Important information about research integrity for HDR students and their supervisors and announcement of student access to Microsoft Copilot with Enterprise Data Protection (EDP)
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an important topic as AI technologies (including machine learning) are increasingly being used in various stages of research, presenting both opportunities and challenges for research integrity. The use of AI in doctoral research is an emerging and significant field in the context of research integrity.
Research integrity refers to conducting research according to the highest ethical standards and is a critical aspect of doctoral research. It encompasses accountability and transparency in the conduct of research through honesty and objectivity in analysing and reporting data, methods, and results. In this way, the doctoral scholar ensures the credibility and reliability of their research and is protected against any potential misconduct allegations.
The integration of AI technology is rapidly changing the relationship between the doctoral research scholar and their supervisors. For example, discussions associated with approaches to research design with some benefits of AI in PhD research being associated with improved literature reviews and meta-analyses. These may enhance data analysis and capabilities which may potentially lead to innovative discoveries through pattern recognition. On the flip side, some negative aspects of AI are related to research integrity concerns such as the appropriate attribution of how AI was used in the research, data generated bias, and transparency in documenting the AI methodologies used in the thesis research.
Whilst navigating the use of AI technology can be confusing, it is advisable for the doctoral scholar to become familiar with the Flinders University policies on AI use in research.
For information regarding AI in research visit the following link: https://library.flinders.edu.au/researchers/ai-tools-in-research
Information on the Flinders University Position Statement can be found at this link: https://staff.flinders.edu.au/research/integrity/integrity/policy#ai
In addition to Flinders guidelines on the use of AI in research, remember to use AI technology only as supplements, not replacements, for human expertise (actual intelligence). Validate AI-generated results through traditional methods when possible and be transparent about AI usage. As the field of AI is moving at a rapid pace, stay updated on the latest developments in AI in research and any ethical implications of using AI in your specific research field. Discuss any AI usage with your supervisors and be aware of potential privacy and confidentiality risks when using AI technology.
In late October 2024, the University provisioned all students with access to Microsoft Copilot with Enterprise Data Protection (EDP). CMPH PhD student Nathan Harrison says, “As we all keep learning the ways in which AI can help us study and work more efficiently, it’s really great to have access to a tool that can be recommended by the university, particularly so that we can know a little bit more about where data is actually going.”
You can find out more about how to access Copilot with Enterprise Data Protection here.
Remember to stay informed about the evolving use of AI in research and to engage in ongoing discussions about its ethical implications. By understanding aspects of AI use, PhD scholars and supervisors can harness the power of AI while maintaining the highest standards of research ethics and integrity.