New Interim Guidance for Generative AI Use in Research and Creative Activity

Dec. 20, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

Working in collaboration with campus stakeholders and leaders from the MSU Ethics Institute, we are pleased to share new interim guidance on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in research and creative activity.

These university guidelines expand on the earlier generative AI guidance shared on August 1, 2023, and include specific components important for members of the research community to consider before leveraging this emerging technology. With the guiding principles of equity, inclusivity, and ethical use at the core, new elements include information on data compliance and risk, intellectual property, preparation of publications, peer review, and grant preparation.  

As we continue to foster an environment where new technologies provide opportunities to further advance our missions, we must also do our part to uphold our commitment to ethics, academic integrity, and excellence. These interim guidelines provide a roadmap for the discoveries that lie ahead, while staying true to our core values.  

Please review the guidelines on the Office of Research and Innovation website where we have also provided links to past memos and additional resources. In the new year, the Ethics Institute will lead an effort to inventory how various stakeholders across campus are – or are not – leveraging generative AI. We thank you in advance for engaging with this future request.  

Our sincere thanks to the committee for their work on this project. We welcome your questions and feedback and invite you to email any comments to research@msu.edu.  

Sincerely,

Douglas A. Gage, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research and Innovation

Thomas D. Jeitschko, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs