Leading the Charge: UofM Explores the Future of AI in Research Development
Research Development led Atom Grants’ most popular webinar on AI's role in shaping tomorrow’s research strategies
The University of Memphis continues to lead in the evolving intersection of research and emerging technology. Dr. Brian Evans, assistant director of Strategic Research Initiatives, recently headlined a national webinar hosted by Atom Grants, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the field of research development. With more than 180 attendees, the session became Atom’s most highly attended and impactful event to date.
With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and a diverse background spanning academia, biotechnology investment, and the pharmaceutical industry, Evans brought a multifaceted lens to the conversation—offering unique insights into both the academic and industry applications of AI.
Key Themes from the Webinar: AI in Research Development
Evans guided attendees through practical and strategic applications of AI in research development, including:
- Identifying competitive funding opportunities
- Enhancing proposal writing and narrative cohesion
- Analyzing research impact and outcomes
- Enabling new collaborations and public-private partnerships
- Navigating ethical frameworks and best practices
- Understanding Agentic AI and automation boundaries
- Choosing the right tools and measuring ROI
As AI technologies continue to evolve, research institutions must act decisively to integrate these tools into workflows—balancing innovation with oversight. Dr. Evans emphasized that organizations which embrace AI responsibly—while maintaining human-centered leadership and ethical clarity—will be best positioned to excel in a highly competitive funding and research landscape.
Access Atom Grants Through UofM
All University of Memphis faculty and staff have access to Atom Grants through the institution’s membership. The platform offers powerful tools for proposal planning, opportunity tracking, and collaboration building.
To get started:
- Visit the Atom Grants Sign-In Page
- Enter your UofM email address
- Complete login through Single Sign-On (SSO)
Training resources are available to help users make the most of Atom’s platform features.
For login support or additional guidance, contact the Research Development team at researchdev@memphis.edu.