2. Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Authors

Purpose

The Pakistan Journal of Gastroenterology (PJG) recognizes the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in research and scientific writing. While AI-assisted tools may support authors in improving language, grammar, formatting, and productivity, they cannot replace human intellectual contributions, scientific judgment, or accountability.

This policy aims to ensure transparency, integrity, and responsible use of AI in scholarly publishing. The Journal follows the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME).

2.1 Acceptable Use of AI

Authors may use AI-assisted tools for legitimate purposes, including but not limited to:

  • Language editing and grammar correction.
  • Improving readability and writing style.
  • Formatting references and citations.
  • Translation of text.
  • Organizing manuscript structure.
  • Coding assistance for data analysis, where appropriate.

The use of AI must always remain under the direct supervision and critical evaluation of the authors.

2.2 Disclosure Requirement

Authors must disclose any significant use of AI tools during manuscript preparation.

The disclosure should include:

  • The name of the AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Microsoft Copilot).
  • The purpose for which the AI tool was used.
  • Confirmation that the authors reviewed, verified, and approved all AI-assisted content.

A disclosure statement should be included in the manuscript when applicable.

Example:

The authors used ChatGPT (OpenAI) solely for language editing and improving readability. All scientific content, data interpretation, analysis, and conclusions were independently verified and approved by the authors.

2.3 AI Cannot Be an Author

Artificial Intelligence tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors because they:

  • Cannot take responsibility for the integrity of the work.
  • Cannot approve the final manuscript.
  • Cannot disclose conflicts of interest.
  • Cannot meet the authorship criteria recommended by ICMJE.

Only human contributors who satisfy the Journal's authorship criteria may be listed as authors.

2.4 Author Responsibility

Regardless of whether AI tools are used, authors remain fully responsible for:

  • The originality of the manuscript.
  • Accuracy of all scientific information.
  • Data analysis and interpretation.
  • References and citations.
  • Ethical compliance.
  • Compliance with copyright laws.
  • All statements made in the manuscript.

The use of AI does not transfer responsibility from the authors.

2.5 Prohibited Uses of AI

The following uses of AI are not permitted:

  • Fabricating or falsifying research data.
  • Creating fake images, figures, or experimental results without disclosure.
  • Generating false references or citations.
  • Manipulating peer review or reviewer identities.
  • Producing misleading scientific conclusions.
  • Concealing the substantial use of AI during manuscript preparation.

Such practices constitute scientific misconduct and may result in rejection, correction, retraction, or notification of the relevant institution(s).

2.6 AI-Generated Images and Figures

AI-generated or AI-enhanced images, illustrations, or graphical abstracts must be clearly disclosed.

Where applicable, authors should state:

  • Which AI tool was used.
  • How the image was generated or modified.
  • Confirmation that the image does not misrepresent research findings.

The Editorial Office may request the original files or additional documentation to verify image authenticity.

2.7 Editorial Assessment

The Editors reserve the right to:

  • Request clarification regarding the use of AI.
  • Require additional disclosures.
  • Request original data or documentation.
  • Reject manuscripts where undisclosed or inappropriate AI use is identified.

2.8 Policy Compliance

By submitting a manuscript, authors confirm that:

  • Any use of AI has been appropriately disclosed.
  • AI has not been listed as an author.
  • All scientific content has been critically reviewed and approved by the authors.
  • The manuscript complies with the Journal's ethical standards.

Failure to disclose significant AI use may be treated as a breach of publication ethics.

References

This policy is developed in accordance with:

  • Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) – Core Practices and guidance on AI in scholarly publishing.
  • International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) Recommendations.
  • World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) Recommendations on the use of Artificial Intelligence in scientific publications.