Computer, Artificial Intelligence, Data, and Programmable Device Safety

On this page
  1. Why Are These Rules Included?
  2. Does This Project Involve These Hazards?
  3. Before Beginning a Project, Students must:
  4. General Requirements
  5. Computer and Ergonomic Safety
  6. Electrical and Programmable Device Safety
  7. Artificial Intelligence and Data
  8. Prohibited Uses of AI
  9. AI Disclosure Statement
  10. Special Rules for Work Done at a Certified Laboratory

Why Are These Rules Included?

Many science and engineering projects use computers, artificial intelligence (AI), programmable devices, sensors, robotics, and electronic datasets to collect, analyze, or interpret data. When used responsibly, these technologies are valuable research tools. However, they can also create risks related to physical safety, eye strain, repetitive motion injuries, privacy, data security, and research integrity.These rules help students use technology safely, ethically, and responsibly while conducting scientific research.

Does This Project Involve These Hazards?

These rules apply if a project involves:

  • using AI tools during any stage of the project;
  • computer programming or software development;
  • artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning;
  • electronic or online datasets;
  • internet-based data collection;
  • programmable devices, including microcontrollers, single-board computers, robots, drones, or embedded systems;
  • sensors or automated data collection systems; or
  • extended computer use as part of the research process.

Before Beginning a Project, Students must:

  1. Read these IJAS Computer, Artificial Intelligence, Data, and Programmable Device Safety with the sponsor.
  2. High school students must also read and follow all applicable ISEF Safety Rules. All sponsors must discuss proper use of AI in research with all of their students.
  3. Write the procedure for the experiment following all IJAS and ISEF (high school) safety rules. High School Students will use this in their ISEF Research Plan form 1A.
  4. Complete a Background Research document. High School students will use this in their ISEF Research Plan form 1A.
  5. Clearly define the objective of the investigation;all students must read these with their sponsor or teacher. High school students must also read and follow all applicable ISEF Safety Rules. Plan the project according to these rules;
  6. Understand how the software, AI tools, datasets, or programmable devices will be used;
  7. Obtain permission to use software, datasets, and online resources when required;
  8. Determine whether a project involves human participants or protected information;
  9. Understand any legal, ethical, copyright, licensing, or privacy requirements that apply to a project; and
  10. Complete any required safety or endorsement forms.

General Requirements

Students must:

  • use computers, AI tools, datasets, and programmable devices responsibly and ethically;
  • follow school policies and all applicable laws;
  • accurately document the methods, software, AI tools, and datasets used in the project;
  • protect confidential or personally identifiable information;
  • securely store research data; and
  • immediately report damaged equipment, electrical hazards, or unsafe conditions to the supervising adult.

Students may not:

  • access computers, networks, or online accounts without authorization;
  • bypass security measures or attempt unauthorized access to computer systems;
  • create or distribute malicious software or intentionally damage computer systems;
  • falsify, fabricate, manipulate, or selectively alter research data or AI-generated results;
  • violate copyright, software licenses, or terms of service; or
  • present AI-generated work or analyses as entirely their own without appropriate disclosure.

Computer and Ergonomic Safety

When working on a computer for extended periods, students must:

  • maintain good posture while seated;
  • position monitors to reduce neck strain and glare;
  • take regular breaks to reduce eye strain and repetitive motion injuries;
  • follow the 20-20-20 Rule by looking at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of screen use;
  • keep work areas organized to reduce tripping hazards from power cords and cables; and
  • avoid eating or drinking near computers or electronic equipment.

Electrical and Programmable Device Safety

Projects involving programmable devices, robotics, sensors, drones, or other electronic equipment must:

  • inspect equipment for damaged cords, batteries, or components before use;
  • use equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions;
  • disconnect power before modifying electrical circuits whenever possible;
  • use only power supplies appropriate for the device;
  • ensure moving parts do not create hazards for people or property; and
  • operate drones or remotely controlled devices only where permitted and under appropriate adult supervision.

Artificial Intelligence and Data

IJAS adopts the Society for Science/Regeneron ISEF guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence in student research as part of this policy. AI may be used as a supporting research tool but may not replace the student’s independent scientific reasoning, authorship, analysis, or interpretation.

Students using AI or electronic datasets must:

  • independently verify important facts, calculations, references, code, analyses, and other AI-generated content;
  • disclose substantive AI use and maintain a record of relevant prompts as required by Society for Science guidelines;
  • understand and be able to explain any AI-assisted code, analysis, or other material included in the project;
  • ensure that all interpretations and conclusions are based on the student’s own analysis;
  • legally obtain datasets and comply with applicable copyright, licensing, and usage restrictions; and
  • comply with Human Participant Safety rules whenever human data are collected or analyzed.

Prohibited Uses of AI

Consistent with Society for Science guidelines, students may not use AI to perform work that is required to be their own. AI may not be used to:

  • write the initial research plan, abstract, research paper, poster, or substantive sections of these materials;
  • generate or add the student’s scientific reasoning, interpretation of results, conclusions, or future research directions;
  • replace the student’s own experimental design, data analysis, or understanding of the project;
  • substitute for reading and evaluating original sources used in the research; or
  • generate citations, references, or a bibliography in place of the student’s own literature research.

AI may be used to refine student-created work where permitted by Society for Science guidelines, provided that the underlying ideas, reasoning, and scientific content remain the student’s own. AI assistance limited to grammar and syntax is permitted, provided it does not modify, add to, or replace the student’s substantive content.

AI Disclosure Statement

If artificial intelligence (AI) tools were used during any stage of the project, students must complete an AI Disclosure Statement when registering for their regional science exposition.

Special Rules for Work Done at a Certified Laboratory

If research is conducted at a certified laboratory or research facility, high school students must complete the Regulated Institution-2C . Middle school students must include a letter from the laboratory director or supervising scientist along with the safety sheet and any appropriate endorsement form. The letter must verify that:

  • the research was conducted under appropriate adult supervision;
  • the student followed all required laboratory safety procedures;
  • the laboratory is certified or otherwise authorized to conduct the research;
  • the supervising scientist’s name, title, and contact information are provided; and
  • the work described in the project was completed at that facility.
  • approval from the institution’s IRB and/or SRC

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