This policy defines the standard guidelines for using generative AI within our research group. All group members are expected to follow these rules. Our goal is to ensure that AI tools are used transparently and efficiently to support our technical work without compromising research integrity or core academic development.
Core Principle: AI tools serve as technical assistants to execute specific task instructions, automate routine processing, and refine existing work. They must never replace critical thinking, idea generation, or core skill development.
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Permitted Uses (Task & Execution Level)
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Code & Testing: Writing utility scripts, running specific test suites, debugging, and checking code efficiency.
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Visuals & Data: Refining, formatting, or improving data visualisations and figures (from student-generated plots or precise instructions from the student).
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Information Synthesis: Summarizing papers, organizing meeting notes, or consolidating research literature.
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Text Polishing: Proofreading, correcting grammar, and improving clarity on text written originally by students.
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Prohibited Uses (Intellectual & Skill Ownership)
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No Content Creation: Writing initial drafts, abstracts, introduction sections, or primary text. Students must write their own initial text.
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No Ideation: Generating research questions, hypothesis formulation, or novelty brainstorming.
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No Core Learning Shortcuts: Outsourcing foundational tasks (e.g., core analytical derivations, literature comprehension) critical to training as a researcher.
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Attribution
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Accountability: Authors remain 100% accountable for all outputs. AI tools cannot be named as authors on manuscripts or presentations. Always verify code, citations, and facts generated by AI.
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If you are ever in doubt about whether a specific AI use case is permitted, consult me before proceeding. As a general rule, however, if you are questioning its appropriateness, assume the answer is no.