Abstract

Technology has significantly revolutionized research grants administration, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency both in the pre-award and post-award stages. Here's how technology has advanced research grants administration over the years, considering both pre-award and post-award perspectives.
Drawing a parallel from the realm of chess, it is worth noting that even though computers have dominated human players in chess over the past 15 years, so much so that no human has beaten the top chess AI within this time period, we continue to be captivated by human-vs-human chess matches. This example serves as a reminder that while technology, specifically artificial intelligence (AI), has achieved remarkable feats and advancements, it does not necessarily replace the value and appeal of human involvement. This concept can be extended to the domain of research grants administration within the European and British research systems, including government, charities, and overseas funding institutions.
Just as AI has revolutionized chess strategy and gameplay, technology has similarly transformed research grants administration, bringing immense efficiencies to both the pre- and post-award stages. The use of digital grant application platforms, research funding databases, and collaborative tools has streamlined processes and made them more accessible to researchers across borders.
We aim to review of how research award management progresses and interacts with technology through this interactive presentation.
We will be reviewing the past/present and future of both Pre and Post award functions through the perspective of technology and how it has been used at King’s throughout the whole grant lifecycles, to enhancing the experience of Academics applying for research funding through to the implementation and management of their projects.
At King’s we have gone from fairly rudimentary paper-based systems to fully automated, innovative systems in a relatively short period and this presentation will investigate the timeline of technological advancements and how the initial trepidation has turned in to confidence and efficiency in managing a paperless working environment.
We will incorporate feedback and the perspective of administrative colleagues from within the various faculties and departments, the Academic perspective as well as our own teams at King’s.
The presentation would include example of how automation ensures compliance with regulations and policies, mitigating the risks associated with manual oversight. The result is a seamless, transparent, and auditable grant management process that builds trust and confidence among stakeholders.