Generative AI tools can help with language and presentation, but they cannot take responsibility for research. This policy applies to every manuscript submitted to The Gufo and to everyone involved in reviewing and editing it.
Use by authors. Authors may use generative AI tools to improve the language, grammar and readability of their manuscript. Authors remain fully responsible for the content, which must be checked for accuracy, originality and correct citation. Generative AI tools cannot be listed as authors or cited as authors. Generative AI must not be used to create or alter research data, results or images, unless its use is part of the research method and is described in the Methodology.
Disclosure. Authors disclose any use of generative AI in the Declaration of generative AI use, naming the tool and the purpose, for example: “During the preparation of this work the author(s) used [tool] to improve language and readability. The author(s) reviewed and edited the content and take full responsibility for it.” Language-checking tools that do not generate content (spelling and grammar checkers) need not be disclosed.
Use by reviewers. Manuscripts under review are confidential. Reviewers must not upload a manuscript, any part of it, or their review into a generative AI tool. Reviewers must not use generative AI to write or assess their review; the scientific judgement must be their own.
Use by editors. Editors must not upload manuscripts, reviews or decision letters into generative AI tools. Editorial decisions are made by editors, not by automated tools. The Gufo may use similarity-detection tools under data-protection agreements as part of the editorial process.
Breaches. Undisclosed or inappropriate use of generative AI is handled under the Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement.
