The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has set rules for using generative AI (GAI) by applicants, reviewers, and staff. Applicants can use GAI in their proposals, but it is banned for reviewers and NWO staff in the evaluation process.
Last year, NWO shared preliminary guidelines for AI use. Now, a formal policy has been established that must be followed by all involved parties.
GAI use allowed for applicants
GAI can be used for text creation, translation, presentations, image generation, coding, and data analysis. This is beneficial for researchers, but risks like bias and plagiarism exist. Applicants must use GAI responsibly, following the guidelines.
GAI use excluded in assessment process
GAI is not allowed in the evaluation process to ensure confidentiality and the integrity of assessments. Reviewers and NWO employees must adhere to confidentiality agreements, which cannot be guaranteed with GAI use.
GAI for other tasks by NWO staff
NWO staff can use approved GAI applications for tasks outside the evaluation process, like the DeepL translation app.
Core Values
NWOs policy reflects its core value of reliability, ensuring actions are honest, transparent, and careful, adhering to the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity.