In short
The Royal Society allows generative AI in applications but requires that its use be acknowledged. The Research Grants 2026 scheme notes (section 9) and the University Research Fellowship scheme notes (section 10) say applicants must name the AI source and specify how content was generated. The pages give no rules for reviewers beyond a pointer to the joint funders statement, which is not reproduced here, so check the scheme notes for your program.
Requires disclosure. Applicants may use AI and must say where they used it.
For applicants
- Where generative AI tools are used in a funding proposal, acknowledge the use in the application. Name the AI source and say how the content was generated, for example by listing the prompt used. [2][3]
- Applicants are responsible for the originality, validity, reliability and integrity of any outputs created or modified by generative AI tools. [2][3]
- Use generative AI responsibly and in line with legal and ethical standards. Proposals should follow the Royal Society's policies on Research Integrity and Trusted Research. [2][3]
- The Royal Society follows the Research Funders Policy Group joint statement. For specific requirements on AI in preparing applications, check the scheme notes for your program. [1]
For reviewers
Sources
Grants at the Royal Society (opens in a new tab)
The Society has aligned with other UK funders around the use of generative AI tools in funding applications.
The Research Funders Policy Group joint statement sets out our expectations around the use of generative AI tools in applications and assessment.
For specific requirements on the use of generative AI tools in preparing funding applications please also refer to the guidance outlined in scheme notes.
Royal Society Research Grants 2026 (opens in a new tab)
When developing funding proposals, researchers must ensure generative AI tools are used responsibly and in accordance with relevant legal and ethical standards where these exist or as they develop.
Funding proposals for Royal Society grants should adhere to our existing commitments to policies on Research Integrity and Trusted Research.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring the originality, validity, reliability and integrity of any outputs created or modified by generative AI tools.
Where generative AI tools are used in funding proposals their use should be acknowledged in the application by naming the AI source and specifying how the content was generated (for example by listing the prompt used).
The Royal Society has joined with other funders to set our expectations around the use of generative AI tools in funding applications.
University Research Fellowship scheme notes (SFI URF) (opens in a new tab)
Applicants are responsible for ensuring the originality, validity, reliability, and integrity of any outputs created or modified by generative AI tools.
Where generative AI tools are used in funding proposals their use should be acknowledged in the application by naming the AI source and specifying how the content was generated (for example by listing the prompt used).
When developing funding proposals, researchers must ensure generative AI tools are used responsibly and in accordance with relevant legal and ethical standards where these exist or as they develop.
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.