Scientometrics Research Journal Policy on Artificial Intelligence Use

(Version: 22 June, 2025)

 

Given the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-based technologies among content creators, the Scientometrics Research Journal has established specific guidelines regarding the use of these AI tools. These policies aim to provide clearer guidance for authors, reviewers, editors, readers, and contributors in clarifying how AI can be utilized. The Scientometrics Research Journal will continue to monitor evolving trends and update its policies as necessary. Additionally, to detect and evaluate the use of AI in submitted manuscripts and reports, the journal employs the GPTZero tracker to ensure that manuscripts do not rely on AI and AI-based technologies.

For Editors, Editorial Secretaries, and Editorial Board Members of the Journal

The Role of AI and AI-Based Technologies in Editorial Matters

Submitted manuscripts are confidential and should not be uploaded to AI tools by editorial secretaries, as this may violate the confidentiality and ownership rights of authors. If the manuscript contains personally identifiable information or sensitive data, such actions may also violate data privacy regulations. This confidentiality extends to all communications related to the manuscript, including notification and decision letters, which may contain sensitive information. Therefore, editorial secretaries should not use AI tools for these letters, even for improving language and readability.

The peer review process is crucial for the scientific framework, and the Scientometrics Research Journal adheres to the highest standards of integrity. Editorial evaluation of scientific works requires precise reasoning and ethical judgment that cannot be delegated to AI systems. Editorial evaluations of scientific manuscripts must be performed by humans, and editorial secretaries should not rely on AI or AI-based technologies that lack the necessary critical thinking and accurate judgment. These tools may also produce inaccurate or biased evaluations. Ultimately, editors bear full responsibility for the scientific process, final decisions, and communication with authors. Editors must also be vigilant in identifying potential policy violations regarding AI use and continuously update their guidelines and policies in this area. If an editor suspects any violation of AI policies by an author or reviewer, they are obliged to halt the manuscript evaluation process and make necessary decisions regarding this ethical breach. The Scientometrics Research Journal is committed to adopting innovative AI technologies that assist reviewers and editors in the evaluation process and continuously works to develop and implement technologies that ensure confidentiality and data privacy for authors, reviewers, and editorial secretaries.

Summary:

• The Scientometrics Research Journal supports AI technologies that respect confidentiality and data privacy rights.
• Peer review and editorial evaluations must be performed by humans, not AI.
• Editors, editorial secretaries, and editorial board members must refrain from using AI tools for manuscripts or any related correspondence.
• All editorial AI applications must operate under strict data privacy and security compliance.
• The Scientometrics Research Journal uses AI technologies for screening and plagiarism checks while ensuring confidentiality is maintained.
• Manuscripts should be treated as confidential documents.

For Peer Reviewers

Generative AI and AI-Based Technologies in the Peer Review Process

Peer reviewers are advised not to use AI tools to enhance the language or clarity of their reports, as this may lead to inaccurate or biased results. The peer review process is a fundamental aspect of scientific research that requires human judgment. Peer reviewers are responsible for the content of their evaluation reports and must ensure that their feedback reflects their original and independent thinking. Furthermore, maintaining confidentiality throughout the manuscript review process is a non-negotiable responsibility. Peer reviewers should not upload any part of the manuscript to AI tools, as this could jeopardize confidentiality, violate ownership rights, and contravene data privacy laws for unpublished material. This confidentiality also includes the peer review report itself, which may contain sensitive information.

Summary:

• Do not use personal AI tools that store, learn from, or retain manuscript content.
• Peer reviewers are responsible for the accuracy, fairness, and integrity of their evaluations of the materials they review.
• Peer review requires human insight;AI should not play a role in scientific evaluations.
• Do not upload any part of the manuscript or your review report to AI tools or third-party applications.
• Treat all manuscripts as confidential and proprietary.
• AI technologies that assist evaluation workflows must maintain confidentiality and protect data privacy.

For Authors

Use of AI and AI-Based Technologies in Scientific Writing

The Scientometrics Research Journal allows authors to use AI to improve language and readability before manuscript submission, provided this is disclosed in the designated section before the references. These tools are governed by strict confidentiality protocols and comply with responsible AI principles and data protection regulations. According to the journal's policy, the use of AI and AI-based technologies is permitted exclusively during the manuscript preparation phase, and the use of AI for data processing, analysis, or analysis of research perspectives is not permitted. Authors are encouraged to use AI and AI-based technologies to enhance the readability, grammatical, and structural corrections of their manuscripts. At the same time, authors must ensure human oversight and editing of their manuscripts in conjunction with AI use. Authors should carefully review and edit any AI-generated content, as the obtained content may be incomplete or biased. The ultimate responsibility for the content of the manuscript rests with the authors, who are obliged to disclose their use of AI technologies in their manuscripts, promoting transparency among authors, readers, and reviewers.

Summary:

• Content responsibility lies with the authors.
• Maintaining human oversight and editorial discretion over the writing process is crucial.
• Clearly state the name and purpose of the AI tool used in submitted manuscripts.
• AI and AI-based technologies should not be credited as authors or co-authors.
• Authors are permitted to use AI to enhance the clarity, quality, and linguistic correction of the manuscript, not for generating original content or inferring scientific results.In this case, they must clearly state this in the acknowledgments section.
• Authors must also confirm that their manuscript does not violate third-party rights or ethical standards.
• Authors are obligated to guarantee the originality and accuracy of their work and adhere to "Publication Ethics" guidelines.

Use of AI and AI-Based Tools in Figures, Images, and Artwork

The use of AI and AI-based tools for creating, altering, or modifying images in submitted manuscripts is not permitted. These restrictions are applied to maintain research transparency and prevent misleading visual representations. However, the use of AI tools for adjusting brightness, contrast, or color balance is acceptable. Authors must also ensure full compliance with the AI software license and its terms of use and properly cite any third-party or AI-assisted content.

Summary:

• Proper citation of content and adherence to AI software policies are mandatory.
• Changes in brightness, contrast, or color balance are acceptable, provided they do not obscure or distort the original information.
• AI and AI-based tools for creating or modifying images in manuscripts are strictly prohibited.
• The methodology section should include a description of how AI was used in the research design or methodology.
• Authors must be prepared to provide primary or raw data if requested by editors or reviewers for manuscript validation.