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.
  1. 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
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.