You are writing a research proposal and would like to use AI tools in the process. Perhaps you want to have your proposal checked for language errors, rewritten, translated... or you want to generate graphics and/or images. You may also want to incorporate AI into your research in another way, such as as a research method. Is that allowed? And what should you definitely take into account?

Ghent University offers access to the AI tool Microsoft Copilot Chat. 
For more information, please consult following Research Tip: GenAI: Copilot Chat as an AI assistant at Ghent University (choosing data security).

Position of the research funding organisation

It is essential to follow the instructions of the research funding organisation. Not following these instructions or failing to meet these expectations may result in your research proposal being declared inadmissible or being rejected (and, therefore, not receiving the necessary funding). So be sure to check for specific instructions or guidelines regarding the use of (Gen)AI associated with the research funding for which you want to apply. If necessary, pay extra attention to the ethical aspects of technologies that may affect human health, safety or rights and freedoms.

Position of your (co-)supervisor/co-researcher(s).

If, for your (postdoctoral) research proposal, you collaborate as a researcher with a (co-)supervisor or co-researcher(s), a good relationship is important for the smooth progress of your research. In doing so, it may help if you are (more or less) on the same page regarding the use of (Gen)AI in your research (proposal), so that this cannot lead to disagreements later on. As a consequence, you should what the position of your (co-)supervisor or co-researcher(s) is with regard to the use of (Gen)AI when writing a research proposal or conducting research. Does he/she support the use or incorporation of (Gen)AI in the research proposal/research, whether linguistically, substantively, methodologically or focus-wise? If questions should ever be raised about your use of (Gen)AI, it is helpful that your (co-)supervisor or co-investigator is (1) fully informed and (2) personally supportive of the use. (Co)promoters or co-researchers who do not belong to UGent should be informed at the start of your research about this university's position regarding the use of (Gen)AI in research.

Position of your research institution

If you wish to conduct your research at Ghent University, you should also follow the guidelines of this research institution. UGent is committed to the ethical and responsible use of (Gen)AI in research (and education). Consult the university-wide framework for the responsible use of AI via the general webpage about (gen)AI at Ghent University. As a research institution, UGent subscribes to the European code of conduct for scientific integrity (also known as the ALLEA code) and also follows the other Belgian and European directives and legislation. Be sure to keep in mind the potential ethical implications and challenges that may be associated with the usage of (Gen)AI.

If you will be conducting the research together with other universities or research institutions, then you should also take into account the point of view of these institutions and come to an agreement concerning the use of (Gen)AI. In addition, it is also best to discuss the use of (Gen)AI with the other researchers who are (or will be) involved in the project.

Would you like more information about the responsible use of (Gen)AI at Ghent University? Then consult:  

• The the university-wide framework for the responsible use of AI
• The intranet page “Ethical and responsible (Gen)AI use in research”
• Module 2.1 en 2.9 (THE LATTER IS NOT YET AVAILABLE - STILL BEING UPDATED) of the Ufora infosite “Generative AI - About learning, creating, researching, and teaching”
• Research Tip: GenAI: Translating Research Integrity into Responsible (Gen)AI Use

National and European legislation and guidelines

In addition to the above factors, you should also consider national and international legislation and guidelines if you as a researcher want to use (Gen)AI for or incorporate it into your research. Thus, depending on where you would conduct your research, you must comply and follow national (Belgian) and European legislation and guidelines.

Would you like more information about (Gen)AI at Ghent University?

Ghent University already offers a wealth of information about dealing with (generative) AI from various perspectives and for various purposes (e.g. about its functioning, risks, responsible use, tools and applications, exercises, training, peer review and evaluation, transcription, research proposals, etc.). An overview of all (Gen)AI-related pages can be found at “GenAI: Overview of information about (Gen)AI at Ghent University”, such as the research and education tips, the intranet, the general webpage, the Ufora infosites, etc.

 Be sure to take a look at our general webpage “Generative AI at Ghent University”! Here you will find the official framework for the responsible use of AI at Ghent University, an overview of basic information, and the range of information and training courses offered at Ghent University.