When Competition Is Fierce: Using AI to Strengthen Research Strategy and Decision-Making
As funders introduce demand management and competition for support intensifies, research managers are being asked to make sharper, faster, and more strategic decisions.
This session explores how AI can support that process responsibly: helping teams scan opportunities, compare options, spot patterns, and strengthen decision-making without replacing human judgment.
The session will also include a practical example of how AI-supported tools can be used to inform divisional research strategy.
This includes a dashboard developed to help a Division understand funding patterns, such as which funders researchers are applying to most often and which funders are bringing in more income.
What participants will gain:
A clearer view of where AI can add real value in research management, especially when choices are complex and stakes are high.
Practical ideas for using AI to support strategic planning, prioritisation, and evidence-informed decision-making.
A more grounded understanding of how to use AI responsibly as a support tool rather than a shortcut.
Speaker bio:
Kanza Basit holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and leads the Research Facilitation team in the Social Sciences Division at the University of Oxford.
She works at the intersection of research support and strategy, and is a firm believer that AI can be a powerful assistant, provided it is used responsibly, thoughtfully, and with a healthy respect for human judgment.
If you would like to learn more about AIRON’s work, please join our LinkedIn Group:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14495341/
You can also visit our website:
https://aironetwork.org/
As always, your colleagues and network are very welcome to attend 😊