Scope

This policy applies to authors, reviewers, editors, and journal staff using generative AI or other automated tools in connection with submissions, peer review, editing, or publication.

AI and Authorship

AI systems cannot be listed as authors or co-authors and cannot be assigned CRediT roles. Authors remain accountable for all aspects of the published work.

Permitted Uses by Authors

Authors may use AI tools for appropriate assistance such as language improvement, readability, formatting support, or code debugging. Other uses may be acceptable when transparently disclosed and independently validated by the authors.

Prohibited or Unacceptable Uses

• Fabricating or falsifying data, climate observations, epidemiological records, maps, images, or research results.
• Generating citations, quotations, or factual claims without independent verification.
• Using AI outputs as a substitute for scientific judgment, ethical review, or author accountability.
• Submitting AI-generated material that materially misrepresents the authors’ own work or source attribution.

Disclosure

When AI use is material to preparing the manuscript or conducting the research, authors disclose the tool name, version where available, purpose, and the relevant stage of use in the Cover Letter and manuscript disclosures. Where AI contributes to analysis or code, the Methods section describes the role sufficiently for reproducibility and validation.

Reviewer and Editor Use

Reviewers and editors must not upload confidential manuscripts, supplementary files, confidential data, or peer-review correspondence to external AI systems unless the journal has expressly permitted the use and adequate confidentiality safeguards are in place. Generative AI must not be used to create the substance of a peer-review report or editorial assessment. Where permitted AI is used for language editing of a reviewer’s or editor’s own text, that use is disclosed to the editorial office.

AI Detection

AI-detection tools, where used, are screening aids only. A detector score does not by itself constitute evidence of misconduct. Concerns about undisclosed AI use are evaluated through editorial inquiry and appropriate evidence.