Planning research, grant writing and bid development
Generative artificial intelligencecan support early-stage research development, from idea generation through to submission-ready funding applications. Used critically and transparently, it can help researchers refine ideas, identify opportunities, and improve alignment with funder priorities.
You can read example use cases of how generative AI (GAI) can support you below.
Research planning
- Generating or refining research questions
- Identifying gaps in a field or emerging trends
- Mapping relevant literature and summarising key themes
- Identifying potential collaborators or interdisciplinary links
- Scoping funding opportunities.
Grant writing and bid development
- Structuring proposals and supporting documents
- Drafting and refining written content
- Aligning language to funder priorities and criteria
- Supporting completion of standard forms
- Reformatting of CVs/resumes.
Peer review and assessment of grant applications
- Reviewer identification or allocation processes
- Summarising reviewer comments to guide resubmission
- Cleaning up reviewer comments.
The use of GAI tools to conduct peer review or directly assess grant applications is generally considered inappropriate and is restricted or prohibited under many funder policies (see below). Peer review largely remains a human-led process. Some funders are exploring the use of AI tools within their own internal funding allocation processes. These uses operate under funder-specific governance frameworks and do not override individual responsibilities to comply with policy requirements.
Policy and governance considerations
- GAI tools must not compromise confidentiality, intellectual property, ethics practices, or unpublished ideas
- Many major funders have guidance on AI use in grant writing and peer review:
- UKRI policy on the use of GAI in funding applications and assessment
- Wellcome guidance on use of GAI when applying for grant funding
- The Research Funders Policy Group (RFPG) joint statement on use of GAI in funding applications and assessment (group includes UKRI and Wellcome)
- European Commission/Horizon - Living guidelines on the responsible use of GAI in research.