In short
The Novo Nordisk Foundation's Policy on Ethical Use of AI covers applicants and reviewers. Applicants may use AI, but they stay fully accountable for everything produced with AI help. Committee members and peer reviewers may not use AI to evaluate applications. They may not upload any application content to an AI tool.
Permits AI. Applicants may use AI and stay responsible for what they submit.
For applicants
- The Foundation's Policy on Ethical Use of AI covers grant applicants and recipients. It also covers personnel funded by Foundation grants. [1]
- Using AI does not reduce or transfer an applicant's responsibility. Applicants remain fully accountable for all materials created with AI help. [1]
- Applicants must be open about when and how AI is used in any decision-making process. They must also account for the protection and security of data, and uphold privacy, confidentiality and intellectual property obligations. Acceptable examples include help with the grammar or spelling of text the applicant wrote, and drafting generic administrative wording such as standard phrases. [1]
For reviewers
- Committee members and peer reviewers must not use any AI tool to replace or delegate their own expertise and professional judgement. They must not use it in any way that may breach confidentiality, privacy or intellectual property obligations tied to grant applications. [1]
- Prohibited uses include using AI to evaluate, assess, score, compare or rank grant applications. Uploading or otherwise disclosing any application content to an AI tool is also prohibited. [1]
- Reviewers may use AI tools to access information or improve language. This is allowed only if no application content, and no related confidential or personal information, is entered. The AI use must also not substitute for the reviewer's own evaluative judgement. [1]
Sources
Data Ethics and AI Policy (Policy on Ethical Use of AI) (opens in a new tab)
this policy covers grant applicants and recipients, personnel funded by NNF grants, members of NNF committees, peer reviewers
Your use of AI does not diminish or transfer your responsibility – you remain fully accountable for all materials created with AI assistance.
You must be transparent in disclosing when and how AI is used in any decision-making processes.
You must not use any AI tool: to replace or delegate your own expertise and professional judgement; or in any way that may breach confidentiality, privacy or intellectual property obligations relating to grant applications.
Examples of prohibited uses include: using AI to evaluate, assess, score, compare or rank grant applications; or uploading or otherwise disclosing any grant application content to an AI tool.
You may use AI tools to access information or improve language, provided that: no grant application content or related confidential or personal information is entered; and the AI use does not substitute for your evaluative judgement.
You must make sure your use of AI accounts for the protection and security of data, as well as upholds privacy, confidentiality and intellectual property obligations.
Examples that may be acceptable include: help with grammar or spelling of text you have written; drafting generic administrative wording (e.g. standard phrases)
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.