The Journal of Environmental Sciences Studies (JESS) acknowledges the rapid development of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and AI-assisted technologies and their growing presence in academic research and scholarly publishing. This statement establishes principles, responsibilities, and disclosure requirements governing the ethical and transparent use of such tools throughout the research, manuscript preparation, peer review, and editorial processes of the journal.
This policy is informed by internationally recognized best practices, including the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and will be periodically reviewed to reflect developments in AI technologies and scholarly standards.
Generative Artificial Intelligence refers to computational systems capable of producing text, images, code, or other content in response to user prompts. Examples include, but are not limited to, large language models, AI-assisted writing tools, and generative image or data visualization systems.
3.1. Human Responsibility and Oversight
GenAI tools may support researchers but must not replace human intellectual judgment, scientific reasoning, or critical evaluation. Authors, reviewers, and editors remain fully responsible and accountable for all content associated with their work.
3.2. Integrity and Transparency
The use of GenAI must be transparent, verifiable, and consistent with standards of academic integrity. Any application of AI tools that influences the preparation or presentation of a manuscript must be clearly disclosed.
3.3. Accuracy and Reliability
All AI-assisted outputs must be carefully reviewed and validated by humans. Authors are responsible for identifying and correcting factual errors, bias, fabricated references, or misleading interpretations.
4.1. Permitted Uses
Authors may use GenAI tools for supportive and non-substantive tasks, including:
Language editing, grammar correction, and improvement of clarity or readability
Structuring or organizing text
Summarizing existing literature for background understanding
Assisting with data visualization, provided all underlying data are original, verified, and properly cited
4.2. Prohibited Uses
GenAI tools must not be used to:
Generate or manipulate research data, results, or conclusions
Fabricate references, citations, or experimental outcomes
Replace the author’s original scientific interpretation or analytical reasoning
Produce content that infringes intellectual property, privacy, or copyright
4.3. Data Protection and Rights
Authors must ensure that the use of any AI tool complies with data protection regulations and does not compromise confidential, proprietary, or unpublished material. Responsibility for checking the terms and conditions of AI tools rests solely with the authors.
Authors must include a clear AI Disclosure Statement in the manuscript at the time of submission if GenAI tools were used beyond basic spelling or grammar checks.
The disclosure should specify:
The name(s) of the AI tool(s) used
The purpose and scope of use (e.g., language editing, visualization support)
Confirmation that all scientific content, analysis, and conclusions are the authors’ own
Example Disclosure Statement:
“Generative AI tools were used solely for language editing and improving manuscript clarity. All research design, data analysis, interpretation, and conclusions were developed by the authors.”
Undisclosed or inappropriate use of GenAI may result in editorial action.
Generative AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors, nor cited as responsible contributors. Authorship requires intellectual contribution, accountability, and the ability to approve the final manuscript—criteria that AI systems cannot meet.
All listed authors share responsibility for the integrity, originality, and ethical compliance of the submitted work.
The use of GenAI tools to create, alter, or manipulate figures, images, or graphical abstracts is not permitted, including the addition, removal, or modification of visual elements.
Minor technical adjustments (e.g., brightness, contrast, or color balance) are acceptable only when they do not distort or obscure original information.
An exception may apply if AI-assisted image generation or interpretation is an explicit part of the research methodology. In such cases, the use must be fully described in the Methods section, including tool name, version, and reproducibility details.
Peer review for JESS is a human-led process. While AI tools may assist reviewers or editors with limited tasks such as summarization or language refinement, they must not replace expert judgment, confidentiality obligations, or ethical responsibility.
Reviewers and editors must not upload confidential manuscripts or review materials to AI systems that do not guarantee data security.
The editorial team may evaluate disclosed AI use during the review process to ensure compliance with this policy. Manuscripts suspected of inappropriate or undisclosed AI use may undergo additional scrutiny, including requests for clarification, revision, or rejection.
Violations of this policy, in accordance with COPE guidelines, may result in:
Rejection of the manuscript
Retraction of published articles
Notification to authors’ institutions or relevant stakeholders, where appropriate
This statement reflects current best practices and will be updated as necessary to remain aligned with advancements in artificial intelligence and scholarly publishing ethics.