In short
Cancer Research UK (CRUK) advises caution with generative AI in funding applications. Applicants who use it must explicitly attribute AI outputs in the application. Where practicable, they should name the model and software and say how the content was generated. Applications must contain accurate information. Host institutions must confirm that the application does not breach CRUK's Research Integrity: Guidelines for Research Conduct. Peer reviewers must not share application content with generative AI tools. They must also not use these tools to formulate or edit their critiques.
Requires disclosure. Applicants may use AI and must say where they used it.
For applicants
- Applicants must attribute any generative AI output in the application, clearly and explicitly. Where practicable, they should name the model and software used and say how the content was generated, for example by listing the prompt. [1]
- Applicants should be cautious with generative AI tools when developing an application. They should also keep up to date with the policies and guidance of their institution, funders and the sector. [1]
- Applicants should use generative AI responsibly so that AI-created or AI-modified content stays original, valid, reliable and sound. The application must contain accurate information. It must not contain false or misleading information. [1]
- When approving a submission, the host institution must take responsibility for confirming that the content does not breach CRUK's Research Integrity: Guidelines for Research Conduct. [1]
- CRUK keeps the right to apply sanctions under its research integrity policy. These may include discontinuing an application or funding activities. [1]
For reviewers
- Peer reviewers must not put any content from a CRUK funding application into a generative AI tool. CRUK treats sharing content with such a tool as a breach of its peer review confidentiality and research integrity requirements. [1]
- Peer reviewers must not use generative AI tools to formulate or edit their review critiques. [1]
- Peer reviewers must sign and submit a revised confidentiality agreement. It confirms that they will keep the review process confidential. This includes not uploading or sharing application content, original concepts or peer review critiques with generative AI tools. [1]
Sources
Use of generative AI in funding applications (opens in a new tab)
Correctly and explicitly attribute outputs from generative AI tools in funding applications or research by listing the generative AI source, where practicable, naming the specific model/s used and software, and specifying how content was generated (such as listing the prompt used).
We advise researchers and their teams to use caution in relation to the use of generative AI tools in developing their funding applications for our funding
This includes ensuring funding applications contain accurate information and do not contain false or misleading information.
When approving a funding application submission to us, host institutions must take responsibility for ensuring the funding application content is not in breach of our Research Integrity: Guidelines for Research Conduct.
We retain the right to apply sanctions under our Research Integrity: Guidelines for Research Conduct policy, which may include discontinuing a funding application or funding activities
sharing with a generative AI tool constitutes a breach of our peer review confidentiality and research integrity requirements
Use generative AI tools in formulating or editing your peer review critiques for funding applications or reviews.
Our peer reviewers are required to sign and submit a revised confidentiality agreement to confirm compliance with the confidential nature of the review process
We advise researchers and their teams to use caution in relation to the use of generative AI tools in developing their funding applications for our funding, and to stay up to date with the policies and guidance from their institutions, funders and the sector.
Use generative AI tools responsibly to ensure the originality, validity, reliability and integrity of outputs created or modified by generative AI tools.
Our peer reviewers are required to sign and submit a revised confidentiality agreement to confirm compliance with the confidential nature of the review process, including not uploading or sharing content or original concepts from a funding application to us or peer review critique into generative AI tools.
See Cancer Research UK's 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.