Artificial intelligence can assist researchers with literature exploration, writing, coding, data analysis and other research activities. However, its use also raises important questions about accuracy, transparency, privacy and academic integrity.

The SRS Responsible AI Use in Academic Research Guide helps students, scholars and academics make informed decisions about using AI tools in their research.

What you'll learn

• How to distinguish appropriate AI assistance from potentially problematic uses.
• How to evaluate whether AI is suitable for a particular research task.
• How to verify AI-generated claims, citations and analytical outputs.
• How to protect confidential research information and participant data.
• How to document and disclose AI assistance appropriately.
• How to maintain researcher accountability and intellectual responsibility.

What's included

• Five principles of responsible AI use.
• A practical AI-use decision framework.
• Examples of appropriate and higher-risk research applications.
• A guide to verifying AI-generated information.
• Research privacy and confidentiality considerations.
• AI-use disclosure examples and templates.
• Three worked research scenarios.
• A reusable AI-use decision worksheet.
• A final responsible AI checklist.
• References to academic publishing and international guidance.

How to use this guide

1. Review the five principles of responsible AI use.
2. Check the policies applicable to your institution, research project or intended publication.
3. Use the decision framework before introducing AI into a research task.
4. Examine the worked examples to understand common risks.
5. Complete the AI-use worksheet for significant AI-assisted activities.
6. Document relevant assistance and verify the resulting research outputs.
7. Use the final checklist before submitting or publishing your work.

Important: Policies governing AI use vary across universities, research institutions and academic publishers. Always follow the requirements applicable to your research.

Suitable for: Undergraduate students, postgraduate students, PhD scholars, faculty, independent researchers and research teams.