This guide outlines how a leading university is transforming academic research through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC). The document details the challenges faced by the university as it expanded its research capabilities, including the need for responsive support for AI projects, scalable computing resources, and lightweight IT management while ensuring compliance and data security. To address these challenges, the university adopted the VDURA Data Platform V5000, which provides a unified architecture capable of scaling from terabytes to petabytes. This platform enables real-time insights for various projects, facilitates rapid access to data for faculty and students, and minimizes IT complexity. The results highlight the benefits of this initiative, including enhanced innovation in education, increased agility for launching new projects, improved efficiency aligned with sustainability goals, and a robust infrastructure that supports long-term digital transformation in research and teaching.