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Responsible Use of AI in Research and Scholarship

As AI tools become increasingly integrated into higher education, UTEP encourages thoughtful and ethical use aligned with university values and policies. We promote a trust-based approach that emphasizes transparency, guidance, and shared responsibility over surveillance. Drawing inspiration from peer institutions, the Office of Research and Innovation supports faculty in leveraging AI to accelerate discovery, enhance efficiency, and foster collaboration across disciplines.

Research & Innovation

Guidelines for the Use of AI in Research

R&I guidelines address the responsible, secure, and ethical use of artificial intelligence in research. They apply to all faculty, staff, students, postdoctoral researchers, and contractors engaged in research, regardless of funding source.

Questions or more information: airc@utep.edu

Policies

   
AI tools can support research and learning, but they can also pose risks to academic integrity. Everyone must be aware of the guidelines for acceptable use and the implications for violating them.
Faculty and students are responsible for the work they produce, regardless of whether AI tools are used. AI-generated content, just like any other content, should be evaluated for accuracy, bias, and originality.
Because information entered into public AI platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot) may be stored or reused, they should not be used to process or share sensitive, proprietary, or regulated university data.
Faculty and researchers should clearly disclose when and how AI tools are used in research outputs, publications, and grant proposals. Transparency builds trust and ensures reproducibility.
AI models rely on data integrity. Researchers must ensure that datasets used for training or analysis are accurate, representative, and ethically sourced, minimizing bias and protecting participant rights.
AI systems can perpetuate or amplify biases. Faculty should actively evaluate and mitigate bias in algorithms, datasets, and outputs to promote fairness and equity in research outcomes.
AI should augment—not replace—human expertise. Researchers must apply critical thinking to validate AI-generated insights and maintain ultimate responsibility for decisions.
Standards: Ensure AI use aligns with federal regulations, IRB requirements, and intellectual property laws, especially when handling sensitive data or publishing results.

These guidelines are supported by UTEP’s Office of Research and Innovation, and are designed to help faculty navigate the evolving AI landscape with confidence and care.