General Principles
The Aegean Geographical Journal recognizes that generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies may be used to support certain aspects of scholarly research and scientific writing. However, responsibility for the originality, accuracy, integrity, and ethical standards of a manuscript rests entirely with its author(s). Generative AI tools cannot replace human scholarly judgment, academic responsibility, or authorship.
The journal is committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, and research integrity in the use of generative AI. Whenever AI-assisted technologies have been used, authors must clearly disclose the nature and extent of such use.
1. Policy for Authors
1.1. Acceptable Uses
Generative AI tools may be used for the following purposes:
- Grammar, spelling, and language editing;
- Improving academic writing and readability;
- Translation and language refinement;
- Formatting and stylistic editing of manuscripts;
- Explaining or improving programming code;
- Technical editing of figures, tables, or illustrations, provided that the scientific content is not altered.
Such use must not modify the scientific content, originality, or intellectual contribution of the manuscript and should be disclosed where appropriate.
1.2. Unacceptable Uses
Generative AI tools must not be used to:
- Formulate research problems or research questions;
- Generate scientific hypotheses;
- Fabricate, manipulate, or falsify data;
- Perform scientific analyses or generate analytical results;
- Interpret research findings;
- Produce original scientific content for the Results, Discussion, or Conclusions sections;
- Generate fictitious references or provide inaccurate citations.
No AI-generated content may be incorporated into a manuscript without careful verification and approval by the author(s).
1.3. Accuracy of References
Authors are responsible for verifying the accuracy, accessibility, and bibliographic details of all references suggested by generative AI tools.
The use of inaccurate, incomplete, or non-existent references remains entirely the responsibility of the authors.
1.4. Images, Maps, and Other Visual Materials
Images, maps, satellite imagery, or similar visual materials generated using AI must not be presented as original research data.
Where AI-generated visual materials are used solely for illustrative or explanatory purposes, this must be explicitly stated in both the figure caption and the manuscript's AI disclosure statement.
1.5. Disclosure of AI Use
Authors who use generative AI tools in any stage of manuscript preparation are required to complete the journal's Generative AI Disclosure Form.
The disclosure should include, at a minimum:
- The name of the AI tool used;
- The purpose for which it was used;
- The stage(s) of the research or manuscript preparation in which it was used;
- Confirmation that the scientific content and final manuscript were fully reviewed and approved by the author(s).
Generative AI tools cannot be listed as authors and do not meet the journal's authorship criteria.
2. Policy for Reviewers
Because of the confidential nature of the peer review process, reviewers must not upload manuscripts or any part of a manuscript under review to generative AI systems.
Peer review reports must reflect the reviewer's own independent scientific judgment. Generative AI tools must not be used as a substitute for the peer review process.
If reviewers have reasonable grounds to suspect inappropriate or undisclosed use of generative AI, they should promptly notify the Editor.
3. Policy for Editors
Editors and Associate Editors must not upload submitted manuscripts or any confidential editorial materials to generative AI systems.
Editorial decisions must be based solely on the independent scientific judgment of the editors. Generative AI tools must not be used as editorial decision-makers.
Editors may request additional explanations, documentation, or declarations concerning the use of AI whenever considered necessary.
4. Ethical Violations
Failure to disclose the use of generative AI, concealment of AI-generated scientific content, presentation of AI-generated data as original research data, or the intentional use of AI-generated false or misleading information constitutes a breach of publication ethics.
Where such misconduct is identified, the Editor may suspend the review process, reject the manuscript, or, in the case of published articles, initiate appropriate editorial actions, including the publication of corrections, retractions, or other measures consistent with the journal's publication ethics policies.
5. Final Provisions
This policy may be revised periodically to reflect developments in generative AI technologies and evolving international standards in scholarly publishing.
The interpretation and implementation of this policy are the responsibility of the Editorial Office of the Aegean Geographical Journal.