Abstract

The rapid evolution of Generative AI presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges for research organizations worldwide. While many institutions have developed GenAI policies for education, clear guidelines for researchers and support staff are often lacking, which can lead institutions to lag in both research advancements and responsible use of emerging technologies. At Utrecht University in the Netherlands, we have addressed this gap by developing strategies that ensure our institution is GenAI-ready, empowering researchers and RMA professionals to be resilient and fully leverage the potential of GenAI.

Navigating this rapidly evolving field, with limited in-house expertise, presented us with unique challenges. As RMA staff, we stepped in to lead the charge. Together with our colleagues at the University Medical Center Utrecht, we first developed guidelines for the responsible use of GenAI for research support, drawing on our own expertise and authority. This provided a solid foundation for the creation of broader institutional guidelines and policy. Working with a diverse group of experts, we explored existing GenAI policies locally and globally, enabling us to develop tailored guidelines that align with our university’s existing policies, values, and specific needs.

In this presentation, we will share our journey in developing policy and trainings that balances responsible and effective use of GenAI, providing a clear framework for RMA staff and researchers. Additionally, we will highlight our creation of a GenAI working group under the ARMA-NL community. This initiative fosters national dialogue and promotes knowledge sharing and collaboration among RMA professionals across the Netherlands, helping institutions nationwide to build their own GenAI-readiness and offering insights applicable to a global context.

By focusing on readiness and resilience, this presentation offers practical strategies on how RMA staff can play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability and adaptability of the RMA profession and their organizations through bottom-up policy making, training, and community building.

Key Takeaways:
• Bottom-up Policy Making: How leading policy-making from the research support level bridges expertise gaps and accelerates institutional policy development.
• Targeted Training Programs: Insights into the development of GenAI training for researchers and support staff by RMA.
• Community Building: Discover your role in building a GenAI community for learning and knowledge exchange on a local and national level.
• Practical Implementation: Ideas to play an active role in increasing the GenAI readiness of your institution.