AIRON Initiatives bring together community insight, research, and cross-institution collaboration to support responsible AI adoption in research operations.

These initiatives generate shared knowledge, surface emerging practices, and help build the foundations needed for long-term capability across the global research ecosystem.

What AIRON Initiatives Are

AIRON Initiatives are sector-focused projects designed to:

• generate practical insights for the research operations community
• identify emerging trends and capability needs across institutions
• build shared resources and frameworks for responsible AI adoption
• strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange across the sector.

Together, these initiatives provide a trusted space for shared learning and collective progress.

Research & Insights

State of AI in Research Operations Survey (starting March 2026)

The State of AI in Research Operations Survey captures real-world insights from professionals across the research ecosystem who are using — or beginning to explore — AI in their work.

The survey explores:

• adoption trends across research ecosystem
• AI-enabled workflows, tools, and emerging professional roles
• barriers, risks, and organisational readiness for AI adoption
• workforce development and capability-building needs
• governance models and responsible, context-aware use of AI.

Findings from the survey will inform AIRON programs, community briefings, and sector conversations, while providing a shared snapshot of how AI is shaping research operations across institutions.

AIRON Annual Report (coming soon)

A public summary of AIRON’s insights, community impact, and contributions across the year.

Knowledge & Infrastructure

AI Use Case Library

The AI Use Case Library is a curated collection of real-world examples showing how institutions are applying AI across research operations.

The library highlights:

• practical applications of AI in research-supporting roles
• lessons learned from institutional experimentation
• emerging workflows and tools supporting research operations
• examples of responsible and context-aware AI implementation.

The Use Case Library supports shared learning, transparency, and evidence-informed adoption of AI across the research ecosystem.

Submit an AI use case and contribute to the AIRON Use Case Library

Why These Initiatives Matter

Together, AIRON initiatives help build the shared knowledge infrastructure needed for responsible, collaborative, and sector-wide AI adoption in research operations.

By combining community insight, practical examples, and sector learning, AIRON helps institutions navigate the evolving landscape of AI-enabled research operations.