Austrian Science Fund (FWF) AI policy

For applicants

• AI use in preparing proposals is generally permitted, but if AI tools contributed significantly to the design or drafting, that use must be explicitly disclosed.[1]
• Regardless of how much AI is used, applicants bear full responsibility for the entire content and must carefully check its accuracy.[1]
• For Principal Investigator Projects, any AI use in preparing the proposal must be briefly described in the Co-authors form.[2]

For reviewers

• FWF checks applications and reviews for plagiarism and AI use on a random basis and when academic standards violations are suspected.[2]

Sources

1. [1]

   AI in Funding Applications: Transparency and Accountability

   Austrian Science Fund (FWF), July 7, 2026

   “The use of artificial intelligence in the preparation of research proposals is generally permitted. However, if AI tools contributed significantly to the design or drafting of a proposal, their use must be explicitly disclosed.”

   “Regardless of the extent to which AI is used, applicants bear full responsibility for the entire content of their application. All information must be carefully reviewed to ensure its accuracy.”

2. [2]

   Principal Investigator Projects

   Austrian Science Fund (FWF)

   “The FWF checks applications and reviews for plagiarism and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools on a random basis and in cases of suspected violations of academic standards. The use of any AI tools in preparing the proposal must be briefly described in the Co-authors form.”