Asim Okur, Ph.D.

Informatics Advisor to the Deputy Director for Intramural Research (DDIR)

Ph.D., Stony Brook University

Building 10, Room 3D43
10 Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892

301-451-9716

asim.okur@nih.gov

Dr. Asim Okur is a biomedical and clinical research informatics leader with more than two decades of experience advancing computational science, biomedical research, and data-driven discovery at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). With a career spanning computational biology, scientific computing, cloud technologies, data infrastructure, and research informatics, he has led the development of innovative technology solutions that enable modern biomedical and clinical research. He currently serves in leadership roles focused on research informatics strategy, infrastructure, and digital transformation in support of NIH research programs.

Dr. Okur currently serves in leadership roles supporting research informatics and scientific computing across the NIH, including as Scientific Information Officer at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). He previously served as Deputy Scientific Information Officer at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). In these roles, he has provided leadership for enterprise scientific computing and research informatics programs, overseeing high-performance computing, cloud platforms, data management systems, research applications, and emerging artificial intelligence technologies. He has led initiatives supporting secure management and analysis of research and clinical data, development of research platforms and databases, adoption of cloud-based solutions, and implementation of tools that enhance collaboration, data sharing, and scientific productivity. His work has included the deployment of clinical and translational research technologies supporting participant data collection, research data management, digital phenotyping, and investigator-driven studies. A certified Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) Level II, Dr. Okur has provided oversight for major IT support contracts and served on technical evaluation panels for numerous technology and informatics procurements at both NHLBI and NIMH. He has also played a key role in NIH-wide efforts related to research computing, cloud strategy, digital modernization, and responsible AI adoption.

Dr. Okur earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Stony Brook University and completed postdoctoral training at NHLBI, where his research focused on computational biology, molecular modeling, and large-scale scientific computing. Throughout his career, he has combined deep scientific and technical expertise with strategic leadership to build research informatics capabilities that accelerate discovery, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance the use of data and technology in biomedical and clinical research.