AI and ChatGPT in Science and the Humanities - DFG Formulates Guidelines for Dealing with Generative Models

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) has formulated initial guidelines for dealing with generative models for text and image creation. A statement now published by the Executive Committee of the largest research funding organisation and central self-governing organisation for science and the humanities in Germany sheds light on the influence of ChatGPT and other generative AI models on science and the humanities and on the DFG's funding activities. As a starting point for continuous monitoring and support, the paper seeks to provide guidance for researchers in their work as well as for applicants to the DFG and those involved in the review, evaluation and decision-making process.

In the view of the DFG Executive Committee, AI technologies are already changing the entire work process in science and the humanities, knowledge production and creativity to a significant degree and are being used in various ways in the different research disciplines, albeit for differing purposes. In terms of generative models for text and image creation, this development is still very much in its infancy.

"In view of its considerable opportunities and development potential, the use of generative models in the context of research work should by no means be ruled out," says the paper: "However, certain binding framework conditions will be required in order to ensure good research practice and the quality of research results." Here, too, the standards of good research practice generally established in science and the humanities are fundamental.

In terms of concrete guidelines, the DFG Executive Committee says that when making their results publicly available, researchers should disclose whether or not they have used generative models and if so, which ones, for what purpose and to what extent. This also includes funding proposals submitted to the DFG. The use of such models does not relieve researchers of their own content-related and formal responsibility to adhere to the basic principles of research integrity.

Only the natural persons responsible may appear as authors in research publications, states the paper. "They must ensure that the use of generative models does not infringe anyone else’s intellectual property and does not result in scientific misconduct, for example in the form of plagiarism," the paper goes on.

The use of generative models based on these principles is to be permissible when submitting proposals to the DFG. In the preparation of reviews, on the other hand, their use is inadmissible due to the confidentiality of assessment process, states the paper, adding: "Documents provided for review are confidential and in particular may not be used as input for generative models."

Instructions to applicants and to those involved in the evaluation process are currently being added to the relevant documents and technical systems at the DFG Head Office.

Following on from these initial guidelines, the DFG intends to analyse and assess the opportunities and potential risks of using generative models in science and the humanities and in its own funding activities on an ongoing basis. A Senate Working Group on the Digital Turn is to address overarching epistemic and subject-specific issues in this context. Any possible impact in connection with acts of scientific misconduct are to be addressed by the DFG Commission on the Revision of the Rules of Procedure for Dealing with Scientific Misconduct. The DFG will also be issuing further statements in an effort to contribute to a "discursive and science-based process" in the use of generative models.

For the text of the statement, see the DFG website here

Most Popular Now

Integrating Care Records is Good. Using …

Opinion Article by Dr Paul Deffley, Chief Medical Officer, Alcidion. A single patient record already exists in the NHS. Or at least, that’s a perception shared by many. A survey of...

Should AI Chatbots Replace Your Therapis…

The new study exposes the dangerous flaws in using artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for mental health support. For the first time, the researchers evaluated these AI systems against clinical standards...

AI could Help Pathologists Match Cancer …

A new study by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and collaborators, suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) could significantly improve how...

AI Detects Early Signs of Osteoporosis f…

Investigators have developed an artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic system that can estimate bone mineral density in both the lumbar spine and the femur of the upper leg, based on X-ray images...

AI Model Converts Hospital Records into …

UCLA researchers have developed an AI system that turns fragmented electronic health records (EHR) normally in tables into readable narratives, allowing artificial intelligence to make sense of complex patient histories...

AI Sharpens Pathologists' Interpret…

Pathologists' examinations of tissue samples from skin cancer tumours improved when they were assisted by an AI tool. The assessments became more consistent and patients' prognoses were described more accurately...

AI Tool Detects Surgical Site Infections…

A team of Mayo Clinic researchers has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can detect surgical site infections (SSIs) with high accuracy from patient-submitted postoperative wound photos, potentially transforming...

Forging a Novel Therapeutic Path for Pat…

Rett syndrome is a devastating rare genetic childhood disorder primarily affecting girls. Merely 1 out of 10,000 girls are born with it and much fewer boys. It is caused by...

Mayo Clinic's AI Tool Identifies 9 …

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that helps clinicians identify brain activity patterns linked to nine types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, using a single...

AI Detects Fatty Liver Disease with Ches…

Fatty liver disease, caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver, is estimated to affect one in four people worldwide. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications...

Meet Your Digital Twin

Before an important meeting or when a big decision needs to be made, we often mentally run through various scenarios before settling on the best course of action. But when...

NHS National Rehabilitation Centre to De…

The new NHS National Rehabilitation Centre will deploy technology to help patients to maintain their independence as they recover from life-changing injuries and illnesses and regain quality of life. Airwave Healthcare...