Statement by the Executive Committeeof the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG,German Research Foundation) on the Influence ofGenerative Models of Text and Image Creation onScience and the Humanities and on the DFG’s
Funding Activities

September 2023

The possible applications of artificial intelligence (AI) are currently occupying large areas ofsociety. This has been prompted in particular by the development of generative models for text
and image creation such as ChatGPT and DALL-E that enable interaction between humans
and technical systems in spoken languages or in text/images, and the fact that these havebeen made available to the public at large.
AI technologies are already changing the entire work process in science and the humanities,
knowledge production and creativity in varying ways and are being used for different purposesin the various research disciplines. This development is still only in its early stages with regard
to generative models for text and image creation (hereafter shortened to “generative models”),
so an analysis and assessment is required in order to be able to judge the relevant
opportunities and potential risks.
This statement by the Executive Committee of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG,German Research Foundation) serves to guide researchers in their research activities.
Applicants to the DFG, and also those involved in the review, evaluation and decision-making
process, are likewise provided with points of reference on how to deal with generative models
in particular.
The use of generative models can have varying degrees of impact on the significance attachedto the creation of a text and on the visualisation of research results in the day-to-day work ofresearchers. Since it is not immediately apparent to third parties whether the texts andillustrations they are viewing were created using generative models or whether the respective
underlying research ideas were developed using generative models, transparent handling ofStatement by the Executive Committee of the DFG on the influence of generative models of text andimage creation on science and the humanities and on the DFG’s funding activities

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text and image content generation will be an important aspect in the evaluation of thesetechnologies with regard to ensuring research quality.
In view of its considerable opportunities and development potential, the use of generativemodels in the context of research work should by no means be ruled out. However, certain
binding framework conditions will be required in order to ensure good research practice andthe quality of research results:► The transparency and verifiability of the research process and the findings obtained
from the point of view of third parties are key fundamental principles of research
integrity. This value system continues to provide valuable guidance when dealing withgenerative models for text and image creation.
► It is in keeping with the professional ethics of researchers that they themselves shouldcommit to compliance with the basic principles of research integrity. The use ofgenerative models cannot relieve researchers of this content-related and formalresponsibility.
► When making their results publicly available, researchers should, in the spirit ofresearch integrity, disclose whether or not they have used generative models, and if
so, which ones, for what purpose and to what extent.
► Only the natural persons responsible can appear as authors in research publications.
They must ensure that the use of generative models does not infringe anyone else’s
intellectual property and does not result in scientific misconduct, for example in the formof plagiarism.
► In decision-making processes, the use of generative models in/for proposals submitted

to the DFG is currently assessed to be neither positive nor negative.
► The use of generative models in the preparation of reviews is inadmissible due to theconfidentiality of the assessment process. Documents provided for review areconfidential and in particular may not be used as input for generative models.
The DFG has established a Senate Working Group on the Digital Turn to address, among
other things, overarching epistemic and subject-specific issues involved in the application ofgenerative models on an ongoing basis. In addition, the DFG Commission on the Revision ofthe Rules of Procedure for Dealing with Scientific Misconduct will address the impact of theuse of generative models in connection with acts of scientific misconduct.

Statement by the Executive Committee of the DFG on the influence of generative models of text andimage creation on science and the humanities and on the DFG’s funding activities

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At the present time, it is only possible to gain a rudimentary grasp of how the use of generativemodels might impact on science and the humanities and on the DFG’s funding activities. Inorder to be able to examine the opportunities and challenges involved, it will be important togain and share experience of the use of generative models. Only this will enable a discursiveand science-based process, to which the DFG will successively contribute in furtherstatements.