In short
ACLS permits applicants to use AI tools to research or write a proposal. The applicant remains responsible for any errors, hallucinations, or plagiarism. ACLS encourages applicants to say where and how they used AI, but does not require it. Peer reviewers for ACLS may not use generative AI to read applications or write reviews.
Permits AI. Applicants may use AI and stay responsible for what they submit.
For applicants
- Applicants may use an AI tool to research or write a proposal. ACLS compares this to established research and grant writing support, which has always been allowed. [1]
- Applicants are responsible for any errors, omissions, hallucinations, or plagiarism in what is submitted for peer review. This has always been the case. [1]
- As a best practice, ACLS encourages applicants to state in the proposal where and how they used AI tools. This gives full transparency to ACLS and its reviewers. The step is encouraged and is not required. [1]
For reviewers
- ACLS policy bars peer reviewers from using generative AI tools to read applications or write reviews. The ban covers AI-assisted coworking environments. ACLS applications contain personal information and intellectual property, and both ACLS staff and reviewers must keep them confidential. [2]
Sources
FAQ: ACLS Fellowships (AI Guidelines) (opens in a new tab)
Yes, from ACLS’s perspective, the use of an AI tool to research or write a proposal is not much different from seeking established research and grant writing support, which has always been allowed.
The applicant is, and always has been, responsible for any errors, omissions, hallucinations, or acts of plagiarism that are submitted for peer review.
As a best practice, we encourage applicants to indicate in their proposal where and how they used AI tools to provide full transparency to ACLS and our reviewers.
Thus, as a policy, ACLS peer reviewers are not allowed to use generative AI tools to read applications or write reviews. This includes a prohibition on reading applications or writing reviews within an AI-assisted coworking environment.
ACLS applications contain both personal information and intellectual property, and must be kept confidential by both ACLS staff and reviewers.
See American Council of Learned Societies's 7 open programs
This page summarizes what the funder has published and is not legal advice. Policies change, and one solicitation can add its own rules. Confirm against the funding announcement before you apply.