The rapid development of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI (GenAI) introduces both opportunities and challenges in scholarly publishing. Researchers are increasingly using AI for manuscript creation, editing, and peer review, yet concerns about its accuracy, effectiveness, and reproducibility persist. This toolkit provides guidelines for the responsible use of AI by editors, authors, and reviewers, while highlighting the need for transparency and adherence to ethical practices.

Key Recommendations

For Editors, Journals, and Publishers:

• Develop and publicize clear AI policies in submission and review guidelines.
• Collect declarations on AI usage from authors, reviewers, and editorial staff.
• Monitor policy adherence and provide educational resources.
• Ensure AI usage is disclosed in relevant manuscript sections (e.g., Methods, Acknowledgments).
• Prohibit AI as co-authors and discourage its use for citations due to potential inaccuracies.
• Specify acceptable AI use for peer review and editorial tasks while maintaining ethical standards.

For Authors:

• Check journal AI policies before manuscript submission.
• Transparently declare any AI use during writing, editing, or data analysis.
• Avoid citing AI-generated content as primary sources and verify all referenced information.
• Contact journals about policy conflicts instead of misrepresenting AI use.

For Peer Reviewers:

• Verify AI usage policies before accepting review invitations.
• Declare any AI use in creating or editing review reports.
• Report suspected AI-generated content in manuscripts or reviews to editors.

These recommendations aim to ensure integrity, transparency, and sustainability in scholarly communication while addressing evolving AI applications. Feedback and examples from the academic community are welcomed to refine these guidelines.

Link to the article: https://ease.org.uk/2024/09/recommendations-on-the-use-of-ai-in-scholarly-communication/