About Generative AI
Generative AI tools automatically create content, including text, code, images, and more, based on user prompts. Examples include ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot. Imperial has also launched the dAIsy platform. Text-focused tools are known as Large Language Models (LLMs) and use collections of existing data to predict outputs. They offer rapid content generation but can produce unreliable outputs, making them unsuitable for unverified academic use.
Appropriate academic use of generative AI
- Consider use of AI outputs as a starting point for research only and rely on academic sources such as databases and peer-reviewed sources. Developing critical thinking and evaluation skills is a key aspect of your education at Imperial.
- If you use generative AI as a search tool, be sure to verify all information and cite any material you use for academic purposes.
- Guard against AI “hallucinations” by fact-checking every statement before use.
- Preserve your own voice in written work - uncritical AI use often yields generic, superficial text lacking true insight and will not demonstrate learning or substantial communication.
- For support in developing your academic and scientific writing, consult Imperial’s Centre for Academic English guidance on GenAI and access the support they provide.
Imperial guidance and support
- Review your department’s current policy on using and disclosing generative AI in academic work.
- Consult your Subject Librarian and library resources for advice on evaluating and selecting scholarly sources.
- Refer to the guidance below as well as the library’s reference management pages for acknowledgement and referencing guidance.
- Unless explicitly authorised, using AI to create assessed work may be treated as an offence such as contract cheating under Imperial’s Plagiarism, Academic Integrity & Exam Offences regulations.
- Familiarise yourself with Imperial’s Academic Misconduct Policy for rules on appropriate AI usage.
Acknowledging and referencing use of generative AI tools
Acknowledging
A statement of acknowledgment shows the reader which AI tool you used and for what specific purpose. You should include a statement to acknowledge your use of generative AI tools for all assessed work, in accordance with guidelines from your department or course team.
This statement should be written in complete sentences and include the following information:
- Name and version of the generative AI tool e.g. Copilot, ChatGPT-5
- Publisher (name of company that provides the AI system) e.g. Microsoft, OpenAI
- URL of the AI tool
- Brief description (single sentence) of the way in which the tool was used (e.g. summarising notes, generating outlines)
- Confirmation that the work is your own
Example:
I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT-5 (OpenAI, https://chatgpt.com) to generate an outline for background study. I confirm that no content generated by AI has been presented as my own work.
Further requirements may be stipulated for a particular piece of assessed work where AI tools are allowed or required. This must be made clear to students when it is set. If unclear, please clarify with your module leader. Additional requirements may include expanded description in the ‘Acknowledgements’ or ‘Methods’ section, such as:
- If relevant, the prompt(s) used to generate a response in the AI system.
- The date the output was generated.
- The output obtained (e.g. a ‘link to chat’ if ChatGPT, or a compilation of all output generated as an appendix).
- How the output was changed for use or incorporation into a piece of work (e.g. a tracked-changes document or a descriptive paragraph).
Referencing
Referencing guidance is provided for Harvard and Vancouver referencing styles on the following pages:
Your reference list and bibliography – Harvard
Your reference list and bibliography – Vancouver
.jpg)