The ARMA AI survey is coming soon

The inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group has begun its work to deepen understanding of AI in research management and help shape ARMA’s future priorities, activities, and support for members.

The working group brings together members from across the research management and administration community, including higher education and wider research-related organisations. Its key objective is to provide a full recommendation report to the ARMA Membership Engagement Committee.

Initial workstreams

The working group will launch a survey in the coming weeks for research management and administration professionals. Open to both ARMA members and non-members, the survey will aim to capture current adoption and use of AI, barriers and concerns, governance, ethics and responsible use, skills, confidence and capability-building and future priorities.

The group will also host specialist focus groups informed by the survey findings. These sessions will explore key themes in more depth and help shape practical future activities, resources and guidance related to AI.

Anna Aston, chair of the AI Working Group, said: “I’m delighted that the AI Working Group has come together to begin this important work. AI is already starting to shape research management and administration, but the conversation must go beyond tools. We need to understand how AI is being used in practice, where people feel confident or uncertain, and what support the profession needs to use AI responsibly, ethically and effectively.”

Why this survey matters for ARMA members

AI is moving quickly into research management and administration, but access, confidence and organisational guidance vary widely. This survey will help ARMA understand where the profession is now, what support members need, and how ARMA can help the community respond to AI in a responsible, practical and confident way.

Why your voice matters

Research management and administration is a diverse profession, and AI will not affect every role, team or organisation in the same way. Your response will help ARMA understand the real opportunities, concerns and support needs across the community. This will ensure that future ARMA activity is shaped by the people doing the work, rather than by assumptions about what the profession needs.

Through this work, ARMA aims to support members in building the knowledge, confidence and professional capability needed to navigate AI-related change in research management and administration. Watch this space for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact us at enquiries@arma.ac.uk with subject “ARMA AI Working Group”.

ARMA is the UK’s professional association for research management and administrators, offering professional development and opportunities for research leaders, managers and administrators to build networks, knowledge and skills. Learn more about ARMA membership benefits.