The implementation of these policies has been prompted by the growing influence of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies, which are anticipated to play an increasingly prominent role in content creation. The objective of these policies is to enhance transparency and offer clear guidance for authors, reviewers, editors, readers, and other contributors. Bulletin of Biomathematics (BBM) Journal will continue to observe developments in this area and will revise or refine its policies as necessary to remain aligned with emerging practices and ethical standards.

For authors

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines the acceptable use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the preparation and submission of scholarly work to BBM. It aims to ensure transparency, uphold academic integrity, and clarify authors' responsibilities in the context of evolving technological tools.

2. Acceptable Use of Generative AI Tools
Authors may use generative AI tools for limited, supportive purposes such as:

• Language refinement and grammar correction.
• Generating illustrative material (e.g., images, figures) with appropriate disclosure and attribution.
• Structuring or outlining draft content provided the intellectual contribution remains with the authors.

Authors must ensure that such tools are used responsibly and do not substitute critical thinking, original analysis, or scholarly interpretation.

3. Prohibited Use

Generative AI tools must not be used for:

• Generating the core scientific content, results, or conclusions.
• Writing major parts of the manuscript (e.g., abstract, discussion, methodology) in a way that misrepresents authorship or originality.
• Creating data or images intended to mislead, fabricate, or falsify research findings.
• Bypassing plagiarism detection systems or ethical research procedures.

Misuse may be considered a violation of BBM’s publication ethics and could result in rejection, retraction, or sanctions.

4. Disclosure Requirements

If generative AI tools were used in any part of the manuscript development, the authors must explicitly disclose this use in the "Use of AI Tools" section. For example:

       "Portions of this manuscript's language and grammar were refined using ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025). The authors take full responsibility for the content and interpretations presented."

Authors remain fully accountable for the originality, accuracy, and integrity of the work, regardless of tool usage.

5. Authorship and Accountability

AI tools cannot be listed as authors. Authorship is reserved for individuals who meet standard authorship criteria, including significant intellectual contribution and responsibility for the work’s integrity.

6. Review and Updates

Bulletin of Biomathematics will continue to monitor developments in AI and scholarly publishing. This policy may be updated as needed to reflect technological advances and community standards.

For reviewers

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines the appropriate use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies by peer reviewers engaged in evaluating submissions to BBM Journal. It aims to ensure confidentiality, objectivity, and responsible use of emerging tools in the review process.

2. Acceptable Use

Reviewers may use AI-based tools for language refinement or improving the clarity of review reports, provided that:

• No confidential manuscript content is entered into publicly available AI systems.
• The intellectual assessment and investigation remain entirely the reviewer's own.
• The use of AI tools does not compromise the integrity or independence of the review.

3. Prohibited Use

Reviewers must not:

• Input confidential or unpublished manuscript content (in part or full) into generative AI tools, especially those that store user data.
• Generate or delegate entire peer review reports using AI tools.
• Use AI-generated output as a substitute for independent expert evaluation.

Violation of these principles may constitute a breach of confidentiality and could lead to removal from the reviewer pool or reporting to affiliated institutions.

4. Disclosure and Responsibility

Reviewers are not required to disclose minimal, internal use of AI for grammar/spell checking. However, if AI tools significantly informed the content of the review report, this must be disclosed to the editors in a confidential comment during submission.

Reviewers are fully accountable for the accuracy, fairness, and originality of their reports, regardless of tool use.

For editors

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy governs the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies by editors during the manuscript handling and decision-making process at Bulletin of Biomathematics Journal. The goal is to maintain ethical standards, protect confidentiality, and ensure editorial independence.

2. Permissible Use

Editors may use AI-based tools for:

• Improving the grammar and clarity of communication (e.g., decision letters, reviewer invitations).
• Organizing workflow or managing metadata using AI-assisted editorial platforms.

Such use must not compromise the confidentiality of manuscript content or the editorial decision-making process.

3. Restrictions and Ethical Considerations

Editors must not:

• Input any confidential or unpublished manuscript material into generative AI platforms that may store or reuse data.
• Use AI to make or influence publication decisions, including desk rejections or final acceptances.
• Rely on AI tools to evaluate the scientific merit, novelty, or ethical compliance of submissions.

AI tools are not substitutes for editorial expertise and accountability.

4. Confidentiality and Data Security

Editors must treat all manuscript content as confidential and ensure that any AI tools used adhere to strict data privacy policies. Bulletin of Biomathematics discourages the use of public AI tools for processing manuscript files or reviewer reports.

5. Monitoring and Updates

BBM will regularly assess developments in AI-assisted technologies and may update this policy accordingly. Editors are expected to stay informed of ethical guidelines and best practices in scholarly publishing.