In short
The AI rules for applicants that STScI has published appear in the JWST Cycle 5 call for proposals. Proposers may use generative AI tools. Any material derived from them must be described and cited, and failure to disclose their use results in disqualification. Some uses, such as producing hallucinated references, are not acceptable. JWST reviewers may not use generative AI tools for any part of their reviews.
Varies by program. The rule is set in each program's guidelines, so check the one you are applying to.
For applicants
- The JWST Cycle 5 call does not prohibit proposers from using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. Following NASA policy, a proposal must acknowledge content that is not the creative product of the proposal team. Any material in the proposal that comes from generative AI must be described and cited. Failure to disclose its use results in disqualification. The call also reminds proposers that using these tools places the resulting text in the public domain. [1]
- The call says generative AI use must be declared. Some uses are not acceptable, such as those that produce hallucinated references to support the science case. [2]
For reviewers
Sources
JWST Guidelines and Checklist for Proposal Preparation (opens in a new tab)
Proposers are not prohibited from the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools, such as ChatGPT. However, following NASA policy, the proposal must acknowledge content that is not the creative product of the proposal team. Thus, any material contained in the proposal that is derived from GAI must be described and cited
Failure to disclose the use of GAI will result in disqualification. Proposers are reminded that using GAI tools will place that text in the public domain. Reviewers are forbidden from uploading proposal content or review materials to GAI tools, since this violates the confidentiality of the review process.
JWST Cycle 5 Proposal Selection (opens in a new tab)
The Call for Proposals states that the use of generative AI must be declared but some uses of AI are not acceptable, like those resulting in hallucinated references to support the science case.
Key Policies for Reviewers - JWST User Documentation - STScI (opens in a new tab)
Reviewers are forbidden from using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools to assist with any part of their reviews since this violates the confidentiality of the review process. This means that it is forbidden to upload proposal contents or review materials to GAI 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.