AI Declare Policy

Journal of Science Education Literacy (JSEL) recognizes the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in scholarly publishing. While AI tools can enhance productivity, their use must be carefully managed to uphold academic integrity, originality, transparency, and accountability.

A. Introduction

This policy outlines the journal’s position on the ethical and responsible use of AI tools in manuscript preparation. It aims to provide clear boundaries, prevent misunderstandings, and align with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)’s Core Practices and discussion documents on AI in decision-making.

B. Definition of AI Tools

AI tools refer to digital systems, platforms, or software that use artificial intelligence techniques—such as machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning—to generate, analyze, translate, summarize, or modify textual, numerical, visual, or audio data in a research context. Examples include Generative AI (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude), grammar tools (Grammarly, Quillbot), and AI-based data analysis software.

C. Acceptable Use of AI Tools

a. Permissible Uses

Grammar checking, spelling, and punctuation correction.
Improving linguistic clarity, style, and tone.
Formatting references and citations.
Conducting initial literature searches.
Supporting, but not replacing, statistical analysis or modeling.
Generating basic visual aids or illustrations (if ethically sourced and reviewed).
Maximum Turnitin result on AI writing detection: 20%. Authors are required to adjust their manuscripts should the results be more than 20%.

b. Restricted Uses

AI tools must not be used to: Generate entire manuscripts or substantial portions of original content without proper attribution; Fabricate or falsify data, images, or findings; Translate texts without human verification; Automatically summarize or rephrase published works in a way that constitutes plagiarism; Create content that infringes on copyright.

D. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are solely responsible for all content submitted to the journal. This includes content created or modified using AI tools. Authors must verify the accuracy, originality, and reliability of all AI-assisted content and accept full responsibility for any errors, omissions, or ethical breaches resulting from AI-assisted work.

E. Authorship and AI

AI tools cannot be credited as authors or co-authors. Authorship is limited to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research and can be held accountable for its content. Including AI tools in the list of authors is strictly prohibited.

F. Disclosure Requirements

Authors must provide full and transparent disclosure if AI tools were used beyond permissible uses. Disclosure must include the name, version, and developer of the AI tool, a clear description of the purpose and extent of its use, and a statement confirming that the authors take responsibility for the content.

G. Location of Disclosure in Manuscripts

Methods Section: If the tool contributed to data analysis, figure generation, coding, or research methodology.
Acknowledgments Section: If the tool was used to improve writing quality, translation, or formatting.
Dedicated Statement Section: Authors are strongly encouraged to include a separate section titled “Declaration of AI Tool Usage”:

"During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [insert AI tool name (version, and developer)] for [provide a clear description of the purposes and the extent of its use]. All AI-generated outputs were critically reviewed and thoroughly edited by the authors to ensure factual accuracy, clarity of expression, and compliance with academic standards. The authors take full responsibility for the integrity and content of this manuscript."

H. Editorial and Peer Review Oversight

Editors and peer reviewers will evaluate AI disclosures. If undisclosed or inappropriate AI use is suspected, the editorial office may request clarification, reject the manuscript, or initiate a formal investigation. JSEL will not rely solely on automated detection software; all assessments involve human oversight.

I. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in rejection of the manuscript at any stage, retraction after publication, notification of the author’s institution, or banning future submissions.

J. Appeals and Dispute Resolution

If an author disputes an editorial decision related to AI usage, they may submit a formal written appeal to the Editor-in-Chief. Appeals will be reviewed by an internal ethics panel or referred to an independent COPE consultant if necessary.

K. Use of AI by the Editorial Team

JSEL does not use AI tools to make autonomous editorial or peer review decisions. Any future use of AI by the editorial team will be disclosed transparently and will always involve human verification.

L. Policy Updates

As AI technologies evolve, this policy will be reviewed and updated regularly. Authors are advised to consult this policy before submitting a manuscript and to contact the editorial office if unsure whether their use of AI tools is compliant.