Version: June 2026

We, the journalists at SMC Spain, use generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support certain tasks and processes in our day-to-day work. We have set ourselves a series of rules regarding their use.

• AI tools are not used to make editorial decisions at SMC Spain; these are guided by the journalistic criteria of the team members.
• The SMC Spain team of journalists does not use AI in the writing of original content, which is produced and verified by people, not by machines.

SMC Spain’s output can be divided into three categories: the majority consists of current affairs content (such as reactions, explanatory articles, briefings and analyses by experts); we also produce other evergreen resources, such as our guides and in-house studies on science communication; and, finally, we offer specialised training, including scholarships and workshops.

The value of our services lies in the judgement and experience of SMC members, both in the selection of topics and in how they are covered. The use of AI cannot replace the teamwork of our specialist journalists.

• We do not publish illustrations or photos generated by AI.
• We do not feed personal data into AI tools.
• We can use AI tools to create presentations and data visualisations.
• We do use AI tools as a supplementary aid in searching for information, but only when the results link to reliable sources. We always verify their accuracy, and the final selection is made by people.
• We encourage expert sources who send us their written responses to use their own words, without the aid of generative AI, as we journalists value their personal voice and critical perspective on their field of expertise. If they use large language models (LLMs), we ask that they do so solely to improve their text and that they inform us of this. We reserve the right not to share comments with journalists if they do not meet our editorial standards.
• We do use AI-based programmes to transcribe audio recordings, which we then review to ensure the transcription is faithful to the original.
• We do use AI tools to translate texts into English. We then review and edit these translations.
• We may use AI to optimise internal project management and evaluation processes, such as monitoring media impact.
• We may use AI to draft internal working documents that do not contain confidential information.

This statement by SMC Spain is a living document that will evolve over time in line with needs and developments that we cannot yet foresee. When we make changes, we will report them via update notes. Furthermore, FECYT has a general statement on the use of AI for the entire foundation.