Policy, Procedures and Guidelines for AI in Research

To help researchers use AI effectively and minimise risks, staff from across the university have developed a comprehensive set of AI Guidelines.

UTS staff must always comply with all policies and procedures when considering the use of AI. Researchers need to adhere to IT and data policies, research specific policies, and AI specific policies. You can chat with UTS's Policy Bot if you want to investigate UTS's policies further.

Guidelines for the Use of AI in Research

The Guidelines for the Use of AI in Research were developed to assist staff with AI considerations, and is categorised by different AI applications. For instance, the 'Reviewing the literature' section outlines the task type (1), responsible AI usage (2), alignment with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (3), and potential risks (4).

The guidelines can help researchers avoid unintentional breaches of data security or research integrity and remain compliant with all applicable regulations. The guidelines reinforce key principles outlined in the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research, promoting transparency, accountability, and trust. 

These guidelines are aligned with existing UTS policies and government legislation, ensuring ethical and responsible use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools in research.

 

Practical guidance at every stage of research

The guidelines offer clear advice for responsible AI use, including:

• Initial planning: Data security, confidentiality, cybersecurity, and intellectual property considerations.
• Tool selection: Managing potential biases and privacy concerns.
• Project design: Ethical use, particularly in sensitive research contexts.
• Funding and literature reviews: Compliance with relevant policies and licensing conditions.
• Data handling: Ensuring confidentiality, ethical management, and documentation.
• Publishing and peer review: Verification of accuracy, originality, and adherence to ethical standards.