CIRD is responsible for leading the development of clinical systems strategy for Partners Healthcare, conducting applied informatics research & development, and key design issues in Partners enterprise clinical systems (especially those involving complex clinical workflows, usability, controlled terminology, knowledge management and clinical decision support). More information about CIRD's activities can be found in its mission statement and project list.

A publication list of research conducted by CIRD, often in collaboration with other groups at Partners (especially Clinical & Quality Analysis) is available. CIRD collaborates with several other faculty and groups at Partners as well as health services and other researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health.

CIRD has an active educational program and conducts a clinical informatics seminar weekly, and contributes to medical informatics teaching at the HSPH, HMS, and MIT.

To carry out its mission, CIRD has a diverse and highly trained staff.