AI at Northeastern
AI at Northeastern
Leading the future of AI in higher education & sponsored programs
Northeastern University is at the forefront of an AI-driven transformation. As AI reshapes our world, the University is proactively identifying new opportunities and redefining what’s possible. Building on its legacy of innovation in higher education, Northeastern is leading how universities prepare students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners to collaborate with AI—not compete against it.
Our mission
How NU-RES supports this mission
NU-RES assists faculty in preparing and submitting research and sponsored proposals, serving as Northeastern’s authorized organizational representative responsible for review and submission of proposals to external funding agencies. Its lifecycle-based organizational structure is designed to improve research support quality across the full arc of a project — from funding discovery through closeout.
Several areas within that lifecycle are ripe for AI integration:
01
Data reporting & analytics
AI can be used in finding data about proposals, awards, transactions, and contracts, and sharing ideas for how to tell impactful stories with that data. AI-enhanced dashboards and reporting tools – like those available in Workday – directly support this goal.
02
Systems modernization (ePAWs 2.0)
NU-RES has replaced manual transaction form PDFs with the ePAWs 2.0 Transactions function, introducing electronic workflows for JIT, Award Acceptance, NCEs, and Proposal Submissions. This digital transformation is a foundational step that positions NU-RES to layer AI-driven automation and intelligent routing on top of these streamlined processes.
03
Compliance & research security
Research security is now a critical component woven throughout the entire research lifecycle, with emerging trends in export controls and evolving federal expectations. AI tools can help flag compliance risks early in proposals and monitor award activity for potential issues.
04
Proposal development & funding discovery
AI can be used in analyzing data about proposals, awards, transactions, and contracts. AI-enhanced dashboards and reporting tools – like those available in Workday – directly support this goal by helping tell impactful stories with that data to Senior Leadership and others.
Note: Before using AI tools in NIH-funded research or grant proposals, please review the NIH policy on the use of AI.
NU-RES is evolving from a paper-heavy, reactive administrative office into a data-driven, digitally modernized operation. Northeastern’s institutional AI strategy — including its Anthropic partnership and living-lab model — provides the tools and mandate for NU-RES to integrate AI into proposal support, compliance monitoring, financial reporting, and staff workflows. The goal aligns directly with the university’s broader mission: collaborate with AI to serve the research community better, faster, and more accurately.