Springer AI Guidelines

Policy Summary

Springer permits authors to use an LLM or other AI tool for AI-assisted copy editing to improve readability and style and to correct language errors (e.g., grammar, spelling, punctuation, and tone), including wording and formatting changes, provided this does not involve generative editorial work or autonomous content creation. This type of AI-assisted copy editing does not need to be declared. In all cases, there must be human accountability for the final version of the text and agreement from the authors that the edits reflect their original work.

Evidence

• The use of an LLM (or other AI-tool) for “AI assisted copy editing” purposes does not need to be declared. In this context, we define the term "AI assisted copy editing" as AI-assisted improvements to human-generated texts for readability and style, and to ensure that the texts are free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation and tone. These AI-assisted improvements may include wording and formatting changes to the texts, but do not include generative editorial work and autonomous content creation. In all cases, there must be human accountability for the final version of the text and agreement from the authors that the edits reflect their original work.

Source

• https://link.springer.com/brands/springer/journal-policies#Artificial%20intelligence%20(AI)

Policy Summary

Springer states that use of an LLM in preparing a manuscript should be documented in the Methods section, or in another suitable section if Methods is not available. In all cases there must be human accountability for the final version of the text and agreement from the authors that the edits reflect their original work. Authors are ultimately responsible and accountable for the content of their articles, including any AI-generated text.

Evidence

• Use of an LLM should be properly documented in the Methods section (and if a Methods section is not available, in a suitable alternative part) of the manuscript. In all cases, there must be human accountability for the final version of the text and agreement from the authors that the edits reflect their original work. Authors are ultimately responsible and accountable for the content of their articles, including any AI-generated text.

Source

• https://link.springer.com/brands/springer/journal-policies#Artificial%20intelligence%20(AI)

Policy Summary

Springer does not provide translation-specific AI policy guidance. The general Springer Nature rule applies: use of an LLM should be properly documented in the Methods section of the manuscript. AI-assisted copy editing improvements to language do not need to be declared. Authors are ultimately responsible and accountable for the content of their articles, including any AI-generated text.

Evidence

• Use of an LLM should be properly documented in the Methods section (and if a Methods section is not available, in a suitable alternative part) of the manuscript. The use of an LLM (or other AI-tool) for "AI assisted copy editing" purposes does not need to be declared. In this context, we define the term "AI assisted copy editing" as AI-assisted improvements to human-generated texts for readability and style, and to ensure that the texts are free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation and tone. These AI-assisted improvements may include wording and formatting changes to the texts, but do not include generative editorial work and autonomous content creation. In all cases, there must be human accountability for the final version of the text and agreement from the authors that the edits reflect their original work.

Source

• https://link.springer.com/brands/springer/journal-policies#Artificial%20intelligence%20(AI)

Policy Summary

Springer requires that the use of an LLM be properly documented in the Methods section of the manuscript. Springer's AI image prohibition does not apply to data formatting — it explicitly excludes text-based and numerical display items such as tables, flow charts, and simple graphs. Springer does not provide data-formatting-specific AI guidance beyond the general LLM documentation requirement. Authors are ultimately responsible and accountable for the content of their articles, including any AI-generated content.

Evidence

• Use of an LLM should be properly documented in the Methods section (and if a Methods section is not available, in a suitable alternative part) of the manuscript. Not included in this policy are text-based and numerical display items, such as: tables, flow charts and other simple graphs that do not contain images. In all cases, there must be human accountability for the final version of the text and agreement from the authors that the edits reflect their original work.

Source

• https://link.springer.com/brands/springer/journal-policies#Artificial%20intelligence%20(AI)

Policy Summary

Springer prohibits the use of AI-generated images and videos for publication, but permits limited exceptions. All permitted exceptions must be clearly labelled as generated by AI within the image field, and some exceptions (such as images and videos directly referenced in a piece specifically about AI) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. In addition, the use of non-generative machine learning tools to manipulate, combine or enhance existing images or figures should be disclosed in the relevant caption upon submission to allow a case-by-case review. The policy does not specify human review requirements for this classification.

Evidence

• While legal issues relating to AI-generated images and videos remain broadly unresolved, Springer Nature journals are unable to permit its use for publication. Exceptions: * Images/art obtained from agencies that we have contractual relationships with that have created images in a legally acceptable manner. * Images and videos that are directly referenced in a piece that is specifically about AI and such cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. * The use of generative AI tools developed with specific sets of underlying scientific data that can be attributed, checked and verified for accuracy, provided that ethics, copyright and terms of use restrictions are adhered to. All exceptions must be labelled clearly as generated by AI within the image field. The use of non-generative machine learning tools to manipulate, combine or enhance existing images or figures should be disclosed in the relevant caption upon submission to allow a case-by-case review.

Source

• https://www.springernature.com/gp/policies/editorial-policies/artificial-intelligence--ai-

Policy Summary

Springer Nature journals do not permit AI-generated images or videos for publication. However, they explicitly exclude text-based and numerical display items from this prohibition — specifically tables, flow charts, and simple graphs that do not contain images. Therefore, AI-generated data visualizations that take the form of charts, graphs, or tables are permitted with disclosure. When such AI-assisted visualizations are used, this must be disclosed in the Methods section or acknowledgements. Authors retain full accountability for all content.

Evidence

• While legal issues relating to AI-generated images and videos remain broadly unresolved, Springer Nature journals are unable to permit its use for publication. Not included in this policy are text-based and numerical display items, such as: tables, flow charts and other simple graphs that do not contain images. Use of an LLM should be properly documented in the Methods section (and if a Methods section is not available, in a suitable alternative part) of the manuscript.

Source

• https://link.springer.com/brands/springer/journal-policies#Artificial%20intelligence%20(AI)
• https://www.springernature.com/gp/policies/editorial-policies

Policy Summary

Springer requires that the use of an LLM be properly documented in the Methods section of the manuscript. The general documentation requirement applies to code refinement or formatting assisted by AI. Springer does not provide code-specific AI policy guidance beyond this general requirement. AI-assisted copy editing (including formatting improvements) does not need to be declared.

Evidence

• Use of an LLM should be properly documented in the Methods section (and if a Methods section is not available, in a suitable alternative part) of the manuscript. The use of an LLM (or other AI-tool) for "AI assisted copy editing" purposes does not need to be declared. In this context, we define the term "AI assisted copy editing" as AI-assisted improvements to human-generated texts for readability and style, and to ensure that the texts are free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation and tone. These AI-assisted improvements may include wording and formatting changes to the texts, but do not include generative editorial work and autonomous content creation. In all cases, there must be human accountability for the final version of the text and agreement from the authors that the edits reflect their original work.

Source

• https://link.springer.com/brands/springer/journal-policies#Artificial%20intelligence%20(AI)

Policy Summary

Authors are permitted to use AI tools to help identify or compile references and citations. However, authors are responsible for the accuracy of any information provided by the tool, including citations and references, and remain ultimately accountable for the accuracy of the submitted manuscript and for ensuring all sources are properly credited.

Evidence

• Our policies for researchers make it clear that the ultimate responsibility for the work rests with the author. This includes ensuring that the material is original, not plagiarised, and that all information in the submitted manuscript (including in the references) is accurate. Authors are responsible for the accuracy of any information provided by the tool, for example, citations.

Source

• https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/ai/ai-guidance-for-our-researchers-and-communities

Policy Summary

Springer explicitly prohibits authors from using AI to fabricate, plagiarise, or create false content. Authors are accountable for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their work. AI models have been known to plagiarize content and to create false information. Presenting AI-generated content as original research data or results — without disclosure or in a way that misrepresents its origin — would constitute fabrication or falsification, which Springer treats as research misconduct.

Evidence

• Do not use AI to fabricate, plagiarise, or create false content. Verify and reference any AI-assisted output. Be accountable. You—not AI—are responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of your manuscript. Springer Nature journals are unable to permit the use of generative AI for publication of images or videos. Authors should not use generative AI or AI-assisted tools to alter images, figures, or data in their manuscripts.

Source

• https://www.springernature.com/gp/policies/book-publishing-policies#AI-Policies-and-Guidance
• https://link.springer.com/brands/springer/journal-policies#Artificial%20intelligence%20(AI)