In short
NSF's Notice to Research Community (December 14, 2023) encourages proposers to say in the project description whether and how generative AI was used. It is encouraged, not required. Proposers stay responsible for accuracy and authenticity. Reviewers may not upload proposal content or review information to non-approved generative AI tools.
Requires disclosure. Applicants may use AI and must say where they used it.
For applicants
- Proposers are encouraged to indicate in the project description the extent to which, if any, generative AI technology was used and how it was used to develop their proposal. The notice says this applies to any content not developed by the proposer. [1]
- Proposers are responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of their proposal, including content developed with generative AI tools. They must ensure integrity, since these tools may create fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism risks under the PAPPG's research misconduct provisions. [1]
- NSF is still examining AI use in proposal preparation and may publish further guidelines. It said it would update the 2025 PAPPG as needed. [1]
For reviewers
- NSF reviewers are prohibited from uploading any content from proposals, review information and related records to non-approved generative AI tools. NSF treats this as a violation of the confidentiality pledge and other applicable laws, regulations and policies. [1]
- Reviewers may share publicly available information with current generation generative AI tools. [1]
Sources
Proposers are encouraged to indicate in the project description the extent to which, if any, generative AI technology was used and how it was used to develop their proposal.
NSF reviewers are prohibited from uploading any content from proposals, review information and related records to non-approved generative AI tools.
Proposers are responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of their proposal submission in consideration for merit review, including content developed with the assistance of generative AI tools.
NSF reviewers may share publicly available information with current generation generative AI tools.
NSF may publish further guidelines for use as needed.
This policy also applies to any content not developed by the proposer.
If reviewers take this action, NSF will consider it a violation of the agency's confidentiality pledge and other applicable laws, regulations and policies.
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.