This resource has been created to provide guidance to all people engaged in research at UniSA, including academic staff, adjuncts and students (research degree, post-graduate, honours and undergraduate). Please also refer to UniSA's overarching guideline: Generative AI and Research.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers broadly to any technology that enables machines to simulate human intelligence and perform tasks like sensing, comprehending, acting and learning. AI encompasses a wide range of tools and techniques. Non-generative AI is not new – in fact you’ve already been using it! For example, algorithms are AI, so is predictive text and things like SpellCheck and Grammarly. Speed cameras that can ‘read’ number plates use AI.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is a branch of computing that trains algorithms on existing datasets to produce outputs (text, data, audiovisual files) designed to mimic human-like products. GenAI systems encode information present in its training data and generate probable responses based on specific user inputs.
GenAI brings both opportunity and risk when used in research. Improved efficiencies and productivity are clear advantages to using these models, for example in solving data-driven problems faster or perceived enhanced readability of research outputs. Important risks when using GenAI in research are potential breaches in research integrity including matters related to confidentiality, intellectual property and authorship. As GenAI can be used as a research tool, the researcher must also take responsibility for their use of GenAI and maintain human oversight of GenAI derived outputs.
The University expects that all researchers uphold the highest standards of research integrity by abiding to the principles of responsible research as outlined in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (Code) and the University’s Research Integrity Policy. If using GenAI research it is the researcher’s responsibility to ensure the principles in the Code and the University’s policy are adhered to; non-compliance may result in a breach of research integrity. There may be disciplinary differences regarding the use of GenAI in research and researchers should make themselves aware of these.