Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automated Tools Policy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automated Tools Policy

The International Journal of Engineering Research and Sustainable Technologies (IJERST) recognises that artificial intelligence (AI) and automated tools may assist researchers in preparing manuscripts. Their use must remain transparent, responsible and consistent with research integrity.

Authors

Authors must disclose the use of generative AI tools to produce or substantially develop manuscript content, including text, code, analysis or images, beyond routine language correction, editing and formatting. Where applicable, the disclosure should identify the tool and explain its purpose.

Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, integrity and validity of their manuscripts. They must verify factual claims, calculations, data interpretations and references produced or assisted by AI tools.

AI systems cannot be listed as authors or co-authors because they cannot accept responsibility for the work. AI-generated output must not be cited as an authoritative source in place of original, verifiable scholarly sources.

The use of AI must not involve fabricated data, invented references, plagiarism, misrepresentation or the unauthorised disclosure of confidential or personal information.

Peer Reviewers

Reviewers must not upload confidential manuscripts, unpublished research or review materials to public or unauthorised AI systems. Reviewers must not use generative AI to generate their substantive peer-review assessments. Limited language editing or rewriting assistance may be used where permitted by the journal, provided confidentiality is preserved and the use is disclosed to the editor.

Reviewers remain responsible for the accuracy, independence and fairness of their evaluations.

Editors

Editors must not use generative AI to generate substantive editorial assessments or decisions. They may use permitted tools for administrative or language-related assistance where confidentiality is preserved and human oversight is maintained.

Editors are responsible for verifying information, protecting confidential material and making independent editorial decisions.

Editorial Oversight

Any automated tool used by the journal to screen manuscripts or identify potential integrity concerns must be subject to appropriate human verification. Automated results alone do not establish misconduct.

IJERST may request clarification or additional information when the use of AI raises concerns about authorship, originality, research integrity or reliability. Suspected violations will be handled under the journal's publication ethics procedures.