Use of Generative AI

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Policy

Microbes, Infection and Chemotherapy recognizes the growing use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools in scientific communication. To ensure transparency, integrity, and accountability in scholarly publishing, the journal adopts the following policy regarding the use of GenAI technologies in manuscript preparation, peer review, and editorial processes.

For Authors

Authors may use GenAI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, or similar technologies) to improve language, grammar, readability, or manuscript organization. However:

  • Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, validity, and integrity of all submitted content.
  • GenAI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors because they cannot assume responsibility for the work.
  • Any substantial use of GenAI in the preparation of a manuscript must be disclosed in the manuscript, preferably in the Acknowledgments section or in a dedicated statement before the References.
  • Authors are responsible for verifying all information generated by AI tools, including citations, references, data interpretations, and factual statements.
  • The use of GenAI tools for data fabrication, image manipulation, falsification of results, or any form of scientific misconduct is strictly prohibited.

Disclosure Statement Example

Authors may use the following statement when applicable:

"The authors used [name of GenAI tool] to assist with language editing and/or manuscript preparation. The authors reviewed and edited the output as necessary and take full responsibility for the content of the publication."

For Reviewers

Reviewers must preserve the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts. Therefore:

  • Manuscripts under review must not be uploaded, shared, or processed through public GenAI platforms or external AI services that may store, learn from, or disclose manuscript content.
  • Reviewers remain solely responsible for the content, recommendations, and judgments expressed in their peer-review reports.

For Editors

Editors may use GenAI tools only for limited administrative or language-support purposes. Editorial decisions, peer-review assessments, and publication recommendations must always be made by human editors.

Compliance

Failure to disclose significant use of GenAI tools or any misuse of artificial intelligence technologies that compromises scientific integrity may result in manuscript rejection, retraction, or other editorial actions in accordance with the journal's ethical policies.

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect evolving best practices and recommendations from international publication ethics organizations.