University of Idaho Pioneers AI in Research Management, Earns National Recognition

The University of Idaho (U of I) has been honored by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) for its groundbreaking use of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform research operations. The Council on Research (COR) Advances in Research Enterprise Operations Award celebrated U of I’s leadership in creating data-driven tools that streamline administrative processes, making research faster, more efficient, and accessible for institutions of all sizes.

Chris Nomura, U of I’s Vice President for Research and Economic Development, received the award for his role in advancing the university’s Office of Research and Economic Development and its AI and Data Science Team. Under Nomura’s guidance, the team, co-led by Sarah Martonick, Director of Sponsored Programs and Luke Sheneman, Director of Research Computing within the Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, directed by Barrie Robison.—has developed innovative AI tools like The Vandalizer to automate tasks such as award setup, contract review, and compliance reporting. These tools have slashed processes that once took hours or days into mere minutes, eliminating backlogs and enhancing university-wide research support.

“AI is removing barriers, saving time, and enabling teams to focus on high-value work that accelerates discovery,” Nomura emphasized. The university’s AI unit, part of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences directed by Barrie Robison, continues to set a national example for how technology can redefine research administration.

This recognition underscores U of I’s commitment to innovation, positioning it as a leader in leveraging AI to drive efficiency and growth in higher education research.