The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into academic research has significantly enhanced the efficiency of data processing and analytical tasks. However, these advancements also pose new challenges to academic integrity, particularly as students and researchers increasingly rely on AI tools for content generation without adequate transparency or attribution. Traditional plagiarism detection systems often fail to identify AI-generated content, which mimics original writing by recombining existing knowledge without direct textual overlap.

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential risks associated with the use of AI in university research activities and to investigate comprehensive strategies for preventing and detecting AI-assisted academic misconduct. The methodological approach combined both qualitative and quantitative methods, including internal surveys, focus groups, and document analysis across doctoral programs in Pedagogy, Economics, Mathematics, and Medicine.

A survey of scientific supervisors and doctoral students was conducted using specially developed anonymous questionnaires. The evaluation of doctoral theses was carried out using Turnitin software, implemented as part of the Research Enhancement Policy and Academic Integrity Strategy ATSU, which includes technological tools for plagiarism detection.

Findings indicate that AI-generated content exhibits measurable statistical signatures, and that detection methods using multiple layers of analysis improve accuracy. Nevertheless, the evolving nature of AI content generation and counter-detection mechanisms necessitates the continuous refinement of institutional policies and practices.
Ultimately, the study highlights the urgent need for a systemic framework that balances innovation with ethical responsibility. This includes the development of institutional policies that recognize AI not as a substitute for academic work, but as a collaborative tool to be employed within well-defined academic boundaries.

To address challenges to academic integrity, ATSU is developing clear policies that promote the ethical use of AI, positioning it as a supportive tool to be used within well-defined academic boundaries.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Academic Research, Academic Integrity, Plagiarism Detection, Doctoral Programs.