Generative Artificial Intelligence and Academic Research Integrity: Ethical Challenges, Policy Responses, and Responsible Adoption

Abstract

Gen.AI is changing the way of research and higher education work. Tools like ChatGPT helps in writing, summarising and exploring new ideas faster and more accessible. These tools  especially helps students and researchers who face problems in language or workload .At the same time, these AI tools raise important ethical questions about honesty and responsibility in research. Issues like plagiarism, made-up references, ghostwriting, and relying too heavily on AI reveal the risk of losing originality and accountability in academic work. This paper brings together insights from recent studies, student experiences, and institutional policies to show both sides of GenAI—its promise to support learning and creativity, and its potential to weaken research integrity if used carelessly. It also looks at how universities, journals, and organisations are beginning to respond, while pointing out the ethical dilemmas that remain unsolved—particularly the fact that AI itself cannot take responsibility for its outputs. The study argues that academic integrity frameworks need to adapt to this new reality, so that AI can be used responsibly as a tool for innovation without weakening the trust on which scholarship depends.