Microsoft has a new chief scientific officer for the first time in its history. The company appointed Eric Horvitz to this role.

Horvitz had been a technical fellow and director at Microsoft's Research Labs prior to his promotion. He joined Microsoft in 1993 and worked for 16 years as a principal researcher at the company. He also co-chairs the company's Artificial Intelligence and Ethics in Engineering and Research (AETHER) Committee.

According to Microsoft, Horvitz "will provide cross-company leadership on advances and trends on scientific matters, and on issues and opportunities rising at the intersection of technology, people and society." Perhaps more crucially, his team will advise the company on its "scientific directions and capabilities, including standing up new initiatives, providing guidance on company priorities and assessing important areas for investment in science and technology."

In a LinkedIn post, Horvitz shared that his office will focus its efforts on research relating to biology, medical informatics, physics, sustainability, economics, and social and behavioral sciences. He will also put in effort related to AI principles, applications, and directions.

Image credit: Microsoft