Generative AI in Academic Research: Perspectives and Cultural Norms
Description of Resource
This report offers perspectives and practical guidelines to the Cornell community, specifically on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in the practice and dissemination of academic research. As emphasized in the charge to a Cornell task force representing input across all campuses, the report aims to establish the initial set of perspectives and cultural norms for Cornell researchers, research team leaders, and research administration staff. It is meant as internal advice rather than a set of binding rules. As GenAI policies and guardrails are rapidly evolving, we stress the importance of staying current with the latest developments, and updating procedures and rules governing the use of GenAI tools in research thoughtfully over time. This report was developed within the same 12-month period that GenAI became available to a much wider number of researchers (and citizens) than AI specialists who help create such tools. While the Cornell community is the intended audience, this report is publicly available as a resource for other research communities to use or adapt. No endorsement of specific tools is implied, but specific examples are referenced to illustrate concepts.