AI Use Policy

This policy covers the use of generative AI and large language model tools (for drafting text, generating or editing images, or assisting with code or analysis) in preparing a manuscript submitted to MPJ.

An AI tool cannot be listed as an author. Authorship requires the ability to take responsibility and be accountable for the work, which an AI tool cannot do. The human authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the entire manuscript, including any portion produced with AI assistance.

Authors may use generative AI tools for tasks like language editing, formatting assistance, or generating exploratory code, provided this use is disclosed in the manuscript’s acknowledgments or methods section: which tool was used, for what purpose, and to what extent. Authors remain responsible for verifying that any AI-assisted content is accurate and does not introduce fabricated references, data, or claims.

Undisclosed use of AI to:

• Generate or alter research data, results, or figures.
• Write substantive scientific content presented as the authors’ own analysis or interpretation without disclosure.
• Fabricate citations or references.

is treated as a breach of this policy and, depending on severity, may be handled under the journal’s Publication Ethics policy.

Reviewers and editors must not upload confidential, unpublished manuscript content to a generative AI tool, since doing so can expose that content to a third-party service outside the journal’s control — a direct conflict with the confidentiality every submission is owed.