Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

iLEAD Journal

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

1. General Principles

iLEAD recognises that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including generative AI tools, may support academic writing, research and scholarly communication. The journal permits the responsible and transparent use of AI-assisted technologies, provided that their use does not compromise academic integrity, originality, research ethics or the reliability of published findings.

This policy applies to all authors, reviewers, editors and editorial staff involved in the journal's publication process.

2. AI Use by Authors

Authors may use AI-assisted tools for appropriate purposes, including:

• Improving grammar, spelling, clarity and readability.

• Supporting language editing and translation.

• Assisting with manuscript organisation and formatting.

• Supporting research-related activities, provided their use is methodologically appropriate, transparent and verifiable.

AI tools must not replace authors' independent scholarly contributions, critical thinking or responsibility for the manuscript.

Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, validity and integrity of all submitted content, including material developed with AI assistance.

3. AI Authorship

AI tools, including ChatGPT and other large language models, cannot be listed as authors or co-authors.

Authorship is restricted to individuals who make substantial scholarly contributions and can accept responsibility for the content and integrity of the published work.

4. Disclosure of AI Use

Authors must disclose the use of generative AI technologies in manuscript preparation or research activities.

The disclosure must identify:

• The name of the AI tool used.

• The purpose of its use.

• The nature and extent of AI assistance.

Authors should include an AI Use Declaration before the reference list.

Example declaration:

Declaration of AI Use

During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [name of AI tool] to assist with [specific purpose, such as language editing or improving readability]. The authors reviewed and revised the AI-assisted content and take full responsibility for the accuracy, originality and integrity of the manuscript.

If no generative AI tools were used, authors should state:

Declaration of AI Use

The authors declare that no generative AI tools were used in the preparation of this manuscript.

Where AI is used in research design, data collection, analysis or the generation of research materials, authors must additionally explain its application in the Methodology section, including sufficient details to support transparency and reproducibility.

5. Prohibited Uses of AI

iLEAD does not permit the use of AI technologies to:

• Fabricate, falsify or manipulate research data, findings or evidence.

• Generate fictitious references, quotations, participants or research results.

• Misrepresent AI-generated material as independently conducted research.

• Produce misleading or fabricated images, figures or research documentation.

• Conceal substantial AI involvement in manuscript preparation or research.

• Process confidential or sensitive research information through AI systems without appropriate authorisation, consent and data protection safeguards.

Authors must verify all references and ensure that cited sources exist and accurately support the claims made.

6. AI Use in Peer Review

Peer reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of manuscripts submitted to iLEAD.

Reviewers must not upload unpublished manuscripts, research data, figures or other confidential submission materials to external generative AI platforms.

Peer review must reflect the reviewer's independent scholarly judgement and expertise.

Limited AI assistance for improving the grammar or clarity of reviewer-generated comments may be permitted, provided that no confidential manuscript information is disclosed. Reviewers must inform the handling editor when generative AI has been used in preparing their review.

AI-generated evaluations must not replace independent critical assessment of a manuscript.

7. AI Use by Editors

Editors may use appropriate AI-assisted technologies to support administrative or language-related editorial activities, provided that manuscript confidentiality and data protection are maintained.

Editors must not upload confidential manuscripts or peer-review materials to external AI systems without appropriate authorisation and safeguards.

All editorial decisions, including manuscript rejection, revision, acceptance and reviewer selection, must remain under human editorial responsibility.

8. Research Integrity and Ethical Compliance

Authors are responsible for ensuring that AI-assisted content complies with applicable ethical standards, copyright requirements, privacy regulations and academic integrity principles.

The use of AI does not exempt authors from obtaining ethical approval, informed consent or appropriate permissions where required.

iLEAD reserves the right to request clarification or additional documentation concerning the use of AI in submitted manuscripts.

9. Non-Compliance with the AI Policy

Failure to comply with this policy may result in editorial action, depending on the nature and seriousness of the concern.

Such actions may include:

• Requesting clarification or correction of an AI Use Declaration.

• Requiring manuscript revision.

• Rejecting a manuscript where serious ethical concerns are substantiated.

• Investigating concerns arising after publication.

• Issuing corrections, expressions of concern or retractions where justified under applicable publication ethics procedures.

The journal will assess concerns fairly and provide authors with an opportunity to respond before reaching a final decision.

10. Policy Review

iLEAD will periodically review and update this policy to reflect developments in AI technologies, research ethics and scholarly publishing standards.

The journal is committed to promoting responsible AI use while maintaining transparency, academic integrity and human accountability throughout the publication process.