Juan M. Lavista Ferres

Juan M. Lavista Ferres is a data scientist, AI expert, and researcher. He is currently the Corporate Vice President and Chief Data Scientist of the AI for Good Lab at Microsoft. 

In this capacity, Juan leverages technologies like AI, machine learning, and statistical modelling to support Microsoft's AI for Good initiatives, including: 

• AI For Earth - Sustainability
• AI for Humanitarian Action
• AI For Accessibility
• AI For Health

In his latest book, AI for Good: Applications in Sustainability, Juan highlights how artificial intelligence and advanced data science can be utilised to address pressing global challenges in fields such as sustainability, humanitarian action, and health. 

As a data scientist and researcher, Juan has been involved in projects like Microsoft Experimentation Platform (EXP) and Bing Data Mining. 

His research on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been published in international academic journals like Pediatrics and covered by major media outlets such as the Geekwire, BBC, NPR, Fast Company, Fortune Magazine, New York Times, CNN, USA Today, and more, totalling over 100 global news platforms.

Juan is also the Editor of the Microsoft Journal of Applied Research (MSJAR). Before his tenure at Microsoft, Juan had co-founded alerts.com. 

As a leader, Juan has been applying technology for social good. For instance while being at InterAmerican Development Bank in Washington, where he applied data science to evaluate the impact of programs aimed at reducing poverty and inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Juan is a PhD in AI in Healthcare from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MSc in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University, and engineering and BA in Information Systems from Universidad Católica del Uruguay 'Dámaso Antonio Larranaga'?.

As a speaker, Juan has presented at events such as Strata, IEEE, TedX, Cornell University, and UC Berkeley in the US, and globally in the US, Canada, Switzerland, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Africa, and Uruguay, among other countries.

Juan M. Lavista Ferres is a leading figure in the field of data science and artificial intelligence, currently serving as the Corporate Vice President and Chief Data Scientist of the Microsoft AI For Good Research Lab. In this prominent role, Juan directs a team of data scientists and researchers working on AI, machine learning, and statistical modelling. The lab's initiatives span various vital areas, including AI For Earth, AI for Humanitarian Action, AI For Accessibility, and AI For Health, demonstrating Juan's commitment to leveraging technology for societal good.

Juan's career at Microsoft began in 2009 when he joined the Microsoft Experimentation Platform (EXP). In this capacity, he was responsible for designing and running randomised control experiments across multiple Microsoft groups, a critical task that laid the groundwork for his future contributions. Following this, Juan transitioned to the Bing Data Mining team, where he led efforts to apply data mining, machine learning, and statistical modelling at scale. His leadership in online experimentation and data services for Bing was pivotal, showcasing his ability to manage and extract value from vast amounts of data.

A notable achievement during his time at Bing was initiating Microsoft’s efforts related to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). His groundbreaking research in this area has been published in top academic journals such as Pediatrics and has received widespread media coverage from outlets like the New York Times, CNN, Chicago Tribune, USNews, and USAToday, among over 100 other news sources globally. This work not only highlights his expertise but also his dedication to addressing critical health issues through data science.

Juan has played a significant role in defining the data science discipline within Microsoft. He is the editor of the Microsoft Journal of Applied Research (MSJAR), further establishing his influence and leadership in the field. His efforts in this regard have helped shape the company’s approach to data science and its applications, reinforcing Microsoft’s position as a leader in technology innovation.

Before his tenure at Microsoft, Juan co-founded alerts.com and served as its Chief Technology Officer from January 2008 to January 2009. Prior to that, he spent six years at the InterAmerican Development Bank in Washington, DC, applying data science to evaluate the impact of programs aimed at reducing poverty and inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean. His work there underscored his commitment to using data-driven insights to inform and improve policy decisions in developing regions.

Juan’s educational background is equally impressive. He holds two computer science degrees from the Catholic University in Uruguay and a graduate degree in Data Mining and Machine Learning from Johns Hopkins University. Further solidifying his expertise, he earned a Ph.D. in AI on Healthcare from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

At Microsoft, Juan has held several key positions, reflecting his progression and impact within the company. He has been Corporate Vice President, Chief Data Scientist, and Lab Director since March 2024. Before that, he was Vice President, Chief Data Scientist, and Lab Director from August 2021 to March 2024, and General Manager and Lab Director from September 2019 to April 2021. His earlier roles included Senior Director of Data Science from August 2016 to September 2019, Principal Data Scientist from January 2013 to August 2016, and Data Scientist with the Bing Data Science team.

Juan began his professional journey as a Senior Software Engineer at GeoComm Uruguay from October 1998 to May 2001. He then moved to the InterAmerican Development Bank, serving first as a Developer Lead from June 2001 to March 2003 and then as an Information System Evaluator from March 2003 to December 2007.

Beyond his professional roles, Juan is an accomplished speaker, having presented at numerous prestigious events such as Strata, IEEE, and TEDx. He has shared his insights and expertise across the globe, including in Canada, Switzerland, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Uruguay, highlighting his international influence and recognition.

Juan resides in Kirkland, Washington, and his career, marked by significant contributions to both the technology and humanitarian fields, exemplifies his dedication to using data science and AI to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Juan M. Lavista Ferres, as Chief Scientist and Lab Director of the Microsoft AI For Good Research Lab, envisions a future where AI and data science drive transformative global change. He focuses on initiatives like AI For Earth, AI for Humanitarian Action, AI For Accessibility, and AI For Health to tackle environmental, humanitarian, accessibility, and health challenges. Juan promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and aims to democratise access to AI tools, ensuring equitable benefits across communities worldwide. His leadership at Microsoft aims to innovate for social good, integrating technology with a vision for sustainability and human well-being, ultimately striving to improve global issues and enhance quality of life through AI and data science solutions.

Juan M. Lavista Ferres has made significant strides in his career as a data scientist and AI expert, with notable achievements at the Microsoft AI For Good Research Lab. As Chief Scientist and Lab Director, he has spearheaded initiatives in AI For Earth, AI for Humanitarian Action, AI For Accessibility, and AI For Health. His leadership has been instrumental in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges through advanced technologies.

One of Juan's pioneering efforts at Microsoft includes research on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). His groundbreaking work in this area has been published in top academic journals such as Pediatrics and has received extensive media coverage from outlets like the New York Times, CNN, Chicago Tribune, USNews, and USAToday. This work underscores his commitment to using AI and data science to improve health outcomes and save lives.

In his early career at Microsoft, Juan was a part of the Microsoft Experimentation Platform (EXP), where he designed and conducted randomised control experiments across various groups. He later led the Bing Data Mining team, where he applied advanced data mining, machine learning, statistical modelling, and large-scale online experimentation. His contributions in this role were pivotal in enhancing Bing's data services and capabilities.

Juan has been a key figure in defining the data science discipline within Microsoft. As the editor of the Microsoft Journal of Applied Research (MSJAR), he has played a crucial role in shaping data science practices and promoting the dissemination of cutting-edge research within the company. His influence extends beyond Microsoft, reflecting his leadership and expertise in the field.

Before his tenure at Microsoft, Juan co-founded alerts.com and served as its Chief Technology Officer, showcasing his entrepreneurial and technical leadership. Additionally, he spent six years at the InterAmerican Development Bank, applying data science to evaluate programs aimed at reducing poverty and inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean.