Generative AI Policy

These policies were originally developed in response to the rapid advancement of generative AI and AI-assisted tools, which have become increasingly common in research. The updated guidelines integrate the latest best practices and aim to strengthen transparency while providing clear direction for authors, reviewers, editors, readers, and other contributors. The IJBA team will continue monitoring developments in this area and revise these policies as needed.

For Authors

Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Manuscript Preparation

IJBA acknowledges that generative AI and AI-supported tools (“AI Tools”), when used responsibly, can be valuable resources for researchers. These technologies can enhance productivity, support literature synthesis, help identify research gaps, generate ideas, and improve the clarity and structure of writing.

Authors submitting to this journal may use AI Tools as supportive aids; however, AI must never replace human expertise, interpretation, or judgment. All AI-generated content must be reviewed, validated, and approved by the authors. Authors remain fully accountable for their manuscripts, including:

  • Ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and impartiality of AI-generated text and verifying that citations are authentic and correct.

  • Editing and contextualizing AI-assisted content to ensure the manuscript reflects the authors’ own ideas, reasoning, and scholarly contribution.

  • Transparently disclosing the use of any AI Tools during manuscript preparation through an AI declaration at submission.

  • Protecting data privacy and intellectual property by adhering to the terms of use of any AI Tools applied.

Responsible Use of AI Tools

Authors must review and understand the terms of service of any AI Tool before use to ensure the confidentiality of all uploaded materials, including unpublished data and sensitive information. Particular attention is required for personally identifiable information. AI-generated images that replicate copyrighted works, portray real individuals, or feature recognizable brands are strictly prohibited, as are synthetic voice outputs. All AI-generated material must be assessed for factual accuracy and potential bias.

Authors must also ensure that AI Tools do not claim ownership, training rights, or secondary usage rights over the inputs beyond what is necessary to provide the service. Tools should not impose restrictions that jeopardize future publication.

Disclosure Requirements

Authors must disclose any use of AI Tools in a dedicated AI declaration upon submission. The disclosure must include the name of the tool, how it was used, and the level of human oversight. This transparency helps build trust among authors, reviewers, editors, and readers, and ensures compliance with the terms of the AI Tools used.

Minor language editing (e.g., grammar or punctuation) does not require disclosure. However, if AI is used within the research method itself, it must be fully described in the Methods section.

Authorship Policy

AI systems cannot be credited as authors or co-authors. Authorship requires human responsibility, accountability, and intellectual contribution that AI cannot fulfill. All authors must approve the final version, ensure integrity and originality, and address any questions about data accuracy or validity.

Authors must confirm that the work is original, that all contributors qualify for authorship, and that third-party rights are respected. Authors should consult the IJBA Ethics in Publishing guidelines before submission.

Use of Generative AI in Figures, Images, and Artwork

Using generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create, alter, or manipulate images in submitted manuscripts is strictly prohibited. This includes removing, enhancing, concealing, or adjusting key image components. Only basic adjustments (brightness, contrast, color) are allowed if they do not distort the underlying data. Forensic analysis may be used to detect manipulation.

Exceptions apply only when AI-assisted imaging is part of the research design (e.g., AI-based medical imaging analysis). In such cases, authors must describe the tools used, including model name, version, and manufacturer, in the Methods section. Editors may request original, unmodified image files.

AI-generated artwork cannot be used for graphical abstracts. However, AI-generated cover art may be allowed with prior approval from the journal editor and publisher, provided all rights are secured and proper attribution is given.

For Reviewers

Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Peer Review

Reviewers must treat all manuscripts as strictly confidential. They may not upload manuscripts or excerpts into generative AI tools, as doing so risks confidentiality breaches, loss of intellectual property, and potential disclosure of sensitive or personal information.

This confidentiality requirement also applies to the reviewer’s report. Reviewers cannot use AI tools to draft, edit, or refine their evaluations, even for stylistic improvements. Both the manuscript and the review must remain under the reviewer’s secure control.

Peer review depends on human judgment, independent evaluation, and scientific expertise, which AI cannot replicate. Using AI for reviewing may produce biased, inaccurate, or incomplete assessments. Reviewers remain entirely responsible for the accuracy, fairness, and quality of their reports.

Authors may include an AI disclosure statement indicating the extent to which AI Tools were used during manuscript preparation. This appears before the reference list to maintain transparency.

IJBA uses secure, identity-protected AI-assisted technologies aligned with the RELX Responsible AI Principles for limited administrative tasks such as plagiarism checks, manuscript completeness screening, and reviewer matching. These systems comply with strict confidentiality and data security standards.

IJBA is committed to integrating AI responsibly while maintaining reviewer confidentiality, data protection, and human oversight.

For Editors

Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in the Editorial Process

Editors must treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential. They may not upload any part of a manuscript into generative AI tools, as doing so could jeopardize confidentiality, intellectual property, or privacy compliance especially when personally identifiable information is present.

This restriction extends to all editorial communications, including decision letters and reviewer invitations. These materials often contain confidential or sensitive information and must not be processed using generative AI tools.

Editorial decisions require human expertise, contextual understanding, and accountability capabilities AI cannot provide. Editors may not use AI tools to evaluate submissions or assist in making editorial decisions, as AI-generated analysis may contain inaccuracies or bias. Editors are fully responsible for ensuring a fair and ethical assessment process.

According to IJBA’s AI policy for authors, responsible use of AI is allowed only if disclosed. Editors can review the AI disclosure at the end of the manuscript. Any suspected policy violations must be reported to the publisher.

IJBA employs secure, identity-protected AI tools compliant with RELX Responsible AI Principles for administrative functions like plagiarism checks and reviewer identification. All tools are tested for bias and comply with international privacy and security regulations.

IJBA remains committed to integrating AI responsibly while preserving confidentiality, human oversight, and editorial integrity.

Publication Process

IJBA Use of AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in the Publication Workflow

IJBA continually adopts advanced technologies to improve the publication experience for authors, reviewers, and editors. These innovations aim to support experts in maintaining high publication standards, ensuring research integrity, and preserving trust in published work.

Current Use of AI in the Publication Workflow

AI tools are selectively incorporated into editorial and production processes to support but not replace human expertise:

  • Reviewer Identification and Manuscript Matching: Tools help identify appropriate reviewers, assess fit with journal scope, and detect potential duplicate submissions.

  • Author Support: AI utilities such as Journal Finder help authors choose suitable journals. The IJBA Article Transfer Service may use expert-guided algorithms to recommend alternative outlets if a submission is declined.

  • Editorial and Technical Checks: AI assists with initial formatting checks, manuscript completeness, and compliance with submission guidelines.

  • Research Integrity Verification: Automated systems help detect plagiarism, image manipulation, and data integrity issues.

  • Post-Acceptance Support: AI tools assist with proofreading, copy editing, and layout checks to identify inconsistencies before publication.

Commitment to Human Oversight

While AI enhances accuracy and efficiency, all publication and editorial decisions remain under human supervision. AI tools serve only as assistive systems that support editors, reviewers, and production staff. Human judgment continues to be central to scholarly publishing.

IJBA is committed to ethical, transparent, and responsible use of AI, ensuring confidentiality, minimizing algorithmic bias, and meeting global standards for data protection and responsible technology management.