Guidelines for the Ethical Use of AI Tools in Writing and Research
TSP continuously observes advancements in artificial intelligence and related technologies and reserves the right to revise or improve these guidelines whenever necessary.
TSP acknowledges the growing impact of AI-driven writing and research tools, including platforms such as ChatGPT, in modern academic work. These technologies can support authors by generating ideas, reducing writer’s block, and assisting with editing and language refinement. Although such tools can improve productivity and efficiency, their use must always align with the principles of academic honesty and scientific integrity.
As a publishing body, TSP emphasizes the importance of human originality and accountability in scholarly communication. Large Language Models (LLMs) cannot be considered authors, nor can they take responsibility for the material they produce. Therefore, human supervision, validation, and responsibility remain essential for maintaining the quality and reliability of published work.
Recognizing that many researchers and scholars already use AI-based tools to support their academic writing and research, TSP has established the following guidelines for authors submitting content, including journal manuscripts, book chapters, and other scholarly materials.
Difference Between Assistive-AI and Generative-AI Tools
Assistive-AI Tools
Assistive AI tools are designed to improve content created by the author by offering suggestions, corrections, and refinements. For instance, applications such as Google Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Word have long provided grammar and spelling recommendations. More advanced versions of these tools now offer predictive text and alternative phrasing to improve readability and clarity.
Content originally written by the author but enhanced through these tools is considered AI-assisted content. TSP currently recommends tools such as Grammarly, Curie, and LanguageTool for improving language quality and readability. Authors are encouraged to use such tools to strengthen the presentation of their work.
Generative-AI Tools
Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and DALL·E, are capable of creating entirely new content, including text, images, and translations. If such tools are primarily responsible for producing content, that material is classified as AI-generated, regardless of later human modifications.
Disclosure Policy
As AI functionalities become more integrated into platforms like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, the use of AI-assisted writing is expected to increase.
Authors are not required to disclose the use of assistive AI tools in their submissions. However, all submitted content, including AI-assisted material, must be carefully reviewed by the author before submission to ensure quality, originality, and compliance with TSP’s publication standards.
On the other hand, authors must disclose any AI-generated material included in their submission—whether it involves text, images, or translated content. This applies to all materials submitted to TSP, including research articles, books, and related scholarly works. Such disclosure allows the editorial team to make informed decisions regarding publication.
Important Considerations Before Using Generative-AI Tools
All AI-generated content must be clearly disclosed as described in these guidelines. Additional details are provided in the “Disclosure Instructions” section below.
AI-generated text and references should always be checked for correctness. LLMs may occasionally produce false or misleading information, often referred to as “hallucinations,” especially when handling complex or specialized topics.
Authors should provide complete details of all sources used, including AI-generated references. Every citation should be verified to ensure authenticity and proper attribution.
Any content created by AI should be cited appropriately according to the relevant citation style or referencing guidelines.
AI tools may unintentionally reproduce material from existing sources. Authors must ensure that their submissions are original and free from plagiarism or copyright violations.
Since AI systems are trained on human-generated data, they may reflect existing social or cultural biases. Authors should review all AI-generated material to ensure fairness, neutrality, and inclusiveness.
Authors should understand and acknowledge the limitations of AI tools, including possible inaccuracies, incomplete knowledge, and embedded bias.
AI tools cannot be listed as co-authors. The submitting author and co-authors remain fully responsible for the integrity and authenticity of the work.
Authors should remain updated on ongoing discussions and ethical concerns regarding AI in academic publishing.
Prohibited Uses of AI Tools
- Using generative AI to create, alter, or fabricate primary research data.
- Sharing confidential, sensitive, or proprietary information on AI platforms, as this may risk exposure of private data or intellectual property.
- Editors and reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of the peer review process. Manuscripts, review reports, and editorial discussions must not be shared with generative AI tools.
- Reviewers must not use AI systems to draft or prepare peer review reports.
These policies are intended to support the ethical, transparent, and responsible use of AI technologies in academic publishing while protecting the credibility and integrity of scholarly communication.
Additional References
- World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) recommendations on chatbots, ChatGPT, and scholarly manuscripts.
- Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) statement on authorship and AI tools.
- STM Whitepaper on Generative AI in Scholarly Communication.
Disclosure Instructions for Generative-AI Tools
TSP follows the recommendations and policies established by COPE regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence in research publications.
The use of AI tools, including ChatGPT and other LLMs, is rapidly increasing in scholarly publishing. COPE, alongside organizations such as WAME and JAMA Network, clearly states that AI tools cannot be recognized as authors.
AI systems do not meet the criteria for authorship because they cannot take responsibility for published work, declare conflicts of interest, or manage copyright and licensing obligations.
Authors must disclose the use of generative AI tools in any of the following:
- Writing or drafting manuscript content
- Creating images, figures, or graphical elements
- Collecting, processing, or analyzing data
In the “Use of AI Tools Declaration”, authors must clearly mention:
- The name of the AI tool used
- How the AI tool was used
- Where in the manuscript the AI-generated material appears
Authors remain fully accountable for every part of their manuscript, including any sections generated or supported by AI, and are responsible for ensuring compliance with publication ethics.
If no generative AI tools were used, no declaration is required. The use of assistive AI tools alone does not require disclosure.
Use of Generative-AI Tools Declaration
The author(s) confirm the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools during the preparation of this manuscript.
AI tools used:
Purpose of use:
Location of AI-generated content in the manuscript:
