The journal of Historical Studies recognizes the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated tools in scholarly communication and is committed to maintaining transparency, academic integrity, and human oversight in all stages of the publication process.
Use of AI by Authors
• Authors must disclose any use of generative AI tools (including large language models and chatbots) in the preparation of their manuscript, beyond basic language correction, editing, or formatting.
• Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, validity, and integrity of all content generated or assisted by automated tools.
• AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors.
• Generative AI tools must not be cited as sources in the manuscript.
Use of AI by Reviewers and Editors
• Peer reviewers and editors must not use generative AI tools to create review reports or editorial assessments, due to risks related to confidentiality, bias, non-specific feedback, and inaccurate or fabricated information.
• Limited use of automated tools for editing or rewriting may be acceptable, provided that such use does not compromise confidentiality and is transparently disclosed when relevant.
Use of AI by the Journal
• Any routine use of automated tools by the journal or publisher (e.g. plagiarism detection or integrity screening) is subject to human oversight.
• Automated outputs related to integrity checks (such as text similarity, image manipulation, or undeclared AI use) are reviewed and verified by editors or journal staff before any editorial decision is made.
• Editorial decisions are never made solely by automated systems; a human decision-maker is always involved (human in the loop).
The journal’s AI policy aims to support responsible innovation while safeguarding scholarly standards, ethical publishing practices, and the integrity of the academic record.