Generative AI has changed the way we produce and edit, e.g., text, code and images. At UEF, AI can be used in theses but only when transparency and responsibility are observed: when you use AI in your thesis, make it clear. Reporting is part of good scientific practice and can be compared to listing the sources and methods used. Openness helps others assess the reliability of your work. The guideline can also be applied to other written works.
Key principles
- You are responsible for the content and accuracy of your thesis.
- Report the use of AI openly.
- AI must not be used at all in the abstract.
Why is reporting important?
Transparency: The reader understands how the work was created.
Responsibility: You, not AI, are responsible for the content.
Learning: Reporting helps you to form a clear picture of what you have learned and done yourself.
Equality: All students follow the same rules.
Key restrictions
The use of AI is permitted in many situations, but two restrictions are absolute:
AI must not be used at all in the abstract
The abstract is a demonstration of your own thinking and language skills and is often also your maturity test. Using AI to check the text or to translate the abstract is also prohibited.
Theses must not be completed entirely by using AI
The thesis is your work. AI can used to support the work, but it must not replace your own thinking, analysis and writing.
Reporting instructions
The reporting instructions are simple: specify the tool you used, for what purpose and when. Detailed instructions, model statements and examples can be found in the following decision of the Vice Rector for Education: Describing the use of AI in theses included in Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (requires registration).
The contents of the decision:
- When does the use of AI need to be reported?
- Where should the description be placed in the thesis?
- Model statements to be used as they are or edited
- Examples for different situations
Not sure?
If you are unsure, report the use of AI. If you use content that has been suggested or edited by AI or text that has been rewritten or whose style has been refined by AI (not just correcting typographical errors), the use should be reported. If anything remains unclear, ask your supervisor.
Checklist for students
Keep a record of the use of AI throughout the entire thesis process. Report the following:
- Name of the tool (e.g., Microsoft 365 Copilot chat)
- Time of use: date (single use) or period (continuous use, e.g. “autumn 2025”)
- Purpose of use: (e.g., ideation, structure, language)
- How was accuracy verified? (source criticism, consulting the supervisor)
- Your share vs. AI’s share (what did you modify, what did you create yourself?)
Remember
- AI is a tool, not an author – you are responsible for your work.
- Practice source criticism and verify the correctness of information.
- Do not enter confidential material or personal data into AI systems.
- Be as clear and transparent as possible when describing the use of AI.
For the supervisor
As a supervisor, you can support students in the responsible use of AI as follows:
- Discuss the use of AI already at the start of the process – what is allowed and how the use should be reported.
- Clearly agree on the limits of the use of AI in analysis (see the UEF AI policy).
- Guide students to critical assessment – AI’s suggestions do not replace own thinking.
- Remind that AI must not be used in the abstract – AI must not be used in any form in the abstract.
- Check the adequacy of reporting before accepting the work.