Can I use AI to help write my grant?

This article has been updated from a 2023 version to reflect NIH’s recent policy updates.

In July 2025, NIH released Notice NOT-OD-25-132, titled “Supporting Fairness and Originality in NIH Research Application,” which clarifies NIH’s expectations for the use of AI in developing submissions. Previously, NIH had indicated AI was disallowed in the reviewer process and cautioned on its use for the grant application process (NOT-OD-23-149).

However, in its most recent Notice, NIH further clarifies that the use of AI may be helpful for preparing “limited aspects or in specific circumstances” of applications but that they will be using “the latest technology” to detect suspected AI-generated applications. 

As reported in 2023, NIH strongly cautions that authors use AI tools at their own risk. When using AI tools, PIs should be aware of the potential for plagiarism, fabricated citations, and falsified information that may work its way into the application through the use of AI. As of 2025, in an effort to prevent this, PIs will also now be limited to 6 application submissions per calendar year (including as MPI and/or Program Director) with a few exceptions.

NIH will refer applications suspected of AI-generation to the Office of Research Integrity to determine potential research misconduct as well as other penalties for researchers and their institutions.