GenAI in Research
Bath Spa University supports the ethical, transparent, and responsible use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools in research.
This guidance helps researchers harness the benefits of GenAI—such as enhanced creativity, efficiency, and innovation—while safeguarding data, upholding research integrity, and aligning with legal, ethical, and environmental standards.
All GenAI use must be purposeful, proportionate, and clearly justified within research design and under the standard research ethical approval processes.
You can find the full guidance document here:
When and How to Use GenAI in Research
Researchers at BSU are encouraged to use GenAI tools in their research when:
- They add clearly demonstrable value to the research process, benefits realisation, or outcomes
- Their use is proportionate, necessary, well-justified and considered
- Ethical approval and data management requirements are fully met
All GenAI use must be declared in ethical approval applications and Data Management Plans (DMPs). There are also implications around disclosing GenAI use in other research-related areas such as when applying for research funding.
Key Responsibilities for Researchers
Before using GenAI tools in your research, you must:
- Use only BSU-approved tools and avoid entering confidential or third-party data without consent
- Seek ethical approval for any research GenAI use in data collection, analysis, or content generation – Ethical Approval Process here
- Be transparent in publications, funding applications, and participant communications
- Avoid listing GenAI as an author on any research outputs
Ethical, Legal and Environmental Considerations
Using GenAI in research comes with responsibilities:
- Data Protection: Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and BSU policies
- Intellectual Property: Do not input BSU or third-party IP into GenAI tools without permission
- Sustainability: Consider the environmental impact of GenAI tools and use them only when clear benefits to doing so are demonstrable.
Planning Your Research with GenAI
Use our GenAI Guidance for Researchers to guide your planning. You’ll need to:
- Justify the use of GenAI in your ethical approval application
- Keep records of prompts, tools, and outputs
- Ensure participants give informed consent if GenAI is used in any part of the research process
Support and Resources
We’re here to help. For advice and support, contact:
- Research Support Office – for funding, patents, research planning, ethical approval (researchsupportoffice@bathspa.ac.uk)
- Library Team – for copyright and licensing advice
- Legal Services – for IP and contracts