Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery

Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery
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Name	Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery
Established	2010
Type	Interdisciplinary research institute
Director	Jo Handelsman
City	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus	University of Wisconsin–Madison
Affiliations	University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. A pioneering interdisciplinary research complex located at the heart of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. It was established through a unique public-private partnership to accelerate scientific discovery and its translation into societal benefit. The institute fosters collaboration across traditional academic boundaries, housing both the public Morgridge Institute for Research and the university's private Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF)-funded research initiatives under one roof.

History and founding

The concept for the institute emerged in the early 2000s from a visionary gift by alumni John W. Morgridge and his wife, Tashia Morgridge. Their donation, matched by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, funded the construction of the state-of-the-art building which opened in December 2010. This model created a novel partnership, with the building housing the independent, non-profit Morgridge Institute for Research and the university's own discovery research programs. The project was championed by then-Chancellor John D. Wiley and received significant support from the State of Wisconsin and private donors. Its establishment was seen as a critical step in maintaining the University of Wisconsin–Madison's competitive edge in the global biosciences landscape, following the legacy of pioneering research at institutions like the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research.

Research and scientific focus

Research at the institute is deliberately interdisciplinary, breaking down barriers between fields such as biology, computer science, engineering, and medicine. Core themes include regenerative biology, medical devices, virology, and computational sciences. The Morgridge Institute for Research focuses on key areas like stem cell research, medical imaging, and virology, notably through the work of virologists like Yoshihiro Kawaoka. University researchers affiliated with the institute work on projects ranging from synthetic biology and tissue engineering to bioinformatics and systems biology. This convergence facilitates groundbreaking work, such as advancements in the reprogramming of human cells and the development of new diagnostic technologies, often in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Organizational structure and facilities

The institute is physically and philosophically centered around the 330,000-square-foot Discovery Building, designed by the architectural firm Perkins and Will. The facility is renowned for its open, transparent labs, collaborative workspaces, and iconic public atrium. It is jointly managed by the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Morgridge Institute for Research, with leadership from directors like Jo Handelsman. The building also houses core research facilities, such as advanced microscopy suites and prototyping labs, which are shared resources for the entire campus research community. This shared infrastructure model, supported by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, reduces duplication and encourages spontaneous collaboration among scientists from different departments and organizations.

Education and public engagement

Public engagement is a foundational pillar, primarily realized through the Wisconsin Science Festival and the hands-on learning center known as the Discovery Center. These initiatives, led by individuals like Laura Heisler, demystify science for visitors of all ages through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. The institute also runs innovative educational programs for students, including the Summer Science Camp and fellowships for young researchers. Furthermore, forums like the Wednesday Nite @ the Lab lecture series and partnerships with Madison Metropolitan School District bring cutting-edge science directly to the community, fulfilling the Wisconsin Idea of extending university knowledge beyond the classroom.

Impact and recognition

The institute has significantly amplified the research output and collaborative culture of University of Wisconsin–Madison, contributing to the state's standing as a leader in the biotechnology sector. Its research has led to numerous startup companies, patents licensed through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, and advancements in understanding diseases like influenza and cancer. The institute's unique architectural design and public mission have received awards and made it a model for other institutions, such as the University of California, San Francisco's Mission Bay campus. It has attracted top-tier talent, including Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators, and continues to be a central hub for addressing grand scientific challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Category:University of Wisconsin–Madison Category:Research institutes in Wisconsin Category:Buildings and structures in Madison, Wisconsin Category:2010 establishments in Wisconsin