European Commission publishes guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI in research

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly common part of scientific work. Researchers already use AI tools to search the literature, analyze data, write code, organize ideas, and prepare manuscripts. At the same time, the rapid development of these technologies raises new questions about scientific integrity, transparency, and responsibility.

In response to these challenges, the European Commission has published the “Living Guidelines on the Responsible Use of Generative AI in Research”. The document, prepared within the framework of the European Research Area (ERA) Forum, is intended to help researchers and research institutions use generative AI safely, ethically, and responsibly.

The guidelines emphasize that AI can support science in many areas, but it should never replace human judgment, critical thinking, or accountability. Researchers remain fully responsible for the quality, accuracy, and credibility of everything they publish, even if AI tools were used during the process.

The document highlights several principles that should guide the use of generative AI in research. These include transparency about the use of AI tools, careful verification of AI-generated content, protection of sensitive data, and awareness of the risks associated with bias, misinformation, and so-called hallucinations generated by large language models.

The European Commission also makes it clear that AI systems should not be listed as authors of scientific publications. Unlike human researchers, AI tools cannot take responsibility for scientific work or meet established authorship criteria. Instead, scientists are encouraged to openly disclose when and how AI was used in their research or writing process.

Importantly, the recommendations are described as “living guidelines,” meaning they will continue to evolve together with advances in AI technologies and changing research practices. The initiative is part of broader European efforts to promote trustworthy, human-centered, and ethically governed artificial intelligence in science and innovation.

The full document is available here:

European Commission – Living Guidelines on the Responsible Use of Generative AI in Research