AI Use Policy
1. Introduction
The International Journal of Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Research (IJMCR) recognizes the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted tools — including large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Claude, and similar technologies — in academic writing and research workflows. In response to this evolving landscape, IJMCR has established a clear and transparent policy to ensure the integrity, accountability, and originality of all published work.
This policy applies to all authors submitting manuscripts to IJMCR, including original research articles, review articles, case studies, short communications, and letters to the editor.
2. Scope and Applicability
This policy covers the use of AI tools in any stage of manuscript preparation, including but not limited to:
• Writing, paraphrasing, or summarizing scientific content
• Literature review and synthesis
• Data analysis, interpretation, and visualization
• Translation of text from one language to another
• Grammar checking and language editing
• Generation of figures, tables, or other illustrative content
• Code generation for data processing or statistical analysis
3. Permitted Use of AI Tools
IJMCR permits the use of AI tools in manuscript preparation under the following conditions:
3.1 Language and Grammar Assistance
Authors may use AI-powered grammar checkers, spell-checkers, and language polishing tools (e.g., Grammarly, DeepL Write) to improve the clarity and readability of their manuscripts. Such use does not require formal disclosure but must not alter the scientific content or meaning of the original work.
3.2 Data Analysis and Code Assistance
AI tools may be used to assist in data processing, statistical computations, and code generation. However, the authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, validity, and interpretation of all results. Any AI-generated code or analytical output must be independently verified by the authors.
3.3 Literature Search Assistance
AI tools may be used to identify relevant literature; however, authors must independently verify all cited sources. IJMCR strictly prohibits the citation of references that have not been personally read and verified by the author(s). AI-generated references that cannot be independently confirmed must not be included in the manuscript.
4. Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
Transparency is a fundamental principle of IJMCR. Authors must clearly disclose any substantial use of AI tools in the preparation of their manuscript. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Use of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) for drafting or restructuring text
• Use of AI for generating summaries, abstracts, or conclusions
• Use of AI tools in the creation of figures, illustrations, or images
• Use of AI in translating the manuscript from another language into English
Disclosure must be made in a dedicated section titled "Use of Artificial Intelligence" placed after the Acknowledgements section and before the References. The disclosure statement should clearly name the AI tool(s) used and describe the purpose(s) for which they were employed.
Sample Disclosure Statement:
"During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used ChatGPT (OpenAI, GPT-4) to improve the language and readability of certain sections. After using this tool, the authors reviewed and edited the content as necessary and take full responsibility for the content of the published article."
5. Non-Permitted Use of AI Tools
The following uses of AI tools are strictly prohibited and constitute a violation of IJMCR's publication ethics:
• Listing an AI tool as an author or co-author of a manuscript — AI systems cannot be held accountable for published work and therefore do not qualify for authorship under any circumstances.
• Fabricating, hallucinating, or presenting AI-generated data as real experimental or observational results.
• Using AI tools to generate references or citations that the author has not personally verified and read.
• Submitting AI-generated content without disclosure, which constitutes a form of academic dishonesty.
• Using AI to bypass peer review standards, such as generating entire manuscripts with minimal intellectual contribution from the authors.
• Using AI tools to manipulate, falsify, or misrepresent research images or figures.
6. Authorship and Accountability
Authorship of manuscripts submitted to IJMCR must comply with internationally recognized criteria, such as those established by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) or equivalent bodies. Key principles include:
• AI tools do not meet the criteria for authorship and must not be listed as authors.
• All named authors must have made substantial intellectual contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research.
• All authors are collectively responsible for the integrity of the entire work, including any sections assisted by AI tools.
• The corresponding author must ensure that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the final manuscript, including any AI-assisted content.
7. AI Use in Peer Review
Reviewers assigned to manuscripts submitted to IJMCR are expected to conduct their evaluations based on their own expert judgment. The following rules apply to AI use during the peer review process:
• Reviewers must not use AI tools to generate review comments or reports for submission to the journal.
• Reviewers must not input manuscript content (whole or in part) into any AI tool or generative AI platform, as this violates the confidentiality of the peer review process.
• Minor use of AI tools for language checking of the reviewer's own written comments is permissible, provided the intellectual evaluation remains that of the reviewer.
• Any reviewer who becomes aware of inappropriate AI use in a submitted manuscript is encouraged to report this to the editorial office.
8. AI Content Detection
IJMCR reserves the right to use AI content detection tools (such as iThenticate, Turnitin AI, or other available platforms) to assess submitted manuscripts. Authors should be aware of the following:
• Detection tools are used as a screening aid and not as a sole basis for editorial decisions.
• Manuscripts flagged as highly likely to contain undisclosed AI-generated content may be returned to authors for clarification.
• Repeated or intentional non-disclosure of AI use may result in rejection of the manuscript and reporting to the author's institution.
9. Consequences of Policy Violation
Any violation of this AI Use Policy will be treated as a serious breach of publication ethics. Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, the following actions may be taken:
• Immediate rejection of the submitted manuscript
• Retraction of a published article, with a public notice of retraction
• Temporary or permanent ban on future submissions by the involved author(s)
• Notification of the author's affiliated institution
• Reporting to relevant professional bodies or funding agencies
10. Policy Updates
Given the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology, this policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect new developments in AI capabilities and best practices in scholarly publishing. Authors are encouraged to review this policy at the time of each submission to ensure compliance with the most current version.
11. Contact and Queries
For any questions or clarifications regarding this AI Use Policy, authors and reviewers may contact the Editorial Office at:
Email: [email protected]