Helping Research Organisations Make Better Decisions About AI
Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities across research, professional services and knowledge-intensive organisations. Many leaders recognise AI’s potential, but are asking more fundamental questions:
- Where can AI create genuine value?
- What should remain firmly under human judgement?
- How should we prepare our people and organisation?
- What capabilities will matter most in the years ahead?
- How do we move forward responsibly?
I work as an independent adviser, helping organisations explore these questions, challenge assumptions and make informed decisions about AI.
My role is not to recommend particular technologies or deliver technical implementation. Instead, I provide strategic advice grounded in research operations, organisational practice and responsible AI.
Ways to Work With Me
1 — Executive AI Advisory
Independent strategic advice for senior leaders.
Designed for executive teams, research leaders and decision-makers seeking an experienced external perspective on AI.
Together we can explore:
- organisational readiness
- strategic opportunities
- governance and responsible use
- leadership priorities
- future workforce capabilities
- AI in research operations
- emerging risks and opportunities
- priorities for further exploration.
Available as:
- 90-minute advisory session
- Half-day executive workshop
- Full-day strategy session
- Ongoing strategic adviser.
2 — AI Opportunity Review
Helping organisations identify where AI may create the greatest value.
Rather than starting with technology, we begin with your organisational priorities.
Together we examine a specific service, operational challenge or area of work to explore where AI may support better outcomes while preserving professional judgement and accountability.
The review may include:
- discovery discussions
- review of an existing process or service
- identification of opportunities and constraints
- consideration of human and AI responsibilities
- discussion of governance and capability
- practical recommendations for next steps.
Outcome
A clear understanding of where further exploration may be worthwhile and where AI is unlikely to add value.
3 — Strategic Workshops
Building shared understanding across leadership and professional teams.
Interactive workshops designed to help organisations understand the implications of AI for research operations, professional work and organisational capability.
Topics may include:
- AI and the future of professional work
- organisational readiness
- governance and ethics
- AI agents
- human judgement
- capability development
- practical use cases
- facilitated strategic discussions.
Each workshop is tailored to your organisation’s objectives.
4 — Research Sector Expertise
Independent advice informed by extensive experience across research and higher education.
I work with research organisations, funders, professional associations and organisations supporting the research sector.
This may include:
- strategic advice
- advisory boards
- expert panels
- stakeholder engagement
- independent reviews
- sector insight
- workshops
- collaborative projects.
Where specialist technical delivery is required, I can contribute as an independent adviser alongside appropriate implementation partners.
Who I Work With
My work is particularly relevant to:
- Universities and research institutes
- Research funders and charities
- Professional associations
- Clinical research organisations
- Research and innovation partnerships
- Public-sector organisations
- Knowledge-intensive organisations.
My Approach
Successful AI adoption is not simply about technology.
It requires thoughtful leadership, an understanding of organisational context and careful consideration of where AI can strengthen—rather than replace—professional expertise.
My role is to help organisations ask better questions, evaluate opportunities critically and make informed decisions that reflect their people, values and strategic priorities.
Why Work With Me
My perspective is grounded in more than a decade of experience across research operations, research funding and higher education, including roles at Imperial College London, the University of Oxford and King’s College London.
Alongside my professional role, I founded AIRON—the AI in Research Operations Network—and serve as Chair of the ARMA Artificial Intelligence Working Group. Through these roles I engage with research professionals internationally and maintain a broad understanding of how AI is influencing research organisations across the sector.
The advisory services offered through this website are provided in my personal capacity. The views expressed are my own and are independent of my employer and the organisations with which I am affiliated.
Let’s Start a Conversation
If your organisation is exploring AI and would value an independent perspective on strategy, governance or organisational readiness, I would be pleased to discuss how I may be able to help.