Guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We appreciate that AI tools, particularly generative AI (GenAI), can be beneficial for reducing language barriers and assisting neurodivergent individuals to produce competitive applications, submissions or manuscripts. However, the use of GenAI tools in the application/submissions and reviewing process also presents potential risks for research in terms of data protection, confidentiality, copyright and bias.

For applicants

We allow applicants/submitters/authors to use AI (e.g., a large language model (LLM) such as ChatGPT or other GenAI tools) to aid in the writing or editing of responses, applications, manuscripts or submissions, as well as in the collection and analysis of data. However, applicants must disclose, in the ‘Applicant/Nominator Declaration’, ‘Materials and Methods’ (or similar section) of the relevant form/paper, which AI tool was used and how it was used. If the AI tool is custom written, both the algorithm and the source of the data (or the data) on which it was trained should be made available to reviewers. If this information is not disclosed accurately, and use of these tools is identified, the Biochemical Society reserves the right to withdraw the application/submission/manuscript from consideration.

Applicants/submitters/authors can use GenAI to refine and articulate ideas or to help with grammar. It's a tool to help structure thoughts and improve clarity, but should not be used to replace someone’s unique voice and experiences. Applicants/submitters/authors should not just copy and paste from GenAI or rely on the “automated personalisation” promised by some new AI tools as this may result in a generic application that looks the same as everyone else’s, and won’t stand out from the crowd.

Applicants/submitters/authors must not use AI tools in generating images or videos for inclusion in their application, submission or manuscript.

Applicants/submitters/authors are fully responsible for the content and information provided in their application, manuscript or submission, even those parts produced by an AI tool. AI tools cannot meet the requirements for authorship as they cannot take responsibility for the submitted work. By submitting something to the Biochemical Society and/or PPL, the applicant/submitter/author acknowledges any bias and the accuracy of all information and data included within.

For reviewers

Reviewers must not use AI tools (e.g., a large language model (LLM) such as ChatGPT or other GenAI tools) to generate and/or summarise content that they are being asked to review. Content submitted is confidential, and reviewers are given access to the content to review on the basis of confidentiality and privacy rules. Uploading any portion of an application, submission or manuscript to an AI tool will be breaking the privacy rules and is not permitted.