Generative AI (GenAI) Policy

1. Purpose

Generative AI tools are now part of how many researchers write and work. Harrison Academic Press does not want to pretend otherwise, but it does want their use to be honest and responsible. This policy sets out what we expect from authors, reviewers and editors at JCCNI.

2. Use by Authors

Permitted. Authors may use GenAI tools to support their work, for example to:

  • Edit language and grammar
  • Improve clarity and readability
  • Help search the literature
  • Debug code or help with data visualisation

These tools can support the authors' thinking. They cannot replace it.

Not permitted. GenAI tools must not be used to:

  • Generate original data, results or conclusions
  • Fabricate or alter data, images or references
  • Create or manipulate images presented as evidence, such as gels, blots, microscopy, clinical photographs or radiology
  • Stand in for scientific reasoning and interpretation
  • Be listed as an author

3. Disclosure

Authors must say which GenAI tools they used and what for. Undisclosed use may be treated as a breach of the Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement.

4. Authorship and Accountability

An AI tool cannot be an author. It cannot take responsibility for the work, approve the final version or answer for its integrity. Every listed author must meet our authorship criteria and is fully accountable for the whole manuscript, including any AI-assisted parts.

5. Use by Reviewers

Reviewers must not upload manuscripts, or any part of them, to public GenAI tools. Doing so breaks the confidentiality of double-blind review and exposes unpublished work to third parties. Where the work involves human participants, it could also expose sensitive personal information.

6. Use by Editors

Editors may use AI tools for administrative support, such as similarity checks or language screening, but not to make editorial or peer review decisions. Those judgements stay with people.

7. Misuse

Suspected misuse, including undisclosed use, fabricated data and manipulated images, is investigated under the Misconduct and Sanctions policy and COPE guidelines.

8. Review of This Policy

This area is changing quickly. We review the policy regularly to keep pace with new technology and with guidance from indexing bodies and ethics organisations.