1. Definition of Generative AI Tools

Generative AI tools refer to artificial intelligence systems that can generate, revise, summarize, translate, paraphrase, analyze, or assist in producing text, images, tables, code, references, or other scholarly materials.

Examples include, but are not limited to, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grammarly, QuillBot, DeepL, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot, and similar AI-assisted writing or research tools.

2. Permitted Use of AI by Authors

Authors may use AI-assisted tools only as supporting instruments in manuscript preparation. The use of AI must not replace the author’s intellectual contribution, academic judgment, methodological responsibility, or ethical accountability.

• Improving grammar, spelling, clarity, and readability.
• Assisting with language polishing or academic writing style.
• Supporting translation with careful human verification.
• Helping organize manuscript structure or formatting.
• Assisting in summarizing the author’s own notes or drafts.
• Checking consistency of terminology, headings, and writing flow.

3. Prohibited Use of AI

SELI strictly prohibits the misuse of AI tools in ways that compromise research integrity, originality, transparency, and publication ethics.

4. AI Use Declaration Requirement

Authors must declare the use of AI tools when such tools are used in the preparation of a manuscript. The declaration should be transparent, specific, and placed in the manuscript declaration section, acknowledgment, or statement letter, depending on the journal template.

5. Authorship and Accountability

AI tools cannot be listed as authors, co-authors, corresponding authors, contributors, or responsible parties. Authorship is limited to human contributors who are accountable for the integrity, accuracy, originality, and validity of the manuscript.

• Authors are fully responsible for verifying all AI-assisted content.
• Authors must ensure all citations and references are real and traceable.
• Authors must confirm that no confidential, copyrighted, or restricted data were misused.
• Authors must take full responsibility for data, methods, results, arguments, and conclusions.

6. AI Use in Data, Methods, and Analysis

If AI tools are used as part of the research method, data processing, coding, classification, text analysis, or analytical support, authors must explain the role of AI clearly in the methodology section. The explanation should include the tool name, version if available, purpose of use, input type, verification process, and limitations.

AI-assisted analysis must be reproducible, transparent, and verifiable. Authors must not present AI-generated outputs as verified empirical findings without proper validation.

7. Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers must preserve the confidentiality of manuscripts and review materials. Manuscripts under review must not be uploaded to public AI tools or third-party systems that may store, process, reuse, or disclose the content.

• Reviewers must not use AI to replace their expert judgment.
• Reviewers must not upload confidential manuscripts to AI platforms.
• Reviewers may use tools only for limited language support in their own review comments.
• Reviewers remain fully responsible for the accuracy, fairness, and integrity of their review reports.

8. Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are responsible for ensuring that manuscripts are assessed according to editorial standards, publication ethics, and AI transparency requirements. Editors may request clarification from authors regarding AI use when necessary.

• Editors may require authors to revise or clarify AI declarations.
• Editors may reject manuscripts containing fabricated AI-generated content.
• Editors should protect the confidentiality of manuscript files and editorial communications.
• Editors should apply this policy fairly and consistently across submissions.

9. Editorial Actions for AI Misuse

If inappropriate or undisclosed AI use is identified, SELI may take editorial action based on the severity of the case.