AI in grant writing

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming increasingly accessible and offer new possibilities for supporting the grant writing process. A 2023 report highlights how ERC funded researchers are using AI in their scientific processes, and how they see its potential impact by 2030:

Use and impact of artificial intelligence in the scientific process

General considerations for applicants

When considering using AI to help in your grant writing, you should:

  1. Prioritize transparency and disclose any AI tool usage.
  2. Ensure the application reflects your own voice and ideas.
  3. Verify the accuracy of AI-generated content, especially for technical or field-specific information.
  4. Use AI as a supplementary tool rather than relying on it entirely.
  5. Be aware of potential intellectual property issues when inputting novel ideas into AI systems.

Research funder policies on AI use in grant writing

As AI tools become more prevalent, research funders are developing policies to address their use in grant applications. Here is an overview of current policies from major funders. As AI technology evolves, funder policies are likely to adapt. You should always check the most current guidelines from your funding body before submitting a proposal.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

In September 2024, UKRI published its Generative artificial intelligence in application and assessment policy. Key points are:

  • Applicants must apply caution when entering information into generative AI tools to develop an application. Sensitive or personal data of others must never be input into a generative AI tool without formal consent from the individual.
  • Applicants should consider the risk of bias when using outputs from the generative AI tool or model and consider mitigation.
  • Applicants must apply caution when using outputs from generative AI tools to develop applications and ensure it does not contain any information that is confidential and used without consent, falsified, fabricated, plagiarised or misrepresented.
  • Applicants are expected to be transparent about their use of generative AI tools in developing applications.
  • Reviewers are explicitly prohibited from using generative AI tools to develop their reviews of funding proposals.

European Commission

In April 2025, the European Commission, together with the European Research Area countries and stakeholders, put forward a set of guidelines to support the European research community in their responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

The ERC issued a statement on AI use in grant writing in December 2023. Key points are:

  • The ERC recognizes that scientists may use AI for brainstorming, literature searches, and text revision.
  • However, authors retain full responsibility for their proposals, including acknowledgments, avoiding plagiarism, and maintaining good scientific and professional conduct.

Funders joint statement 2023: use of generative AI tools in funding applications and assessment

The Research Funders Policy Group includes Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), British Heart Foundation (BHF), Cancer Research UK (CRUK), National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Wellcome.

In September 2023 they issued a joint position statement: Use of AI tools in funding applications.

Royal Academy of Engineering

The RAEng provides detailed guidelines for applicants in scheme notes. Ensure you read these guidelines carefully.