AI Policy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

1. Purpose

This policy establishes guidelines for the responsible, transparent, and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the preparation, submission, peer review, and publication of manuscripts in Agroscience. This policy applies to authors, editors, reviewers, and other parties involved in the publication process.

2. Use of AI Tools by Authors

Authors may use AI tools, including generative AI applications, to assist with language editing, grammar correction, translation, literature organization, and other appropriate tasks related to manuscript preparation.

However, AI tools must not replace the authors' intellectual contributions, critical analysis, interpretation of research findings, or scientific judgment. Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, integrity, and validity of their manuscripts.

Authors must verify all AI-generated content, including references, citations, facts, data, and interpretations, before submitting their manuscripts.

3. Disclosure of AI Use

Authors must disclose the use of generative AI tools when such tools have been used to produce or substantially modify manuscript content, including text, images, tables, code, or other research materials, in accordance with the journal's disclosure requirements.

The disclosure should identify the AI tool used, the purpose of its use, and the relevant sections or materials affected.

AI tools used solely for basic spelling, grammar correction, or routine language editing may be exempt from disclosure, unless otherwise required by the journal.

Suggested disclosure statement:

"During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [name of AI tool] for [specific purpose]. The authors reviewed and edited the generated content and take full responsibility for the final published article."

4. Prohibited and Unacceptable Uses

The following practices are prohibited:

1. Listing AI tools as authors or co-authors.
2. Using AI to fabricate or manipulate research data, results, images, references, or citations.
3. Submitting AI-generated content without appropriate verification and, where required, disclosure.
4. Using AI in ways that constitute plagiarism, misrepresentation, or violation of research ethics.
5. Uploading confidential manuscripts, unpublished research data, or personally identifiable information to AI tools without appropriate authorization and safeguards.

5. Responsibilities of Editors

Editors may use AI tools for appropriate administrative or editorial assistance, provided that confidentiality, impartiality, and editorial independence are maintained.

Editors must not rely solely on AI-generated assessments to make decisions regarding manuscript acceptance, rejection, or publication. Final editorial decisions must remain under human responsibility.

6. Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers must not upload confidential manuscripts or unpublished research materials to external AI tools without explicit authorization and appropriate safeguards.

AI tools must not replace the reviewer's independent scholarly judgment. Reviewers remain responsible for the accuracy, fairness, confidentiality, and quality of their evaluations.

Reviewers must disclose material AI assistance in preparing their review when required by the journal.

7. Originality and Research Integrity

The journal may assess suspected violations of this policy as part of its publication ethics procedures. AI-detection tools, if used, will not be treated as conclusive evidence of misconduct on their own. Any concerns must be evaluated through appropriate editorial assessment and, where necessary, further investigation.

8. Policy Enforcement

Failure to comply with this policy may result in requests for clarification or revision, rejection of a manuscript, correction or retraction of a published article, or other appropriate actions in accordance with the journal's publication ethics procedures.

9. Policy Review

This policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect developments in AI technology, research ethics, and applicable publication standards.

Agroscience is committed to promoting the responsible use of AI while protecting research integrity, transparency, accountability, and scholarly independence.