In short
COST's Open Call Proposers' Guidelines (Level C, March 2026, oc-2026-1) allow applicants to use Generative AI. They set no disclosure rule and no cap on AI use. Proposers must be human and stay fully responsible for all content. The Independent External Experts' Guide (OC-2025-1) bars reviewers from uploading proposal parts to AI tools or using AI to assess scientific content.
Permits AI. Applicants may use AI and stay responsible for what they submit.
For applicants
- The Proposers' Guidelines (Section 2.4.2.2) acknowledge the use of Generative AI. Proposers must be human beings. [1]
- Proposers are fully and solely responsible for all content in the submitted proposal, however it was authored. This includes any undesired content produced by Generative AI tools. [1]
- Proposals are judged only on the content submitted, whether or not Generative AI tools were used. The pages state no disclosure requirement and no limit on how much AI may write. [1]
- Proposers should be aware that Generative AI tools may give ideas that are not new, innovative or relevant. They may also suggest existing text fragments or incorrect information, and may generate content that could be read as scientific misconduct. [1]
For reviewers
- Evaluators must be human experts. They must assess the proposal solely on the content submitted, independently of how it was authored, and form their own opinion on each criterion. [2]
- Evaluators must not upload any part of the proposal to any online service or unauthorised third party, including Generative AI tools. They must make all efforts to protect the confidentiality of proposals and evaluations. [2]
- Evaluators must not use Generative AI tools to assess the scientific content of a proposal. They may use them only to improve the readability of their reviews, while ensuring no loss of confidentiality. [2]
Sources
COST Open Call – Proposers' Guidelines Level C (opens in a new tab)
The COST Association acknowledges the use of AI in compliance with the following:
Proposers must be human beings;
Proposers are fully and solely responsible for all content in the submitted proposal independently of how it was authored;
Proposals are judged solely on the content submitted, independently of whether any Generative AI tools were used. Any undesired content produced by Generative AI tools is the responsibility of the proposers;
Proposers should be aware that Generative AI tools may provide ideas that are not new, innovative or relevant;
Proposers should be aware that Generative AI tools may suggest existing text fragments, provide incorrect information and otherwise generate content that may be interpreted as scientific misconduct.
COST Open Call Independent External Experts' Guide (opens in a new tab)
Evaluators must be human experts;
Evaluators should assess the proposal solely on the content submitted, independently of how it was authored;
Evaluators must not upload any parts of the proposal to any online service or unauthorised third party, including Generative AI tools;
Evaluators should form their own opinion about the proposal according to each individual assessment criteria;
Evaluators must make all efforts to protect confidentiality of proposals and evaluations;
Evaluators must not use Generative AI tools for any assessment of the scientific content of the proposal. They may only make use of Generative AI tools for improving the readability of their reviews while ensuring no loss of confidentiality.
See COST Association'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.