Guidelines for the use of AI tools in the preparation of research grant applications and in peer review

Adopted by the Board of the Foundation on 09/12/2025

Use of AI in preparing applications for research funding from the Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies

The Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies allows the use of generative AI or other tools (digital or otherwise) when designing your application.

Whether you use AI tools or not, the following applies:

• As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the content of the application – including everything stated in the project plan – is correct and that you can carry out the research as described. You certify this when you submit and sign the application.
• As an applicant, you must adhere to good research practice during the application process, which means that plagiarism, falsification or fabrication of content in the application, including references, is not permitted.

Use of AI in expert review of applications submitted to the Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies

Generative AI tools (ChatGPT or similar) may not be used in the scientific assessment of applications. The assessment is a task to be performed by an expert researcher who has been recruited on the basis of their expertise in the field.

Parts of the application or personal data about applicants must not be shared with generative AI, as this may compromise confidentiality, copyright, data protection, etc.

However, there is no prohibition on using AI tools to improve the language in written assessments of applications, for example, as long as this does not involve the dissemination of the content of the application or personal data about the applicant.