Artificial Intelligence Use Policy

SAER Journal · Editorial Policies

SAER Journal recognizes that artificial intelligence, large language models, generative AI tools, and other automated systems may provide useful support in scholarly publishing.

Their use, however, must remain consistent with the principles of transparency, human responsibility, accuracy, confidentiality, intellectual property, and research integrity.

Policy No. SAER-POL-AI-09 · Version 1.0 · Effective 2026 · Last Updated 14 September 2026 · Responsible Body SAER Journal Editorial Board

1. General Principle

The use of AI-assisted tools does not remove the scientific or ethical responsibilities of authors, reviewers, or editors. The relevant human user remains ultimately responsible for content generated or modified by artificial intelligence.

AI systems are not regarded as independent actors capable of assuming scientific judgment, ethical responsibility, authorship responsibility, or editorial decision-making authority.

2. Use of Artificial Intelligence by Authors

When authors use generative AI or similar automated tools in preparing a manuscript, meaningful uses beyond basic spell-checking, language correction, or formatting should be disclosed transparently.

Where possible, the disclosure should identify the tool used and the purpose of its use. If AI has been used for text generation, summarization, coding, data analysis, image generation, data collection, or another stage of the research process, that use should be reported in the appropriate section of the work.

3. Language Editing and Technical Assistance

Automated tools used solely for spell-checking, grammar correction, improving expression, formatting, or similar limited technical assistance may not require detailed disclosure. However, their use must not alter the scientific meaning, findings, or interpretations of the manuscript.

4. Artificial Intelligence Does Not Qualify for Authorship

AI systems, chatbots, large language models, or other automated tools may not be listed as authors or co-authors. Authorship belongs to human contributors who are able to assume responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the work.

Even where an AI tool has contributed to the preparation of a manuscript, full scientific and ethical responsibility for the published content remains with the human authors.

5. Verification of Accuracy and Sources

Authors are responsible for independently verifying the accuracy of text, data, analyses, code, references, figures, or other content produced by AI-assisted tools.

Authors should recognize that AI systems may generate incorrect, incomplete, misleading, or non-existent references. All cited sources must be verified for authenticity and for their support of the relevant statement.

Outputs generated by generative AI should not be cited as primary scientific sources or used as evidence for scientific claims.

6. Plagiarism, Copyright, and Intellectual Property

Authors are responsible for ensuring that AI-generated or AI-edited content does not involve plagiarism, inappropriate use of sources, or infringement of third-party intellectual property rights.

The fact that content was produced by AI does not remove the authors' obligations concerning attribution, permissions, or compliance with copyright.

7. AI in Data Analysis and the Research Process

Where AI or machine-learning tools are used for data collection, data processing, coding, analysis, modelling, or image generation, the methods, tools, and core processes used should be described to a degree sufficient to support reproducibility.

Researchers retain final responsibility for interpreting research results and validating scientific conclusions.

8. Image and Figure Generation

The use of images, figures, or graphics created or substantially modified using AI must be disclosed transparently. Such materials must not alter scientific data in a misleading manner or create the impression of an observation that did not actually occur.

9. Protection of Confidential or Personal Data

Authors must not upload personal data, sensitive personal data, participant information, unpublished data, or other information subject to confidentiality obligations to AI systems where data security and legal compliance are not assured.

The use of AI tools does not remove the privacy rights of research participants or applicable data-protection obligations.

10. Use of Artificial Intelligence by Reviewers

Reviewers must treat manuscripts and related files provided for evaluation as confidential scholarly communications.

Reviewers must not upload manuscript text, supplementary files, or unpublished material to generative AI systems where confidentiality and data security are not assured.

The scientific content and final judgment of a peer review must be based on the reviewer's own expertise and reasoning. It is not appropriate for generative AI to independently produce a reviewer report or assume responsibility for the evaluation.

If an AI tool permitted within the review process has been used, that use should be disclosed to the editor.

11. Use of Artificial Intelligence by Editors

Editors are responsible for protecting the confidentiality of unpublished manuscripts and reviewer reports. Manuscripts or reviewer reports must not be uploaded to AI systems where confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

AI tools may be used as supportive technical tools in editorial processes; however, the final decision to accept or reject a manuscript is made by the authorized editor.

Where automated tools are used to identify plagiarism, image manipulation, similarity, or other research-integrity concerns, automated results must be verified through human editorial assessment.

12. Use of Artificial Intelligence by the Journal

If SAER Journal makes meaningful use of AI or automated tools in routine publishing or production processes, such use is disclosed to authors or readers to the extent necessary.

Outputs from automated tools are not used, without human oversight, as the sole basis for final scientific or ethical decisions.

13. Undisclosed or Inappropriate Use of Artificial Intelligence

If it becomes apparent that a use of AI that should have been disclosed was not reported, or that AI use has affected research integrity, confidentiality, or the reliability of the scholarly record, the editor may request an explanation from the authors.

Depending on the nature of the issue, the manuscript may be rejected during evaluation, or an appropriate correction, clarification, or other post-publication action may be applied to a published work.

14. Policy Review and Updating

Because AI technologies and scholarly publishing standards are developing rapidly, SAER Journal may update this policy as necessary. Authors, reviewers, and editors are responsible for complying with the version of the policy in force at the time of submission or evaluation.