AI Policy

AACE Policy on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Publications and Conference Submissions

 

Guiding Principles 

AACE recognizes that AI may support aspects of the research and writing process in productive ways. This policy is not intended to discourage its use, but to ensure transparency regarding how AI is used. The following principles guide AACE’s approach to the use of generative AI across all journal manuscripts, conference proposals, proceedings papers, and books: 

  • The human researcher and the research process are the foundations of excellence in scholarship.
  • AI may be used as a tool to support writing, analysis, and productivity, but it does not replace human expertise or scholarly judgment.
  • Authors are fully responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of all submitted work, including any content generated with AI tools.
  • The integrity of the peer review process and the confidentiality of submitted work must be strictly protected.

Scope

This policy applies to: 

  • Journal manuscript submissions
  • Conference proposals
  • Conference proceedings papers
  • E-books


Categories of Use

AACE recognizes three categories of AI use: assistive, generative, and prohibitive.

 

Assistive AI Use

This is the use of AI tools for support tasks, including: 

  • Grammar, spelling, and readability improvements
  • Language translation
  • Formatting and organizational support

Disclosure is not required for assistive AI use.


Generative AI Use

This refers to the use of AI tools to generate or substantially modify content, including:

  • Drafting text
  • Generating summaries or outlines
  • Assisting with coding or analysis. 

Generative AI use requires disclosure and explanation within the manuscript (see “Disclosure Requirements” below).

 

Prohibited AI Use

This involves the use of AI in ways that compromises research integrity or scholarly standards and is not permitted. This includes: 

  • Replacing scholarly judgment, analysis, or interpretation
  • Using AI as the sole method of data analysis
  • Generating or manipulating research data or results
  • AI-edited photos or videos

 

Authorship

Generative AI tools may not be listed as authors. Authorship requires accountability and responsibility. AI systems cannot assume that role. 

 

Acceptable Uses of Generative AI for Authors 

AI may be used for:

  • Editing and improving the clarity of writing
  • Translation
  • Idea generation and outlining
  • Literature organization and search
  • Coding or analysis support

If AI is used for coding or analysis support:

  • Its use must be clearly described in the Methods section.
  • It must be supplementary to the research process.
  • It cannot serve as the sole method of analysis.

Authors are responsible for reviewing, verifying, and disclosing all AI-generated content. This includes verifying the accuracy of all citations and references, as generative AI tools may produce incomplete, incorrect, or fabricated sources.

 

Prohibited Uses of AI for Authors

The following uses are not permitted:

  • Replacing scholarly reasoning or interpretation
  • Using AI as the sole basis for research findings
  • Generating or manipulating research data or results
  • Creating or altering figures and tables using AI
  • AI-generated images are not permitted unless explicitly disclosed and approved by the journal editor or conference review team.

 

Reviewer and Editor Use of AI 

Reviewers and editors must not:

  • Upload manuscripts or submission content into AI tools
  • Use AI tools to analyze or evaluate submissions

AI may be used for general writing support (e.g., improving clarity of a review), provided that no manuscript content is entered into an AI tool.

 

Confidentiality in the Review Process

All submissions are confidential documents. Reviewers and editors are prohibited from uploading manuscripts or unpublished content into AI tools. This protects the intellectual property of authors and prevents unintended exposure of unpublished or sensitive information.

 

Documentation of AI Use

AACE does not require formal documentation of AI use beyond disclosure. However, authors are encouraged to maintain internal records of how AI tools were used, particularly in cases where AI contributed to analysis or content development.

 

Disclosure Requirements

Authors must disclose the use of generative AI when it has been used to create or meaningfully modify content. Disclosure must include: 

  • The name of the AI tool(s) used
  • A brief description of how the tool(s) was used

Enforcement and Responsibility

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

  • Rejection of a submission
  • Retraction of a published work
  • Notification to relevant institutions, if appropriate

Authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to adhere to these guidelines to ensure the integrity and quality of AACE publications.