Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

At Trends in Environmental Sciences, we recognize the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in research and publishing. This policy ensures that AI is used responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with the highest standards of research integrity.

Acceptable Use

Authors may use generative AI or machine learning tools (e.g., for language editing, grammar improvement, or data visualization) provided that:

  • AI tools are used only to assist in non-intellectual tasks such as language refinement or formatting.
  • The use of any AI tool must be clearly disclosed in the manuscript's "Acknowledgment" or "Methods" section, specifying the tool name and version.
  • Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of all content produced, including text, data, images, and citations.

Unacceptable Use

  • AI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors.
  • AI must not be used to generate or alter research data, fabricate results, manipulate images, or produce entire manuscripts or peer reviews.
  • Undisclosed or deceptive use of AI tools that influences scientific interpretation or misrepresents originality will be considered research misconduct and handled according to COPE guidelines.

Editorial and Peer Review Use

Editors and reviewers may use AI tools only for limited technical assistance, such as checking grammar or similarity, not for evaluating scientific content or making editorial decisions. Any AI-assisted evaluation must be verified by the human reviewer or editor before use.

Accountability

All authors, editors, and reviewers are responsible for ensuring that any AI usage adheres to ethical standards of transparency and accountability. Trends in Environmental Sciences reserves the right to request disclosure details or reject submissions that fail to comply with this policy.

Compliance

Trends in Environmental Sciences adheres to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and STM Association guidelines on the ethical use of AI in scholarly publishing. Any failure to disclose AI use may be treated as a breach of publication ethics.