Electronic Research Administration AI policy
Limits AIChecked November 9, 2026
In short
eRA is NIH's grants administration system, so NIH's policies apply. NIH will not consider applications substantially developed by AI, or containing sections substantially developed by AI, to be original ideas of applicants. NIH peer reviewers may not use generative AI to analyze applications or write critiques.
For applicants
- NIH will not consider applications that are substantially developed by AI, or contain sections substantially developed by AI, to be original ideas of applicants.[1]
For reviewers
- NIH scientific peer reviewers may not use natural language processors, large language models, or other generative AI to analyze and formulate peer review critiques for grant applications and R&D contract proposals.[2]
Sources
- [1]NOT-OD-25-132: Supporting Fairness and Originality in ...
National Institutes of Health, July 17, 2025
“NIH will not consider applications that are either substantially developed by AI, or contain sections substantially developed by AI, to be original ideas of applicants.”
- [2]NOT-OD-23-149: The Use of Generative Artificial ...
National Institutes of Health, June 23, 2023
“the NIH prohibits NIH scientific peer reviewers from using natural language processors, large language models, or other generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for analyzing and formulating peer review critiques for grant applications and R&D contract proposals.”
This page summarizes published guidance and is not legal advice. Policies change, and a specific solicitation can add its own rules, so confirm against the funding announcement before you apply. See every funder's AI policy.