In short
The DFG generally permits AI when applicants prepare a funding proposal. Using AI does not change how a proposal is assessed during review, evaluation and decision-making. Applicants must disclose which generative models they used, for what purpose and to what extent. Reviewers may use AI only to support their work. All substantive judgements stay with the reviewer, and confidential proposal content must be protected.
Requires disclosure. Applicants may use AI and must say where they used it.
For applicants
- AI may generally be used when preparing a funding proposal. Its use has no effect on how the proposal is assessed. [1]
- AI use must be disclosed in line with academic standards. Disclosure currently means stating which generative models were used, for what purpose and to what extent. Examples include summarising the state of research, developing a research method, analysing data or generating hypotheses. [1]
For reviewers
- Reviewers may use AI systems when preparing reviews only in a supporting capacity. The reviewer alone makes all substantive judgements on the funding recommendation. [2]
- Reviewers may use AI systems only if care is taken that confidential proposal content is not processed without oversight, stored, or used for any purpose other than conducting the review. [2]
Sources
AI in Proposal Preparation (opens in a new tab)
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is generally permitted when preparing a funding proposal. In the review, evaluation and decision-making process, the use of AI does not affect how a proposal is assessed.
The use of AI systems must be disclosed in a manner appropriate to academic standards. “Disclosure” currently means specifying which generative models were used, for what purpose and to what extent, for example in summarising the state of research, developing a research method, analysing data or generating hypotheses.
AI in the Review Process (opens in a new tab)
The use of AI systems in the preparation of reviews is therefore permitted only in a supporting capacity. All substantive judgements regarding the funding recommendation rest solely with the reviewer.
AI systems may be used only where care is taken to ensure that confidential content of funding proposals is not processed without oversight, stored, or used for purposes other than the conduct of the review process.
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.