AI4RA Tip of the Week #3

Resource Spotlight: AI4RA Workshop from the REACH Research Analytic Summit 

At the 2026 REACH Research Analytic Summit, the AI4RA (AI for Research Administration) team delivered a hands-on workshop titled “The Intersection Between AI and Data.” The full workshop (including slides, interactive tools, and a post-workshop guide) is now freely available online at AI4RA Workshop | REACH 2026 

What the Workshop Covers 

The workshop is organized into three modules, each led by a subject matter expert: 

Module 1 introduces the relationship between data science and AI, including a decision framework for evaluating when and how to apply AI in research contexts. 

Module 2 dives into data organization, covering the Universal Data Model (UDM) and lakehouse architecture, the structural foundation that makes AI tools work reliably across institutions. 

Module 3 addresses the critical questions of accuracy, reproducibility, and provenance, giving participants practical strategies for evaluating AI outputs before they enter a real workflow. 

Why It Matters for Research Administrators 

One of the workshop’s core messages is refreshingly practical: don’t try to transform everything at once. Instead, start with one document-heavy or review-intensive workflow  (think sponsor notices, subaward reviews, or compliance checks) and test whether AI can assist meaningfully with appropriate human oversight. 

The post-workshop guide includes a role-specific path for research administration teams, a curated resource map, and a simple 30-day pilot roadmap to help you move from idea to action. Standout tools include Vandalizer (for AI-assisted document review), Promptulus (for building shared prompt literacy on your team), and a Prompt Library with ready-to-adapt templates for common RA workflows. 

How to Use This Resource 

Whether you attended REACH or not, the workshop site is designed to be replayed independently or as a team. It’s an excellent starting point for any research administration office looking to build AI literacy, pilot a governed workflow, or simply get everyone speaking the same language about AI and data. 

Explore the full workshop at AI4RA Workshop | REACH 2026