A new report invites foundations and academia to reflect on the use of AI
With the rapid spread of generative AI and its potential to transform society and the world of research, Villum Foundation has initiated a dialogue about the technology's significance in grant applications. As part of this dialogue, the foundation has just published a report that examines the implications of the applicants' use of generative AI.
"We cannot ignore the fact that generative AI will affect both our society, academia and the foundations. As one of Denmark's largest supporters of technical and scientific research, we are naturally interested in how generative AI technologies can be applied, for example, in preparing and evaluating grant applications," says Lars Bo Nielsen, Executive Director of Villum Foundation.
An examination of researchers' viewpoints
Villum Foundation collaborates closely with Danish universities and research institutions in the technical and natural sciences. This gives the foundation unique insight into the conditions that shape the research environment – and the needs that arise when, for example, a new technology like generative AI sweeps across society.
Thomas Bjørnholm, Chief Scientific Officer at Villum Foundation, explains:
"We maintain close dialogue with our grant recipients and listen to their reflections, suggestions and concerns, in order for us to support them in their work in the best possible way. Researchers currently express a need for both foundations and universities to address the new technology. With this report, we shed light on the researchers' viewpoints and possible use of AI in grant applications."
Draft guidelines
The report, written by two researchers from the University of Cambridge, Dr. Steven Wooding and Sam Gilbert, is based on input from nearly 100 researchers who have received grants from Villum Foundation. It summarises the researchers' viewpoints in a draft policy for the use of generative AI in grant applications. The recommendations address issues such as responsibility, pitfalls, applications and transparency in the use of AI.
"Like the rest of society, universities, researchers and foundations are facing the need to address this new technology. We hope that this report, which is based on the researchers' own suggestions, ideas and recommendations, can inspire and spark important dialogue about the use of AI in grant applications across universities, research environments and foundations," says Thomas Bjørnholm.
