AI technologies have become an integral part of our everyday lives. They are also playing an increasingly important role in studying and will significantly change scientific work in the future.
There are tools that generate texts and images or that support the research and understanding of research literature. All this offers many opportunities, but also risks that must be considered when using it. Are such tools even allowed to be used in a thesis? Do they have to be stated or even cited when they are used? And what about data protection?
Do AI tools help me with my scientific work?
AI-generated with Copilot
In fact, there’s an AI tool to assist with nearly every step of the academic writing process. AI tools can free up time to engage more deeply with the actual content by taking care of routine tasks and optimizing processes. To make the most of these tools, we need to understand how they work and how to get the best results (keyword: prompting. Isabella Buck from Hochschule Rhein-Main shares what to keep in mind).
„You are the expert“
AI tools can therefore be used as a kind of learning companion, coach, or sparring partner. But one thing still holds true: “You are the expert!” You are the expert for your own text and are responsible for it. Familiarize yourself with the principles and methods of scientific work in order to use AI tools effectively and assess the quality of AI-generated content.
One of the most important principles of academic work (including when using AI tools) is therefore transparency – and this also applies to any kind of work produced during studies.
- Handout on scientific work and writing with AI tools (PDF)
- Toolbox Academic Integrity (handouts on academic writing and citing)
- Information and regulations on good scientific practice
The Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is fundamentally open to the use of AI tools. However, each institute and each lecturer can decide for themselves whether AI tools may be used or not for each examination. Therefore, find out in advance whether you are allowed to use AI tools. If so, clarify which tools are allowed. Additionally, you should inform yourself about the citation requirements, specifically how to acknowledge these tools.
In order not to violate the principles of good scientific practice, which include compliance with transparency, it must be possible to trace which AI tools were used. Currently, these are considered tools that must be cited, provided their use is permitted in academic work.
There are different ways to cite AI tools, e.g. :
- Directly after the corresponding text passage or text section with the indication of the tool used (see handout “Citing AI”)
- In tabular form, e.g. as an appendix (see declaration of originality)
You should clarify in advance with your supervisor how the citation should appear in your work.
Do you want more tips? Take a look at our handout “Citing AI”.
There are now also AI research tools that you can use. They offer several useful features, like text summaries or evaluations, searching for research methods, or displaying related texts in a network format. AI may be able to do it all – but it's still far from perfect. What you should generally pay attention to when using research AI tools, what they can and cannot do (keyword: data sources) you will learn about in Learning Unit 3 of the self-paced course "Effective Research for Seminar and Thesis Papers".
The use of AI research tools is generally less problematic than that of text-generating AI tools, as long as they are only used for research and no texts written by the tool are used in the examination paper. To be on the safe side, it is advisable to ask the lecturers beforehand.
If you use an AI tool, you should be well informed about the legal framework and data protection guidelines.
The following must be observed:
- Many AI tools require you to register to gain access to the content or all of the content.
- The servers are often located outside the EU – not GDPR-compliant.
- Do not disclose any private or sensitive information.
- Almost all publishers prohibit the uploading of electronic full texts of their e-books or e-journals to AI tools.
- Only upload texts to AI tools for which you own the rights or which are available in Open Access .
Be aware: If you upload texts to AI tools or create or edit texts/images using AI tools, you generally transfer all rights.
Do you have questions about succeeding in exams in the age of AI, or are you wondering how to further develop your digital key competencies? Are you looking for a template for a declaration of originality that takes AI into account? On the “Digital Teaching and Learning at JGU” pages you will find answers to these questions as well as information materials and templates.
Do you want to know more about AI research tools and are wondering which ones are even suitable? Then take a look at the website of the University and State Library of the Rhein-Main University of Applied Sciences. There you will also find tips and examples of how you as a teacher can integrate AI tools into your own teaching (HS Rhein-Main).
Are you looking for comprehensive learning opportunities such as courses, videos, podcasts on the topic of AI? Then visit the AI Campus pages or the Virtual Competence Center pages: Artificial Intelligence and Scientific Work VK:KIWA.
Academic Advising at the UB
Do you have questions about citing AI-generated content, AI research tools (also in connection with systematic reviews), image generation with AI or data and copyright issues in connection with AI tools? We are happy to help you!
Write to us using the contact form – so we can forward your request to the right contact person: