Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute AI policy
In short
PCORI does not bar applicants from using AI tools to help prepare letters of intent or full applications, but applicants who do so act at their own risk. By submitting, applicants represent that the materials are their team's original ideas and content, and AI-introduced fabrication, falsification or plagiarism can be handled under PCORI's Research Misconduct Policy. PCORI prohibits putting confidential application information into tools such as generative AI during its review process.
For applicants
- You may use AI tools to help prepare a letter of intent or full application, but you do so at your own risk.[1]
- By submitting, you represent that your materials are original ideas and content from your institution and research team.[1]
- PCORI warns that AI tools can introduce fabrication, falsification, plagiarism or other research misconduct concerns, and it will handle any allegation under its Research Misconduct Policy.[1]
For reviewers
- To protect confidentiality, PCORI prohibits sharing, uploading or providing confidential letter of intent or application information through tools such as generative AI in its competitive review process.[1]
Sources
- [1]Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding Announcement, Cycle 3 2026 (VII. PCORI Policies That Govern Research)
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, August 4, 2026
“Although PCORI policies do not preclude the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the preparation of LOIs or full applications, applicants who choose to use AI tools do so at their own risk.”
“By submitting application materials to PCORI, applicants represent that their materials consist of original ideas and content proposed by the institution and their affiliated research team.”
“Use of AI tools may introduce fabrication, falsification, plagiarism or other concerns related to research misconduct.”
“To protect the confidentiality of LOI and application information, PCORI prohibits sharing, uploading or providing confidential information through the use of technological tools, such as generative artificial intelligence (AI), in its competitive funding review processes.”
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.