Space Telescope Science Institute AI policy
Varies by programChecked November 9, 2026
In short
STScI's applicant AI rules found are in the JWST Cycle 5 call for proposals. Proposers may use generative AI tools, but any material derived from them must be described and cited, and failure to disclose results in disqualification. Some uses, such as hallucinated references, are not acceptable. JWST reviewers may not use generative AI tools for any part of their reviews.
For applicants
- For the JWST Cycle 5 call, proposers are not prohibited from using generative AI tools, but any material in the proposal derived from them must be described and cited. Failure to disclose generative AI use results in disqualification.[1]
- Some uses of generative AI are not acceptable, such as those that produce hallucinated references to support the science case.[2]
For reviewers
Sources
- [1]JWST Guidelines and Checklist for Proposal Preparation
Space Telescope Science Institute
“Proposers are not prohibited from the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools, such as ChatGPT. However, following NASA policy, the proposal must acknowledge content that is not the creative product of the proposal team. Thus, any material contained in the proposal that is derived from GAI must be described and cited”
“Failure to disclose the use of GAI will result in disqualification. Proposers are reminded that using GAI tools will place that text in the public domain. Reviewers are forbidden from uploading proposal content or review materials to GAI tools, since this violates the confidentiality of the review process.”
- [2]JWST Cycle 5 Proposal Selection
Space Telescope Science Institute, January 1, 2026
“The Call for Proposals states that the use of generative AI must be declared but some uses of AI are not acceptable, like those resulting in hallucinated references to support the science case.”
- [3]Key Policies for Reviewers - JWST User Documentation - STScI
Space Telescope Science Institute
“Reviewers are forbidden from using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools to assist with any part of their reviews since this violates the confidentiality of the review process. This means that it is forbidden to upload proposal contents or review materials to GAI tools.”
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.