VALLWAY RESEARCH Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies Policy

Introduction

The integration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies (“AI Tools”) into scholarly publishing is rapidly evolving. VALLWAY RESEARCH recognizes both the potential and the responsibilities associated with the use of these tools across the publication lifecycle. These policies aim to ensure transparency, uphold academic integrity, and provide clear guidance to authors, reviewers, editors, and contributors.

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated in response to advancements in AI technology and evolving best practices in academic publishing.

For Authors

Overview of AI Tool Usage in Manuscript Preparation

VALLWAY RESEARCH acknowledges that AI Tools can assist researchers in improving productivity, refining language, synthesizing complex data, and organizing content. Authors may use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in preparing their manuscripts only under strict human oversight. AI must not replace human critical thinking, originality, or scholarly evaluation.

Authors remain fully accountable for the integrity, originality, and accuracy of their submitted work, including any content produced or supported by AI tools.

Author Responsibilities When Using AI Tools

Authors are required to:

  • Review and verify all AI-generated content to ensure accuracy, objectivity, and completeness. This includes validating facts and checking references for reliability, as AI tools may generate fabricated or inaccurate citations.
  • Ensure originality by thoroughly editing and adapting AI-supported outputs. The final manuscript must reflect the author’s personal insights, analysis, and intellectual contributions.
  • Disclose AI usage clearly and transparently in a dedicated “AI Tools Declaration” section upon submission. The statement must include the tool’s name, version, purpose of use, and level of oversight.
  • Respect privacy and intellectual property rights by reviewing the terms of service of any AI tool used. Authors must not input confidential data or unpublished manuscripts into any AI platform without verifying data security provisions.
  • Avoid using AI for prohibited content generation, such as creating images of real individuals, reproducing copyrighted or brand-specific elements, or simulating voice or likeness.

Responsible Use of AI Tools

Authors must confirm that:

  • The AI Tool’s terms do not claim ownership or extended rights over the inputted manuscript or research data.
  • The outputs from the AI Tool can be legally included in a scholarly publication without restriction.
  • No sensitive or personally identifiable information is exposed or processed through generative AI tools.

AI Use Disclosure

An “AI Tools Declaration” must be included in the manuscript if generative AI was used for:

  • Language enhancement or paraphrasing (beyond minor grammar/spellcheck)
  • Literature review assistance
  • Data analysis support
  • Structuring or outlining content

Basic grammar or spelling corrections do not require disclosure. AI use in research methodology must be described in the Methods section, with full technical details.

Authorship

AI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors under any circumstances. Authorship implies accountability, decision-making ability, and responsibility—roles that only humans can fulfill.

Each listed author must:

  • Approve the final manuscript
  • Accept responsibility for all content
  • Affirm the originality of the submission
  • Ensure that no third-party rights are infringed

VALLWAY RESEARCH adheres to the highest ethical standards in publishing and expects authors to review our [Publishing Ethics Policy].

The Use of AI in Figures, Images, and Artwork

VALLWAY RESEARCH does not permit the use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create, alter, enhance, or manipulate scientific images or figures.

Prohibited uses include:

  • Adding, removing, or changing elements in a scientific image
  • Generating images of real individuals or products
  • Enhancing features beyond permitted visual adjustments

Permitted uses (with limitations):

  • Adjusting contrast, brightness, or color balance only if the changes do not obscure original information

Exceptions: If AI or AI-assisted tools are used as part of the research methodology (e.g., AI-based image processing in biomedical imaging), this must be clearly documented in the Methods section. Authors must specify:

  • Tool/model name, version, and provider
  • How the tool was used
  • Whether pre-AI versions or raw data are available upon request

Graphical abstracts and cover art must be created by the authors without generative AI unless explicit editorial approval is obtained in advance.

For Reviewers

Use of AI Tools During Peer Review

Peer review is a confidential and human-led process. Reviewers must not:

  • Upload manuscripts or parts of manuscripts to any generative AI platform
  • Use AI tools to generate or revise their peer review reports

The confidentiality of the manuscript and the intellectual property of the authors must be protected at all times.

Using AI tools to assist in scientific critique poses risks of factual inaccuracy and ethical breaches and is strictly prohibited.

Reviewers are responsible for the integrity and originality of their assessment and must ensure that their reports reflect their own critical analysis.

For Editors

AI in the Editorial Process

Editors play a critical role in maintaining publication quality and trust. All manuscript content and communication related to the editorial process must be kept strictly confidential. Editors must not:

  • Input manuscript text or decision letters into generative AI tools
  • Use AI tools to assist in manuscript decision-making

AI tools are not a substitute for human judgment in evaluating the scientific merit of a submission.

If editors suspect undisclosed or improper use of AI by authors or reviewers, they must notify the VALLWAY RESEARCH editorial office immediately.

Use of In-House AI Systems

VALLWAY RESEARCH may utilize internal, privacy-protected AI systems (e.g., for plagiarism detection, reviewer suggestion, or manuscript completeness checks). These tools comply with strict ethical and data security standards and are not accessible to the public.

Final Notes

These guidelines are designed to uphold the integrity, transparency, and accountability of all work published by VALLWAY RESEARCH. As AI technologies evolve, so too will our policies. We encourage all participants in the scholarly publishing process to engage with these tools responsibly and ethically.