Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence

The journal Bulletin of Vasyl Stus Donetsk National University. Series: Political Science supports innovative technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the preparation of scholarly publications. At the same time, the Editorial Board emphasizes the need to adhere to the principles of academic integrity, transparency, and responsibility when using AI tools.

The Editorial Board of the journal Bulletin of Vasyl Stus Donetsk National University. Series: Political Science shares the position of the Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) regarding the use of AI in research and also adheres to Elsevier’s policy on the use of generative AI. In particular:

Authors must transparently indicate in the text of the publication which parts of the work and for what purposes artificial intelligence (AI) tools were used (including text generation, data processing, preparation of visual materials, etc.). The submission of materials fully generated by AI without a substantial authorial contribution to the scientific content, analysis, and interpretation of results is not permitted. Regardless of the use of AI technologies, authors bear full responsibility for the academic integrity, reliability, originality, and quality of the submitted materials.

The Editorial Board may use artificial intelligence tools as an auxiliary instrument in the process of evaluating publications—particularly for detecting potential plagiarism, fact-checking, language editing, and other stages of editorial work. However, the final decision regarding the acceptance or rejection of a manuscript is made exclusively by editors and reviewers, regardless of the results obtained through the use of AI.

The use of AI technologies must not violate copyright regulations, the principles of confidentiality, or lead to the distortion or manipulation of data. Concealing the use of AI or misleading readers about the origin of the text or research results is unacceptable.

Authors, reviewers, and members of the Editorial Board are required to comply with this policy. In the event of violations, appropriate measures may be applied, including corrections, refusal of publication, or retraction of the article in accordance with the journal’s established editorial procedures.