Basic and Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition

Declaration of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Scientific Writing

The Basic and Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition is committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and accountability in scientific publishing. As part of this commitment, authors are required to disclose any use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the preparation of their manuscripts. This policy aims to ensure clarity in the writing process while safeguarding the quality and credibility of scholarly communication.

 

Scope of AI Usage

Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies can be used solely to enhance the readability, grammar, and language clarity of manuscripts. However, these tools should not be utilized for generating, analyzing, or interpreting scientific content, as AI-generated outputs may be inaccurate, incomplete, or biased. Authors must apply AI tools with human oversight, ensuring that:

• AI-generated content is carefully reviewed, verified, and edited to eliminate errors.
• AI tools do not contribute substantively to the original scientific findings, data analysis, or intellectual contributions of the manuscript.
• The use of AI does not compromise the novelty, authenticity, and ethical integrity of the research.

The ultimate responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the manuscript remains with the authors.

 

Authorship Attribution

Generative AI tools or AI-assisted technologies must not be credited as authors or co-authors on any manuscript submitted to the Basic and Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. Authorship implies accountability, intellectual contributions, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility, all of which are uniquely human attributes. The following guidelines apply:

• Each author must be accountable for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the research.
• AI tools cannot be cited as an author, nor should they be acknowledged as a contributor with responsibilities that only humans can fulfill.
• Authors are responsible for approving the final version of the manuscript and ensuring compliance with ethical publishing standards.

 

Mandatory Disclosure of AI Use

Authors must disclose the use of AI tools in manuscript preparation at the time of submission. The disclosure should be included in a dedicated section titled "Declaration of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in the Writing Process" before the references section. The statement should follow the format below:

During the preparation of this work, the author(s) used [NAME OF TOOL/SERVICE] to [DESCRIPTION OF USE]. After utilizing this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as necessary and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication.

If AI tools were not used, no disclosure statement is required. The use of basic software tools such as standard grammar checkers, spelling correctors, and reference management tools (e.g., Grammarly, EndNote, Zotero) does not require disclosure.

 

Use of AI in Figures, Images, and Artwork

The use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create, modify, or enhance images, figures, or graphical abstracts in scientific manuscripts is strictly prohibited except in the following circumstances:

• When AI is integral to the research methodology, such as in AI-assisted imaging techniques, machine learning-based data visualization, or computational modeling.
• In such cases, authors must explicitly describe the use of AI tools in the Methods section, providing details such as:
• The name of the AI tool used.
• The version and manufacturer.
• The specific function the AI tool performed.
• Any potential biases or limitations introduced by AI-assisted processes.

Authors may be required to submit original, unaltered images or raw datasets upon editorial request to verify the authenticity of figures and artwork. AI-generated cover art may be accepted only with prior approval from the journal editor and publisher.

 

Policy for Reviewers and Editors

Reviewers

Reviewers are prohibited from using generative AI or AI-assisted technologies to evaluate submitted manuscripts, write peer review reports, or summarize research findings.

• Manuscripts under peer review are confidential documents and must not be uploaded to AI tools, as doing so may compromise author confidentiality and data privacy.
• Review reports should be generated solely through human assessment, ensuring that critiques are accurate, unbiased, and based on a deep understanding of the research field.
• AI tools must not be used to paraphrase, summarize, or generate review comments, as AI-generated assessments may lack contextual understanding and critical analysis.

 

Editors

Editors are not permitted to use generative AI or AI-assisted technologies in the editorial decision-making process. The following restrictions apply:

• Submitted manuscripts must not be uploaded into AI tools for evaluation, decision-making, or content summarization.
• AI tools must not be used to draft editorial correspondence, such as decision letters, revision requests, or rejection notices.
• The editorial team must ensure that peer review remains a human-driven process, as AI lacks the expertise, ethical judgment, and nuanced reasoning required for rigorous scholarly evaluation.

If an editor suspects unauthorized AI usage by authors or reviewers, they should notify the publisher for further investigation.

 

Compliance and Ethical Considerations

Failure to comply with this AI disclosure policy may result in:

• Requests for manuscript revision and resubmission with full disclosure.
• Editorial retraction of the manuscript in cases of undisclosed AI-generated content.
• Ethical review and possible sanctions by the journal’s editorial board.

 

The Basic and Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition aligns its policies with global ethical publishing standards and actively evaluates the impact of AI in academic research. Authors, reviewers, and editors are encouraged to engage in responsible AI use and uphold the integrity of scientific communication.

By following these guidelines, we ensure that AI remains a tool for enhancement rather than a substitute for critical thinking, originality, and ethical accountability in scientific research.