UKRI go its A.I. policy half right

UKRI AI policy: Authors on the left. Assessors on the right

UKRI AI policy: Authors on the left. Assessors on the right (image generated by DALL.E)

When UKRI released its policy on using generative artificial intelligence (A.I.) in funding applications this September, I found myself nodding until I wasn’t. Like many in the research community, I’ve been watching the integration of A.I. tools into academic work with excitement and trepidation. In contrast, UKRI’s approach is a puzzling mix of Byzantine architecture and modern chic.

The modern chic, the half they got right, is on using A.I. in research proposal development. By adopting what amounts to a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, they have side-stepped endless debates that swirl about university circles. Do you want to use an A.I. to help structure your proposal? Go ahead. Do you prefer to use it for brainstorming or polishing your prose? That’s fine, too. Maybe you like to write your proposal on blank sheets of paper using an HB pencil. You’re a responsible adult—we’ll trust you, and please don’t tell us about it.

The approach is sensible. It recognises A.I. as just one of the many tools in the researcher’s arsenal. It is no different in principle from grammar-checkers or reference managers. UKRI has avoided creating artificial distinctions between AI-assisted work and “human work” by not requiring disclosure. Such a distinction also becomes increasingly meaningless as A.I. tools integrate into our daily workflows, often completely unknown to us.

Now let’s turn to the Byzantine—the half UKRI got wrong—the part dealing with assessors of grant proposals. And here, UKRI seems to have lost its nerve. The complete prohibition on using A.I. by assessors feels like a policy from a different era—some time “Before ChatGPT” (B.C.) was released in November 2022. The B.C. policy fails to recognise the enormous potential of A.I. to support and improve human assessors’ judgment.

You’re a senior researcher who’s agreed to review for UKRI. You have just submitted a proposal using an A.I. to clean, polish and improve the work. As an assessor, you are now juggling multiple complex proposals, each crossing traditional disciplinary boundaries (which is increasingly regarded as a positive). You’re probably doing this alongside your day job because that’s how senior researchers work. Wouldn’t it be helpful to have an A.I. assistant to organise key points, flag potential concerns, help clarify technical concepts outside your immediate expertise, act as a sounding board, or provide an intelligent search of the text?

The current policy says no. Assessors must perform every aspect of the review manually, potentially reducing the time they can spend on a deep evaluation of the proposal. The restriction becomes particularly problematic when considering international reviewers, especially those from the Global South. Many brilliant researchers who could offer valuable perspectives might struggle with English as a second language and miss some nuance without support. A.I. could help bridge this gap, but the policy forbids it.

The dual-use policy leads to an ironic situation. Applicants can use A.I. to write their proposals, but assessors can’t use it to support the evaluation of those proposals. It is like allowing Formula 1 teams to use bleeding-edge technology to design their racing cars while insisting that race officials use an hourglass and the naked eye to monitor the race.

Strategically, the situation worries me. Research funding is a global enterprise; other funding bodies are unlikely to maintain such a conservative stance for long. As other funders integrate A.I. into their assessment processes, they will develop best-practice approaches and more efficient workflows. UKRI will fall behind. This could affect the quality of assessments and UKRI’s ability to attract busy reviewers. Why would a busy senior researcher review for UKRI when other funders value their reviewers’ time and encourage efficiency and quality?

There is a path forward. UKRI could maintain its thoughtful approach to applicants while developing more nuanced guidelines for assessors. One approach would be a policy that clearly outlines appropriate A.I. use cases at different stages of assessment, from initial review to technical clarification to quality control. By adding transparency requirements, proper training, and regular policy reviews, UKRI could lead the way with approaches that both protect research integrity and embrace innovation.

If UKRI is nervous, they could start with a pilot program. Evaluate the impact of AI-assisted assessment. Compare it to a traditional approach. This would provide evidence-based insights for policy development while demonstrating leadership in research governance and funding.

The current policy feels half-baked. UKRI has shown they can craft sophisticated policy around A.I. use. The approach to applicants proves this. They need to extend that same thoughtfulness to the assessment process. The goal is not to use A.I. to replace human judgment but to enhance it. It would allow assessors to focus their expertise where it matters most.

This is about more than efficiency and keeping up with technology. It’s about creating the best possible system for identifying and supporting excellent research. If A.I. is a tool to support this process, we should celebrate. When we help assessors do their job more effectively, we help the entire research community.

The research landscape is changing rapidly. UKRI has taken an important first step in allowing A.I. to support the writing of funding grant applications. Now it’s time for the next one—using A.I. to support funding grant evaluation.

Scaffolding Human Rights

I walked through the Place des Nations in Geneva today where the iconic Broken Chair sculpture was completely covered in scaffolding. I couldn’t help but wonder: are we witnessing routine maintenance, or an unintended commentary on the state of global human rights?

Broken Chair covered by scaffolding

The Broken Chair has stood in the square since 1997. It was originally commissioned by Handicap International (now Humanity & Inclusion) to raise awareness about landmines and cluster munitions. At 12 meters tall, it’s a prominent feature of the landscape, and dwarfs passers-by.

Its location is significant. The sculpture faces the United Nations’ Palace of Nations and is surrounded by the headquarters of key UN agencies: the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). This area serves as a global center for human rights advocacy and international diplomacy.

Over time, the Broken Chair’s symbolism has expanded. While it still represents the impact of explosive remnants of war, it has come to embody the broader struggle for human rights and dignity. Its three-legged design, with the shattered fourth leg, is a metaphor for the delicate balance required to maintain peace and protect human rights. Civil society groups advocating for the end to a war, freedom from torture, the right to bodily autonomy, or some other right often use the Chair as a backdrop to their rallies.

Seeing the Broken Chair encased in scaffolding today made me reflect on the current state of human rights. We are in a world where rights are being progressively eroded by political appeals to national sovereignty and cultural superiority, or by military force—the global right of might. Challenges range from ongoing conflicts and displacement to the st

rategic disregard of international norms and values. The need for strong support systems for human rights has become increasingly evident.

As the Chair needs scaffolding, so too do human rights. While we wait for the Chair to emerge renewed, let’s not forget that human rights do not exist in a vacuum. They require nurturing and renewal, and when they are under threat, they need defending.

The Universal Ten: Commandments for our Time

Ten Universal Commandments

I was struck by the recent announcement that all public schools in the US state of Louisiana had to display the ten biblical commandments on the wall of each classroom. Personally, I like the idea of societies being clear about their values. It declares, “This is who we are”.

Unfortunately, the Ten Commandments from the Judeo-Christian tradition are not particularly useful guiding principles for a just and inclusive society. They are by their very nature exclusionary, creating divisions in societies that have a plurality of faiths (including Louisiana). Historically, across religious traditions, the Ten Commandments are not actually a universally agreed ten. Any version of the ten draws on a basket of possible commandments to make up some preferred ten. For example, and disturbingly given Louisiana’s civil war history, a prohibition against coveting your neighbor’s slaves is a part of some versions of the ten.

In a world grappling with polarization and division, it is crucial to champion a set of universal values that transcend religious, cultural, and political boundaries, while permitting individuals and groups to express those preferences. This is where the concept of “The Universal Ten” comes into play. Fortunately, we already have their foundation. Drawing from internationally recognized human rights instruments, here is a set of universal values that are inclusive, respectful of diversity, and focused on creating a just society for all. Importantly, these Universal Ten principles protect religious freedom while not favoring any single faith tradition (or no faith at all). They create a framework where all beliefs can be respected and practised freely, addressing the core concerns of those who support initiatives like the Louisiana mandate without exclusion or preferential treatment.

  1. Treat all human beings with equal dignity and respect, for they are of equal worth. [Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 1]
  2. Cherish and safeguard human life, for it is precious and should be protected. [UDHR, Article 3; International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Article 6]
  3. Denounce torture and all forms of cruel, inhuman treatment, for such things have no place in a just world. [Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)]
  4. Reject discrimination based on any aspect of a person’s identity, for everyone deserves equal treatment and opportunities. [UDHR, Article 2; International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)]
  5. Work to ensure everyone has access to the necessities of life, for this is the foundation of a dignified existence. [International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Articles 11 and 12]
  6. Defend the rights of children to education, health, and a good standard of living, for they are the most vulnerable among us and the future of our world. [Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)]
  7. Uphold the right to freedom of expression and the press, for the ability to speak truth to power is essential to a free society. [UDHR, Article 19; ICCPR, Article 19]
  8. Respect the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and belief, for personal convictions are a matter of individual autonomy. [UDHR, Article 18; ICCPR, Article 18]
  9. Protect the right to peaceful assembly and association, for there is strength and power in unity and solidarity. [UDHR, Articles 20; ICCPR, Articles 21 and 22]
  10. Champion the rights and inclusion of marginalized and underrepresented groups in society, for all people deserve equal opportunities and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances. [Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD); United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)]

Rather than dividing us, the Universal Ten unite us in our already recognised, shared humanity. Put that on a poster in every classroom!

Harmonising Climate Protest with AI

Protest singer on an empty street corner (DALL.E created)

Protest songs have a rich and powerful history. They bring attention to issues and catalyse social change. From Bob Dylan’s poignant ballads to John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance“, music has been a potent force in shaping public opinion and spurring political action.

Most of us will never be a Dylan or a Lennon. I can barely hold a tune in the shower, and the only protests I ever hear are from my partner begging me to stop singing.

When it comes to the existential threat of climate change, there has been a surprising dearth of anthems that capture the zeitgeist and propel politicians forward. Given the urgency and scale of the crisis, one might expect a groundswell of musical activism akin to the protest songs that defined the civil rights, anti-war, and environmental movements of the 1960s and 70s. While there have been some notable examples, climate change hasn’t spawned a recognisable musical rallying cry that has permeated public consciousness and political discourse in quite the same way.

We are not missing information about the extent of the threat. Climate change has been a topic of discussion among scientists for at least four decades, and the evidence of its devastating impacts has been well-known for at least two decades. Despite this, the world’s response has been inadequate. Major carbon emitters have talked about the issue and have taken some actions, but these have been too limited, aimed at protecting a political base, and have not addressed issues of equity. The result? Global temperatures continue to rise, and the threat of climate change looms larger than ever.

Where are those protest songs that can galvanize the public and demand action from our leaders? Most of us lack the musical talent to create such anthems. We do not know a bass clef from a semi-quaver or Ska from a xylophone, but what if there was a way for non-musicians to give voice to their fury?

Enter AI.

Large language models such as Mistral, Claude, or ChatGPT can help write a song, and AI music generators like Suno can help voice it and set it to music. By combining these tools, anyone can create music. With luck, it may inspire, educate, and motivate people to take action. While these tools are not yet as good as good musicians, good musicians are relatively rare and they’re not necessarily interested in singing your song.

To illustrate the idea, I generated a couple of modest examples of climate protest songs using two completely different musical styles. The first, “Climate change love” is a dark scat jazz satire of what is (or may be) to come. “Le futur proche” (the near future) is a “rock anthem” on the short-sightedness of the upcoming UN Summit of the Future that completely misses the opportunity to consider what happens if we fail.

I know nothing about composing jazz or rock, but AI gives me a touch point to an expressive medium that is otherwise completely out of reach. It can democratise the protest song and give voice to a tin-eared muser. My two examples will not create a groundswell of protest or spin the earth off its axis (to paraphrase one of the songs). Each one took about 15 minutes to generate from lyrics to the final product.

My partner tells me they are repetitive and derivative, and I should not be as impressed as I am. She’s probably right! But the songs are infinitely better than anything I could produce on my own. You also can’t expect too much from the level of minimalist effort I expended. Hopefully, smarter and more talented people will be inspired to explore this medium and maybe spend an hour or two creating the song. Voice your protest in afrobeat rockabilly, sitar southern rock, or lo-fi Pacific reggae.

AI protest songs may not be perfect, but if Bob (Dylan or Marley) would like to contact me, perhaps we could collaborate on something that will shake the world.

In the meantime, let me leave you with Claude.ai ‘s lyrical take on the UN Summit of the Future …

Summit of the Future, planning for the peak
But what if we’re on the brink of a valley deep?
Climate’s getting hotter, world’s in decline.
Leaders need to wake up before we’re out of time!