 This paper proposes the use of maturity models to guide institutional strategic investment in research informatics and information technology, research IT. These models combine assessment of current organizational state with readiness for deployment of potential research IT investment, providing a tool for leadership to evaluate their institution's readiness for research IT investment. The paper also discusses pilot work in maturity model development which has included using them as a catalyst for engaging medical school IT leaders in planning at a single institution, as well as developing initial maturity indices that have been applied and refined across peer medical schools. This article was authored by Boyd M. Nosp, William K. Barnett, Nicholas R. Anderson, and others.