AI technologies have become an integral part of our everyday lives. They are also playing an increasingly important role in studying, teaching, and research and are set to significantly shape the way academic work is conducted in the future.
Some tools generate text and images; others help with researching and understanding academic literature. Alongside the opportunities, these tools also present risks that require thoughtful and responsible use. Are such tools even allowed in academic work? Are users required to disclose or formally cite the use of such tools in academic work? And what about data protection?
Do AI tools help me with my scientific work?
AI-generated with Copilot
Virtually every phase of the scholarly writing process can now be supported by an AI tool. By automating routine tasks and streamlining processes, AI tools allow for greater focus on the task at hand.
Did you know that JGU provides an in‑house AI service featuring multiple language models (Large Language Models, LLMs)? And here’s what makes it even better: With this AI service, you can work in a data-secure environment (note: provided web search is not enabled!). The AI chat is freely available to all students and employees of JGU with a valid university login. Details on the available models and planned updates can be found on the Data Center and Digital Teaching pages. Give AI Chat@JGU a try!
Do AI tools help me with my scientific work?
Making effective use not only of this tool, but of AI tools in general, requires an understanding of how they function and how to generate high-quality output (keyword: Prompting. Isabella Buck from “Hochschule Rhein-Main” explains, what to keep in mind when using these tools).
Think of AI tools as companions, coaches, or even intellectual sparring partners for studying, teaching, and conducting research. 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.
Transparency is one of the most important rules in academic work—even when using AI tools—and that applies to any assignment you submit during your studies.
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) takes an open approach to the use of AI tools in academic work. However, each department and individual instructor may decide whether or not the use of AI tools is permitted for a given assessment. You should therefore find out in advance whether you are allowed to use AI tools. If so, clarify which tools are allowed. Please ensure you are informed about how and where the use of AI tools must be properly acknowledged.
In order to comply with the principles of good academic conduct, including the requirement of transparency, the use of AI tools must be clearly documented. Currently, AI tools are regarded as auxiliary resources that must be acknowledged, assuming their use is allowed in the given academic context.
There are different ways to cite AI tools, e. g.:
- Cite the tool right after the part of your text where it was used (see the handout “How to Cite AI”)
- Include a table in the appendix (see Declaration of Independence)
Students and doctoral candidates should discuss with their supervisor in advance how the use of AI tools should be documented in their work.
Do you want more tips? Take a look at our handout “How to Cite AI”.
AI-based tools for academic research are now also available for use. They come with various convenient functions, such as summarizing or assessing texts, searching for research methods, and visualizing related content as a network. AI might look like it can do it all, but it still has its limits. To learn what to keep in mind when using AI research tools—including what they can and can’t do (keyword: data sources)—see Unit 3 of the self-paced course “Effective Research for Term Papers and Theses".
Compared to text-generating AI tools, AI research tools typically raise fewer concerns, provided they are used strictly for research purposes and their output is not incorporated into academic submissions. To ensure compliance, students are advised to consult their instructors in advance.
If you use an AI tool, make sure you are well informed about the legal framework and data protection policies.
Keep the following in mind:
- Many AI tools require you to register in order to access their content, or to unlock full access.
- The servers are often located outside the EU and may therefore not comply with GDPR regulations.
- 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 how to succeed in exams in the age of AI? Or are you looking for ways to strengthen your digital skills? Are you looking for a template for a declaration of independence 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 pages of the “Hochschule Rhein-Main” (HS Rhein-Main). There you will also find tips and examples on how to 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: Künstliche Intelligenz und wissenschaftliches Arbeiten 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!
Feel free to reach out via the contact form so we can direct your request to the appropriate person right away: