AI tools can enhance efficiency and productivity in research by optimising critical analysis, synthesis, design, and writing tasks, such as preparing grant proposals, ethics applications, project plans, and publications. In some cases, they can also foster critical or creative thinking by offering fresh insights and perspectives. When used responsibly, AI tools can assist researchers in analysing large volumes of non-sensitive data, highlighting key findings, and significantly reducing manual data analysis time.
Charles Sturt University is currently developing guidelines for the responsible use of generative AI (genAI) in research. Until those guidelines are finalised, see Charles Sturt's Statement of Principles for the use of Artificial Intelligence and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018 which provides a useful framework, outlining eight key principles:
Researchers must consider these principles, as well as guidelines around authorship, data privacy, and data security, when choosing to use AI tools in their work.
It is critical that researchers exercise considerable care when uploading information into commercial genAI tools. Certain categories of data must never be submitted, including:
Responsible use of AI in research requires thoughtful adherence to ethical and legal obligations.
Resources in recording:
Use the menu in Panopto (on the left side) to jump to specific AI tool demonstrations.
Resources in recording:
This is a recording of a recently run Research PD session (May 2025).
Acknowledging use of GenAI tools is part of responsible research. When acknowledging use of GenAI, include the tool, how it was used and the prompts used. Some tools include a method for acknowledging their usage, and some referencing styles may have a specific format to follow.
For more examples see Using AI tools at university: Presenting outputs created with AI.
You may be asked to acknowledge AI using a cover sheet, form, template or table.
The following information should be included when acknowledging the use of AI tools:
This is an example of good practice in acknowledging the use of AI tools.
Yes. AI and/or machine translation tools have been used to generate material in this document.
| Tool | Use | Prompt(s) | Section | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT 4o | Initial idea generation that I adapted | Brainstorm ideas around how sustainable development goals can be applied locally | Framework on p 18 | 25 October 2024 |
| Primo Research Assistant | Brainstorming and initial literature search | How are sustainable development goals being used and applied locally. | Literature Review | 25 October 2024 |
| SciSpace | Brainstorming and initial literature search | Local adaption of sustainable development goals. | Literature Review | 25 October 2024 |
| Claude 3.5 | Generating a draft conclusion that I adapted | Provide a summary of Chapters 3, 4, and 5 | Conclusions (p 30, 31) | 25 October 2024 |
| Grammarly EDU | Used to check spelling and grammar and edit my final document | Enhance my text to improve clarity and expression | Entire work | 8 November 2024 |
| Microsoft Copilot | Used to modify the written tone/style of the introduction | Rewrite this paragraph so that the tone is appropriate for a university assignment | Introduction (p 2) | 8 November 2024 |
| Microsoft Copilot | Generating images for analysis | Create an image of a highly effective suburban park | Introduction (p 1) | 28 March 2025 |
Eacersall, D., Pretorius, L., Smirnov, I., Spray, E., Illingworth, S., Chugh, R., Strydom, S., Stratton-Maher, D., Simmons, J., Jennings, I., Roux, R., Kamrowski, R., Downie, A., Thong, C. L., & Howell, K. A. (2024). Navigating ethical challenges in generative AI-enhanced research: The ETHICAL framework for responsible generative AI use. ArXiv Preprint, 1-29. https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.09021
Khalifa, M., & Albadawy, M. (2024). Using artificial intelligence in academic writing and research: An essential productivity tool. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine Update, 5, 100145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmpbup.2024.100145
Some information on this page is adapted from
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