AI Usage Policy

IRJMS Policy on the Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies

IRJMS adheres to international publication ethics standards consistent with recommendations from the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

This policy outlines the responsible use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted tools in medical research, manuscript preparation, peer review, and editorial decision-making.

As AI technologies continue to evolve, IRJMS reserves the right to update this policy in accordance with emerging ethical standards and global best practices. The version in effect at the time of submission or review shall apply.

1. Authorship and Accountability (ICMJE-Aligned)

In accordance with ICMJE authorship criteria:

  • AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors.
  • AI systems cannot assume responsibility for published work.
  • Only individuals who meet ICMJE authorship criteria qualify as authors.

All human authors remain fully accountable for:

  • The accuracy and integrity of the manuscript
  • Data validity and authenticity
  • Appropriate citation and avoidance of plagiarism
  • Prevention of fabricated, falsified, or misleading content

Use of AI does not diminish author responsibility.

2. Permissible Use of AI by Authors

AI tools may be used only as supportive instruments, with full transparency and disclosure, for:

  • Language editing (grammar, spelling, clarity improvement)
  • Formatting assistance
  • Translation of non-English text
  • Technical assistance with coding or statistical syntax (with verification)

Authors must independently verify all AI-generated outputs. AI may not replace critical scientific reasoning, data interpretation, or clinical judgment.

3. Prohibited Uses (Medical Research Integrity Standards)

The following uses are strictly prohibited:

  • Undisclosed AI-generated text, data analysis, images, tables, code, or clinical interpretations
  • Fabrication or falsification of research data
  • Generation of non-existent or inaccurate references (“hallucinated citations”)
  • Creation or manipulation of medical images or diagnostic data without explicit disclosure and validation
  • Uploading confidential patient data, identifiable health information, or unpublished datasets into third-party AI platforms

IRJMS emphasizes compliance with:

  • Patient confidentiality standards
  • Data protection regulations
  • Research ethics approval requirements

4. Mandatory AI Disclosure Statement

All submissions must include a dedicated section titled:

AI Usage Disclosure Statement

This statement must:

  • Name the AI tool used
  • Specify version (if applicable)
  • Describe the purpose of use
  • Confirm that authors verified and take responsibility for all AI-assisted content

Example (AI Used)

AI Usage Disclosure: The authors used Grammarly (version X) for language editing. ChatGPT (LLM, GPT, or Any other AI tool) was used to assist in language refinement and formatting. No AI tool was used for data analysis, clinical interpretation, or generation of research findings. All outputs were critically reviewed and verified by the authors, who assume full responsibility for the final manuscript.

Example (No AI Used)

Declaration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistance
This manuscript was written by the authors without the use of generative AI or AI-assisted technologies. All content is original and has been created by the authors themselves. The authors declare that no generative AI or AI-assisted technologies were used in the preparation, analysis, or reporting of this manuscript.

Failure to provide accurate disclosure may constitute publication misconduct.

5. Editors and Reviewers (COPE-Aligned Ethical Standards)

In line with COPE guidance:

  • Editors and reviewers must not upload submitted manuscripts, peer-review reports, or confidential author data into public AI systems.
  • AI tools must not be used to generate peer-review reports or editorial decisions without explicit journal authorization.
  • Editorial and peer-review judgments must remain human-driven and ethically accountable.

Confidentiality, objectivity, and scientific integrity must be preserved at all stages of review.

6. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Violation of this policy may result in:

  • Desk rejection
  • Retraction or correction of published articles
  • Institutional notification
  • Reporting to funding agencies where appropriate

Cases will be handled according to COPE ethical procedures.