Use of Generative AI (for authors and reviewers)

For Authors

AI as author: the journal does not accept manuscripts where chatbots or other AI tools are listed as co-authors. The reason for this is that large language models do not meet the criteria for authorship, as they cannot take responsibility for the accuracy, integrity and originality of the content produced.

AI as a source of information: The journal does not accept manuscripts that cite chatbots as sources. Content generated by large language models is not reproducible or traceable and may inadvertently contain third-party material without proper attribution.

AI as a writing and data presentation aid: The journal accepts manuscripts where chatbots are used as tools to support authors in their research or writing process. Acceptable uses include proofreading, copyediting, structure and style feedback, translation, data analysis, data visualisation and programming.

If authors use AI as a writing or data presentation aid, they should indicate this usage in their manuscripts (see also the disclosure instructions below):

  • If AI was used for the refinement of the writing style, copy-editing, review or translation, add a statement at the end of the manuscript indicating the type of AI tool or other tool used, the prompt used and the date of the use of the tool.
  • The use of large language models for data analysis and programming represents a significant methodological intervention. In these cases, include in the methodology section of the manuscript an explanation of how you have proceeded, including the type of the tool used, the prompts used (excluding the content that is being analysed or coded), the date and a link to the dataset.
  • When using chatbots for data analysis, please note that most freely available generative large language models do not meet established standards for handling personal or sensitive data. Only use models that have been approved by your research institution or other trusted authority.

Before using large-scale language models or other generative technologies, consider their environmental and human costs. Authors should also be informed that the editors of the journal are supported by a tool provided by the University of Ljubljana Press that may identify text similarity and AI-generated content.

Disclosure Instructions

Authors must disclose the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process by adding a statement at the end of their manuscript in the core manuscript file, before the reference list. The statement should be placed in a new section titled “Declaration on the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in writing”.

AI Disclosure Statement: When preparing this article, the author(s) used [NAME OF TOOL, VERSION] on [DATE] with the following prompt: “[FULL PROMPT]”, for the purpose of [SPECIFIC PURPOSE]. The author(s) subsequently reviewed and edited the output as necessary and accept(s) full responsibility for the content and integrity of the publication.

For Reviewers

Peer reviewers are essential to the scientific publishing process. Through their expert assessments and recommendations, they assist editors in making informed decisions and help ensure that published research is robust, reliable, and credible. Editors invite peer reviewers primarily because of their specialized knowledge of the subject matter or methodologies under evaluation, an expertise that is both invaluable and irreplaceable. Reviewers are responsible for the accuracy and opinions expressed in their reports, and the peer review process is founded on mutual trust among authors, reviewers, and editors.

Although generative AI tools are advancing rapidly, they have significant limitations, including outdated knowledge and the potential to generate inaccurate, biased, or misleading information. In addition, manuscripts under review may contain sensitive or proprietary content that must remain confidential. For these reasons, while Acta Biologica Slovenica is exploring the possibility of providing peer reviewers with access to secure AI tools, reviewers are asked not to upload manuscripts into generative AI systems.

Disclosure Instructions

If any aspect of the evaluation of the manuscript’s claims was supported by an AI tool, peer reviewers are requested to disclose this use transparently in their review report. The statement should be placed in a new section titled “Declaration on the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in writing”.

AI Disclosure Statement: When preparing this review, the reviewer used [NAME OF TOOL, VERSION] on [DATE] with the following prompt: “[FULL PROMPT]”, for the purpose of [SPECIFIC PURPOSE]. The author subsequently reviewed and edited the output as necessary and accepts full responsibility for the content and integrity of the publication.