AI in Funding Applications: Transparency and Accountability

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is on the rise, also in the scientific community. When submitting a funding application, the applicant is always responsible for everything it contains. If significant portions of an application are created using AI tools, this must be disclosed. Failure to comply is considered a violation of the guidelines for good scientific practice and will be sanctioned by the FWF.

July 7, 2026

Schwarzes Handydisplay mit weißer Schrift: "What can I help with?" — What can I help with? When using AI in funding applications, researchers bear sole responsibility for the content. Substantial contributions made by AI must be identified. © Unsplash/Tim Witzdam

The use of artificial intelligence in the preparation of research proposals is generally permitted. However, if AI tools contributed significantly to the design or drafting of a proposal, their use must be explicitly disclosed. This is not required for actions that are not relevant to the content of the proposal, such as literature reviews, language editing, or translations.

Penalties for improper use of AI

Recently, the FWF has received a few applications containing so-called “hallucinations” or erroneous text passages as well as inaccurate references, which were attributable to the use of AI tools. Such deficiencies are considered a violation of the guidelines for good scientific practice and are subject to sanctions by the FWF, which can include an application ban or a demand for the repayment of funding.

Researchers bear sole responsibility for content

Regardless of the extent to which AI is used, applicants bear full responsibility for the entire content of their application. All information must be carefully reviewed to ensure its accuracy.

As AI tools and their potential uses continue to evolve, the FWF is closely monitoring technical and legal developments and will adjust its regulations accordingly as needed.