Andy Tseng appointed Director of Information Technology and Digital Strategy

Andy Tseng, who holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Manchester and headed Research Computing and Data Solutions at the University of Melbourne, will join the Institute on January 13, 2025 as Director of Information Technology (IT) and Digital Strategy for Whitehead Institute. In that role, he will oversee the Institute's IT operations and digital initiatives, and will help Whitehead scientists and staff leverage advanced AI technologies and innovative IT solutions to accelerate scientific discovery while ensuring data security and privacy.

“We are very pleased to welcome Andy to Whitehead,” says Director and President Ruth Lehmann. “He possesses the kind of vision and skills we will need as our researchers use increasingly large and varied data sets, employ new machine learning tools, and pursue discovery at the intersection of AI and biology.”

Martin Mullins, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, observes that, “Andy brings to Whitehead Institute two decades’ experience in leadership at the intersection of IT, digital strategy, and biomedical research — along with a demonstrated capacity to help drive broad organizational transformation.” 

At the University of Melbourne, Tseng drove efforts to modernize research computing and data infrastructure, developed secure environments for sensitive research, managed major research IT deployments, and helped guide implementation of institution-wide systems. He championed AI adoption within the research community through strategic collaborations and training programs, enabling researchers to unlock the full potential of machine learning technologies. He also led initiatives to improve researcher satisfaction by streamlining support services and aligning IT solutions with the evolving needs of the academic community. 

“I am excited to join the Whitehead Institute community, which is renowned for both its pioneering spirit and collaborative culture,” Tseng says. “This is a wonderful opportunity to help a group of brilliant researchers leverage their knowledge and creativity with an expanding array of increasingly powerful information gathering, management, and analytic tools.”

Mullins offered his thanks to Craig Andrews, who served as Interim Director of IT since July 2022: “Craig is an integral member of the Institute community, and he led the IT office’s transition with both admirable skill and his trademark personal warmth and good humor. We are grateful for his continuing commitment to Whitehead.”