Artificial Intelligence Policy
Future Molecular Science supports the responsible and transparent use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies in scientific research and scholarly publishing. This policy aligns with internationally recognized standards and best practices, including those of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and leading journals such as Nature. The journal emphasizes transparency, accountability, confidentiality, and research integrity in all uses of AI.
Principles of Responsible Use
AI tools may be used to assist with language editing, data analysis, visualization, and code development. However, their use must not compromise the originality, accuracy, or integrity of the research. Authors remain fully responsible for all submitted content, including any material generated or supported by AI tools. The use of AI does not alter authors' accountability for the validity of data, the interpretation of results, or the conclusions presented.
Disclosure and Transparency
In accordance with COPE and ICMJE recommendations, authors must fully disclose any meaningful use of AI tools in the preparation of their manuscript. This includes generative AI used for drafting text, producing figures, analyzing data, or writing code.
Disclosures must clearly state the name of the AI tool, its version (where applicable), and the specific purpose and extent of its use. Such information should be included in the Methods section, Acknowledgements, or a dedicated disclosure statement. Undisclosed use of AI tools that materially affects the manuscript may be considered a breach of publication ethics.
Authorship and Accountability
Consistent with COPE and ICMJE guidelines, AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors, as they do not meet authorship criteria, including responsibility, accountability, and the ability to approve the final manuscript.
All listed authors must take full responsibility for the integrity, accuracy, and originality of the work, including any AI-assisted content. Authors are responsible for verifying that AI-generated outputs are free from errors, bias, plagiarism, or fabrication.
Data Integrity and Reproducibility
The use of AI in research workflows must be described with sufficient detail to allow reproducibility and independent validation. Authors must ensure that AI-assisted analyses, simulations, or generated outputs are scientifically sound and appropriately validated.
The generation or manipulation of data, images, or results using AI in a way that could mislead readers or misrepresent findings is strictly prohibited. Any AI-assisted image or data processing must be transparently reported and must not alter the scientific meaning of the results.
Confidentiality and Peer Review
In line with COPE guidelines and internationally recognized best practices in scholarly publishing, confidentiality in the peer-review process must be strictly maintained. Reviewers must not upload manuscripts, data, or any related materials into AI tools or other third-party platforms without explicit permission from the Editorial Office. Such materials must be treated as confidential and used solely for the purpose of evaluating the submitted work.
Editors may use AI tools to support administrative efficiency—for example, to screen for plagiarism, check for ethical compliance, or facilitate language editing—provided that all data processing complies with applicable confidentiality and data protection requirements. However, all editorial decisions, including the acceptance, revision, or rejection of manuscripts, are made exclusively by qualified human editors. AI tools are not used to replace expert scientific judgment in manuscript evaluation, nor are they employed to influence the outcome of peer review.
Editorial Oversight and Compliance
The journal reserves the right to request detailed information regarding the use of AI tools at any stage of submission or post-publication. Suspected misuse of AI, including undisclosed use, fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate manipulation of content, will be handled in accordance with COPE guidelines and may result in rejection, correction, or retraction.
Commitment to Ethical and Innovative Research
Future Molecular Science encourages the responsible integration of AI technologies to advance scientific discovery, while maintaining the highest standards of research integrity and publication ethics. By aligning with COPE, ICMJE, and leading journal practices, the journal seeks to ensure that AI serves as a tool for innovation without compromising trust in the scientific record.