The use of generative AI(¹) tools such as ChatGPT and Large Language Models is expanding rapidly in the scholarly community. While such tools may be very useful to analyze and draw insights from data as part of the research process or may help with checking language and grammar in writing, these tools have the potential to impact adversely on academic, scientific, and intellectual integrity.
IFAC is a technical society that organizes multiple conferences/events and has a long-term partnership with Elsevier in publishing a set of IFAC Journals and the IFAC PapersOnLine Conference Proceedings. Journal policies on the use of AI tools for both authors and reviewers are clearly documented by Elsevier and can be found at the following link: https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/publishing-ethics#Authors.
In terms of conference organization, IFAC events, and the publication process for IFAC-PapersOnLine, this statement would like to make clear what it expects from authors and reviewers in relation to the use of AI tools in paper writing and reviewing. As may be expected, the IFAC position is informed by the COPE and Elsevier policies. In this way our position is consistent for our community whether they are reviewing or publishing in any IFAC outlet. In summary, the IFAC position is that:
- In writing papers and documents, AI and AI-assisted technologies should only be used to assist the author to improve readability and language. The authors remain responsible for the document produced. Any such use of AI tools for the purpose of assisting with writing must be formally declared in any paper or document submitted for consideration for presentation at an IFAC event or for publication in IFAC-PapersOnLine.
- In reviewing papers and documents, reviewers must not upload any paper or document into a generative AI tool under any circumstances. Generative AI or AI-assisted technologies should not be used by reviewers to assist them in any manner.
For further details, please see the links to the relevant Elsevier policies with a quote of the core relevant information below:
i) Use of AI-generative tools in paper writing [ref: Publishing ethics | Elsevier policy]:
“Where authors use generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process, authors should only use these technologies to improve readability and language. Applying the technology should be done with human oversight and control, and authors should carefully review and edit the result, as AI can generate authoritative-sounding output that can be incorrect, incomplete or biased. AI and AI-assisted technologies should not be listed as an author or co-author, or be cited as an author. Authorship implies responsibilities and tasks that can only be attributed to and performed by humans, as outlined in Elsevier’s AI policy for authors. Authors should disclose in their manuscript the use of AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process by following the instructions below. A statement will appear in the published work. Please note that authors are ultimately responsible and accountable for the contents of the work.
(¹) Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence technology that can produce various types of content including text, imagery, audio and synthetic data. Examples include ChatGPT, NovelAI, Jasper AI, Rytr AI, DALL-E, etc.
