Navigating sponsored research at USC just got a whole lot easier. The USC Research Administration Navigator is a new AI-powered guide built to help Principal Investigators, Research Administrators, and the broader USC research community find answers fast, from first proposal draft to final closeout.
Trained on USC’s own policies, sourcebooks, sponsor requirements, federal regulations, and training materials, the USC RA Navigator doesn’t just answer questions, it helps you find your way: to the right office, the right form, the right next step, before small questions become bigger delays.
Your Guide Through the Entire Research Lifecycle
Wherever you are in the process, the RA Navigator can help you get where you’re going:
Proposals:
Budget prep, activity classification, routing, subrecipient documentation, limited submissions.
Awards:
Negotiation, setup, prior approvals, rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, award transfers.
Post-Award Management:
Effort reporting, cost transfers, cost sharing, F&A/MTDC, invoicing, closeout.
Compliance:
IRB, IACUC, IBC, export controls, research security, COI, and effort certification.
IP & Agreements:
Invention disclosures, MTAs, DUAs, NDAs, tech transfer, agreement routing.
Systems:
Cayuse SP/S2S, Workday, iStar, diSClose, IP-ACT, OnCore.
Policies & Forms:
The right templates, checklists, or workflow, right when you need it.
Think of it as your always-on research administration concierge: point it at a question, and it points you toward the answer.
Getting Started Is Simple
1. Activate your USC ChatGPT Edu account.
2. Sign in with your USC credentials.
3.Open the RA Navigator:
Keck School of Medicine or users with an @med.usc.edu email address: Click Here
All other USC users: Click Here
4. Start asking questions.
Get More Out of It
1. Visit the USC RA Navigator Resource Webpage:
Your hub for FAQs, use cases, responsible AI guidance, and tips for getting the best results.
2. Review the USC RA Navigator Prompt Guide:
Sample prompts and best practices to help you ask the right questions and get sharper answers.
Help Shape What Comes Next
The USC RA Navigator gets smarter as USC guidance evolves and as you use it.
Spot something outdated or unclear? Tell us:
A quick but important note: The RA Navigator informs, guides, and educates — it doesn’t replace institutional review, formal approvals, signature authority, or official sponsor communications. Always confirm with the appropriate USC office when formal review or approval is required.
Questions?
Please contact Noah Congelliere in the Department of Contracts and Grants.