AI Policy

BC Studies Policy on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Authors

  1. Authorship
  • AI cannot be an Author. Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Large Language Models) do not meet the criteria for authorship because they cannot take legal or ethical responsibility for the work, manage copyright agreements, or assert the absence of conflicts of interest.
  • Human authors are solely responsible and accountable for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of the entire manuscript. 
  1. Manuscript Preparation
  • Permissible Use: Authors may use AI tools for Language editing or grammar assistance, Improving clarity or readability, Translation support, and Alt text for images.
  • Restricted Use: AI is not permitted for Generating data, references, or citations, Generating images or figures, Conducting peer review.
    • In the event of ambiguity or uncertainty regarding AI usage, authors should contact their editor, managing editor, or editor-in-chief.
  • Disclosure Requirements: Any use of generative AI must be disclosed at the time of submission.
  • How to Disclose: Authors must include a statement in the footnote on the first page:
    • The names and versions of the AI tools used.
    • The specific task the tools performed (e.g., "summarizing data," "drafting portions of the introduction", “language proofing”).

III. Images, Figures, and Artwork

  • The use of generative AI to create or manipulate images, figures, and graphical abstracts is prohibited.

Editors and Reviewers

  • Reviewers and editors must not upload any part of a manuscript into a generative AI tool. Uploading manuscripts violates authors’ confidentiality and proprietary rights.
  • Disclosure: If a reviewer uses AI to edit the language of their report, they must disclose this use to the editor.  
  • Editors and reviewers are fully responsible and accountable for the content, accuracy, and integrity of their reports.

The AID Framework, developed by Dr. Kari D. Weaver at the University of Waterloo (licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0), provides a robust structure for reporting the use of AI. Authors may follow this framework when reporting AI use.