AI Use Policy

1. Relationship to Publication Ethics Policy

This Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an extension of and must be read in conjunction with the journal’s Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement.

Publication Ethics Policy

All ethical principles, definitions of misconduct, investigation procedures, and enforcement measures described in the Publication Ethics Policy apply equally to the use of AI tools.

2. Purpose of the Policy

As a journal dedicated to forensic pathology, forensic medicine, and medico-legal sciences, Global Journal of Forensic Pathology and Medicine (GJFPM) acknowledges the growing role of AI-based tools in research, analysis, and scholarly communication. This policy aims to:

  • Encourage responsible, ethical, and transparent use of AI tools
  • Prevent misuse or misrepresentation of AI-assisted content
  • Preserve scientific integrity, originality, and professional accountability

3. Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to:

  • All manuscripts submitted to GJFPM
  • All authors, reviewers, editors, and editorial board members
  • All stages of the editorial and publication process

4. Definition of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computational systems capable of performing tasks typically associated with human intelligence, including but not limited to:

  • Large Language Models (LLMs) for text generation or editing
  • Machine learning algorithms for data analysis or prediction
  • AI-based tools for image processing, enhancement, or pattern recognition
  • Automated tools for translation, summarization, or code assistance

5. Core Principles

  • Human responsibility: Authors remain fully accountable for all content
  • Transparency: Any use of AI tools must be clearly disclosed
  • Originality: AI tools must not replace intellectual or scientific contribution
  • Integrity: AI must not be used to fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent data, images, or findings

AI tools cannot replace authorship, professional judgment, or ethical responsibility.

6. Policy for Authors

6.1 Acceptable Uses of AI

Authors may use AI tools for limited, supportive purposes, including:

  • Language editing (grammar, clarity, readability)
  • Formatting manuscripts and references
  • Assistance with programming syntax or debugging
  • Supporting exploratory data analysis or visualization

All AI-assisted outputs must be independently verified by the authors.

6.2 Prohibited Uses of AI

The following practices are not permitted:

  • Generating entire manuscripts or substantial scholarly content
  • Fabricating or falsifying data, results, or medico-legal conclusions
  • Creating non-existent or misleading references
  • Manipulating forensic images or datasets without disclosure
  • Submitting AI-generated content as original scholarly work

6.3 Disclosure of AI Use

Authors must disclose AI use in a dedicated AI Usage Statement.

  • Name of the AI tool(s)
  • Purpose of use
  • Confirmation of author verification
“AI-based tools were used for language refinement and formatting only. The authors take full responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the content.”

6.4 Authorship and Accountability

  • AI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors
  • Authorship is limited to individuals meeting accepted criteria
  • Full responsibility rests with the human authors

7. Policy for Reviewers

Reviewers may use AI tools only for limited language assistance in review comments.

  • Manuscripts must not be uploaded to AI platforms
  • AI must not generate full review reports
  • AI must not be used to assess originality or ethics

8. Policy for Editors

Editors may use AI tools for administrative support only. Editorial decisions remain exclusively human-led.

9. Data Protection and Confidentiality

  • Confidential material must not be uploaded to AI systems
  • AI use must comply with data protection laws
  • Sensitive forensic data must be handled securely

10. Detection and Handling of AI-Related Concerns

The journal may use AI- and plagiarism-detection tools as supportive screening mechanisms. Suspected misuse is handled under the Publication Ethics Policy.

11. Alignment with International Standards

  • Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
  • UNESCO – Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
  • OECD – AI Principles
  • Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)

12. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed periodically to reflect developments in AI technology and publishing standards.

13. Final Statement

Global Journal of Forensic Pathology and Medicine (GJFPM) supports responsible AI use while safeguarding scientific rigor, ethical conduct, and public trust in forensic and medico-legal research.