Madhu Behera Named Emory University’s First Chief Research Informatics Officer

Madhu Behera, PhD, a distinguished figure in cancer informatics and data science, has been appointed as Emory University’s first-ever chief research informatics officer (CRIO), effective February 1, 2024.

In her new capacity, Behera will craft the strategic direction and oversee research-related informatics, data analytics, data science, and AI initiatives at Emory University and Emory Healthcare. Her aim is to propel research growth and transformation by leveraging cutting-edge technology and data solutions.

Having been part of the Emory community since 2009, Behera brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as the chief informatics and data officer for Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. Additionally, she heads the Winship Data and Technology Applications Shared Resource, offering advanced informatics services for interdisciplinary research. Behera will maintain leadership in cancer informatics and data science at Winship alongside her new role.

Joe Depa, chief data and AI officer for Emory University and Emory Healthcare, expressed enthusiasm about Behera’s expanded role, highlighting the potential for accelerating research through data, AI, and informatics.

Behera herself is excited about her new role, aiming to foster innovation and impactful discoveries to benefit patients’ lives. With a background in biomedical engineering and a focus on cancer outcomes and population-based studies, she brings a wealth of expertise to her new position.

Beyond Emory, Behera holds national leadership roles, such as associate editor of the Journal of Clinical Oncology Clinical Cancer Informatics and membership in the Leadership Council for the Society of Cancer Informatics for Cancer Centers.