The guidelines emphasise transparency, compliance with legislation on privacy, confidentiality and intellectual property rights as well as the ethics of AI.
The University of Helsinki has published guidelines for the use of generative AI in research . They are based on similar European Research Area guidelines and offer a research-focused perspective to supplement the University's General Principles for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (link to intranet Flamma, login required).
The University supports the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in research, but emphasises researchers' responsibility for all decisions taken when using such solutions.
"Generative artificial intelligence is a tool, the use of which is guided by research integrity and research ethics guidelines. In other words, the same ethical and legal requirements apply to its use in research as to other research activities," reminds University Lecturer Simo Kyllönen, who is a member of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK).
The focal principles of the University's guidelines concerning the use of artificial intelligence in research are responsibility; transparency; compliance with legislation on privacy, confidentiality and intellectual property rights; as well as the ethics of AI.
The guidelines encourage verifying AI outputs from reliable sources and reporting and justifying the use of AI tools in the research. The guidelines also draw attention to the importance of considering fairness, security and safety issues as well as freedom from discrimination and bias.
The guidelines crystallise into this rule of thumb: "The more you rely on a GenAI tool, the more verification, control, and accountability are required from you."
The draft version of the guidelines was widely circulated for comments during summer 2024 after the presentation of the preparation process in a discussion session open to all on 24 May 2024. Active participants in the preparatory group included Senior University Lecturer Patrik Floreen, Doctoral Researcher Bruno Oliveira Cattelan, University Researcher Karoliina Snell, University Lecturer Simo Kyllönen, Data Protection Officer Lotta Ylä-Sulkava, Legal Counsel Surve Sania, Director of Legal Services Perttu Pohjola, University Instructor Vanessa Fuller, Specialist Tiina Avomaa and Legal Counsel Toni Ahvas. Project Manager Aura Kivilaakso, who also serves as a research integrity coordinator, was responsible for coordinating the drafting of the guidelines and will see to their updating in the future.
