Generative AI

Guidance and tools for secure, ethical use of AI at HMS

Generative AI offers new opportunities in research, education, and productivity — but it must be used thoughtfully.

This page builds on Initial guidelines for the use of Generative AI tools at Harvard to outline HMS recommendations and approved tools to help you use AI responsibly, in line with policies and data security requirements. Learn how to choose the right tool, meet compliance standards, and protect confidential information.

Responsible use

Use AI tools thoughtfully and within academic boundaries.

Integrity Accuracy

Responsible AI use at HMS includes ethical, transparent practices:

Verify outputs. AI-generated content may be incorrect or fabricated. Always fact-check before using or publishing results.
Uphold academic integrity. Follow faculty or student handbook policies. Be transparent with students and colleagues about acceptable use.
Cite AI contributions appropriately in research and academic work. Refer to guidance from COPE and WAME for citation standards.

Data and security

Protect sensitive information and maintain compliance.

Data levels Phishing

Before using any generative AI tools, ensure you're complying with Harvard’s data and security policies:

Avoid entering confidential information (Level 2 and above) into public-facing AI platforms.
Classify your data appropriately. Most AI tools are approved for Level 3 and below. For Level 4 or regulated data, contact hms-it-ai@hms.harvard.edu before proceeding.
Consult HMS IT for support with data security, platform vetting, and vendor risk. Use this form to request help.
Comply with regulations such as HIPAA, FERPA, and sponsor-specific data requirements.
Legal and funding agency compliance is essential. Align AI use with NIH, COPE, and other relevant bodies.
Beware of phishing. Generative AI can be used for malicious purposes like phishing. Stay alert and report suspicious messages to phishing@harvard.edu.
Procurement support for licensing terms or contracts is available by sending an email message to procurement@hms.harvard.edu.

Getting started

Steps to access and begin using generative AI tools.

Access Training

To begin using AI tools at HMS, choose the right tool based on your use case:

Text and code creation – Harvard AI Sandbox, ChatGPT Edu
Image creation – Harvard AI Sandbox, Adobe Firefly
Compare models – Harvard AI Sandbox
Custom GPTs – ChatGPT Edu
Information retrieval – ChatGPT Edu, Harvard AI Sandbox
App development – HUIT API Portal, HMS Azure AI, or Longwood Cluster

After you have selected the tools that you need:

Complete the required training listed on the tool's service page.
Submit a request form to gain access to the tool.
Contact support teams with any issues or questions related to the tools.

Supported tools

Compare features, use cases, and access requirements.

Eligibility Use case

The following table summarizes key information about available generative AI tools at HMS:

Tool	Use cases	Data security level	Eligibility	Training required	Cost
AI Sandbox	Create content; compare models	Level 3	Quad-based faculty, staff, MD/DMD students; some others via courses	Yes	Covered by HMS IT
ChatGPT Edu	Text, images, custom GPTs, info retrieval	Level 3	Licensed users with specific needs	Yes	Covered by HMS IT
Adobe Firefly	Image creation	Level 3	Users with Adobe Creative Cloud	No	Included in Adobe license
HMS Azure AI	Azure OpenAI API access, large dataset analysis	Level 4	HMS IT, project developers	No	Varies with use
HUIT API Portal	API access for app development	Level 3	HMS IT, project developers	No	Varies with use
Longwood Cluster	High-compute AI workloads	Level 4	HMS researchers	No	Free for DIA winners

Generative AI

Guidance and tools for secure, ethical use of AI at HMS

Responsible use

Data and security

Getting started

Supported tools

Additional resources

Tools and policies

AI tools at Harvard

Information Security Policy

Confidential data guidance

Ethics and regulations

COPE: AI in authorship

WAME guidelines

NIH guidelines