Hello NCURA community,
We from Carnegie Mellon University, Harvard University, and Cornell University conducting a research study on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in post-award research administration.
The purpose of this study is to explore which core post-award functions should remain primarily human-led, which may be appropriate for AI assistance or delegation, and which are best suited for collaboration between humans and AI. Rather than focusing on how AI can be used, we seek to better understand why AI should or should not be used in specific areas of post-award administration.
As part of this research, we are conducting a brief survey of research administrators and managers worldwide. The survey is expected to take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and will be open from mid-August through September 2026.
Participant Requirements: To participate, individuals must be at least 18 years of age and currently work in, or have professional experience in, research administration, sponsored programs administration, grants management, post-award administration, research finance, research compliance, or a related research support function.
Compensation: There is no compensation for participating in this study.
The initial findings from this research will be shared during a workshop that we are part of at the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI) Annual Conference in October 2026 in Honolulu, Hawaii. We also intend to share the final results broadly with the global research administration community through presentations, publications, and professional forums.
Questions? Please contact Gabriele Crytser at gcrytser@.... If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a research participant, you can contact the Carnegie Mellon IRB at (412) 268-4721, IRB-review@....
We are reaching out to ask for participants in the survey.
Here is the link to the online survey consent form [Survey Link]. After you consent through the form, you will be given access to the online survey
Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
Gabi Crytser
Research and Financial Manager
Carnegie Mellon University
Email: gcrytser@...
On behalf of the research team:
Gabriele Crytser
Carnegie Mellon University
Esmatullah Jafari
Cornell University
Samantha Crytser
Harvard University
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Thanks,
Esma
Esmatullah Jafari
Senior Research Administrator
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
(000) 000-0000
ejafari@...------------------------------