Society updates guidance on use of generative AI in grant applications

The Society has updated the guidance for its grants programme on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), both for applicants and reviewers. Generative AI tools, capable of producing content such as text, images, and code, offer potential benefits in research and innovation. However, their use in grant application and review processes introduces challenges related to rigour, transparency, originality, reliability, data protection, confidentiality, intellectual property, copyright, and bias.

This update, drawing upon the approach and policies of major UK funders including UKRI, the Royal Society and Wellcome, is intended to provide clarity to applicants and reviewers navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by these tools. The guidance tells applicants to disclose any use of generative AI tools and to not input sensitive, personal or confidential information into an AI tool without formal consent. Any content that is generated by AI tools should be thoroughly reviewed for accuracy. In addition, reviewers are advised that in order to maintain rigor and confidentiality, AI tools should not be used as part of the review process.

More information can be found under the relevant sections of the Society’s code of practice for the grants programme.