Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Figures

The journal follows the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines regarding the responsible use of AI tools.

Authorship and AI tools | COPE: Committee on Publication Ethics

COPE Focus on artificial intelligence | COPE: Committee on Publication Ethics

1. Authorship

• AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, MidJourney, DALL·E, Stable Diffusion) cannot be listed as authors.
• All responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of submitted content lies with the human authors.

2. Use of AI in Manuscript Content

• If AI tools are used to assist with language editing, drafting, or summarization, this must be clearly disclosed in the manuscript (e.g., in the Methods, Acknowledgments, or a dedicated “AI Disclosure” section).
• Authors must specify:
• The name and version of the AI tool(s) used
• The scope of its use (e.g., grammar editing, drafting text, summarizing references)
• Any human oversight and corrections applied

3. Use of AI in Figures and Images

• Figures or images generated or modified using AI must be transparent and accurate.
• If AI is used for illustrative or schematic purposes, the figure must be clearly labelled as “AI-assisted” or “AI-generated for illustration.”
• Figures representing scientific data must be supported by underlying raw data; AI-generated illustrations must never be used to fabricate or falsify results.

4. Integrity and Restrictions

• AI tools must not be used to create, alter, or manipulate data or results.
• Authors must not upload confidential, sensitive, or copyrighted data into AI tools without proper safeguards.

5. Editorial Oversight

• Editors and reviewers may verify AI disclosures and request raw data or figure sources.
• Failure to disclose AI use, or inappropriate use (e.g., data fabrication), may result in rejection, correction, or retraction of the manuscript.