Duke Names Steven Wormsley Executive Director for Research Data Strategy & Governance

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke's Office for Research & Innovation is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Wormsley, Ph.D., as executive director for Research Data Strategy & Governance.

"We are thrilled to have Steven join our team," said Vice President for Research & Innovation Jennifer Lodge. "His extensive experience and expertise in research data management make him the perfect candidate to lead our efforts in this critical area and align with the already mature processes for governance in the school of medicine. We look forward to the impact he will make on our research community."

With over 20 years of experience in data management and analysis, Wormsley is well-positioned to help Duke continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in data-driven research. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive research data strategy and governance framework that supports the university's investigators in their pursuit of knowledge.

"Research data is a strategic asset that is essential to Duke's mission,” said Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Information Technology Tracy Futhey. “We heard loud and clear from campus researchers that providing additional guidance and clarifying the ways data can be accessed and used is essential to the furtherance of Duke’s research and goes to the heart of its commitment to  collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches. Steven's experience in developing and implementing research data strategies will help Duke investigators unlock new discoveries and enhance their research impact.“

Wormsley’s appointment follows a nationwide search conducted by a committee of Duke faculty and staff representatives, and co-chaired by Associate Vice President for Research Christopher Freel, Ph.D., and Assistant Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer Richard Biever. Director of Research Initiatives Rebecca Brouwer played a key role in coordinating the search.

“I am grateful to the search committee for their unwavering dedication throughout the selection process, as well as to Chris Freel, Richard Biever, and Rebecca Brouwer for their exceptional leadership of the search,” Lodge said.

Prior to joining Duke, Wormsley held various leadership positions in data management and analysis at leading academic and research institutions. Most recently, he served as director of Research and Academic Information Technology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where he drove the development and implementation of advanced technology strategies and initiatives across the institution.

"I am thrilled to join Duke and lead its efforts in research data strategy and governance," said Wormsley. "Duke has a strong reputation for excellence in research, and I am excited to contribute to its success by enabling investigators to use data more effectively and responsibly."

Wormsley holds a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Yale University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and General Science from State University of New York College at Cortland. He will begin his role April 17, 2023.

 

About the Office for Research & Innovation

Duke's Office for Research & Innovation is committed to providing administrative support to our world-renowned investigators and scholars in the development, promotion, and application of inquiry and research. Through its support of groundbreaking research and collaboration across disciplines, the Office for Research & Innovation is helping to drive progress and make a positive impact on the world.