Bristol University Press AI Guidelines
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Check AI policies for below classifications
Refinement, correction, editing or formatting the manuscript to improve clarity of language
Policy Summary
Bristol University Press permits authors to use AI-assisted tools to refine or edit language for clarity (for example, to improve expression), but recommends that authors use such tools cautiously. Because AI-assisted editing is prone to ‘hallucinations’, authors are required to check any AI-edited work thoroughly. Authors must explicitly declare and detail any use of AI tools within the submitted manuscript or article, and they must also explicitly declare this use when submitting the draft typescript and again when submitting the final files; the press reserves the right to reject submissions that violate this policy.
Evidence
- We make a distinction between AI-generated and AI-assisted writing. AI tools are becoming embedded in everyday applications such as Microsoft Office. When used responsibly, they can be a helpful, time-saving resource for authors (for example, refining expressions of thought). However, we recommend that authors use these tools cautiously. As noted above, it is also prone to ‘hallucinations’ and so any AI-edited work needs to be checked thoroughly. The use of AI tools must be explicitly declared and detailed within submitted manuscripts or articles, and Bristol University Press reserves the right to reject any submission that violates our policy. The use of AI tools must be explicitly declared when submitting your draft typescript, as well as on submission of the final files.
AI Status
Writing or drafting manuscript content
Policy Summary
Bristol University Press states that AI does not meet the conditions of authorship, and authors are expected to take full responsibility for the originality and accuracy of submitted work. The use of AI tools must be explicitly declared and detailed within submitted manuscripts or articles, and the press reserves the right to reject submissions that violate its policy. AI-generated text is prone to errors including spelling mistakes and the fabrication of facts, dates, names, and references.
Evidence
- AI does not meet the conditions of authorship, as it lacks the capacity for independent thought, accountability, and original intellectual contribution. Furthermore, AI-generated text is prone to errors, including spelling mistakes and the fabrication of facts, dates, names, and references. We do not recognise AI as meeting the conditions of authorship, and authors are expected to bear full responsibility for ensuring the originality and accuracy of their work. The use of AI tools must be explicitly declared and detailed within submitted manuscripts or articles, and Bristol University Press reserves the right to reject any submission that violates our policy.
AI Status
Translation of manuscript text for the purpose of publishing
Policy Summary
Bristol University Press does not set an explicit permission or prohibition rule on using AI to translate manuscript text for publication. It recognizes that AI translation tools may be used when the cost of human translation would otherwise be prohibitive, and it encourages authors to discuss translation options with the Press first. The publisher advises authors that uploading full manuscripts or articles into publicly available AI chatbots is inadvisable. The policy does not specify human review requirements for this classification.
Evidence
- Translation is skilled labour, often carried out by professionals working in a freelance capacity. However, we recognise that there are arguments for using AI translation tools in cases where the costs of human translation would otherwise be prohibitive, potentially preventing important research from reaching wider audiences. We encourage authors to speak with us in the first instance to explore their options. Additionally, we remind authors that it is inadvisable to upload full manuscripts or articles into publicly available AI chatbots.
AI Status
Refining or formatting of data reported in the manuscript
Policy Summary
Bristol University Press states that AI is not recognised as meeting the conditions of authorship, and authors are expected to take full responsibility for the originality and accuracy of their work. The use of AI tools must be explicitly declared and detailed within submitted manuscripts or articles. The policy does not provide specific guidance on AI use for refining or formatting data beyond these general requirements.
Evidence
- We do not recognise AI as meeting the conditions of authorship, and authors are expected to bear full responsibility for ensuring the originality and accuracy of their work. The use of AI tools must be explicitly declared and detailed within submitted manuscripts or articles, and Bristol University Press reserves the right to reject any submission that violates our policy.
AI Status
Generation, refinement, correction, editing or formatting of images, diagrams or other figures for illustrative purposes only
Policy Summary
The publisher describes the use of AI to create illustrations as a grey area and encourages authors to discuss their specific needs with their editorial contacts. It indicates that when AI is used to generate simple diagrams or charts, this is generally uncontroversial. However, it warns that AI-generated artwork (including cartoons, paintings, or photorealistic images) raises potential ethical and legal concerns because outputs may incorporate elements derived from copyrighted works without the original creators’ consent. The policy does not specify human review requirements for this classification.
Evidence
- This is a grey area, and we encourage authors to discuss their specific needs with their editorial contacts. In cases where AI is used to generate simple diagrams or charts, this is generally uncontroversial. However, AI-generated artwork such as cartoons, paintings, or photorealistic images presents potential ethical and legal concerns, as these outputs may incorporate elements derived from copyrighted works without the original creators' consent.
AI Status
Generation, refinement, correction, editing or formatting of visualisations of research data or results
Policy Summary
Authors are accountable for all aspects of their work, including its accuracy, integrity, and originality, and they must explicitly declare and detail any use of AI tools in their manuscript or article submissions. For visualisations, the publisher indicates that when AI is used to generate simple diagrams or charts, this is generally uncontroversial.
Evidence
- Authors are accountable for all aspects of their work, including its accuracy, integrity, and originality. The use of AI tools must be explicitly declared and detailed within submitted manuscripts or articles. In cases where AI is used to generate simple diagrams or charts, this is generally uncontroversial.
AI Status
Refinement or formatting of code reported in the submitted manuscript
Policy Summary
Bristol University Press requires authors to explicitly declare and detail any use of AI tools within submitted manuscripts or articles. Authors are expected to bear full responsibility for the originality and accuracy of their work, and the publisher reserves the right to reject submissions that violate its policy. The policy does not provide specific rules about using AI to refine or format code beyond the general declaration requirement.
Evidence
- We do not recognise AI as meeting the conditions of authorship, and authors are expected to bear full responsibility for ensuring the originality and accuracy of their work. The use of AI tools must be explicitly declared and detailed within submitted manuscripts or articles, and Bristol University Press reserves the right to reject any submission that violates our policy.
AI Status
Assisting with gathering references
Policy Summary
Bristol University Press requires authors to explicitly declare and describe any use of AI tools in submitted manuscripts or articles. The publisher cautions that AI-generated text can fabricate references and contain other errors, and authors are expected to bear full responsibility for ensuring the originality and accuracy of their work.
Evidence
- AI-generated text is prone to errors, including spelling mistakes and the fabrication of facts, dates, names, and references. The use of AI tools must be explicitly declared and detailed within submitted manuscripts or articles, and Bristol University Press reserves the right to reject any submission that violates our policy.
AI Status
Presentation of any kind of content generated by AI tools as though it were original research data/results from non-machine sources
Policy Summary
Bristol University Press states that deliberately including AI-generated datasets or images as original research data or results constitutes fabricated or falsified data, which is a serious ethical breach treated as misconduct. AI does not meet the conditions of authorship, and authors are expected to take full responsibility for the originality and accuracy of their work. The use of AI tools must be explicitly declared in submitted manuscripts.
Evidence
- The deliberate inclusion of any fabricated or falsified data is a serious ethical breach and will be treated as misconduct. Fabricated or falsified data can include data sets or images which have been generated by AI or other methods. We do not recognise AI as meeting the conditions of authorship and authors are expected to bear full responsibility for ensuring the originality and accuracy of their work.
Source
AI Status
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