AIRON Initiatives bring together research, community insight, and cross-institutional collaboration to accelerate the responsible use of AI in research operations.
These projects strengthen the field, generate shared knowledge, and build the infrastructure needed for long-term, sector-wide transformation.

Explore AIRON’s flagship and emerging initiatives below.

What AIRON Initiatives Are

AIRON Initiatives are high-impact, sector-focused projects designed to:

• Generate actionable evidence for the research operations community
• Identify emerging trends and capability needs across global higher education and research organizations
• Build shared resources, datasets, and frameworks for responsible AI adoption
• Strengthen cross-institutional collaboration and knowledge exchange
• Elevate the visibility and credibility of research operations in the AI-enabled research ecosystem.

Together, these initiatives ensure the sector has a collective voice — and a trusted space for shared learning and progress.

Research & Insights

State of AI in Research Operations (2026)

A landmark sector-wide study examining how AI is transforming research operations across institutions.

The 2026 report will explore:

• Adoption trends across research offices, libraries, IT, policy, and governance
• AI-enabled workflows, tools, and emerging professional roles
• Barriers, risks, and organizational readiness
• Workforce development and capability-building needs
• Governance models and responsible-use practices.

Timeline:

• Data Collection: January–April 2026
• Analysis & Writing: May–August 2026
• Public Release: Autumn 2026

Get involved:
Institutions, sector associations, and technology partners are invited to contribute data, insights, and case studies.

Join the contributor list for the 2026 Report

Global Community Pulse Survey (Annual)

A short annual survey capturing real-world insights from professionals using — or beginning to explore — AI in research operations.

The Pulse tracks:

• Adoption patterns and use cases
• Skills gaps and capability-building needs
• Tool usage trends
• Perceived risks and challenges
• Workforce attitudes and confidence

Findings inform AIRON programs, briefings, and sector guidance.

AIRON Annual Report (Coming 2026)

A public summary of AIRON’s insights, community impact, and contributions across the year.
Includes research findings, case studies, and practical tools

Knowledge & Infrastructure

AI Use Case Library (Launching 2026)

A central, curated library of real-world AI use cases from across research operations.

The AI Use Case Library brings together documented examples showing how institutions are applying AI in practice — highlighting where value is being created, what challenges are emerging, and what lessons can be shared across the sector.

The library supports:

• transparency around real AI use in research operations
• shared learning across institutions and roles
• evidence-informed, responsible adoption of AI.

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

Together with AIRON’s research and insight initiatives, the AI Use Case Library helps build the shared infrastructure needed for coordinated, sector-wide progress.