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Before the promotion, Horvitz had been a technical fellow and director at Microsoft's Research Labs. He joined Microsoft in 1993 and spent the better part of 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."

Over on LinkedIn, Horvitz provides more context on what he'll be doing in the role, noting that his office will focus its efforts on research relating to biology, medical informatics, physics, sustainability, economics, and social and behavioral sciences. He also says he will put in a lot of effort related to AI principles, applications, and directions.

See the full story here: https://www.engadget.com/2020/03/11/microsoft-appoints-chief-scientific-officer-eric-horvitz/