AI research

Before you begin your research, it is important to know that the principles of research integrity are vital to responsible use of Generative AI.

There are many emerging AI tools useful in different stages of the research lifecycle, and it is important for researchers and research students to understand the strengths, limitations and ethical considerations of these tools. It is also important to consider the licences or terms of use of any GenAI tool. This can outline ownership of content and determine what you can do with the output of the tool.

The current Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018 is framed around eight principles which are useful in determining whether your proposed use case is appropriate. The principles are: 

• Honesty
• Rigour
• Transparency
• Fairness
• Respect
• Recognition
• Accountability
• Promotion of responsible research.

The Code provides specific guidelines for authorship accountability, and the privacy and security of data, each of which must be considered when using GenAI tools.

Researchers need to take considerable care when choosing to upload information into commercial generative AI tools, and take care not to breach any ethical and legal obligations.

It is never appropriate to submit the following categories of data into commercial GenAI products: 

• Third party copyrighted materials or material that you do not own or manage the rights to.
• Other confidential or sensitive data or material.
• Human research data.
• Private or personal information.

Acknowledging use of GenAI tools is part of responsible research. When acknowledging use of GenAI, include the tool, how it was used and the prompts used. Some tools include a method for acknowledging their usage, and some referencing styles may have a specific format to follow.

For example, Grammarly is a GenAI writing tool that includes guidance on acknowledging use of this tool.

Drag the slider left and right to discover the names for the different parts of this reference.

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ACU is still in the process of developing guidelines for the responsible use of AI in research and across the university. Once these guidelines have been developed they will be accessible via this guide.

It's important to consider other existing policies such as the Research Code of Conduct policy, Intellectual Property policy, and Student Academic Integrity and Misconduct policy when informing your use of AI tools.

For Higher Degree by Research students, your work needs to be original, and you are required to declare submitted work as your own. This guide will help inform you of ways to use AI tools in the course of your candidature.

The University, grant bodies, publishers and other governing bodies may soon develop policies and guidelines for the use of GenAI in research. It is important for researchers to be aware of and to comply with these.

• Researchers and research students are ethically and legally responsible for their use of GenAI.
• Be transparent with use of GenAI. Record and acknowledge tool usage and all prompts when using GenAI.
• Maintain awareness of and compliance with ACU's relevant research policies and guidelines.
• Review terms and conditions of each tool and consider implications for data sharing and reuse of output.

For further introduction to types of GenAI and ethical and evaluative use, please explore our AI hub. 

For any questions about use of GenAI in research or for suggestions relating to this guide, please contact library@acu.edu.au.