Depends on the program. The funder sets the rule in each program's guidelines, so check the program a PI is applying to.
What applicants may do
- Basic grammar, spelling, and citation-formatting tools built into software need no disclosure. AI-assisted search usually needs none either. [2]
What the funder asks of applicants
- Disclose any use or planned use of generative AI. This includes brainstorming, editing, and proofreading. Cite each use in the body of the proposal and in an author note, with a full reference. [1][2]
- Take responsibility for all AI output. Review it, check its accuracy, and verify every cited source. [1]
- Disclose planned AI use in IRB applications and funding proposals. Get IRB and funder approval. [1]
- Under CU Boulder guidance, use AI tools only with data classified as Public. Research proposals are classified as confidential, so check the tool vendor's policies first. [3]
What is off limits
- Do not use generative AI to create data, original scholarly writing, or related outputs. Authors must present their own original ideas. [1][2]
- Do not share confidential or personally identifying information with AI tools. Get approval from collaborators and co-authors before using AI on their ideas. [1]
- Do not list AI as an author. Name the AI company as the author in the citation. [2]
If an applicant breaks the rule
- The Center will not review a submission that breaks the policy. A submission that skips the disclosure rules is returned without review. [1][2]
- Authors who violate the principles are ineligible for Center funding or recognition. The Center will end support for their future publications or presentations. [1]
Rules for reviewers
Where this comes from
The funder's own words, from its own pages.
Policy on Generative Artificial Intelligence (opens in a new tab)
As a matter of scholarly integrity, generative AI tools should never be used to create data, original scholarly writing, or other related outputs.
Authors who used generative AI must disclose it.
Authors must take responsibility for all AI-generated output.
Planned AI use must also be disclosed in Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications and funding proposals.
The Center will not review proposals or other submissions that fail to comply with the guiding principles outlined in this policy.
Authors who violate these principles will be deemed ineligible for funding or recognition through the Center’s various research award and scholarship programs, and we will discontinue support for future publications or presentations.
Members of our review team will not upload the manuscript or any part of it into a generative AI tool as this may violate the authors’ confidentiality and proprietary rights, and, where the paper contains personally identifiable information, may breach data privacy rights.
Instructions for Disclosing Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (opens in a new tab)
Any submission that does not comply with the AI disclosure policy outlined below will be returned to the author without review.
Do not list AI as a co-author or cite an AI tool as an author on your proposal, report, or application.
Authors do not need to disclose the use of basic AI tools that are integrated into computer applications, such as basic spelling or grammar tools integrated into word processors or reference tools that automatically format citations.
AI Usage in Proposals (opens in a new tab)
AI tool use is only approved for data classified as Public (see CU's Data Classification Standard for more information).
Research proposals, plans and results are classified as “confidential” or, if they contain export-controlled information, “highly confidential.”
This is a reading of what the funder has published, and it is not legal advice. A solicitation can set its own rule, so read the funding announcement before a PI applies.