Journal AI policies

What 29 publishers, journals, preprint servers and guidelines ask authors to say about generative AI, in their own words. Each entry quotes its policy page and links to it. Policies change; read the journal’s own instructions before you submit.

At a glance#

Elsevier#

Publisher · Elsevier generative AI policies for journals (updated June 2026) · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. Authors should not list AI tools as an author or co-author, nor cite AI tools as an author.

Writing help. Required. AI use for manuscript preparation goes in a separate AI declaration statement, in a declaration section at the end of the manuscript, immediately before the references. Substantive AI changes to sentence structure or organization must be disclosed.

Research use. AI used as part of the research process, not manuscript preparation, should be described in detail in the Methods section.

Figures. AI must not be used to create or alter images that represent primary observed or experimental data. AI may support data visualizations only when directly derived from underlying data, reported in Methods. General-purpose generative AI image tools must not be used to create graphical abstracts. AI-generated cover art needs prior permission from the editor and publisher.

Details asked. Declaration: name of the tool, purpose of its use, and confirmation that the author reviewed the output and takes full responsibility. Data visualizations: name of the model or tool, version, and developer or manufacturer. Authors should keep a separate record, which may include logs, saved prompts and outputs. Dates: not stated.

Peer review. Reviewers should not upload a submitted manuscript or any part of it into an AI tool, should only use private AI tools in a supportive capacity, and should disclose AI use in their review reports, including the tool and purpose. Academic editors should not upload a submitted manuscript or any part of it into an AI tool.

Required wording. Title of section: Declaration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the manuscript preparation process. Statement: During the preparation of this work, the author(s) used [NAME OF TOOL / SERVICE] in order to [REASON]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the published article.

Authors should disclose the use of AI tools for manuscript preparation in a separate AI declaration statement included in their manuscript upon submission.

Basic checks of grammar, spelling and punctuation need no declaration. Reference managers used without a generative AI option need no disclosure. AI features in disability-related assistive technology are exempt. A suggested reviewer statement is also given.

Papex writes this statement for a signed record in the journal’s form: choose “Elsevier” under For a journal on the record’s AI-use page.

Springer Nature#

Publisher · Nature Portfolio editorial policies: Artificial Intelligence (AI), with the linked Springer Nature pages on AI in manuscript preparation and in research practice · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. Assigning authorship or accountability to AI systems or tools is listed as Red (not permitted).

Writing help. Risk-based. Green uses (grammar and language editing, readability, formatting, translation) and Amber uses (outlines, drafting sections from author input, alternative phrasing) both carry the declaration 'Clearly describe use and confirm author accountability'. Red uses, such as writing results or discussion independently, are not permitted. No manuscript section is named for text use.

Research use. Green uses (literature discovery, data cleaning, code scaffolding): 'Describe tool and purpose and take accountability'. Amber uses (patterns in datasets, statistical modelling, qualitative coding): 'Provide clear methodological description and validation steps and take accountability'. Generating hypotheses, analyses or conclusions without human oversight is not permitted. Section: not stated.

Figures. AI visual content may be permitted when derived from verifiable inputs and disclosed with model and purpose. AI visual content not derived from verifiable data or source material is 'considered opaque and is not permitted'. Creating photorealistic images (deepfakes) is Red. Disclose in an AI Declaration in the manuscript and in the caption or legend.

Details asked. Visual content: the AI system used, the purpose, and the extent of its contribution. Research: authors should be able to describe inputs, outputs and validation steps. Version, prompts and dates: not stated.

Peer review. Reviewers must not upload manuscript content or reports to unsecured or public AI systems, must not use AI to generate or substitute their critical evaluation, and should disclose any AI use in their report. Delegating peer review to an LLM is Red. Nature Portfolio journals use Springer Nature-approved AI tools for accessory content and to summarise, retrieve or highlight information; editors make all decisions.

Clearly describe use and confirm author accountability

Framework is governed by risk level, not tool type, and applies to authors, reviewers and editors. The page says declaration does not negatively influence editorial decisions. No spelling or grammar exemption is stated; language editing is Green with a declaration entry. The quote is the declaration cell for Green and Amber writing uses. Linked pages: https://www.springernature.com/gp/policies/editorial-policies/ai-manuscript-preparation and https://www.springernature.com/gp/policies/editorial-policies/using-ai-in-research.

Papex writes this statement for a signed record in the journal’s form: choose “Springer Nature” under For a journal on the record’s AI-use page.

Wiley#

Publisher · Wiley AI guidelines for researchers, with the Wiley Ethics Guidelines AI section (last updated July 2026) · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. AI tools cannot fulfil the role of an author and must not be listed as one on an article.

Writing help. Required when AI is used to substantially edit, develop or translate any part of a manuscript. Place it in the Acknowledgments when AI assists with drafting, editing, translation or formatting. Simple grammar correction, formatting and word choice suggestions typically need no disclosure.

Research use. Required when AI is used in research methodology, including study design, data collection, literature review, code development and data analysis. Place it in the Methods.

Figures. AI may be used for data visualizations and illustrations with disclosure. 'AI-edited photographs are not permitted in Wiley journals.' AI must not generate, modify or enhance factual and evidential images. AI analysis of research photographs must be disclosed in the methods section. Composite images should be explained in the caption or legend.

Details asked. Methods and visuals (required): AI tool name and version, date/year of use, the tool's role, and the author's role in directing or reviewing it; for sensitive data, how privacy was maintained. Acknowledgements (recommended): name and version, date/year, role, specific sections, and the author's role. Prompts or parameters, settings and code may be requested as supplemental documentation.

Peer review. Editors or reviewers may use AI to improve the clarity or quality of written feedback, and the reviewer must disclose that to the handling editor. Beyond this, editors and reviewers are not permitted to upload manuscripts or any parts, including figures and tables, into AI.

If an author has used AI Technology to substantially edit, develop, or translate any part of a manuscript, its use must be described transparently and integrated into the manuscript as described in our guidance on disclosure and declaration of AI use.

'AI Tools used solely for spelling, grammar, and general editing are not included in these disclosure requirements.' Example statements are given but adaptable, not required wording. The journal editor makes the final decision on whether AI use is appropriate. Book authors have separate guidelines. Ethics page: https://authors.wiley.com/ethics-guidelines/index.html

Papex writes this statement for a signed record in the journal’s form: choose “Wiley” under For a journal on the record’s AI-use page.

Taylor & Francis#

Publisher · Taylor & Francis AI Policy · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. Generative AI tools must not be listed as an author.

Writing help. Required for any use of Generative AI tools: authors must acknowledge it within the article through a statement. For articles, 'a specific statement of AI usage disclosure must be included'; the section is not stated. Books: in the preface or introduction, after editorial approval.

Research use. Not stated as a separate rule. The page says AI use in any part of the research process 'should always be undertaken with human oversight and transparency'.

Figures. Permitted to assist research data visualisations and conceptual illustrations of processes, flow diagrams or teaching illustrations. Not permitted for creating or manipulating outputs of research or clinical testing, such as research results, clinical samples and diagnostic images.

Details asked. The statement must include the full name of the tool (with version number), how it was used and the reason for use. Prompts and dates: not stated.

Peer review. Editors and peer reviewers must not upload files, images or information from unpublished manuscripts into Generative AI tools. Reviewers must not use AI tools to generate review reports. Generative AI may be used to assist with improving review language.

Authors must clearly acknowledge within the article or book any use of Generative AI tools through a statement that includes: the full name of the tool used (with version number), how it was used and the reason for use.

Supported uses listed include copyediting, language improvement and translation, idea generation, literature classification and coding assistance. Some journals may not allow use beyond language improvement; journal instructions may differ. No spelling or grammar exemption is stated.

Papex writes this statement for a signed record in the journal’s form: choose “Taylor & Francis” under For a journal on the record’s AI-use page.

SAGE#

Publisher · Sage Journals publication ethics policies: Artificial intelligence policy · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. not stated on this page (it links to COPE's position statement on Authorship and AI tools).

Writing help. Not required for assistive tools. Tools that improve language, grammar or structure 'do not require disclosure by authors or reviewers'.

Research use. AI use that produces content directly impacting methodology, analysis, results or conclusions 'must be disclosed upon submission'. Appropriate uses require disclosure 'within the methods or acknowledgements'.

Figures. 'Generated images that are presented as unique or novel research images' are listed as prohibited. Generating representative illustrations or infographics is an appropriate use that requires disclosure.

Details asked. Not stated.

Peer review. Peer reviewers may use GenAI to help write and format review reports but remain responsible. Using GenAI to generate review reports, such as by uploading the manuscript, is prohibited. Editors must not use GenAI to generate decision letters or summaries of unpublished research.

The primary or partial use of AI tools and/or LLMs that produce content such as references, text, images, or any other content that directly impacts the research methodology, analysis, results and/or conclusions must be disclosed upon submission so the editorial team can evaluate the content generated.

Three categories: assistive (no disclosure), generative (disclosure), prohibited. Translation as part of research and AI-checked code are listed as needing disclosure. Submissions will not be rejected solely for disclosed use.

Oxford University Press#

Publisher · OUP Policy on AI Use and Disclosure for Oxford Journals Authors (last updated 13 July 2026) · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. Not stated.

Writing help. Required when AI substantially edits, rewrites or reorganizes text, or translates it. Disclose in the cover letter and in the Acknowledgements section; also in the Methodology section if AI was integral to the research.

Research use. Using AI to collect, organize, format, analyze or visualize data is typically permitted with disclosure, in the Methodology section where integral. Presenting AI-created content as human-generated research data or results is not permitted.

Figures. Illustrative or explanatory images (e.g., graphical abstracts) are typically permitted with disclosure. Creating or altering primary factual, scientific or technical images (e.g., clinical or diagnostic images) is not permitted.

Details asked. Name and version of the tool, how it was used, and the author's role in directing and reviewing the output. Dates of use and specific sections affected are strongly recommended. Prompts: not stated.

Disclosure is essential to ensure that AI-generated content is not presented as entirely human-created.

Spelling and grammar correction and reference formatting need no disclosure; authors must still check references. Authors confirm at submission that they read the policy; journal-level variations may apply. The live page blocked direct download; it was read through the WebFetch tool, which returns a model summary, so field wording is paraphrased except the quote.

Cambridge University Press#

Publisher · Cambridge publishing ethics: Authorship and contributorship (journals), AI Contributions to Research Content · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. 'AI and LLM tools may not be listed as an author on any scholarly work published by Cambridge'.

Writing help. Required in general terms: AI use must be declared and clearly explained in publications. Section: not stated.

Research use. not stated beyond the general declaration rule.

Figures. Not stated.

Details asked. Not stated.

AI use must be declared and clearly explained in publications such as research papers, just as we expect scholars to do with other software, tools and methodologies.

Short policy. Any AI use must not breach Cambridge's plagiarism policy. 'Please note, individual journals may have more specific requirements or guidelines for upholding this policy.'

IEEE#

Publisher · IEEE Author Center: Submission and Peer Review Policies, Guidelines for AI-Generated Content · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. not stated on this page.

Writing help. Required for AI-generated content (text, figures, images, code): disclose in the acknowledgments section. AI for editing and grammar enhancement: disclosure 'is not required, but recommended'.

Research use. not stated separately; the rule covers any AI-generated content in the article, including code.

Figures. Covered by the same rule: AI-generated figures and images must be disclosed in the acknowledgments section.

Details asked. The AI system used, the specific sections with AI-generated content, and a brief explanation of the level at which the AI system was used.

Peer review. Information about a manuscript under review 'shall not be processed through a public platform' for AI generation of content for a review; doing so is a breach of confidentiality.

The use of content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) in an article (including but not limited to text, figures, images, and code) shall be disclosed in the acknowledgments section of any article submitted to an IEEE publication.

Advises excluding the reference section when using AI for editing and grammar. Points to the IEEE PSPB Operations Manual for principles.

Papex writes this statement for a signed record in the journal’s form: choose “IEEE” under For a journal on the record’s AI-use page.

ACM#

Publisher · ACM Policy on Authorship (updated 14 May 2026) · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. Authors must be 'an identifiable human being'; AI is not named in the authorship criteria.

Writing help. Not required. 'ACM no longer requires the disclosure of information regarding the use of AI' when AI assists with writing an ACM submission.

Research use. AI used to conduct research (design, data, coding, analysis, validation and similar) must be described in detail in the methods section, including artifacts such as code, datasets, and charts or figures that rely on AI tools.

Figures. Charts or figures that rely on AI tools and are directly relevant to the conclusions must be described in the methods section.

Details asked. Not stated.

Peer review. not stated on this page.

When using Artificial Intelligence to assist with writing an ACM submission, ACM no longer requires the disclosure of information regarding the use of AI (as distinct from AI used in the conduct of the research itself, addressed in item 1 above).

Read from an Internet Archive copy of the page dated 31 May 2026; the live page blocked automated reading. ACM may reject or retract works with AI-related content integrity issues. Individual ACM venues (e.g., FAccT, SIGCSE) may set their own rules. The older URL /publications/policy-on-authorship has no 2026 capture.

Papex writes this statement for a signed record in the journal’s form: choose “ACM” under For a journal on the record’s AI-use page.

PLOS#

Publisher · PLOS ONE Ethical Publishing Practice: Artificial Intelligence Tools and Technologies · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. 'AI tools cannot be listed as authors.'

Writing help. Required for AI use to generate or revise content. Disclose in the body of the article: in a dedicated section of the Methods, in the Acknowledgement section, or in the relevant figure legend(s). Language improvements (spelling, grammar, clarity) need no disclosure.

Research use. Required for AI use to support the reported research, in the same places. Generating or developing analysis scripts or code must be disclosed.

Figures. Allowed for illustrative purposes or to summarize results, if not used to misrepresent primary research outputs. Disclose in the figure legend.

Details asked. Name(s) of the tools, how they were used and which parts were affected, and how the user evaluated the validity of the outputs. Version, prompts and dates: not stated.

Peer review. AI cannot serve as reviewer or decision-issuing editor and should not be used to summarize or evaluate submissions. Submissions must not be uploaded to generative AI tools. Allowed uses (e.g., copyediting a reviewer's own comments) must be disclosed in the review form or decision letter.

For AI use by authors, disclosures should be in the body of the article, either in a dedicated section of the Methods, in the Acknowledgement section, or in the relevant figure legend(s).

Translation disclosure is recommended but 'not strictly required'. No disclosure needed for cover letters. PLOS may use AI detection tools. PLOS says disclosures will not negatively affect decisions.

Frontiers#

Publisher · Frontiers policies and publication ethics: Artificial intelligence, fair use and disclosure policy · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. 'Authors should not list a generative AI technology as a co-author or author of any submitted manuscript.'

Writing help. Required. Use of written or visual content produced or edited by generative AI must be acknowledged in the acknowledgments section, and the methods section if applicable.

Research use. Methods section 'if applicable'; no separate research rule.

Figures. Figures produced or edited by generative AI must be checked to accurately reflect the data, and disclosed as above.

Details asked. Name, version, model and source of the generative AI technology. Authors are encouraged to upload all input prompts and outputs as supplementary files.

Peer review. Manuscript content must not be uploaded to external generative AI tools. Frontiers provides an internal AI tool in its review forum. External AI use must be discussed with the editorial team in advance and, if approved, disclosed to authors in the review.

If the author of a submitted manuscript has used written or visual content produced by or edited using a generative AI technology, such use must be acknowledged in the acknowledgments section of the manuscript and the methods section, if applicable.

Same rules appear in the Frontiers author guidelines (https://www.frontiersin.org/guidelines/author-guidelines). No spelling or grammar exemption is stated. Frontiers' AIRA tool screens images.

MDPI#

Publisher · MDPI Research and Publication Ethics: Artificial Intelligence · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. 'GenAI tools and other large language models (LLMs) cannot be listed as authors'.

Writing help. Required where GenAI was used to generate text, data, graphics or study design: declare at submission, describe how it was used in the Materials and Methods section, and give product details in the Acknowledgments section. Text editing (grammar, structure, spelling, punctuation, formatting) need not be declared.

Research use. Same rule: GenAI used for data collection, analysis or interpretation must be declared at submission and described in Materials and Methods.

Figures. Generating graphics is covered by the same declaration rule; no separate image rule in this section.

Details asked. Tool name and version information, and description of use (in the recommended statement).

Peer review. Reviewers should not use GenAI to prepare review reports; limited language use may be acceptable but must be disclosed. Reviewers must not upload manuscripts or parts to GenAI tools. Academic Editors must not use GenAI during editorial review or decision-making.

Required wording. During the preparation of this manuscript/study, the author(s) used [tool name, version information] for the purposes of [description of use]. The authors have reviewed and edited the output and take full responsibility for the content of this publication.

Furthermore, for transparency, authors are required to disclose details on how the GenAI tool was used in the Materials and Methods section and provide the GenAI tool’s product details in the Acknowledgments section.

The template is labelled 'Recommended acknowledgement statement'. Inappropriately AI-generated review reports are discarded.

BMJ#

Publisher · BMJ Author Hub: AI use (reviewed every six months) · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. 'AI technologies will not be accepted as an author(s) of any content submitted to BMJ for publication.'

Writing help. Required. Include an acknowledgement of AI use in the 'contributor' section of written material.

Research use. If AI was used in the course of research, a fuller description should be included in the methods section.

Figures. The policy covers photographs and other images, but gives no separate rule for AI-generated images.

Details asked. What AI technology was used (name), why (reason), and how (task). Authors should consider including a summary of input, output and how output was reviewed as supplementary files. Version and dates: not stated.

Peer review. Reviewers who use AI to improve word processing and language should declare it. Reviewers should not put unpublished manuscripts into publicly available AI tools where security cannot be guaranteed.

Include an acknowledgement of AI use in the ‘contributor’ section of written material. If the AI use was in the course of research, a fuller description should be included in the methods section.

Broad scope: all content types and formats, and disclosure of AI in underpinning work and key cited sources. No spelling or grammar exemption is stated. BMJ may use AI-detection screening tools.

JAMA Network#

Journal · JAMA Instructions for Authors: Use of AI in Publication and Research · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. 'Nonhuman artificial intelligence, language models, machine learning, or similar technologies do not qualify for authorship.'

Writing help. Required. AI used to assist with writing must be reported in the Acknowledgment section. Drafting Opinion pieces, Letters to the Editor and Online Comments with AI is not permitted.

Research use. Describe how AI was used in the Methods section and follow relevant reporting guidelines. For LLM studies: platform, tool, version, manufacturer, dates, prompts and their sequence and revisions.

Figures. AI-created or manipulated clinical images and illustrations are not permitted unless part of formal research design or methods, which must be fully disclosed.

Details asked. Acknowledgment: name of the AI tool, version and extension numbers, manufacturer, date(s) of use, brief description of use, and confirmation that authors take responsibility. Research: dates and prompt(s) used, their sequence and revisions.

Peer review. Reviewers are instructed not to submit confidential manuscripts, abstracts or other text into a chatbot.

Use of AI, LLMs, chatbots, or similar technologies to assist with content creation, revision, and formatting must be reported

Basic grammar and spelling tools are exempt. AI should not be used to generate or format references; standard reference managers may be used. Missing disclosure may lead to rejection or correction. Read from a summary of the page, so the wording outside the quotation is paraphrased. The quote is the first part of a sentence that continues: reporting belongs in the Acknowledgment section; check against the live page.

NEJM#

Journal · NEJM Editorial Policies: Author Use of AI-Assisted Technologies · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. Chatbots or other AI-assisted technologies cannot be listed as authors.

Writing help. Required at submission. Both the cover letter and the submitted work should describe the technologies used and what was produced. Section: not stated.

Research use. not stated separately.

Figures. Authors must be able to assert there is no plagiarism of text or images produced by AI. No separate image rule.

Details asked. A description of the technologies used and what was produced. Version, prompts and dates: not stated.

Peer review. not stated on this page. NEJM says it uses AI selectively in its editorial process; human editors make all decisions.

Authors must disclose at submission of the manuscript whether AI-assisted technologies (such as large language models, chatbots, or image creators) were used to produce the submitted work.

Read from an Internet Archive copy of the page dated 31 July 2026; the live page blocked automated reading. NEJM states it follows ICMJE on AI. Citation of AI-generated material as a primary source is not acceptable.

Science (AAAS)#

Journal · Science Journals Editorial Policies and the Science journals’ guidelines for AI usage · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. AI-assisted technologies 'may not be listed as authors or coauthors'.

Writing help. Note in the cover letter and in the methods or acknowledgments section. Per the guidelines table: writing or drafting manuscript content and translation must be declared in the acknowledgments section; language refinement for clarity needs no declaration.

Research use. Writing code and data generation or analysis must be described in the methods section, with model name and version. Literature searches need no declaration.

Figures. AI-generated images and other multimedia are not permitted without explicit editor permission. Illustrative images, diagrams or figures: not allowed; exceptions discussed with the editor. Editing or formatting visualizations of research data: declare in acknowledgments with model name and version.

Details asked. Model name and version number.

Peer review. Reviewers may not enter any part of the manuscript into an LLM or other AI tool. They may use AI to revise their own writing if the system does not save or use inputs for training, declared in the review.

Authors who use AI-assisted technologies as components of their research study or as aids in the writing or presentation of the manuscript should note this in the cover letter and in the methods section or acknowledgments section of the manuscript

Read from an Internet Archive copy of the page dated 14 June 2026; the live page blocked automated reading. Sources cited may not be AI-authored. Editorial office use of closed LLMs must be posted on the journal website. Gathering references and formatting data need no declaration. PDF: https://web.archive.org/web/20260511024916/https://www.science.org/cms/asset/34d20d04-f8a3-4983-b6de-6551185ea579/science_journals_guidelines_for_ai_use.pdf

PNAS#

Journal · PNAS Editorial Policies, Artificial intelligence section · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. AI and generative AI software 'may not be listed as an author.'

Writing help. not stated separately; the rule covers use 'during the research process'.

Research use. Must be disclosed in the Materials and Methods section, or Acknowledgments if there is no Materials and Methods section.

Figures. 'AI tools for creating images or graphics may not be used unless the software is the subject of the work under consideration.' No AI-generated cover art.

Details asked. The name and specific model or version of any AI tool (e.g., GPT-4 or Claude 3.5 Sonnet).

Peer review. not stated for reviewers. PNAS says it uses software that may leverage AI in assessment, including Pangram to detect AI-generated content.

Use of AI and generative AI software, such as large language models (e.g., ChatGPT), during the research process must be disclosed in the Materials and Methods section (or Acknowledgments, if no Materials and Methods section is available) of the manuscript and may not be listed as an author.

Read from an Internet Archive copy of the page dated 31 July 2026; the live page blocked automated reading. Survey studies with synthetic respondents have extra AI reporting requirements.

eLife#

Journal · eLife author instructions: Use of artificial intelligence tools and technology · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. AI tools 'cannot be listed as or serve as co-authors of a paper'.

Writing help. Their use 'must be clearly described in the Materials and Methods section'. No separate writing rule.

Research use. Same: describe in the Materials and Methods section.

Figures. Striking images cannot be AI-generated, because they must be usable under CC BY. No other figure rule stated.

Details asked. Not stated.

Whilst such AI tools might be used to aid researchers and authors in doing their work, they cannot be listed as or serve as co-authors of a paper, and their use must be clearly described in the Materials and Methods section.

Reached via reviewer.elifesciences.org/author-guide, which redirects to eLife's submission system. No spelling or grammar exemption stated.

Royal Society#

Publisher · Royal Society journal ethics policies: Use of AI and AI-assisted technologies · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. Authors must not list AI and AI-assisted technologies as an author or co-author, nor cite AI as an author.

Writing help. Required, including language editing ('Use of AI in language editing must be declared'). A statement is required in the published work. In writing, AI should only improve readability and language. Section: not stated.

Research use. AI must not replace key tasks such as producing insights, analysing and interpreting data or drawing conclusions. Use as a 'search engine' and 3D protein structure prediction are named as legitimate. Section: not stated.

Figures. Not stated.

Details asked. Which elements of the work were generated by AI. Journals may ask for prompts and outputs as ESM files.

Peer review. Editors and reviewers will judge if its use is appropriate. No rule on reviewers' own AI use is stated.

Authors must disclose in the manuscript their use and a statement will be required in the published work.

Journals may reject submissions unable to provide prompts and outputs. Published articles with later-discovered use 'may be retracted'. Research on AI without AI-generated content is out of scope.

ACS Publications#

Publisher · ACS Publications: AI Best Practices and Policies (last updated 13 December 2024) · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. AI tools 'should not be included in the authorship list'.

Writing help. All use should be disclosed. Text or image generation goes in the Acknowledgments section with when and how the tools were used.

Research use. For more substantial use, give full details within the Methods or other appropriate section.

Figures. Graphics: brief description of AI use in the figure caption. Cover art: permitted with disclosure in the cover art caption. Table of Contents graphics: AI-generated images should not be used.

Details asked. When and how the tools were used; for cover art, the specific tool(s). Version and prompts: not stated.

Peer review. Disclosing any part of the submission or the review report to a text generation service is a breach of confidentiality and a violation of the ACS Ethical Guidelines.

The use of AI tools for text or image generation should be disclosed in the manuscript within the Acknowledgments section with a description of when and how the tools were used.

Editors may judge AI use too extensive (e.g., substantive commentary or extensive literature reviews) and reject or request revision. No spelling or grammar exemption stated. Page date is the oldest seen in this set.

Royal Society of Chemistry#

Publisher · RSC Author responsibilities and Reviewer responsibilities · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. AI tools 'cannot be listed as an author on a submitted work.'

Writing help. Required for GenAI used for any part of the manuscript (drafting, translating, figures, code, references). Declare in the cover letter at submission; describe how it was used, including prompts, in the Experimental/Materials and Methods section; give tool name and version in Acknowledgements. 'AI assisted copy editing' need not be declared.

Research use. AI in research design or methods (e.g., AI-assisted imaging) must be described in the Experimental/Materials and Methods section, including how the tool was used, its name, version and manufacturer.

Figures. AI must not be used to alter images in submitted manuscripts. Illustrative or aesthetic AI graphics need a brief description in the caption. AI images with identifiable people are not acceptable.

Details asked. Name and specific model or version; how the tool was used, including prompts; for research tools, manufacturer.

Peer review. Reviewers must not submit manuscripts or materials to LLMs or GenAI chatbots, nor use AI to generate review content. Language editing is allowed only if the system does not save or train on inputs, and must be disclosed in 'Confidential Comments to the Editor'.

Required wording. During the preparation of this manuscript/study, the author(s) used [tool name, version information] for the purposes of [description of use]. The authors have reviewed and edited the output and take full responsibility for the content of this publication.

If GenAI tools have been used when generating any part of the manuscript (for example when drafting text, translating content, formatting data, creating or editing figures, visualising results, refining code, or compiling references) this must be declared at submission within the cover letter.

Read from an Internet Archive copy of the page dated 13 October 2026; the live page blocked automated reading. The template is labelled 'Recommended statement in Acknowledgements section'. Reviewer page: https://web.archive.org/web/20260915222058/https://www.rsc.org/publishing/journals/processes-and-policies/reviewer-responsibilities

American Physical Society#

Publisher · APS Journals: Appropriate Use of AI Tools (policy updated June 2026) · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. 'An AI program cannot be held accountable and cannot be listed as an author.'

Writing help. Substantive uses must be disclosed in the paper; 'other uses worth disclosing' go in the Acknowledgment statement. No disclosure needed to polish, condense or lightly edit text.

Research use. AI used to conduct the research must be disclosed within the methods section, 'where other methods are listed and described'.

Figures. AI can be used for data visualizations; authors verify accuracy. AI use for figure generation should be explained in the figure caption. APS does not use AI-generated art for key or cover images except allowed data visualizations or trusted third-party sources.

Details asked. AI tool name and version, how the AI assisted, and how the authors directed and verified the output. Authors must keep a record of AI use.

Peer review. Reviewers who use AI beyond light editing must say so in a note to the editor. Uploading manuscripts or reports to unrestricted AI tools is not permitted. Editors may only use APS-managed, licensed AI tools.

Authors must keep a record of any AI use and disclose any substantive uses in the submitted paper (see FAQ for more details).

Substantive use includes drafting scientific claims, literature synthesis beyond routine organization, and code that materially affects results. Authors must check AI tool terms. News: https://www.aps.org/about/news/2026/06/releases-updated-ai-policy-journals

American Mathematical Society#

Publisher · AMS journal policies: Use of Artificial Intelligence in Authoring · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. AI tools cannot be listed as an author of a paper (adapted from COPE).

Writing help. Required: disclose how the AI tool was used and which tool, in the Materials and Methods (or similar section).

Research use. Same rule for collection and analysis of data: Materials and Methods (or similar section).

Figures. Same rule for production of images or graphical elements.

Details asked. Which tool was used and how it was used.

Peer review. 'Editors and referees are not to upload papers under review to an LLM in any format, for any reason.'

Authors who use AI tools in the writing of a manuscript, production of images or graphical elements of the paper, or in the collection and analysis of data, must be transparent in disclosing in the Materials and Methods (or similar section) of the paper how the AI tool was used and which tool was used.

Read from an Internet Archive copy of the page dated 19 July 2025; the live page blocked automated reading. Latest available capture is July 2025, so it may be outdated. Unlike COPE's text, the AMS version adds the editor and referee rule.

Papex writes this statement for a signed record in the journal’s form: choose “arXiv, AMS” under For a journal on the record’s AI-use page.

IOP Publishing#

Publisher · IOP Publishing ethical policy for journals: Generative AI Tools · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. not stated as a rule; the page says GenAI tools 'cannot be legally accountable for published work'.

Writing help. Required where AI materially contributed to the research, manuscript preparation, or analysis and presentation of results: a separate AI disclosure statement in the Acknowledgement section. Routine spelling, grammar and language editing that does not materially contribute needs no separate statement.

Research use. Use as part of the research process should additionally be described in detail in the Methods and other relevant sections.

Figures. Permitted: figures from existing data and explanatory images, clearly distinguishable from research data. Not permitted: altering or manipulating original research data or results, including images such as blots.

Details asked. Tool or model (name and version), how it was used, and the extent of verification. Prompts, logs, settings and outputs encouraged as supplementary data, and may be required where AI is central to the method.

Peer review. Authors may not upload reviewer reports to GenAI tools or generate responses to reviewers. Rules for reviewers' own AI use: not stated in this section.

Required wording. During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [Tool Name, Version] to support [describe use]. The authors reviewed, validated and critically assessed all AI-assisted outputs and take full responsibility for the content of the manuscript.

Where AI tools have been used in ways that materially contribute to the research process, the preparation of the manuscript or the analysis, interpretation and presentation of results, authors must disclose this in a separate AI disclosure statement as part of the Acknowledgement section of their article.

Explicitly allows AI for hypothesis generation, ideation and data analysis with validation. Hidden prompts to manipulate review lead to immediate rejection. References to non-existent sources usually mean rejection or retraction.

Emerald#

Publisher · Emerald Publishing: Publication ethics · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. LLMs cannot be credited with authorship.

Writing help. Required: flag AI use within the Methods and Acknowledgements (or another appropriate section). Copy-editing own text is permitted with disclosure; drafting new content, including abstract or literature review, is not permitted.

Research use. Data generation, results analysis, in-text statistics and methodology creation with AI are not permitted. Data visualisation from existing data, results summary and methodology ideation are permitted with disclosure.

Figures. Illustrative images (diagrams, graphical abstracts, conceptual visuals) permitted if labelled with tool name and version. Factual or evidential images and AI cover art are not permitted.

Details asked. Tool name and version. Prompts and dates: not stated.

Peer review. Submitted files should not be uploaded to a generative AI tool or LLM. Reviewers may use AI only to copy-edit their own reports, with disclosure; not for evaluation or decisions.

must be flagged, clearly and transparently, by authors within the Methods and Acknowledgements

Standard spelling and grammar tools without generative AI are exempt. Read from a summary of the page, so the wording outside the quotation is paraphrased.

arXiv#

Preprint server · arXiv content moderation: Policy for authors’ use of generative AI language tools · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. 'generative AI language tools should not be listed as an author'.

Writing help. Authors should report any significant use of text-to-text generative AI, 'consistent with subject standards for methodology'. Section: not stated.

Research use. Same reporting rule as for sophisticated tools, instruments and software.

Figures. Not stated.

Details asked. Not stated.

we now include in particular text-to-text generative AI among those that should be reported consistent with subject standards for methodology.

Each author takes full responsibility for all contents, however generated. Policy covers text-to-text tools only. Any separate arXiv rules for review or position papers are not on this page.

Papex writes this statement for a signed record in the journal’s form: choose “arXiv, AMS” under For a journal on the record’s AI-use page.

bioRxiv and medRxiv#

Preprint server · bioRxiv FAQ: acknowledging the use of generative AI (same text on medRxiv) · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. AI tools and LLMs 'should not be listed as authors on articles.'

Writing help. Use of these tools 'should be detailed in manuscripts'. Section: not stated.

Research use. not stated separately; treated like other computational methodologies.

Figures. Not stated.

Details asked. Not stated.

As with other computational methodologies, use of these tools should be detailed in manuscripts, and the output must not plagiarize other work or breach copyright.

Identical text on medRxiv: https://web.archive.org/web/20261016144815/https://www.medrxiv.org/about/FAQ (live medRxiv page returned 403).

ICMJE#

Guideline · ICMJE Recommendations: Use of AI by Authors, Use of AI by Reviewers, AI-Assisted Technology · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. Chatbots and other AI-assisted tools 'should not be listed as authors'.

Writing help. Journals should require disclosure at submission. Authors describe use in the cover letter and the submitted work; writing assistance goes in the acknowledgment section.

Research use. AI used for data collection, analysis or figure generation goes in the methods. AI used to conduct the study: methods, in enough detail to enable replication.

Figures. Figure generation goes in the methods. Authors must assert no plagiarism, including in AI-produced images.

Details asked. For study conduct: 'the tool used, version, and prompts where applicable'.

Peer review. Reviewers must follow the journal's AI policy or ask permission, keep the manuscript confidential (which may prohibit uploading it to AI), and disclose AI use to the journal.

For example, if AI was used for writing assistance, describe this in the acknowledgment section (see Section II.A.3). If AI was used for data collection, analysis, or figure generation, authors should describe this use in the methods (see Section IV.A.3.d).

Recommendations addressed to journals. Nondisclosure 'may be construed as misconduct in some circumstances'. Referencing AI-generated material as a primary source is not acceptable. Other pages: https://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/roles-and-responsibilities/defining-the-role-of-authors-and-contributors.html and https://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/artificial-intelligence/ai-use-by-reviewers.html

Papex writes this statement for a signed record in the journal’s form: choose “General (ICMJE, COPE)” under For a journal on the record’s AI-use page.

COPE#

Guideline · COPE position statement: Authorship and AI tools (13 February 2023) · Checked 23 October 2026

AI as author. 'AI tools cannot be listed as an author of a paper.'

Writing help. Required: disclose in the Materials and Methods (or similar section) how the AI tool was used and which tool.

Research use. Same rule for collection and analysis of data.

Figures. Same rule for production of images or graphical elements.

Details asked. Which tool was used and how it was used.

Authors who use AI tools in the writing of a manuscript, production of images or graphical elements of the paper, or in the collection and analysis of data, must be transparent in disclosing in the Materials and Methods (or similar section) of the paper how the AI tool was used and which tool was used.

Read from an Internet Archive copy of the page dated 12 October 2026; the live page blocked automated reading. Statement dated February 2023, the oldest core text here; many publishers cite it. It places writing disclosure in Methods, while most publishers now use Acknowledgements.

Papex writes this statement for a signed record in the journal’s form: choose “General (ICMJE, COPE)” under For a journal on the record’s AI-use page.