The Vanderbilt Data Science Institute (DSI) is proud to announce the launch of “Deep Research Assist,” a new initiative that will help faculty approach research development and grant writing across the university. This innovative program harnesses the power of advanced AI reasoning models and agent systems to dramatically accelerate the research process.
Accelerating Discovery Through AI
Deep Research Assist provides Vanderbilt researchers with personalized sessions where DSI’s AI experts guide them in leveraging state-of-the-art AI tools to generate comprehensive research backgrounds, explore novel directions, and develop robust grant proposals in a fraction of the traditional time.
“Our early implementations have yielded extraordinary results,” explains Jesse Spencer-Smith, Chief Data Scientist at Vanderbilt DSI. “In one case, we helped a gravity wave research team produce a report that saved what would have required a full month of graduate student work. The team could immediately redirect those resources to tackle more complex research questions that truly required human creativity.”
Spencer-Smith adds, “Another pilot with our neuroscience colleagues demonstrated similar efficiency gains. What previously took weeks of literature review was accomplished in a single session, vastly accelerating their progress toward meaningful discoveries.”
Inaugural Launch at Vanderbilt AI Days 2025
The official launch of Deep Research Assist will take place at Vanderbilt AI Days 2025, the university’s second AI conference scheduled for March 5-6, 2025, at the Student Life Center. This two-day event is inspired by Vanderbilt’s commitment to advancing AI research, education, and application across disciplines.
“There’s simply no better venue to introduce Deep Research Assist than AI Days 2025,” says Spencer-Smith. “The conference’s theme—’Come with an idea. Leave with a solution’—perfectly encapsulates what we’re offering. Faculty can arrive with a research challenge and walk away with a substantive proposal draft in hand.”
Limited in-person seats remain: Register Today
AI Days 2025: An Unmissable Experience
Vanderbilt AI Days 2025 promises to be an essential gathering for anyone interested in the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. The event will feature:
- Specialized Research Tracks: Sessions organized by leading Vanderbilt institutes including the Center for Applied AI in Protein Dynamics (CAAPD), Vanderbilt Lab for Immersive AI Translation (VALIANT), and the Learning Innovation Incubator (LIVE) and much more.
- Hands-On Workshops: Practical training on model development, AI applications, and integration techniques led by experts from Vanderbilt Data Science and industry partners
- Distinguished Speakers: Keynote addresses from pioneering AI researchers and thought leaders discussing frontier developments and future directions
- Interactive AI Showcase: Demonstrations of cutting-edge AI applications from Vanderbilt researchers, students, and industry partners
- Networking Opportunities: Connections with leading experts, potential collaborators, and industry representatives
“What makes AI Days truly special is how it brings together our entire community—from students and faculty to industry partners and community members,” notes Spencer-Smith. “It’s where theoretical understanding meets practical application, creating an environment where transformative ideas emerge.”
Limited in-person seats remain: Register Today
Weekly Deep Research Assist Sessions
Following its debut at AI Days, Deep Research Assist will become a regular feature of DSI’s AI Friday’s, offering Vanderbilt faculty ongoing access to this powerful resource. However, Spencer-Smith emphasizes the unique opportunity presented by AI Days.
“The inaugural sessions at AI Days will benefit from the concentrated expertise and collaborative energy that only happens when you gather the brightest minds in AI under one roof,” he explains. “We’ll have our full team available, along with visiting experts, creating an unparalleled environment for breakthrough thinking.”
Registration Now Open
Faculty interested in experiencing Deep Research Assist firsthand are encouraged to register for AI Days 2025 and secure their spot in one of the limited Deep Research Assist sessions available during the conference.
For registration and more information about Vanderbilt AI Days 2025, visit: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/datascience/ai-days-2025/.
“This initiative represents a perfect synthesis of Vanderbilt’s commitment to the newest technology and meaningful research,” concludes Spencer-Smith. “We’re not just helping researchers work faster—we’re enabling them to think bigger and reach further than ever before.”