There is a good chance that you will come into contact with (gen)AI in the context of your research. Perhaps you want to use (gen)AI to support your research?  Perhaps you want to study (gen)AI or a specific application for your research? Or maybe you want to develop (Gen)AI yourself? In all these cases, you need to be aware of what is and is not possible and what is and is not allowed. Fortunately, Ghent University offers a wealth of information!

What do you need to know about (gen)AI as a researcher?

As a researcher, it is your responsibility to guarantee the quality and integrity of your research and to ensure that it complies with ethical standards. You need to know and take into account the following in order to use (gen)AI ethically and responsibly in your research:

• You need to know what (gen)AI is and how it works. This will enable you to assess the risks, limitations, and possibilities of (gen)AI.  
• You need to be aware of the risks and pitfalls of (gen)AI in order to limit them.
• You must be aware of and comply with (inter)national  laws, regulations, and guidelines relating to (gen)AI.
• You must adhere to the guidelines/policies of Ghent University on (gen)AI.
• You must update your knowledge and keep abreast of changes in the field.

But where can you find this information? Please read the overview below.

 

Frameworks for the responsible use of AI at Ghent University

Where can I find specific university-wide information about (Gen)AI at Ghent University?

Ghent University already has a wealth of information available about dealing with (generative) AI from various perspectives and for various purposes. Be sure to take a look at our general webpage “Generative AI at Ghent University”, where you will find the official framework for responsible AI use at Ghent University, basic information, and an overview of the information and training opportunities available at Ghent University. But there is even more information available, see below.

 

What is responsible GenAI use in research at Ghent University?

In addition to the abovementioned University-wide Framework for the Responsible Use of AI at Ghent University, you must also follow the seven recommendations for responsible (gen)AI use in research from the Framework for the Responsible Use of GenAI in Research at Ghent University.

These seven recommendations  from the framework for research provide a guideline for what “responsible (Gen)AI use” can mean in concrete terms in research practice. They form the bridge between the core values from the University-wide Framework and the concrete tips, tricks and warnings discussed in module 2.10 of the Ufora-infosite. In the interactive image below, click on the plus-signs to learn more about a specific recommendation. 

 

 

If you would like more information about these recommendations, you can read the Framework for the Responsible Use of GenAI in Research (Dutch only). This document also contains more information about the possibilities for research, as well as transparency and substantial use. In addition, it explains how these seven recommendations…

1. ...relate to the core values of our University-wide Framework

2. ...relate to the recommendations of the European Living Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Generative AI in Research (interesting for filling out ethical sections, for example)

3. ...help to mitigate specific risks

You can find out more about both in  For more information, please visit the intranet page “Ethical and responsible (Gen)AI use in research”.

 

All information about (Gen)AI and research

There is already a wealth of information available about (Gen)AI and research on various platforms. Each platform offers specific information, ranging from general information and practical tips for specific situations to exploration and experimentation, etc. Below, you can see what information is available on each platform so that you can quickly find what you are looking for.

 

1. General webpage for basics and policy

On our general webpage “Generative AI at Ghent University,” you will find the official framework for responsible AI use at Ghent University, basic information, and an overview of the information and training courses offered at Ghent University.

 

2. Intranet pages for the essentials

Here you will find several information pages about the various aspects of (Gen)AI in the research context.

• Would you like more information about how (Gen)AI works and what it is? Go to “AI or GenAI: what is it and how does it work?”
• Would you like a concise overview of the risks of (Gen)AI for research? Go to “The risks of (Gen)AI use for research”.
• Would you like more information and guidance on the responsible use of (Gen)AI in research? Go to “Ethical and responsible (Gen)AI use in research”.
• Would you like more information and guidance on developing reliable (Gen)AI? Go to “Responsible development of trustworthy (Gen)AI”.
• Would you like more information about national and international legislation and guidelines? Go to ‘Legislation and guidelines around (Gen)AI’.
• Would you like more information about applications and tools in the context of research? Go to “Tools and applications with (Gen)AI for research”.

 

 3. Practical research tips

Here you will find practical tips on specific topics. New tips are added regularly, so be sure to stop by periodically to see whether there is anything new.

• Research Tip: GDPR: What should I take into account when developing or using AI? 
• Research Tip: GenAI: Writing a scientific article
• Research Tip: GenAI: Writing a (postdoctoral) research proposal
• Research Tip: GenAI: PhD research (proposal) and AI
• Research Tip: GenAI: Transcription of interviews with Whisper
• Research Tip: GenAI: How can you protect your data from being used as training data for Meta's (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) and LinkedIn's AI models ?
• Research Tip: GenAI: Copilot Chat as an AI assistant at Ghent University (choosing data security)
• Research Tip: GenAI: Using (Gen)AI for peer review and evaluations 
• Research Tip: GenAI: Translating Research Integrity into Responsible (Gen)AI Use

 

4. The in-depth Ufora infosite

Would you like a more interactive format with additional depth, examples, and exercises on (Gen)AI in the context of your research and educational practices? You can find this on the Ufora infosite “Generative AI - About learning, creating, researching, and teaching.” Here you will find more detailed information about how (gen)AI works, how you can use the tools in your research and teaching, and how you can teach your students to use them.  NOTE: THIS INFOSITE IS CURRENTLY (28/10/2025) STILL BEING UPDATED. THE NEW INFORMATION AND MODULES WILL APPEAR SOON

 
5. Mind The Gap Podcast and training tool

VLIR's Mind the Gap is the first interuniversity training tool on scientific integrity. They offer a training tool and podcast which both also cover AI:

• Podcast: Use of Gen(AI) in research: here to stay (episode 4)
• Trainingtool: VLIR training on good academic research (see “Extra - Ethics rules and regulations” )

 

Explore, experiment and practice

If you would like a more interactive format that allows you to deepen and expand your knowledge, to practice and experiment, then the following options may be perfect for you. We offer e-learning courses, training, and information-sharing sessions on (Gen)AI.

• Would you like a more interactive format with additional in-depth information about (Gen)AI in the context of your research and teaching practices? You can find this on the Ufora infosite: “Generative AI - About learning, creating, researching, and teaching” (CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED). Get more detailed information about how (gen)AI works, how you can use the tools in your research and teaching, and how you can teach your students to use them.
• We offer various training courses and information sessions on AI.  Consult our general webpage “Generative AI at Ghent University” for an overview of the training courses per target group. You can register via the UTOP platform.
• Learn from other Ghent University staff and students in the monthly lunchtime sessions AI-nspiration: how do Ghent University members use AI? (sessions alternately in Dutch and English) and watch recordings of previous sessions via UGent-practices (log in with your Ghent University account).

  

Information regarding (Gen)AI and education

If you are looking for more information about (Gen)AI in the educational context at Ghent University, the pages below may provide answers to your questions.

• Education Tip: Generative AI in Ghent University Education: Impact and Approach for more information about the genAI policy in education.
• Ufora infosite: “Generative AI - About learning, creating, researching, and teaching”– Here you will find detailed information about how (gen)AI works, how you can use the tools in your teaching, and how you can teach your students to use them. 

 

Information for students 

Would you like to know what information our students have access to? Then you can consult the pages below.

• Student Portal: Generative AI in Education at Ghent University
• Ufora infosite: Generative AI – From Concepts to Creation.