You may use AI to bounce ideas off or as a tool for compiling information, but the output must always be your own. Opinion pieces such as columns and personal reflections must always be written by the author. We do not accept opinion texts written by AI. 

These guidelines were compiled by Novia’s Editorial Board in January 2025. 

 

Guidelines for Using AI 

  • Transparency and ethics: Always disclose when and how AI tools are used in your work. AI-generated content should be clearly labelled to distinguish it from material produced by a human.
  • Fact-checking: AI tools like ChatGPT/Copilot might generate incorrect information. All AI-generated content must therefore be carefully fact-checked by the author. 
  • Copyright: Respect copyright laws. Do not use AI tools to create content that violates copyright regulations. 
    Source protection: Avoid entering sensitive information or data protected by source confidentiality when using AI tools. 
  • Media: AI-generated media (videos/photos) may be used. You must clearly indicate that the material was created using AI. 
  • Responsibility: The author is ultimately responsible for their material. 
  • Readability: If a text appears to be AI-written, the editor or reviewer may ask the author to rewrite it. 
     

Guidelines for Authors 

  • The author is responsible for their own use of AI. 
  • AI-generated texts might be biased or contain inaccuracies. You must always verify AI-generated claims using other sources. 
  • If you use AI extensively in your research, you must specify the name and version of the tool used, the date of use, how the tool was used, and for which task or purpose. 
  • Be aware that AI tools might provide direct quotes or images without proper source attribution. 
  • You may use AI tools to generate images or other media. You must clearly state how the material was created. 
  • Rule of thumb: The more you rely on an AI tool, the more verification, control, and responsibility is required from you. 

Opinion pieces such as columns and personal reflections must always be written by the author. We do not accept AI-written opinion texts in Novia’s publication series. 
 

Guidelines for Reviewers 

  • Do not use AI tools to review or evaluate manuscripts or texts. 
  • React if a text appears to be AI-generated and inform the author. 

Check whether the author’s description of their AI usage is sufficient. 
 
Common Characteristics of AI-Generated Texts: 

  • Lists 
  • Vague or content-light language (elaborate sentences lacking substance) 
  • A writing style that differs from the author’s usual tone 
     

The basis for these guidelines is the principles outlined in the European Commission’s guidelines for the responsible use of AI.