Living guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI in research

How can researchers, research organisations and funders ensure responsible use of generative AI in research? This is addressed in the new guidelines developed by the European Research Area Forum. 

The guidelines build on the principles from The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity and Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI. They give different recommendations to the different actors mentioned. Key takeaways include:

• Researchers refrain from using generative AI tools in sensitive activities such as peer reviews or evaluations and use generative AI respecting privacy, confidentiality, and intellectual property rights.
• Research organisations should facilitate the responsible use of generative AI and actively monitor how these tools are developed and used within their organisations.
• Funding organisations should support applicants in using generative AI transparently

Read the guidelines here

Plagiarism: What is the problem and what can be done?

"Two high-level Norwegian politicians are under investigation by their alma maters for plagiarism in relation to their masters theses in cases that have attracted a frenzy of media attention and have ignited heated debate over the way universities handle plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty", says universityworldnews.com in a current article.

The news website is referring to Sandra Borch, who left her position as minister of research and higher education when the news of her plagiarism was known to the public, and Ingvild Kjerkol who is still minister of health and care services. 

Director of The National Research Ethics Committees Helene Ingierd commented on the public debate and what can be done to avoid cases of plagiarism in the future. 

“Overall, I think these [current] cases emphasise the need for awareness and knowledge of research ethical norms such as honesty, collegiality and accountability.

“Whereas it is important to focus on the need to build good systems to deal with possible fraud and misconduct, I also see the need to work even harder to promote a good research culture at the institutions.

“This includes efforts to provide training in research ethics, but also that supervisors, senior researchers, and leaders at all levels lead by example and manage to give the message that there is no good research without adherence to ethical research norms,” Ingierd said.

Read the full article: Ministerial plagiarism cases spark heated public debate (universityworldnews.com)

Are those leading the AI race taking unacceptable risks for all of us?

This was one of the questions posed to scientist and author Brian Christian at the NENT webinar on AI and Research Ethics. Christian introduced the alignment problem and its possible solutions.

He also named one of the most dangerous alignment problems we face.

Read our article on the webinar: Webinar on ethical AI: «Incrementalism is wise»