PD Sessions @ Zoom: AI and automation: tools of our future - 08 Oct 2025
A consistent theme amongst Research Offices is the challenge of balancing efficiency, quality and volumes with limited resources. AI and automation are ever increasingly being considered a valuable tool that may be leveraged to build efficiency in process and limit the costly overhead of contracting and other research management activities.
The use of technology, specifically AI, can be a mechanism of saving time without compromising on quality, a tool to improve triage and manage compliance risks and method of improving contract visibility. Here, we report on learnings surrounding the development and use of contract automation tools in the landscape of research management and consider their benefits with a goal to reduce compliance risk, increase contracting efficiency, and improve contract visibility for the organisation.
DATE: Wednesday, 08 October 2025
TIME: 12:00PM - 1:00PM AEDT (Check your timezone here.)
SPEAKER(S):
Miss Laura Arfi - The University of Melbourne
Laura is the Manager, Research Contracts at The University of Melbourne. Laura holds Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees, along with a Specialist Certificate in Leadership from The University of Melbourne along with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Leo Cussen Centre for Law and was admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of Victoria, Australia.
Laura has worked in research management for over 10 years and has led a 5 year project to automate various contract types; balancing through the development of the automation tools, the risks to the University with user experience for researchers.
Dr Shanne Lau - The University of Melbourne
Bridging bench side research with post-award grant management, Shannen leads the Health and Medical Research Grants team at the University of Melbourne, providing comprehensive contractual support throughout the grant lifecycle. Her research background includes a PhD in Pharmaceutical Biology, focusing on RNA interference and drug delivery for cardiovascular disease and COPD. This scientific foundation fuels her passion for enabling researcher success and translating discoveries from bench to bedside. Holding a Graduate Certificate in Commercialising Research, Shannen excels at building high-performing teams, driving process improvements, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships. With over five years of experience leading efficiency-boosting projects and automation initiatives, she is eager to connect with research professionals to explore collaboration and maximize the impact of educational research.
Webinar ID: To be provided in confirmation email.
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If you have any questions, please contact the ARMS Executive Office ARMSAdmin@researchmanagement.org.au or +61 8 8201 5592.
