Using AI in graduate research

Understand how you can use AI in graduate research

As AI continues to shape research, it’s important to understand how to use these tools responsibly while protecting the integrity and originality of your work.

Artificial intelligence (AI), including generative AI tools, is increasingly being used across research and higher education. While these tools may provide opportunities to support aspects of research, their use also introduces risks relating to research integrity, accuracy, privacy, confidentiality, intellectual property, authorship and the originality of research outputs.

All use of AI in graduate research must be consistent with the University’s expectations for responsible and ethical research. The Responsible and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy applies to all staff and students and sets out the University’s principles for the responsible and ethical use of AI, including academic and research integrity, privacy and security, and human oversight and responsibility. Users remain responsible for any AI-generated output used in their research.

Students should discuss the use of AI with their supervisors and ensure that any use is appropriate to the research, complies with relevant University policies and procedures, and does not compromise the integrity, originality, confidentiality or security of the research.

The following resources provide guidance on the use of AI in graduate research:

• Responsible and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy: sets out the University’s principles and expectations for the responsible and ethical use of AI.
• Generative AI in Research: Disclosure & Documentation Guidance / Checklist: provides guidance for Macquarie University researchers on documenting and disclosing the use of generative AI in research.
• Using Generative Artificial Intelligence in Research – Guidance Note: provides guidance on responsible use, risk mitigation and appropriate use of generative AI in research. The Guidance Note highlights particular considerations for research students and supervisors, including originality, research integrity, data privacy and security, authorship, and disclosure of AI use.

The use of AI in research is a developing area. This section will be reviewed and updated as new University guidance, requirements and information emerge. Supervisors and students should ensure they are referring to the most current versions of relevant policies and guidance.