Reviewer rules only. The funder has published rules for reviewers and none for applicants.
Rules for applicants
National Institute of Food and Agriculture has published no rules for applicants.
Rules for reviewers
- NIFA prohibits the use of generative AI tools during the application evaluation process. This protects the integrity of peer review. [1][2]
- The ban follows USDA interim guidance that bars public third-party generative AI tools for agency staff and contractors until further governance is in place. [1][2]
- NIFA cannot protect non-public information that is disclosed to a third-party generative AI system from access by undisclosed third parties. Application content could be released without authorization. [1]
- Panelists and ad hoc reviewers must affirm they will follow NIFA confidentiality rules before they access each application. [1]
Where this comes from
The funder's own words, from its own pages.
NIFA Peer Review Process for Competitive Grant Applications (opens in a new tab)
To safeguard the integrity of NIFA’s extensive peer review process, NIFA prohibits the use of generative AI tools during the application evaluation process.
USDA issued interim guidance to all its Agencies’ staff and contractors prohibiting the use of public third-party Generative AI tools until further governance can be put in place.
NIFA cannot protect non-public information disclosed to a third-party generative AI system from being accessed by undisclosed third parties.
Before accessing each application for evaluation, all panelists and ad hoc reviewers are required to affirm that they will abide by NIFA’s confidentiality rules and do not have a conflict of interest with that application.
NIFA Update--September 4, 2024 (opens in a new tab)
To safeguard the integrity of NIFA’s extensive peer review process, NIFA prohibits the use of generative AI tools during the proposal evaluation process.
USDA issued interim guidance to all its agencies’ staff and contractors prohibiting the use of public third-party Generative AI tools until further governance can be put in place.
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.