Project Support

Coordinating Initiatives.Delivering Results

The Project Management & Support team, within Strategic Optimization and Training (SOT), provides coordinated project support and solution development across Emory Research. By connecting people, processes, and technology, the team helps advance operational priorities and strengthen how research administration work is designed, implemented, and improved.

Mission

To deliver structured, results-oriented project management and implementation support that advances strategic initiatives, improves processes, and enables practical technology solutions across Emory Research.

Vision

To be a trusted partner across Emory Research, known for dependable execution, thoughtful solution development, and meaningful contributions that enhance research administration operations.

Values

Our work is grounded in accountability, collaboration, and execution excellence. We value clear communication, responsive partnership, and data-informed decision-making in every initiative we support. Through this approach, we deliver practical, sustainable solutions that align with institutional goals and support the needs of the research community.

What We Do

Project Coordination

Coordinating initiatives across teams to keep priorities moving from planning to delivery.

AI & Digital Solutions

Responsible AI, automation, and analytics that improve access to information and consistency.

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AI & Digital Solutions

Strategic Optimization and Training supports the responsible use of AI, automation, analytics, and digital tools to strengthen research administration operations across Emory Research. Through project support, process improvement, and solution development, SOT helps advance practical initiatives that improve access to information, support staff learning, and enhance operational consistency.

ORA Virtual Assistant

A custom AI-enabled support tool designed for Emory research administration. It supports access to verified ORA knowledge sources, including selected policies, procedures, award processes, compliance guidance, and training resources.

Learn more about the ORA Virtual Assistant →

AI Literacy for Research Administration

AI literacy resources and training that help staff understand AI capabilities, limitations, responsible-use expectations, and the importance of human review in compliance-sensitive work.

Learn more about AI literacy →

Reporting and Analytics

Reporting and analytics tools that help teams monitor activity, identify trends, strengthen decision-making, and improve operational visibility across research administration functions.

SOT's approach is human-led, AI-assisted, and expertise-driven. AI-enabled tools can support research administration work, but they do not replace human judgment, institutional accountability, or subject-matter expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these tools replace research administration expertise?

No. AI-enabled tools are designed to support staff in locating and preparing information. They do not replace human judgment, compliance responsibility, or institutional expertise. Compliance-sensitive decisions should always be confirmed with the appropriate ORA expert.

Where do responses come from?

The ORA Virtual Assistant is designed to provide responses grounded in verified ORA knowledge sources. When a question falls outside those sources, it is designed to acknowledge its limits and direct users to the appropriate resource or ORA contact.

What information is appropriate to use with AI tools?

AI tools should be used thoughtfully, securely, and in alignment with Emory guidance. Staff should not enter sensitive, restricted, confidential, or regulated information into AI tools unless the tool and use case have been approved for that purpose.

How can my team propose a use case or request support?

Teams interested in exploring AI or digital solutions can propose a use case through SOT Project Support.