Policy on Generative AI and AI Assisted Technologies in Scientific Writing

World Nutrition recognises that generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI‑assisted tools are increasingly used to support scientific writing, language editing, and data handling. This policy provides clear guidance on the acceptable, transparent, and responsible use of such technologies in manuscripts submitted to the journal.

This policy aligns with emerging best practices from COPE, DOAJ, and leading scholarly publishers, and is intended to protect research integrity, accountability, and trust.

  1. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all manuscript types submitted to World Nutrition, including research articles, reviews, commentaries, perspectives, editorials, and letters.

The policy covers the use of:

  • Generative AI tools (e.g. large language models)
  • AI‑assisted writing, editing, summarisation, or translation tools
  • AI tools used in data analysis, coding, or visualisation (where relevant)
  1. Permitted Uses of AI Tools

Authors may use AI‑assisted technologies only as supportive tools, for example:

  • Improving grammar, spelling, and clarity of language
  • Assisting with translation into English
  • Formatting references or text
  • Summarising author‑written text for internal drafting purposes

Use of AI tools must not replace scholarly judgement, originality, or author responsibility.

  1. Prohibited Uses of AI Tools

The following uses are not permitted:

  • Listing AI tools as authors or co‑authors
  • Using AI tools to generate original scientific content, interpretations, conclusions, or policy recommendations without full human authorship and verification
  • Fabrication or falsification of data, references, quotations, or citations using AI tools
  • Use of AI tools to manipulate images, figures, or data in a misleading way
  • Use of AI tools to obscure plagiarism or evade detection

AI systems cannot take responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, or ethical conduct of research and therefore cannot qualify for authorship.

  1. Mandatory Disclosure Requirement

Authors must declare any use of generative AI or AI‑assisted technologies in the preparation of their manuscript.

How to Declare

A declaration must be included in a dedicated section titled:

Declaration of Generative AI and AI‑Assisted Technologies

The declaration should specify:

  • The name of the AI tool(s) used
  • The purpose for which the tool was used (e.g. language editing, translation)
  • A statement confirming that authors take full responsibility for the content

Example Declaration

The authors used an AI‑assisted language editing tool to improve grammar and clarity of the manuscript. The authors reviewed and edited all content and take full responsibility for its accuracy, originality, and integrity.

If no AI tools were used, authors should state:

The authors declare that no generative AI or AI‑assisted technologies were used in the preparation of this manuscript.

  1. Responsibility and Accountability

All authors remain fully responsible for:

  • The originality of the work
  • The accuracy of data, analyses, and interpretations
  • Compliance with ethical standards
  • Proper citation of sources

Use of AI tools does not reduce or transfer author accountability.

  1. Peer Review and Editorial Use of AI
  • Reviewers must not upload manuscripts to generative AI tools or external platforms that compromise confidentiality
  • Editors may use AI tools only for administrative support (e.g. plagiarism screening, language checks), not for editorial decision‑making
  • Editorial decisions are made exclusively by human editors
  1. Detection and Non‑Compliance

The journal reserves the right to:

  • Request clarification regarding AI use
  • Screen manuscripts using plagiarism and integrity‑checking tools
  • Reject manuscripts for non‑disclosure or misuse of AI technologies
  • Retract published articles if undisclosed or unethical AI use is identified post‑publication

Non‑compliance may be treated as a breach of publication ethics.

  1. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically as technologies, standards, and best practices evolve.

World Nutrition supports responsible innovation while upholding the principles of transparency, human accountability, and scientific integrity.