Christopher Lindsell, PhD, has been appointed vice dean for data science and AI for Duke University School of Medicine, effective April 1, 2026.
A nationally recognized biostatistician and clinical trials methodologist, Lindsell was occupying a leadership role in data science at Vanderbilt University when he was recruited in 2023 to serve as director of data science and biostatistics for the Duke Clinical Research Institute. He has provided leadership at Duke in roles including co-chief of the Division of Biostatistics for the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics.
He remains co-principal investigator for Duke’s Clinical and Translational Science Award grant from the National Institutes of Health and director of biostatistics and bioinformatics for the Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute. He is a professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics and serves as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science. His research interests span learning health systems, multi‑site clinical research networks, and the application of AI, machine learning, and other data science methods to improving clinical research and patient care.
As vice dean for data science and AI, Lindsell will lead the strategy, execution, and governance of AI and data science across the School of Medicine while collaborating closely with key partners in the Duke University Health System and the university. His immediate priorities include advancing a unified strategy for AI research, education, and workforce training, as well as building multidisciplinary teams, coordinating platform development and oversight, and accelerating the learning health system to ensure that discovery, clinical decision‑making, and operations at Duke are informed by the highest-quality data possible.
Lindsell’s appointment follows a six-month review led by the Duke Health IT Governance Committee, which engaged an extensive group of stakeholders from across Duke Health’s clinical, research, operational, and educational communities and campus partners.
The two‑year appointment is designed to allow the institution to remain agile while the landscape of AI continues to undergo rapid change. During this period, Lindsell will lead the implementation of durable practices and investments that allow the School of Medicine to deploy AI deliberately and responsibly in health care, research, and education.