On Tuesday, Sept. 15, AI4OPT Managing Director Kevin Dalmeijer presented research on the role of project managers in interdisciplinary artificial intelligence research at a Lunch and Learn hosted by the Office of Research Development.

Kevin presented “Project Managers Facilitate Interdisciplinary Collaboration in AI Research,” a paper he co-authored with researchers and project managers from 25 U.S. National AI Research Institutes. The paper draws on insights from project managers across the institutes to examine how they support collaboration and help interdisciplinary research teams work effectively.

As artificial intelligence research increasingly relies on large, interdisciplinary teams to address complex societal challenges, coordinating these teams can present challenges, including communication barriers and operational inefficiencies. The research examines how project managers can help address these challenges by supporting collective intelligence, strengthening group dynamics, improving operational efficiency and cultivating relationships across disciplines.

During the presentation, Kevin provided an overview of the research group’s findings and recommendations. The session included several opportunities for attendees to discuss the findings and consider how they relate to their own professional experiences and work.

The event brought together attendees both in person and online. Kevin concluded the presentation with a question-and-answer session, giving participants an opportunity to discuss the research and explore its broader implications for interdisciplinary research teams.

The paper also offers recommendations for funding agencies, academic institutions and research organizations on how to better integrate and support project management within large-scale research initiatives. While the research focuses on AI research, its findings may also be relevant to other interdisciplinary research environments where effective coordination and collaboration are important to advancing scientific work.

Read the full paper on SSRN.