This two-day, hands-on boot camp aimed to equip research support professionals from all nine Arqus universities with practical skills in using AI tools for drafting competitive research proposals. Organized by the University of Graz within the Community of Practice for research managers, the initiative addressed growing demands for efficiency and innovation in research administration.
The workshop offered an in-depth exploration of AI applications in proposal development. Sessions included ideation, strategy development, partner search, AI-supported drafting, editing, and review. Particular emphasis was placed on responsible AI use, data privacy, and alignment with European funding policies. Participants engaged in guided activities using tools such as ChatGPT, SciWriter.AI, Napkin.ai, and more, allowing them to gain actionable insights and first-hand experience.
The initiative fostered cross-university collaboration and significantly enhanced participants’ confidence and capabilities in leveraging AI to streamline proposal processes. Feedback from the cohort of 20 research support staff was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the relevance and immediate applicability of the skills acquired.
This initiative exemplifies how strategic use of AI can contribute to professional development and institutional innovation within the Arqus Alliance.
