Advanced search
  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Use of Artificial Intelligence

Use of Artificial Intelligence

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Manuscript Preparation and Peer Review at the German Journal of Sports Medicine


In alignment with the 2025 policy decision and subsequent guidelines of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), the German Journal of Sports Medicine (GJSM) permits the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools under clearly defined conditions in both peer review and manuscript preparation.

1. General Principle

AI tools may be used only in a supportive capacity. Full intellectual and ethical responsibility for submitted manuscripts and peer reviews remains with the authors and reviewers.

2. Requirements for Authors (Submissions)

Authors using AI tools in manuscript preparation must:

  • Ensure that AI is used only as a supportive tool (e.g., language editing or structuring)

  • The Journal does not permit the use of AI tools for generating scientific content (e.g., Introduction, Discussion, or References)

  • Any use of AI tools must be clearly disclosed in the manuscript (e.g., in the Methods or Acknowledgements section)

  • Authors retain full responsibility for the scientific content, including its correctness, originality, and integrity

  • Ensure compliance with data protection, copyright, and research integrity standards

  • AI tools must not be listed as authors

3. Requirements for Reviewers (Peer Review)

Reviewers must comply with the following four core principles derived from the DFG guideline:

  • Confidentiality:
    Manuscripts and associated data may only be processed in AI systems that ensure     secure, non-public, and purpose-limited data handling. Uploading confidential manuscript content into publicly accessible AI tools is not permitted.

  • Transparency:
    Reviewers are required to     explicitly disclose any use of AI tools in the preparation of their review

  • Quality Assurance:
    All AI-generated or AI-supported content must be     critically assessed and verified. Reviewers must ensure accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness.

  • Responsibility:
    The     full responsibility for the content, evaluation, and recommendation remains solely with the reviewer, regardless of AI use

4. Legal and Ethical Considerations

All use of AI must comply with applicable legal frameworks, including:

  • Data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation; German: DSGVO – Datenschutz-Grundverordnung)

  • Copyright law

  • Emerging European AI regulatory frameworks

Special attention must be paid to known limitations of generative AI, including:

  • Potential biases (e.g., automation bias)

  • Lack of transparency and traceability

  • Risk of factual inaccuracies (“hallucinations”)

5. Implementation and Disclosure

GJSM may require:

  • A mandatory disclosure statement regarding AI use during submission and peer review

  • Additional documentation if AI-assisted processes affect evaluation or authorship


References for AI Guidance

1. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). Artificial Intelligence in the Review Process. Information for Researchers No. 18. https://www.dfg.de/en/news/news-topics/announcements-proposals/2026/ifr-26-18 [Accessed March 23, 2026].

2. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Guideline on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Review Process (DFG form 4.04 – 03/26). https://www.dfg.de/resource/blob/390262/4-04-en.pdf [Accessed March 23, 2026].

3. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. AI in the Review Process. DFG – Basics and Topics, Artificial Intelligence. https://www.dfg.de/en/basics-topics/digital-topics/ai/review#389620 [Accessed March 23, 2026].

 

This is an expanded explanation taken from our Editorial Policies.