Johns Hopkins has launched the next chapter in its investments in artificial intelligence, beginning with guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of the powerful tools and the imminent release of Johns Hopkins' own AI platform.
Hopkins AI Lab
The upcoming artificial intelligence platform, known for now as the Hopkins AI Lab, is designed to help members of the Johns Hopkins community apply emerging generative AI technologies in their various roles, to advance research and teaching, and to enhance clinical and service activities.
"We also want to ensure that you have the resources and guidance you need to use GenAI responsibly, empowering our community to create, innovate, and explore securely and with confidence," wrote Ray Jayawardhana, provost and professor of physics and astronomy; Laurent Heller, executive vice president for finance and administration; and Rich Mendola, vice president and chief information officer, in an email sent to the Johns Hopkins community on May 29.
Invitations to join the Hopkins AI Lab will be rolling out over the next few months to ensure that adequate resources are in place to support each phase as it is ramped up.
"This new GenAI tool will allow you to securely engage with Claude, Llama, and ChatGPT without any separate license fees—and start exploring ways these powerful tools can support your endeavors," they wrote.
Responsible use guidance
IT@JH's enterprisewide Guidelines for Responsible Use of AI outline how to ensure these technologies are used safely, ethically, and in compliance with existing policies. Of note:
- Start with approved GenAI tools and connect with JHU IT before procuring new ones. The university is working to ensure that AI tools procured on behalf of JHU meet its privacy and security standards. If you have procured or are considering acquiring such a tool, you should contact IT using this form.
- Protect confidential data. Do not enter proprietary JHU data—including clinical, financial, or business records—into third-party, unapproved GenAI tools. These tools do not guarantee privacy, and sharing proprietary or sensitive data with unauthorized parties violates the University Policy on Acceptable Use and Security of Johns Hopkins Information Technology Resources and the University Code of Conduct.
- You are responsible for any AI-generated content that you produce or publish. AI outputs can be inaccurate and misleading, may contain copyrighted material, or may be entirely fabricated. Always review and verify content before sharing it.
- Adhere to current university policies. The use of GenAI is subject to existing university policies, including the Code of Conduct, Acceptable Use and Security of Johns Hopkins Information Technology Resources policy, and Academic Integrity Policies. Students should consult instructors before using GenAI in coursework.
Notes on using third-party GenAI tools
When engaging with third-party GenAI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, it is important to consider information security and data privacy, compliance, copyright, and academic integrity.
Because GenAI learns by collecting, analyzing, and storing user-provided information, university faculty, staff, and students should never enter confidential information or sensitive data into any GenAI tools that have not been approved by the university. Sensitive material must be handled through the university's approved platforms and within university policy and guidance.
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