Authors must submit an AI Disclosure Statement and clearly disclose their use of AI tools and applications utilized to create content or images submitted to IJERD. Disclosures shall include a summary disclosure statement related to the submitted content, and specific disclosures are required for figures, tables, images, and other content generated by AI.

The author’s AI Disclosure Statement must indicate the purpose of using AI Tools and Applications and the boundaries of their use. Authors are fully responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable rights of publicity, copyright laws, and intellectual property laws, as well as verifying the source, accuracy, originality, and ethical integrity of AI-generated content or images.

IJERD Use of Generative AI Tools and Applications Policy

Purpose

This policy provides transparent guidance on the ethical and responsible use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies by authors, reviewers, editors, and contributors involved with IJERD. It seeks to uphold academic integrity, confidentiality, and quality in publishing while acknowledging the evolving role of AI tools.

Definition of Generative AI

Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence technologies that can produce various types of content including text, images, audio, and synthetic data. Examples include tools like ChatGPT, Jasper AI, DALL-E, and similar platforms.

For Authors

Authors are permitted to use generative AI tools to improve the language clarity, grammar, and readability of their manuscripts before submission.

Any use of generative AI in the manuscript preparation must be fully disclosed in the manuscript or cover letter to maintain transparency and integrity.

Authors must ensure that the core intellectual content and scientific analysis originate from human authorship. AI should not be used to generate novel scientific content or conclusions.

All data privacy and content ownership rights must be respected; authors must not upload confidential or proprietary data into publicly accessible AI systems without permission.

For Reviewers

Manuscripts under review are confidential and must not be uploaded to any generative AI tool to safeguard author privacy and intellectual property.

Peer review reports should not be processed through AI tools, even for language enhancement, because review content is confidential and requires human critical judgment.

Reviewers are fully responsible and accountable for their assessments; generative AI should not substitute the critical thinking, expertise, and original evaluation required in peer review.

For Editors

Submitted manuscripts and related confidential communications (e.g., decision letters) must never be inputted into generative AI tools to ensure confidentiality and data privacy.

Editors may use AI tools solely to assist with language and readability improvements on non-confidential communications, with discretion.

Editorial decisions and scientific evaluations must remain the product of human expertise and judgment without reliance on generative AI for content assessment.

General Guidelines

IJERD will continuously monitor developments in generative AI and adjust this policy to reflect best practices and technological changes.

The journal emphasizes the importance of maintaining high ethical standards, safeguarding confidentiality, and respecting intellectual property rights in all AI usage.

Misuse of AI tools that compromises author rights, reviewer confidentiality, or editorial integrity may result in corrective actions, including manuscript rejection or disciplinary measures.

This policy aligns with ISERD’s mission to support ethical and sustainable development through rigorous and transparent academic practices in environmental and rural development research.