Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way research is done and published. To make sure these tools are used responsibly and honestly, BACA has created this AI Policy as a clear guide for everyone involved, whether as an author, reviewer, editor, contributor, or reader.

This policy follows the internationally recognized standards of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), a global organization dedicated to integrity in research and publishing.

 

I. Definition of AI Tools

For the purposes of this policy, AI tools refer to digital systems, platforms, or software that use artificial intelligence techniques (for example machine learning, natural language processing, or deep learning) to generate, analyze, translate, summarize, or modify textual, numerical, visual, or audio data in a scholarly context.

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other large language models (LLMs)
• Writing and grammar tools such as Grammarly, DeepL Write, and QuillBot
• AI-assisted data analysis, coding, and visualization tools
• AI-assisted literature discovery and citation tools

 

II. Acceptable use of AI for Authors

1. Permissible Uses (no disclosure required)
Disclosure is not required for basic language assistance that does not change the scholarly meaning, such as:

• grammar checking, spelling, and punctuation correction
• minor improvements to readability and language fluency without changing meaning
• reference formatting and citation style formatting

 

2. Permissible Uses (disclosure required)
Disclosure is required if AI tools are used beyond basic language assistance, including:

• substantive rewriting, restructuring, or summarization of the manuscript text
• translation support beyond minor language polishing
• supporting coding, data cleaning, statistical analysis, or modeling, provided all outputs are verified and reproducible
• literature mapping or idea generation, provided all claims and all cited sources are independently verified by the authors

 

3. Restricted and Prohibited Uses

• generate an entire manuscript or substantial portions of original scholarly content in place of the authors’ own analysis and interpretation
• fabricate, falsify, or manipulate data, results, images, or findings
• produce citations or references without verifying that each source exists and is accurately represented
• summarize or rephrase published works in a way that constitutes plagiarism
• create content that infringes copyright or reproduces identifiable third-party materials without permission

 

4. Images, Figures, and Artwork
BACA does not permit the use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create or alter images in submitted manuscripts. This includes enhancing, obscuring, moving, removing, or introducing a specific feature within an image or figure. Adjustments of brightness, contrast, or color balance are acceptable only if they do not obscure or eliminate information present in the original.

If AI use is part of the research methodology, it must be clearly described in the Methods section, including the tool/model name, version, provider, and how outputs were produced. Authors may be asked to provide pre-adjusted images or raw images for editorial assessment.

The use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools in the production of artwork (for example graphical abstracts) is not permitted. Cover art may be considered only with prior permission from the Editor and with clear evidence that all necessary rights have been cleared, plus correct attribution.

 

5. Turnitin AI writing detection threshold
Maximum Turnitin result on AI writing detection: 25%. Authors are required to adjust their manuscripts should the results be more than 25%.

 

III. AI Authorship

AI cannot be listed as an author or co-author, nor cited as such. Only human contributors can be credited as authors, given that authorship implies accountability for the work. Human authors must take responsibility for the integrity of the work as a whole, including ensuring the work's originality and compliance with ethical standards.

 

IV. Transparency, Research Integrity, and Ethical Considerations

a. AI Involvement Disclosure
Authors must disclose the involvement of AI in their research (already included in the BACA template), including the name, version, descriptions of algorithms, training data, and AI's role in the research findings.

Location of disclosure in manuscripts

• Methods section: if the tool contributed to data analysis, coding, figure generation (methods-based exception), or other parts of the research methodology.
• Acknowledgements section: if the tool was used for substantive writing support, translation, or restructuring beyond basic proofreading.
• Dedicated statement: authors are encouraged to include a section titled “The use of AI or AI-assisted technologies” before the References.

Example:
The use of AI or AI-assisted technologies
During the preparation of this work the author(s) used [Name of Tool / Service] in order to [Reason]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication.

 

b. Ethical Use of AI
Before using any AI tool, authors must ensure that its terms and conditions safeguard privacy, confidentiality, intellectual property, and other rights. Authors must not provide confidential, proprietary, sensitive, or personally identifiable information to third-party AI tools unless they have a clear legal basis and adequate protections are in place.

 

V. Enforcement and Compliance

1. Editorial Review
   Manuscripts submitted to BACA, whether AI-assisted or not, will be subjected to an equally rigorous peer-review process aimed at evaluating their scientific validity, originality, and compliance with ethical standards. However, AI may be used as a supporting tool for technical or administrative purposes—such as format checking, plagiarism detection, data integrity screening, or reviewer matching—provided that these activities remain under human oversight. The final editorial decision and publication responsibility rest solely with the human editors.
2. Reviewer
   Reviewers must maintain strict confidentiality regarding manuscripts assigned for peer review and are prohibited from uploading any part of the manuscript to external generative AI tools or third-party AI systems. Such actions may compromise confidentiality and violate authors’ copyrights. Reviewers are also not permitted to use AI tools to draft or edit their review reports if doing so requires uploading confidential manuscript content. The use of AI to evaluate scientific merit, methodology, or the contribution of the work is not allowed. Reviewers remain fully responsible for the content, integrity, and quality of their evaluations.
3. Policy Enforcement
   Submissions that do not comply with these guidelines may be rejected. Violations of this policy will be addressed according to our ethical standards and procedures.

 

VI. Policy Adjustment

Recognizing the rapid development in AI technologies, BACA will continuously monitor these advancements and refine this policy as necessary to stay aligned with best practices, legal standards, and ethical considerations in scientific publishing.