ORA Virtual Assistant

Meet Ora, the ORA Virtual Assistant

Ora gives Emory’s research administration staff quick, on-demand access to trusted information, including verified policies, procedures, award guidance, compliance requirements, and training resources. By making this information easier to find, Ora helps staff work more consistently, get up to speed faster, and reduce their reliance on locating the one colleague who knows the answer. Ora draws exclusively from verified ORA knowledge sources and is designed to support staff rather than replace their professional judgment. Questions requiring interpretation, specialized expertise, or case-specific guidance should still be directed to the appropriate ORA office or subject-matter expert.

What It Can Support

Answers across the research lifecycle. The ORA Virtual Assistant helps with the day-to-day work of research administration, from proposal to closeout.

The Full Journey: From Concept to Institutional Scale

Since November 2022, this work has evolved from a simple question: Could AI help ORA? It then progressed through market evaluation, a build-or-buy decision, proof of concept, a full Copilot Studio build, pilot and beta testing with 50 early-access users, and now phased institutional scale-up.

Concept | November 2022

The release of ChatGPT prompted ORA leadership to explore whether artificial intelligence could support research administration.

Vendor Evaluation | 2023

ORA conducted a build-or-buy analysis and evaluated vendor solutions. Following the evaluation, the decision was made to build an in-house solution within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Decision | October 2023

A business case was developed and project team formed. A proof-of-concept was built in MS Azure, demonstrated internally, and sunset.

Complete | Fall 2025

The ORA Virtual Assistant was fully developed in Copilot Studio, and the knowledge base was launched.

Complete | Winter 2025–26

The SOT team conducted internal testing to refine responses and expanded knowledge base coverage.

Complete | Spring 2026

Pilot and beta testing were conducted with 50 cross-functional testers representing diverse departments and areas of expertise. The first public demonstration was presented at the SOT Spring Training Conference.

Current phase | FY26

Phased expansion is underway. Access is expanding from early-access groups to broader adoption across the research administration community.

Next phase | FY26 to FY27

Continue expanding access while improving knowledge coverage, governance, and the overall user experience.

Future state | FY27

Full rollout across ORA and RAS. Access will be available to all research administrators, with enhanced integrations and workflow support.

Emory Contributions to AI in Research Administration

This section highlights Emory authored publications, presentations, workshops, and professional contributions focused on the use of artificial intelligence in research administration.

Peer-Reviewed Publications and National Conference Presentations

  • Wilson, L. A., Konsynski, B., & Yisrael, T. (2025). Advancing research administration with artificial intelligence: A case study from Emory University. Journal of Research Administration, 56(2), 52–74.
  • Wilson, L., & Jackson, V. (2025). Leading the future: Integrating innovation and technology in university administration. In Q. Martin, D. B. King, & M. Cooney (Eds.), Tools and techniques for aspiring college presidents (pp. 251–282). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-7748-2.ch011
  • Wilson, L. A., & Cheng, Y. (2025, October). Strategic integration of AI in research administration: An OKR operational approach for leaders. SRAI Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL
  • Wilson, L. A. (2024, June 24). How to incorporate the use of AI in your research administrative operations. NCURA 2nd AI Symposium, Alexandria, VA
  • Wilson, L. A. (2023, December 1). Unlocking opportunities: Leveraging generative AI in university-sponsored programs research administration. CUNY IT Conference, New York, NY

Invited National Presentations and Workshops

  • Wilson, L. A. (2024, November 20). Fireside chat: AI in research administration. Notre Dame AI Forum, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
  • Wilson, L. A. (2026, February 16). Efficient research enterprise systems and AI strategies. NORDP REAL Cohort Speaker Series

Workshops and Working Group Contributions

  • Wilson, L. A. (2024, October 24 and 31). Strategic integration of AI in research administration: Operational approaches for leaders. NORDP Fall Virtual Professional Development Series
  • Wilson, L. A., Buoncuore, L., Cheng, Y., Gantt, K., Jafari, E., & Markin, K. (2024, June). AI in research administration: Survey results. NCURA AI and eRA Working Group