In short
The NSF X-Labs solicitation and FAQ contain no statement about AI use by proposers or reviewers. The only published guidance is NSF's agency-wide notice on generative AI in merit review. The notice encourages proposers to describe any generative AI use, but does not require it. It holds proposers responsible for the accuracy of their proposals. It prohibits reviewers from uploading proposal content to non-approved AI tools.
Permits AI. Applicants may use AI and stay responsible for what they submit.
For applicants
- NSF's agency-wide notice encourages applicants to state in the project description whether and how generative AI was used to develop the proposal. The statement is encouraged and not required. [1]
- Applicants are responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of the submission, including any content developed with the help of generative AI tools. The notice also makes applicants and awardees responsible for the integrity of the proposal and for the reporting of research results. [1]
For reviewers
- Under NSF's agency-wide notice, reviewers are prohibited from uploading proposal content, review information, and related records to non-approved generative AI tools. NSF treats such an upload as a violation of the agency's confidentiality pledge and other applicable laws, regulations and policies. [1]
- The same notice allows reviewers to 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.
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.
Generative AI tools may create these risks, and proposers and awardees are responsible for ensuring the integrity of their proposal and reporting of research results.
NSF reviewers are prohibited from uploading any content from proposals, review information and related records to non-approved generative AI tools. If reviewers take this action, NSF will consider it a violation of the agency's confidentiality pledge and other applicable laws, regulations and policies.
NSF reviewers may share publicly available information with current generation generative AI tools.
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.