U of I's Chris Nomura Honored for AI-Driven Research Operations - What Ops Leaders Can Learn
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities has recognized the University of Idaho for using AI to streamline research operations. Chris Nomura, vice president for research and economic development, received the Council on Research Advances in Research Enterprise Operations Award for leadership that turned AI from an idea into measurable outcomes.
This is a practical win for operations teams. U of I's approach shows how to remove bottlenecks, shift staff time to higher-value work, and scale support without adding headcount.
What They Built
Under Nomura's direction, U of I created a dedicated AI and data science unit to automate high-friction workflows across research administration. The team is led by Luke Sheneman, director of research computing, and housed within the Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, directed by Barrie Robison.
- Automation now supports award setup, contract review, and compliance reporting - tasks that used to take hours or days and now take minutes.
- The team's tools, including a suite known as The Vandalizer, reduced administrative backlogs and improved service levels across the university.
As Nomura put it: "Our team is showing how AI can remove barriers, save time and help people focus on higher-value work that moves discovery forward."
Why This Matters for Operations
- Cycle times: Faster processing improves throughput without hiring more staff.
- Backlog control: Automation absorbs routine volume so teams can focus on exceptions and relationships.
- Risk and compliance: Consistent, documented processes reduce errors and improve audit readiness.
- Access and equity: Tools are built to be usable by institutions of different sizes, not just well-funded ones.
- Data quality: Standardized workflows produce cleaner data for reporting and planning.
Strategic Moves Worth Noting
- AI embedded in the 2026-2030 strategic plan across teaching, research, outreach, and operations - not a side project, a core capability.
- AI4RA (Artificial Intelligence for Research Administration): a $4.5 million National Science Foundation-funded collaboration with Southern Utah University to build open-source generative AI tools for research admin nationwide.
- Partnership with Google through the Google AI for Education Accelerator, giving students access to AI tools, training, and Google Career Certificates at no cost.
"The University of Idaho's strategic investment and foresight have positioned us at the forefront of AI innovation in higher education," U of I President C. Scott Green said. "We've helped redefine what's possible in research operations thanks to Chris Nomura's leadership and our dedicated team."
Ops Playbook: How to Apply This Model
- Map your top three volume-heavy processes with clear SLAs and error risks. Start there.
- Form a small cross-functional squad: process owner, data/IT, and a compliance lead. Give them decision rights.
- Pilot human-in-the-loop AI: let models draft, staff approve. Track cycle time, rework, and satisfaction.
- Instrument everything. Measure before-and-after to prove value and secure funding.
- Scale with templates and shared components. Avoid one-off builds.
- Invest in skills. Short, role-based training closes the adoption gap. See AI courses by job function at Complete AI Training.
Award Details
Nomura was honored during the APLU Council on Research open business meeting at the association's annual conference in Philadelphia on Nov. 10. For context on the award and COR's mission, visit the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.
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