Microsoft restructures the top of its research wing

Microsoft restructured the to of its research wing following the departure of Harry Shum last month. Eric Horvitz, a technical fellow and director of Microsoft Research Labs, will be chief scientific officer. Peter Lee will now head Microsoft Research. Lee was recently corporate vice president for Microsoft Healthcare. He also led Microsoft's broad HealthcareNExT group in the past. Both moves were confirmed by a Microsoft spokesperson to CNBC.

Speaking of Horvitz's new role, a Microsoft spokesperson told CNBC, "As Chief Scientist, Eric 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." The spokesperson added, "He and his org will be responsible for advising on Microsoft's scientific directions and capabilities, including standing up new initiatives, providing guidance on company priorities and assessing important areas for investment in science and technology."

According to a person familiar with the matter that spoke with CNBC, Lee was already running parts of Microsoft Research. He'll now oversee all of its labs and integrate health projects with research.

These moves by Microsoft better integrate its various health efforts into closely-knit groups.