Preamble
In addition to the Guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence in the development and review of research funding applications, the following Frequently Asked Questions provide additional information to both applicants and reviewers as it pertains to the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the development and review of research funding applications.
The agencies will regularly review and update their guidance as AI tools, technologies and research practices evolve. Applicants and reviewers will be informed via official communications and updates to funding guidelines.
Applicants
General use and scope
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Can I use generative AI tools to draft or summarize sections of my application?
Yes. However, you should be aware that a generative AI tool may not protect the privacy of your application material, and you must fully verify and take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, and relevance of all application content generated by AI. The accountability for the integrity and quality of the final application remains solely with you, the applicant. See the section below on Confidentiality and Privacy.
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Is it appropriate to use generative AI tools to translate parts of my application (e.g., from French to English)?
Yes, this is acceptable, particularly to improve clarity. Nonetheless, it remains your responsibility to review and confirm the accuracy of the translated content.
Disclosure and acknowledgement
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Do I need to disclose the use of generative AI in my application?
No, there is no requirement for applicants to disclose the use of generative AI in their applications. However, if generative AI identifies or surfaces specific works or sources that significantly inform the content of your application, you should acknowledge and appropriately reference those original sources. Applicants remain responsible for maintaining transparency, accuracy, and integrity in their submissions.
Verification and accuracy
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How can I ensure the accuracy of AI-generated content?
As applicants for research funding, your established expertise in verifying sources, methodologies, and applying rigorous scrutiny remains paramount. The approach to verifying AI-generated content should reflect the same thoroughness you apply to all research methodologies. To support this, the following are some best practices in verifying the accuracy of AI-generated content:
- Cross-reference with authoritative sources: Consult peer-reviewed journal articles, textbooks, or reputable databases.
- Consult subject matter experts: Seek validation from colleagues or experts.
- Check citations rigorously: Verify details using bibliographic databases.
- Corroborate concepts and claims: Ensure alignment with recognized findings in your field.
Confidentiality and data privacy
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Are there restrictions on inputting sensitive or proprietary data from my own application into generative AI tools?
Before using generative AI tools with sensitive or proprietary data, it is strongly advised that you review the AI platform’s privacy policies, data retention practices, reuse terms, and associated data security controls to ensure that the platform adequately protects your intellectual property and confidential information. You should not assume that any co-applicants, collaborators or research partners are comfortable with the uploading of information related to them or their organizations.
Whenever possible, use secure platforms that explicitly assure your control over data retention and reuse. Ultimately, you, as the applicant, remain fully responsible for safeguarding your sensitive and/or proprietary data, as well as information entrusted to you by your research partners.
Reviewers
Use, Confidentiality and Privacy
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Can I upload application material into online generative AI tools to assist with my reviewer responsibilities?
No. Reviewers must not upload applicant material into online generative AI tools, even for the sole purpose of translating application material. Doing so would place reviewers in breach of the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Agreement for Review Committee Members, External Reviewers and Observers and is strictly prohibited.
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Can I upload application material into generative AI tools procured and deployed by my institution to assist with my reviewer responsibilities?
No. Reviewers must not upload applicant material into generative AI tools procured and deployed by their institution. The agencies are not responsible for independently verifying each institution’s security and privacy features as it pertains to their deployed generative AI tools. For these reasons, the use of generative AI tools procured and deployed by institutions to carry out reviewer responsibilities is strictly prohibited.
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Can I upload sections of my review into online or institutionally deployed generative AI tools, despite not uploading any application material?
No. Reviewers are required to treat all application materials, including their assessments, notes and feedback, as confidential and protected information within the peer review process. Review materials, including draft reviews, are considered privileged information entrusted to reviewers through the peer review process and may contain an applicant’s proprietary information, such as unpublished scientific ideas, methodologies, and data.
Uploading such information into an online or institutionally deployed generative AI tool may result in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential or proprietary information and would therefore place reviewers in breach of the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Agreement for Review Committee Members, External Reviewers and Observers.