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Journal

The Lancet

Published by The Lancet (Elsevier)

Medicine

AI Policy at a Glance

Follows Elsevier parent policy. AI-assisted text is allowed with mandatory disclosure in a separate declaration statement (immediately above references). AI-generated images are explicitly prohibited. AI used in data analysis and research methodology is permitted and must be described in the Methods section. Reviewers may not use AI tools.

Text

Allowed· Disclose

Writing or editing manuscript text with AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot)

Images

Prohibited

Creating or modifying figures, illustrations, or photos using AI

Data

Allowed· Disclose

Using AI to assist with data analysis, computational methods, or code

Mixed policy — review each category

This publisher's policy varies by category. Some AI uses are permitted while others are restricted. Review the breakdown above and verify specifics with the journal before submitting.

Text:Allowed with disclosure required
Images:Prohibited
Data:Allowed with disclosure required

Detailed Policy Findings

View source policythelancet.com

This reflects the general publisher policy. Society journals under this parent publisher may have additional or stricter requirements — always check the Guide for Authors for your specific journal before submitting.

4 findings

AI TEXT / WRITING

Allowed

AI IMAGES / FIGURES

Prohibited

AI DATA ANALYSIS

Allowed

Disclosure Guidance

Most AI policies require disclosure of AI use in your submission.

View source policythelancet.com

Requirements (Where to Disclose)

For AI used in writing: insert a 'Declaration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process' statement immediately above the references. Include tool name and how it was used. Authors must review and edit all AI-generated output. For AI used in research methodology: describe in the Methods section with tool name, version, and manufacturer. Follows Elsevier parent policy.

From the Source Policy

Template Language

This is sample language only. Always review the publisher’s specific disclosure requirements before submitting. Requirements vary and may change. BioRender is actively developing an automated disclosure workflow that will provide clarity to publishers on exactly how AI was used, if at all, on its platform and the degree to which it is copyright safe.

AI Text

Required by policyPublisher-specific

AI disclosure statement (immediately above references)

During the preparation of this work the author(s) used [NAME TOOL / SERVICE] in order to [REASON]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication.

AI Images

Prohibited

AI-generated images are not permitted by this policy.

AI Data

Required by policyPublisher-specific

Methods section

[AI Tool name] was used as part of the research design or methodology for [specify purpose, e.g., data analysis / biomedical imaging]. This use is described in detail in the Methods section, including tool name, version, and manufacturer.

Additional Policy Details

Peer Review Restrictions

Reviewers are NOT allowed to use publicly available AI tools, including but not limited to large language models, to assist with the review of manuscripts.

Exemptions

AI use as part of research methodology (e.g., biomedical imaging research) is permitted — must be described in the Methods section, not the writing-process declaration.

Enforcement

Follows Elsevier's enforcement framework. All submitters are explicitly queried about AI use during the submission process. The Lancet Research Integrity Group monitors generative AI use.

Source & Verification

Policy last updated

Not published on policy page

Policy checked on

April 10, 2026

Policies are verified periodically but may change without notice. This tool does not constitute legal advice. Always confirm with the original policy page before submitting.

Tool byBioRender— the trust and accuracy layer for science.

This tool is in beta

Policy data is verified against primary sources but coverage is still expanding. Some publishers may have incomplete or missing policy details. Always check the publisher's original policy page before submitting your manuscript.

Policies are verified periodically but may change. Always check the original source before submitting.

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