The starting point when using AI in research is to follow the basic principles of research ethics and let these guide you regarding how you are to act in your capacity as a researcher. The new guide “Good Research Practice”, published by the Swedish Research Council in 2024, states that the principles of reliability, honesty, respect and responsibility “form the basis for good research practice and are to guide both individuals and organisations.” These principles should also guide us in our use of AI.
The EU Commission has published guidelines for the responsible use of AI in research. As AI and the use of AI is developing so fast, these guidelines are defined as a living document that is to be updated at least once every six months. The guidelines establish that it is the researchers who are responsible for their AI-generated content and that the researchers should be transparent about the use of AI, respect the applicable rules and regulations, and take privacy into account, for example when they share information with AI tools.
It is important that researchers at LU have the confidence to use AI, otherwise we will be overtaken. At the same time, we need to think together about what the ethical use of AI entails. For this reason, the Research Board, the Council for Ethics and Academic Freedom and AI Lund are jointly organising the conference “Risks and Benefits with AI in Research - Ethical Perspectives” on 23 April.
During the seminar, Anita Dewaard from Elsevier will talk about how a large international publisher regards AI and its challenges. Sumithra Velupillai from the Swedish Research Council will outline how a research funding body looks at the use of AI in the writing and assessment of applications. Associate Professor Sune Hannibal Holm from the University of Copenhagen will then speak on ethical considerations regarding the use of AI. The afternoon will conclude with a panel discussion featuring representatives from different research specialisations who will talk about issues associated with AI and research ethics.
/Jimmie Kristensson & Per Mickwitz, pro vice-chancellors
Read more:
- The conference “Risks and Benefits with AI in Research - Ethical Perspectives”
- Swedish AI Commission Road Map for Sweden (on regeringen.se)
- Living guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI in research (europa.eu)
- Good Research Practice 2024 (in Swedish on vr.se)
