Research Manitoba AI Policy
Research Manitoba is committed to supporting research that benefits Manitobans while ensuring the secure, ethical, and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies. We acknowledge the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of AI and research security therefore have developed policy guidelines aligned with the federal government policies to help streamline and clarify the usage of AI for both applicants and reviewers of our programs.
These guidelines will be reviewed regularly and may be updated as needed to address emerging risks, reflect best practices in responsible AI use, and maintain alignment with relevant federal and provincial policies.
Our Approach
As a provincial funder, Research Manitoba;
- Takes the responsible, secure, and ethical use of AI in research seriously
- Encourages researchers to consider both the potential benefits and potential risks or unintended consequences associated with the use of AI tools
- Encourages early-stage consideration of AI-related risks and impacts at key points in the research lifecycle, including:
- Defining research objectives and questions
- Designing methodologies, data analysis, and model development/usage
- Establishing partnerships, collaborations, and data-sharing agreements
As AI development and usage is rapidly changing over time; Research Manitoba will adjust and update this policy accordingly.
Research Manitoba’s AI Policy for Applicants
Applicants/researchers are required to disclose if and how AI was utilized in the creation of their research proposals. This includes acknowledging and referencing original sources that were influenced or uncovered by AI tools. Some examples are; but are not limited to:
- AI for translation purposes
- AI to format proposals
- AI for brainstorming purposes
- AI for obtaining sources
- AI for editing grammar and/or word-choice
Ultimately, the primary applicant on any submitted research proposal is responsible for the content and ensuring that all contributions from AI are properly attributed to and managed.
Applicants will not be docked in scoring for the usage of AI; however indication of usage may be taken into consideration for the overall research proposal and methodology by the reviewers.
It is important to note; failure to disclose usage of AI tools in an application that is later recognized may result in an application being removed from the program competition.
If at any point an applicant is unsure of their AI usage and the potential impact it can have on their application, they can reference the links below or reach out to Research Manitoba at helpdesk@researchmb.ca.
Research Manitoba’s AI Policy for Reviewers
Reviewers that have volunteered to review for any of Research Manitoba’s programs and competitions are strictly prohibited from the use of publicly available AI tools during the evaluation process.
Usage of AI tools during the evaluation process breaches privacy and can result in the loss of custody of intellectual property therefore Research Manitoba has decided to put this measure in place to protect the research integrity and proposals of all applicants participating in our programs.
Reviewers will be provided with a Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Agreement Form to sign prior to reviewing any grants/applications indicating that they understand and agree to not using AI tools at any point of the evaluation/review process.
Reviewers that fail to comply with this will be removed from any review committees and/or colleges.
Helpful Resources for Applicants and Reviewers:
The Government of Canada (Tri-Agency) has developed a handful of helpful tools and guidelines to better understand the usage of AI, and the potential impact it can have, in research development. Please find the links below: