This page provides MAVRL's guidelines and templates for the writing of academic journal articles.
The rise of generative AI has provided a powerful new tool for researchers. Given our group’s focus on AI, it is natural that we adopt an open attitude to the use of generative AI for writing and presentations. At the very least, these tools can reduce the number of spelling and grammar mistakes, and in some instances, improve the phrasing of sentences. However, it should be noted that generative AI cannot fix bad research or writing organization (at the moment - when generative AI can do those things, you should become very worried).
The bottom line is to use your common sense and follow our group values. If something feels wrong to you for doing it, it probably is. Any attempt to use generative AI to compromise the integrity of the scientific research process will not be tolerated.
Before we begin, I should outline my philosophy and attitude towards the writing process. An academic article is the primary means through which you communicate your scientific results and ideas. The key to great scientific writing is logic flow, not language (though having a good command of English helps).
The logic of your article will be debated extensively during the writing process. This is where many logic gaps are exposed, often requiring further work to address. It is also a process in which you should feel free to argue with your co-authors (including your advisor) on the interpretation and flow.
Finally, writing, like all other components of your PhD/postdoc training, is an opportunity for learning a highly useful professional skill. The best students/postdocs are the ones who demonstrate a growth mindset for continuous improvement. For example, someone lacking in a growth mindset will simply click "Accept all changes"; someone that wishes to do better next time will review each change carefully, and perhaps even take the initiative to further improve on the changes that the advisor/other co-authors have made.