AI Usage Policy

Valonia: A Journal of Anatolian Pasts

Valonia adopts an ethical, transparent, and responsible approach to the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in scholarly publishing processes. This policy, structured separately for authors, reviewers, and editors, aims to protect academic production grounded in human creativity, ensure the quality of publications, and foster trust among all stakeholders.

1. AI Use Policy for Authors

• AI tools may be used to improve the language and readability of the manuscript.
• Use of AI must be clearly disclosed within the manuscript, and the name, version, and purpose of the tool must be indicated in the acknowledgements, footnotes, etc.
• AI must not be listed as an author or co-author and cannot be cited as the source of any content.
• Figures, visuals, or graphical abstracts generated with AI are acceptable if they are properly documented in the methods section.
• Given the risk that AI tools may generate false or fabricated content, authors are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all AI-generated material and accept full responsibility for any resulting consequences.

2. AI Use Policy for Reviewers

• All materials involved in the review process (manuscripts, supplementary files, reports) are confidential and must not be uploaded to generative AI systems.
• Peer review requires scholarly evaluation based on an expert reviewer's critical thinking and independent judgment; the use of AI technologies in peer reviews must adhere to this principle.
• Inclusion of AI-generated content in review reports may result in the termination of the review process.

3. AI Use Policy for Editors

• Editors must treat all submitted manuscripts and related correspondence as confidential documents and must not upload them to generative AI systems.
• Editorial decision letters, notifications, and review notes must not be generated using AI tools.
• The evaluation of manuscripts and all editorial decisions are solely the responsibility of human editors.
• If an editor suspects a violation of this policy in a submitted manuscript or a reviewer report, they must promptly inform the publisher.

Valonia: A Journal of Anatolian Pasts adheres to Koç University’s academic principles on AI use and draws also from Elsevier’s Generative AI Policies for Journals.

This policy will be reviewed periodically in light of technological developments in artificial intelligence and updated as needed. All authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to comply with these guidelines.