Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way professionals complete their daily work. In the past several years, many non-profit funders have incorporated AI into their grants practices to assist with tasks such as determining proposal/LOI eligibility, reviewer assignment/matching, drafting applicant communications, and summarizing applications. How are non-profit funders currently using AI in their grant administration work? What tools are they using? What lessons have they learned about AI best practices over the past few years? This session will present several case studies on how HRA member organizations are currently using AI in their grants processes to make them more efficient and less time consuming.

Speakers:

Angela Johnson, MPH, CRA – Sr. Research & Grant Administrator, American Heart Association
Angela Johnson is a seasoned research administration professional who holds a Master of Public Health and is a Certified Research Administrator (CRA). Since joining the American Heart Association in 2016, she has advanced into her current role as Sr. Research & Grants Administrator. In this capacity, she leads peer review management for the Heart Association’s foundational award programs and serves as a consultant to departments that do not traditionally facilitate peer review, offering guidance on best practices. She also provides expertise in system and tool administration, supporting efficient and effective grants management operations.

Amy Laster, PhD – Chief Scientific Officer, Foundation Fighting Blindness; Vice-Chair, Health Research Alliance
Dr. Amy Laster is the chief scientific officer at the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the driving force in the global development of treatments and cures for retinal degenerative diseases. With over $954 million raised to date, the Foundation supports more than 100 research projects worldwide under Dr. Laster’s leadership.

A neuroscientist by training, Dr. Laster directs the Foundation’s scientific strategy, collaborating with the Scientific Advisory Board, Board of Directors, academic institutions, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, venture funding entities, government agencies, and key research donors. She is responsible for the overarching scientific strategy for the Foundation, including the preclinical and early translational research programs, ensuring the Foundation remains at the forefront of innovation.

Lucia Costas Velasco – Career Advancement Specialist, American Society of Hematology
Lucia Costas Velasco, MPH, is a Career Advancement Specialist at the American Society of Hematology, where she has managed and helped run multiple award study sections from beginning to end since joining in 2024. Her work focuses on guiding reviewers through each stage of the grant review cycle.

Moderator:

Carolyn Mohan, DrPH, MPH, MA – Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
Carolyn Mohan serves as a Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives at PCORI. She is responsible for change enablement and serves on the organization’s AI Oversight Committee. Prior to PCORI, she worked in global health with USAID, PAHO/WHO, and Johns Hopkins. She has a DrPH from Johns Hopkins University and an MPH and an MA from Columbia University.