Allowed. The funder lets applicants use AI, and applicants answer for everything they submit.
What applicants may do
What the funder asks of applicants
- Applicants must fully verify AI-generated content and take responsibility for its accuracy, completeness and relevance. The named applicant is ultimately accountable for the whole application. [1][2]
- Applicants must make sure all sources are real, appropriately acknowledged and referenced. [2]
- No disclosure of generative AI use is required. If AI surfaces specific works that significantly inform the application, the applicant should acknowledge and reference those sources. [1]
- Applicants should review a platform's privacy, data retention and reuse terms before entering sensitive or proprietary data. They should not assume co-applicants or partners are comfortable with their information being uploaded. [1]
Rules for reviewers
- Reviewers must not upload applicant material into online generative AI tools, even only to translate it. This breaches the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Agreement. [1][2]
- Reviewers must not upload applicant material into generative AI tools procured and deployed by their institution. [1][2]
- Reviewers must not upload their own review sections, notes or draft reviews into online or institutional generative AI tools, because these are confidential. [1][2]
Where this comes from
The funder's own words, from its own pages.
Yes. However, you should be aware that a generative AI tool may not protect the privacy of your application material, and you must fully verify and take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, and relevance of all application content generated by AI.
Yes, this is acceptable, particularly to improve clarity.
No, there is no requirement for applicants to disclose the use of generative AI in their applications.
However, if generative AI identifies or surfaces specific works or sources that significantly inform the content of your application, you should acknowledge and appropriately reference those original sources.
Before using generative AI tools with sensitive or proprietary data, it is strongly advised that you review the AI platform’s privacy policies, data retention practices, reuse terms, and associated data security controls to ensure that the platform adequately protects your intellectual property and confidential information.
You should not assume that any co-applicants, collaborators or research partners are comfortable with the uploading of information related to them or their organizations.
No. Reviewers must not upload applicant material into online generative AI tools, even for the sole purpose of translating application material.
No. Reviewers must not upload applicant material into generative AI tools procured and deployed by their institution.
No. Reviewers are required to treat all application materials, including their assessments, notes and feedback, as confidential and protected information within the peer review process.
The named applicant is ultimately accountable for the complete contents of their application.
The agencies recognize that generative AI may be a valuable tool to applicants in the development of funding applications, including the potential to improve efficiency, assist non-native speakers of Canada’s two Official Languages, and streamline the application writing process.
In accordance with existing agency policies, applicants are responsible for ensuring that information included in their funding applications is true, accurate and complete and that all sources are real, appropriately acknowledged and referenced.
Therefore, the use of publicly available, online, or institutionally procured and deployed generative AI tools for reviewing funding applications is strictly prohibited.
This is a reading of what the funder has published, and it is not legal advice. A solicitation can set its own rule, so read the funding announcement before a PI applies.