INORMS 2025 AI and the Research Management Profession

Preparing for a Responsible and Resilient Future

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18552/jorma.v4i1.1339

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Research Management, INORMS, Responsible Innovation, Capacity Building

Abstract

What is new?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming research management, yet research managers and administrators (RMAs) are often uncertain how to strategically and ethically adopt it. This article summarises key insights from the INORMS Congress 2025 to address this need.

What was the approach?

This opinion piece draws on case studies and sessions from INORMS 2025 to analyse institutional responses to AI integration, including training, ethics, and systems development.

What is the academic impact?

The opinion piece contributes to research management discourse by highlighting strategic and ethical approaches to AI adoption, positioning RMAs as critical change agents.

What is the wider impact?

Research institutions and RMAs will benefit from understanding how to responsibly integrate AI while fostering institutional readiness, equity, and professional sustainability.

Author Biography

Les Labuschagne, University of South Africa

Prof Lessing Labuschagne (SRMP)

Executive Director: Research, Innovation & Commercialisation

Unisa

 

Prof Lessing Labuschagne is the Executive Director: Research, Innovation & Commercialisation at the University of South Africa (Unisa). He is operationally responsible for leading the Directorate of Research Support and the Directorate of Innovation, Technology Transfer & Commercialisation.  He also leads the Professional Research Group (PRG), a structure to support research capacity development and all research activities of professional employees.

In 2021, Lessing obtained professional recognition as a Senior Research Management Professional (SRMP) from the International Professional Recognition Council (IPRC). He also serves as a non-executive director on the board of Project Management South Africa (PMSA), editorial board member for the Journal of Research Management and Administration (JoRMA) and Honorary Academic Advisor for the PM World Journal.

An industrial AI research workplace with an orange theme

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Published

23-07-2025

How to Cite

Labuschagne, L. (2025). INORMS 2025 AI and the Research Management Profession: Preparing for a Responsible and Resilient Future. Journal of Research Management and Administration, 4(1), 2025072301. https://doi.org/10.18552/jorma.v4i1.1339

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Research Management and Administration

Section

Commentary

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Les Labuschagne

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