AI Acknowledgement

Journals and conferences / PLOS (Public Library of Science)

PLOS (Public Library of Science) AI disclosure statement

PLOS lets authors use AI to develop or revise submissions, but any AI use that generates or revises content, or supports the research itself, must be publicly disclosed in the article. Plain language editing is exempt, and reviewers and editors must never put submission content into AI tools.

Checked against PLOS (Public Library of Science)'s own pages on 9 October 2026 · See the full rules

Write yours

PLOS (Public Library of Science) doesn't publish a fixed template, so this uses a general format that covers what it asks for.

Did you use AI?

Your university or journal

Which AI tools?

What did you use it for?

What did you do with what it gave you?

More details · prompts, date, versions
Authors
During the preparation of this work, the authors used ChatGPT (OpenAI, https://chatgpt.com) to brainstorm ideas and check grammar and spelling. After using this tool, the authors reviewed and edited the content as needed and take full responsibility for the content of the publication.

The rules at a glance

When you need one
Any AI use to generate or revise submission content or to support the reported research, including generating analysis scripts or code and preparing figures. Not required for spelling/grammar or clarity rephrasing, or for cover letters; recommended but optional for translation.
Where it goes
In the body of the article: a dedicated Methods section, the Acknowledgements section, or the relevant figure legend(s) (figure-related AI use goes in the figure legend). Reviewers/editors disclose in the review form or decision letter.
Must include
  • name(s) of the AI tools used
  • how the tools were used
  • which aspects of the study, article, data, supporting files, review or decision letter were affected
  • how the user evaluated the validity of the tool's outputs
Also note
  • AI tools cannot be listed as authors
  • Using AI to fabricate or misrepresent primary research data is a breach of publication ethics
  • AI-generated figures are allowed for illustration or summarising results, but must not misrepresent primary research outputs
  • Undisclosed or unacceptable AI use may lead to investigation, rejection, retraction or an Expression of Concern, and PLOS may contact the institution
  • AI cannot act as peer reviewer or decision-making editor; reviewers/editors must not upload submissions or summaries to generative AI tools
  • PLOS may use AI detection tools in submission checks
  • Disclosing AI use will not negatively affect the editorial decision

Sources

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