With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the global research field, it has brought many opportunities, but also raised a series of research integrity and ethical issues. In response to these challenges, the Research Ethics Committee of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has issued the Integrity Reminder on Regulating the Use of AI Technology in Scientific Research Activities (hereinafter referred to as the "Integrity Reminder"), which aims to provide researchers and students with a set of normative guidelines to ensure the transparent, responsible, and compliant use of AI technology. The document proposes eight principles that systematically elaborate on how to standardize the use of AI technology in the scientific research process.
The widespread application of AI technology and the challenge of scientific research integrity
With the widespread application of AI technology in scientific research, links such as literature search, data analysis, achievement writing, and peer review have been profoundly affected by AI tools. However, the authenticity, accuracy, and reliability of AI-generated content are not always satisfactory. If researchers rely too much on AI tools, or even adopt the content generated by them without recognition, it can lead to problems such as scientific research inaccuracy and data falsification. Therefore, the maintenance of research integrity has become particularly urgent.
The issuance of the "Integrity Reminder" responds to this potential risk, emphasizing that integrity should be based on the scientific research process to ensure the legitimacy and compliance of the use of AI technology. The Integrity Reminder not only sets standards for the rational application of AI technology, but also provides framework guidance for preventing scientific misconduct.
Figure: The Chinese Academy of Sciences proposes eight principles for the use of AI technology
Detailed explanation of the eight principles: guide the standardized use of AI technology
1. Authenticity and reliability identification: Reminder 1 and Reminder 2 clearly state that in the process of topic selection and research, literature retrieval, data collation, and application material writing, researchers must rigorously identify the authenticity, accuracy, and reliability of AI-generated information. Researchers should fully and truthfully state the use of AI-generated information to ensure transparency in the research process. This requirement plays an important role in preventing academic misconduct.
2. Distinguish between AI data claims and experimental data: Reminder 3 emphasizes that researchers should truthfully declare the use of AI-generated data in the scientific research process, and clearly stipulate that such data shall not be used as experimental data. The establishment of this principle aims to ensure the authenticity and scientificity of experimental data, avoid AI-generated data from replacing experimental verification, and maintain the rigor and credibility of scientific research results.
3. Specifications for the use of AI-generated audio, video, and charts: Reminder 4 further clarifies that when using AI-generated audio, video, and charts in scientific research activities, researchers should fully explain the use of AI technology. Since audio, video and charts are a visual representation of scientific results, transparency in the production process is particularly important.
4. Transparency in the writing of scientific research results: Reminder 5 proposes that AI technology can be used to write scientific research results, but the AI-generated content needs to be reviewed, revised and used judiciously. The writing of scientific research results is not only about the accuracy of the content, but also about the professionalism of language and expression, and the AI-generated text cannot be directly used as the final product, but must be critically thought and corrected by scientific researchers.
5. Use of AI in peer review: Reminder 6 emphasizes that the use of AI tools should also be vigilant in the peer review of scientific research. Reviewers should conduct strict review of AI-generated content to prevent AI tools from affecting the fairness of scientific research evaluations. Peer review is an important means of academic quality control, and the rational application of AI technology should be carried out on the basis of ensuring impartial review.
6. Tool Declarations and the Use of National Filing Tools: Reminder 7 specifically requires that when using AI technology, researchers should declare in detail the tools, versions, dates, and specific processes used in scientific research materials. The purpose of this regulation is to increase the transparency of the research process and to provide follow-up researchers with reference tool information.
7. Choose AI tools that have been filed and registered by the state: Reminder 8 further clarifies that researchers should give priority to AI service tools that have been filed and registered by the state to prevent risks caused by non-standard AI tools. This not only helps to ensure the security and compliance of AI tools, but also provides greater credibility and legal assurance for scientific research activities.
High standards of research integrity: Preventing the abuse and misuse of AI technology
Through these principles, the Chinese Academy of Sciences has clarified the boundaries of the use of AI technology, reflecting the great importance it attaches to the construction of scientific research integrity. Although AI technology has brought unprecedented efficiency improvement to scientific research, the crisis of scientific research integrity that may be caused by its improper use cannot be ignored. Through the implementation of the Eight Principles, the Chinese Academy of Sciences has set a higher standard of integrity in the field of scientific research.
The implementation of these norms can not only effectively reduce scientific research misconduct caused by the abuse and misuse of AI technology, but also guide researchers to use AI technology responsibly and cultivate their awareness of honest scientific research. At the same time, the move highlights the need for researchers to maintain a balance between technological progress and ethical responsibility.
Promote scientific research, education and training: Strengthen the standardized use of AI technology
In order to ensure the effective implementation of the Integrity Reminder, scientific research institutions and universities also need to respond positively and help researchers and students better understand and follow these principles through a series of education and training activities. Combined with the characteristics and research practices of different disciplines, special training on the application of AI technology can further improve the self-discipline awareness of scientific researchers.
These education and training activities will help to form a correct concept of the use of AI technology among the research community, and improve the transparency and integrity of scientific research activities. In addition, scientific research institutions should also develop internal research ethics and establish a monitoring mechanism for the use of AI technology to ensure that researchers always comply with ethical and legal requirements in their work.
China's contribution in the global research integrity system
The "Integrity Reminder" is not only an important promotion of the Chinese Academy of Sciences for the construction of domestic scientific research integrity, but also a positive contribution to the global scientific research integrity system. Globally, as the application of AI technology continues to expand, research institutions and universities in various countries are facing similar challenges. This initiative of the Chinese Academy of Sciences provides a useful reference model for scientific research institutions around the world.
In the future, with the wide dissemination and in-depth practice of these principles, the construction of scientific research integrity in China will usher in a new stage of development. By regulating the use of AI technology and improving the transparency and credibility of scientific research, China is expected to play a more important role in the construction of global scientific research integrity.
Epilogue
With the deepening of the application of AI technology in scientific research, the eight principles issued by the Chinese Academy of Sciences provide a clear code of conduct for researchers. This not only helps to prevent research misconduct, but also improves the quality and credibility of scientific research results. Globally, AI technology and research integrity are increasingly combined, and China's regulatory initiative provides valuable experience for the global academic community. It is believed that through continuous education and promotion, these principles will promote the construction of scientific research integrity in China and the world to a new level.
