GenAI is a very useful tool in research that must be used responsibly as a researcher. On this webpage, you will find the framework within which GenAI can be used responsibly and effectively in research at VU Amsterdam in, for example, scientific publications, project applications and dissertations.

Many applications, opportunities but also limitations and responsibilities
Using GenAI in research can bring many benefits. These include convenience (simple interface), speed (e.g. summarising text) and scale (e.g. generating large amounts of infographics). Think about how GenAI can enhance your research capacity and how to integrate it into your methodology. Train students and young researchers in how to use GenAI properly.

Examples of use:
Help generate hypotheses and ideas, run simulations, summarise text, generate text, analyse arguments, improve processes or workflows in research, help with (unstructured) data collection, data analysis, modelling, deploy when writing a research proposal, check for compliance with research funders' requirements, create infographics, generate 3D models based on 2D images, etc.

Responsibilities:
The use of GenAI must meet the standards of scientific research. Research must be truthful, valid, original and reproducible. And existing VU policies around ownership, scientific integrity, privacy, personal data, and knowledge security must be taken into account.

Proper use of GenAI in research requires that researchers gain experience with it and that students and junior researchers should be trained in its responsible use. Topics of interest here are:

• Input: Pay close attention to what you put in, consider property rights, copyrights and data privacy (personal data).
• Output: Verify the output and check that there are source citations and that they refer correctly.
• Transparency: Be transparent, clearly indicate which parts of your research were done using GenAI.
• Responsibilities: Record responsibilities of those involved for the different phases of your research. It should be clear that the research leader/supervisor is at least ultimately responsible, even for the part carried out by a PhD student, for example.
• Follow developments: GenAI is developing very fast. Keep abreast of new developments and adapt your approach based on the latest insights.

More information

European Commission - Living guidelines on the Responsible use of generative AI in research

KU Leuven - clear website with guidelines and examples of responsible use: Use of GenAI (including LLMs) in the different phases of research - Research (kuleuven.be)

Cornell University - a report by the Cornell University task force "Generative AI in Academic Research": Generative AI in Research_ Cornell Task Force Report-Dec2023. Also discusses GenAI at different stages of research, with examples of its use

UNESCO - a guide focusing on regulation and ethical use, as well as recommendations to promote the use of these tools. Guidance for generative AI in education and research - UNESCO Digital Library

GenAi in education at the VU - Education and AI - More about - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (vu.nl)