Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sponsored Projects
OSP's approach to responsible AI use
Policies & Compliance
- Research Conduct
- Combatting Human Trafficking
- Federal Disclosure Requirements
- Research Handbook
- 1. Roles & Responsibilities
- 2. Standards for Conduct of Research
- 3. Overview of Sponsored Projects Administration
- 4. Funding Sources & Opportunities
- 5. Proposal Development
- 6. Budget Development
- 7. Procedures for the Submission of Proposals
- 8. Award Acceptance
- 9. Award Management
- 10. Research Related Regulations, Policies & Procedures
- 11. Other Conduct of Research Issues
- 12. Acronyms & Definitions
- 13. Glossary
- Procedure Library
- Regulations Library
Introduction
The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can support productivity, communication, and administrative efficiency. At the same time, sponsored projects frequently involve confidential, proprietary, sponsor-sensitive, regulated, and unpublished information.
OSP is committed to using AI responsibly while protecting research data, maintaining sponsor trust, and complying with University, sponsor regulatory, and contractual requirements.
Because sponsor requirements regarding AI continue to evolve, investigators should carefully review program-specific guidance and award requirements before using AI tools in proposal development, research activities, or sponsored project administration.
OSP's Approach to AI
Artificial intelligence can help improve efficiency and support administrative work. OSP may use approved AI tools for activities such as:
- Drafting communications
- Creating training materials
- Improving readability and accessiblity
- Summarizing publicly available reguations and sponsor guidance
- Process improvement and project planning
AI supports OSP's administrative work but does not replace professional judgement, compliance review, policy interpretation, or institutional decision-making.
OSP personnel remain responsible for all guidance, recommendations, and decisions.
Protection of Sponsored Project Information
OSP routinely handles sensitive information related to proposals, awards, agreements, and sponsored research activities.
As a general practice, OSP personnel do not upload non-public sponsored project information into publicaly available AI systems. OSP employees follow University requirements reegarding data classification, information security, privacy, and approved technology platforms.
OSP personnel follow University requirements governing data classification, information security, privacy, records management, and approved AI technologies.
Federal agencies and other sponsors continue to develop requirements and expectations regarding the use of AI in proposal preparation, research activities, and award management.
Sponsor requirements may vary by agency, program, soliciation, or award. Investigators are responsible for complying with applicable sponsor requirements.
OSP reviews sponsor guidance and will assist investigators and departments in identifying and understanding sponsor-specific requirements when questions arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. OSP staff perform proposal review and provide guidance using their professional judgement and expertise. AI may support administrative tasks but does not make compliance, contractual, or institutional decisions.
As a general practice, OSP does not upload non-public sponsored project information into publicly available AI systems.
Yes. Sponsor requirements regarding AI use continue to evolve and may differ by agency, funding opportunity, award, or activity.