Artificial intelligence in clinical research is moving from isolated tools to connected systems that can read protocols, query databases, and act across platforms. This session introduces the Model Context Protocol and similar approaches that allow AI systems to interact with the CTMS, EMR, and financial systems already in place. We will discuss realistic near-term use cases in budgeting, coverage analysis, and compliance, alongside the governance questions they raise: data access, validation, auditability, and human oversight. The session is designed for research professionals rather than engineers and assumes no technical background. Attendees will leave with a clearer sense of what to pilot, what to question, and what to govern.