Annual Report 2024-2025

REACHING FORWARD: OPTIMIZING RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION

In alignment with Lighting the Way to 2030 and the university’s broader commitment to operational excellence, we are transforming research administration in the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). By embracing innovation and digital transformation, we are strategically enhancing our support for the academic research community. This year’s initiatives—including the AI-powered advisor, Ask OSP , a streamlined Contract Intake Form, and the NSF-funded ResDataNexus project—reflect our shared commitment to the strategic plan’s vision of a thriving, research-driven USD.

ASK OSP ADVISOR

The Office of Sponsored Programs is driving USD’s technological strategy forward by extending the automation gains of the 2024 Proposal Intake Questionnaire and deploying new Artificial Intelligence tools to modernize research administration. This summer, OSP developed Ask OSP , an AI-powered advisor that streamlines proposal development, safeguards compliance and reduces administrative burden for both principal investigators and the OSP team. The project’s goal is to simplify onboarding for first-time applicants, clarify agency requirements and free staff capacity to focus on higher-level strategic priorities.