Artificial intelligence has the potential to accelerate discovery, support scholarly work, and create new opportunities for research across disciplines.
Whether you're exploring literature, analyzing data, generating code, developing research workflows, or conducting creative scholarship, Iowa provides tools, guidance, and resources to help you use AI responsibly while protecting research data and maintaining compliance requirements.
AI Tools for Researchers
Researchers have access to a variety of AI tools that can support literature reviews, coding, data analysis, writing, and research productivity. Before using any AI tool, it is important to understand the type of data being used, applicable sponsor requirements, and university policies related to research data protection.
General Assistance
Recommended Tools
- ChatGPT
- Copilot Chat
- M365 Copilot
Common Uses
- Literature exploration
- Brainstorming research questions
- Drafting outlines
- Summarizing publicly available information
Data Analysis and Coding
Recommended Tools
- Copilot Chat
- ChatGPT
Common Uses
- Code generation
- Script development
- Data cleaning assistance
- Statistical workflow support
Discipline-Specific Examples
AI plays a crucial role in advancing research across diverse disciplines, offering specialized applications that enhance discovery, analysis, and problem-solving.
Example Uses
- Forecast economic shifts
- Digitize and analyze historical documents
- Simulate protein structures
Research Considerations for AI Use
Artificial intelligence can support many stages of the research process, but researchers remain responsible for protecting data, complying with sponsor requirements, maintaining research integrity, and ensuring appropriate use of AI tools.
Before using AI in research, consider the following:
- What type of data am I using?
- Does this project involve human subjects?
- Are there sponsor or contractual restrictions?
- Could confidential or proprietary information be exposed?
- Will AI-generated content be used in a publication or proposal?
- Do I understand any disclosure or authorship requirements?
- Can I verify and defend the accuracy of the output?
- Have I reviewed university guidance on AI and research?
The questions and examples below provide general guidance for using AI in research. Because not all AI use cases carry the same level of risk, the appropriate use of AI depends on the information involved, the intended purpose, and applicable university policies. For broader guidance, review the Using AI Responsibly page.
Low Risk
Generally appropriate when using approved tools and following university guidance.
Moderate Risk
May require additional review, oversight, or consideration of privacy, intellectual property, accessibility, or compliance requirements.
High Risk
Use cases that could lead to serious legal, compliance, or ethical complications or require substantial oversight and precautions.
Can I use AI to review grant proposals?
High Risk
This is not an appropriate use of AI and some agencies have strictly forbidden it (NIH Notice).
Can I use AI to perform a literature review?
Medium Risk
There are AI tools that can be helpful in a literature review (see the AI tools web page). As with any AI system, the results should be verified.
Can I use AI to analyze research data?
Low Risk, Medium Risk, High Risk
This depends on data classification (see policy information) and the privacy protection offered by the system being used to analyze the data.
Can I use AI to generate research ideas?
Low Risk, Medium Risk
Most of the time this is an effective use of AI, but consideration must always be given to the type of information and if the privacy requirements of the information match those of the AI systems.
What kind of data can I use with AI tools?
The University of Iowa currently contracts with several tools. To see which services are offered and the data types that they are approved for please visit the AI tools page. If a tool isn't listed on that page then the University of Iowa does not have a contract or agreement in place with them. This means that standard UI security, privacy, and compliance provisions are not in place when using these technologies. As such, do not place UI data (University Internal, Restricted, or Critical) into any externally sourced AI tool or service.
Once data is placed into an AI tool, that data becomes available to the public and open source unless the University of Iowa has an agreement in place that forbids this. Additionally, the data may be subject to other third-party terms and conditions.
What limitations should I be aware of when using AI tools for research?
Bias and Discrimination: AI tools can inherit biases. This bias can perpetuate stereotypes and discrimination in research outcomes. It is important to validate content using reliable resources.
Plagiarism: Content generated from AI often paraphrases from other sources. This might raise concerns regarding plagiarism and intellectual property rights. Many Federal agencies have tools to detect AI-generated content. Be aware of these tools and their potential impact on your research and research writings.
Data Privacy and Legal Issues: The UI prohibits the use of AI tools with University/Internal, Restricted, and Critical data types. Once the data is placed into AI tools, the data becomes available to the public and open source. This would likely have legal consequences should a data breach occur. Please refer to the IT Security and Policy Office's AI guidance.
Data Misinformation: AI tools can generate data that is misinformed or inaccurate. It is extremely important to cross-reference generated content with reliable sources.
What questions should I ask a Sponsor of collaborator about their use of AI tools?
When working with Sponsors, vendors, or collaborators, inquire about their practices of using AI. Additional terms and conditions may need to be included in a research agreement/contract to ensure responsible and ethical use of AI tools by collaborating organizations. Please consult with the Division of Sponsored Programs prior to entering into any contract and with help in negotiating contract terms.
What is the difference between Machine Learning research and using AI tools for research?
Machine Learning Research: Machine learning research involves the study and development of new algorithms, models, and techniques in the field of machine learning. Researchers in this domain focus on advancing the theoretical understanding of machine learning, proposing novel algorithms, conducting experiments to evaluate their performance, and publishing their findings in academic journals and conferences. The primary goal is to push the boundaries of what is possible in machine learning and contribute to the theoretical foundation of the field. Some common Machine Learning frameworks include TensorFlow and PyTorch, for example.
Using AI Tools for Research: This refers to the application of existing AI and machine learning tools and techniques to solve specific research problems in various domains. Researchers use AI tools as tools of analysis, prediction, automation, or optimization to address their research questions. The primary goal here is to leverage AI's capabilities to advance research in other fields, such as biology, economics, astronomy, or social sciences. Some of these tools might include ChatGPT and DALL-E, for example.
What if I want to use an AI tool with my research data? What steps should I take?
Visit the AI tools page to see what tools are offered through the University of Iowa and what levels of data they are approved for. If a tool isn't listed on that page, the University of Iowa does not have a contract or agreement in place with them. This means that standard UI security, privacy, and compliance provisions are not in place when using these technologies. As with any other IT service or product with no university contract or agreement, AI tools should only be used with institutional data classified as PUBLIC (Low Sensitivity). See the UI Data Classification Levels for descriptions and examples of each data classification. If you want to use an AI tool with University/Internal, Restricted, or Critical data, the AI tool is subject to applicable university policies and standards prior to using it, including the Technology and Security Review processes.
You can email ITS-AISupportTeam@uiowa.edu to ask for a consultation to see what tool offered by the University of Iowa may best suit your needs.
Can I use AI transcription services?
Some externally sourced transcription services use AI. As with all third-party software or services, Technology and Security reviews are required if you intend to use UI data with that software or service. If the software or service you want to use is not listed in the Technology Review and/or the Security Assessed Software List, you must submit Technology and Security Reviews prior to using it.