Generative AI and the use of AI-assisted Tools and Technologies
Policy statement on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence and AI-assisted Tools and Technologies.
The below guidance only refers to the writing process, and not to the use of Artificial Intelligence tools to analyze and draw insights from data as part of the research process.
Where used in the writing process, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) and AI-assisted tools and technologies should only be used to improve readability and language of the work. Applying the technology should be done with human oversight and control, and authors should carefully review and edit the result, as GAI can generate authoritative-sounding output that can be incorrect, incomplete or biased. Use of GAI in language editing must be declared.
GAI and AI-assisted technologies must not replace key researcher tasks such as producing scientific insights, analyzing and interpreting data, or drawing scientific conclusions.
In addition:
- Such systems must not plagiarize, misrepresent, or falsify content,
- The resulting work in its totality must be an accurate representation of the authors’ underlying work and novel intellectual contributions and is not primarily the result of the tool’s generative capabilities,
- It is recognized that these technologies can produce unpredicted outcomes (e.g., references which do not exist), the authors accept responsibility for the veracity and correctness of all material in their work, including any computer-generated material.
Authors must not list GAI and AI-assisted technologies as an author or co-author, nor cite GAI as an author. Authorship implies responsibilities and tasks that can only be attributed to and performed by humans. Authors are also responsible for ensuring that the work is original, that the stated authors qualify for authorship, and the work does not infringe third party rights, and should familiarize themselves with our publishing policies.
At the time of submission, authors must provide a statement that discloses their use of Generative Artificial Intelligence and AI-assisted tools and technologies by following the instructions below. A statement will appear in the published work. Please note that authors are ultimately responsible and accountable for the contents of the work.
Disclosure instructions
Authors must disclose the use of Generative AI and AI-assisted tools and technologies in the writing process by adding a statement at the end of their manuscript in the core manuscript file before the References list.
The statement should be placed in a new section entitled 'Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process'.
Statement:
During the preparation of this work the author(s) used [NAME AI TOOL / SERVICE] in order to [REASON / PURPOSE]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content to ensure accuracy and clarity and take(s) full responsibility for the content of this publication.
Example:
"During the preparation of this work the author(s) used ChatGPT in order to generate initial outlines and draft sections. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content to ensure accuracy and clarity and take(s) full responsibility for the content of this publication.”
This declaration does not apply to the use of basic tools for checking grammar, spelling, references, etc. If there is nothing to disclose, there is no need to add a statement.
In all instances, ASHS Editors and reviewers will determine if such use of GAI is appropriate.
Research articles on the topic of AI (but which do not contain AI-generated content) are not within the scope of this policy.
Published articles may be retracted if it is later discovered that such technologies were used in the original manuscript and not disclosed at the time of submission.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) is software used by computers to mimic aspects of human intelligence.
AI-assisted tools and technologies are software applications that use artificial intelligence algorithms to perform specific tasks and solve problems.
Approved April 7th, 2025