Sean Mooney Appointed as Director of National Institutes of Health’s Center for Information Technology
Washington Professor Takes the Reins of NIH CIT
Sean Mooney, a professor of biomedical informatics and medical education at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine, has been named the new director of the National Institutes of Health’s Center for Information Technology (CIT). Mooney will officially assume the role in March, taking over from acting director Ivor D’Souza, who has been leading the CIT since Andrea Norris’ retirement in 2022. The CIT is responsible for managing a $400 million IT portfolio that includes cloud-based services, collaboration tools, research networks, and a supercomputer for large-scale data analysis. NIH Director Monica Bertagnolli praised Mooney’s expertise and background in bioinformatics and collaborative computing, stating that he is well-suited to lead the CIT.
A Multifaceted IT Role for Mooney
As director of the NIH CIT, Sean Mooney will oversee a wide range of critical IT functions. The CIT is responsible for providing and managing essential technology services for the NIH and its research efforts. With a $400 million budget, Mooney will be in charge of various IT initiatives, including cloud-based services, collaboration tools, research network support, and a powerful supercomputer for data analysis. His expertise in bioinformatics and experience in implementing and overseeing research IT departments make him an ideal choice for this significant role.
Mooney’s Impressive Background and Accomplishments
Sean Mooney brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role as the director of the NIH CIT. He currently serves as a professor of biomedical informatics and medical education at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine, where he is also the chief research information officer. Mooney holds several additional positions, including director of informatics at the UW Institute of Translational Health Sciences and interim director of the UW Institute for Medical Data Science. His prior experience includes roles at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and Indiana University School of Medicine. Mooney’s extensive background in medical informatics and bioinformatics has made him a sought-after expert in the field.
NIH Director Applauds Mooney’s Appointment
NIH Director Monica Bertagnolli expressed her confidence in Sean Mooney’s abilities to lead the CIT. She highlighted his contribution to biomedical research through the development of collaborative computing systems and commended his knowledge and governance skills in managing research IT departments. Mooney’s expertise in bioinformatics and his experience with multi-faceted IT organizations were cited as key factors that make him the ideal choice to head the NIH CIT. Bertagnolli’s endorsement underscores the significance of Mooney’s appointment and the high expectations for his leadership.
Looking Ahead: Mooney’s Vision for the NIH CIT
Given his extensive background and accomplishments in the field of biomedical informatics, Sean Mooney is expected to bring a forward-thinking vision to the NIH CIT. He will likely focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovations to enhance the delivery of IT services and support to the NIH’s research efforts. Mooney’s experience with collaborative computing systems suggests a commitment to fostering partnerships and leveraging shared resources within the scientific community. As he assumes his new role, Mooney will undoubtedly work closely with the NIH’s research community to identify and address their evolving IT needs, ensuring that the CIT remains at the forefront of technological advancements in support of biomedical research.
Analyst comment
Positive news. Sean Mooney’s appointment as director of the NIH CIT is a strategic move that aligns his expertise in bioinformatics and collaborative computing with the organization’s needs. With his vision, Mooney is expected to enhance IT services, leverage cutting-edge technologies, foster partnerships, and address evolving IT needs for biomedical research. The market is likely to respond positively as Mooney’s leadership will contribute to advancements in the field and strengthen the NIH’s research efforts.
