Policy on the use of artificial intelligence in the editorial activities of the scientific periodical
1. Introduction
This document defines the principles and rules for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the preparation, review, and publication of materials in the scientific journal 'Bulletin of Kyiv National University named after Taras Shevchenko' (hereinafter, the Journal). We recognise the potential benefits of using AI to enhance the efficiency and quality of scientific publications, but emphasise the need for its ethical, responsible, and transparent application in accordance with academic integrity and standards of scientific ethics.
2. Scope of application
This policy applies to all participants in the editorial process of the Journal, including:
• • Authors who submit materials to the Journal.
• • Reviewers who conduct expert evaluations of the submitted materials.
• • Members of the editorial board and editorial staff.
3. Use of AI tools by authors
Authors may utilise AI tools to enhance the quality of their manuscripts, but subject to the following conditions:
Responsibility for content. Authors bear full responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and reliability of all content in their manuscript, including parts created or edited using AI tools. The use of AI does not exempt the author from responsibility for plagiarism, fabrication, data falsification, or other breaches of academic integrity.
Transparency and disclosure. Authors are obliged to clearly indicate in the 'Acknowledgements' section or a separate subsection 'Use of AI tools' information about the utilisation of AI tools during manuscript preparation. It is necessary to specify the name of the AI tool, its version, and the purpose of use (e.g., for editing text, grammar checking, data analysis, image generation, etc.).
Restrictions on authorship. AI tools cannot be considered as authors of manuscripts. Authorship belongs solely to individuals who have made a significant intellectual contribution to the research and preparation of the publication.
Verification of generated content. Authors must carefully verify any text, data, or images generated by AI tools for accuracy, contextual appropriateness, and absence of bias or errors.
Use for data analysis. When using AI tools for data analysis, authors should clearly describe the analysis methodology, including the AI tools used, in the 'Materials and Methods' section.
Use for image generation. If AI tools have been used to generate images or other visual materials, authors should indicate this in the captions of the relevant elements and in the 'Use of AI tools' section.
4. Use of AI tools by reviewers
Reviewers may utilise AI tools to enhance the efficiency of the review process, subject to the following conditions:
Confidentiality. Reviewers are not permitted to upload confidential materials of manuscripts (including full texts, data, figures, etc.) to AI tools that do not guarantee confidentiality and data security.
Objectivity. The use of AI tools should not influence the objectivity and impartiality of the review. The reviewer is fully responsible for the content of their review.
Disclosure. Reviewers are advised to inform the editorial board of any AI tool use during the preparation of the review.
5. Use of AI tools by the editorial board and staff
The editorial board and staff of the Journal may utilise AI tools to optimise editorial processes, such as:
• Plagiarism checking (using specialised tools).
• Checking formatting and compliance with the Journal’s requirements.
• Assisting in the selection of potential reviewers.
• Analysing trends in scientific publications.
In doing so, strict adherence to principles of confidentiality, data security, and avoidance of biases inherent in some AI tools is essential. The editorial board always makes decisions regarding the acceptance or rejection of a manuscript based on scientific merit and compliance with the Journal’s standards, and not solely on the results obtained through AI tools.
6. Ethical Aspects and Responsibility
Plagiarism. The use of text generated by AI tools without proper attribution of the source and/or without significant modification by the author may be considered plagiarism.
Bias. AI tools can generate content that reflects the biases of the data on which they were trained. Authors, reviewers, and editors must critically evaluate AI-generated results and avoid disseminating biased content.
Transparency. Maximum transparency regarding the use of AI tools is a key element of responsible scientific publishing.
Responsibility. The ultimate responsibility for adhering to the Journal's ethical norms and standards lies with the authors, reviewers, and members of the editorial board.
7. Review of Violations
The editorial board will consider any detected cases of unlawful or unethical use of AI tools in accordance with the Journal's procedures for handling breaches of publication ethics. This may include requesting clarification from the author/reviewer, rejecting the manuscript, retracting the published article, or other measures.
8. Policy Update
This policy may be reviewed and updated by the editorial board of the Journal in light of developments in AI technology and changes in standards within the scientific community.
