The Committee on Research recommends that the UCSC Office of Research develop more detailed, consolidated guidance on the use of AI in grant proposal writing, including clear summaries of restrictions from agencies like NSF and NIH and from private foundations. It notes that current information is scattered across FAQs, that some agencies are tightening limits on AI in proposals, and that ambiguity could expose faculty and the university to compliance and reputational risks. The report suggests that both the Office of Research and University Advancement create centralized resources reflecting both external rules and UCSC’s values.This creates an opportunity for vendors specializing in research administration consulting, policy development, or AI governance to help UCSC audit current practices, design compliant workflows, and implement tools or training to support researchers in using AI responsibly in funding applications.

The report references existing Office of Research funding updates and UC Santa Barbara Library’s examples as models, indicating UCSC may seek to align with or adapt best practices from peers.