In short
NIH has published no single AI rule for its prize challenges. The rules of each challenge decide. Recent NIH challenges that address AI mostly allow generative AI when the participant discloses the tool and how it was used. At least one, the Complement-ARIE Reduction to Practice Challenge, says generative AI should not be used to write a submission. Applicants should read the rules of the specific challenge before entering.
Varies by program. The rule is set in each program's guidelines, so check the one you are applying to.
For applicants
- NCI Office of Data Sharing Impact Prize (2026): generative AI is permitted. Applicants must disclose in the narrative any generative AI tools used to prepare the submission. The disclosure names the specific tool and the role it played, for example ideation, drafting, editing, or translation. [1]
- NCI Office of Data Sharing Impact Prize (2026): any use of generative AI directly with NIH research data must comply with all applicable policies. These include Data Use Certification Agreements and Data Use Limitations. [1]
- NIH Common Fund Replication Prize (closed December 2025): generative AI was permitted. Participants had to cite the tool and identify how it was used in the submission, for example for ideation or writing. [2]
- NIH Complement-ARIE Reduction to Practice Challenge: generative AI should not be used to develop the writing, imagery, or data of a submission. The exception is dedicated performance within the proposed NAM platform. [3]
- NIH Office of Disease Prevention Beauty + Health Youth Graphic Medicine Challenge (closed April 2026): no rule prohibited AI. The organizers strongly recommended against generating a comic completely with AI. [4]
For reviewers
NIH Challenges has published no rules for reviewers.
Sources
The use of generative AI is permissible. However, participants must disclose in their narrative any use of generative AI tools in the preparation of the submission, including the specific tool used and the role it played (for example, ideation, drafting, editing, translation).
The use of generative AI directly with NIH research data must comply with all applicable policies, including Data Use Certification Agreements and Data Use Limitations.
The use of generative AI is permissible; however, participants must cite the tool and identify how it has been used in this submission (e.g., ideation, writing).
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) should not be used to develop the writing, imagery, or data of a submission outside of dedicated performance within the proposed NAM platform
Yes, there is no rule against using AI, but we strongly recommend that you don’t generate your comic completely using AI.
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.