improve readability, grammar, or language clarity. All use must occur under direct human oversight. Authors must carefully review and edit any AI-generated content to ensure accuracy, avoid bias, and correct potential misinformation. Authors are fully responsible for the content of their manuscripts.

Authors must explicitly disclose the use of AI technologies in their manuscript. Disclosures should appear in the Acknowledgments section, Methods section (if relevant), or a separate “Author Declaration.” Transparency fosters trust among readers, editors, reviewers, and fellow researchers, and ensures adherence to tool usage terms.

AI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors. Authorship implies accountability, intellectual contribution, and the ability to take responsibility for the work—traits that only human contributors can possess. All listed authors must meet authorship criteria and approve the final manuscript before submission.

Authors are responsible for ensuring that all content is original, that proper credit is given where due, and that third-party rights are respected. Authors must comply with the journal’s ethics and copyright policies before submission.

Use of AI in Figures, Images, and Artwork

-Restrictions on Image Generation and Editing

The use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create, modify, or enhance figures and images (e.g., adjusting features, removing objects, altering composition) is not permitted.

Minor adjustments such as brightness, contrast, or color balance are allowed only if they do not obscure or misrepresent the original data. We may use forensic tools to verify the integrity of submitted visuals.

-Exceptions for Scientific Imaging

An exception may apply where AI tools are part of the research design or methodology (e.g., AI-based reconstruction in medical imaging). In such cases, authors must describe their use in the Methods section, including:

• Tool name, version, developer/manufacturer
• Description of how the tool was applied
• Any pre- and post-processing steps

Authors may be asked to provide original, unaltered versions of images or data files for editorial review.

-Artwork and Cover Designs

AI-generated content may not be used for graphical abstracts, cover images, or other creative elements unless explicit permission is obtained from the journal. Proof of copyright ownership or permission to use third-party material is required.