Wisconsin Institute for Discovery

The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) is a research institute located at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Since its establishment in 2010, WID has been dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary research and unconventional collaborations, leveraging the diverse expertise of researchers from across the campus and the world. The institute, housed in the renowned Discovery Building alongside the Morgridge Institute for Research and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, is focused on driving fundamental discoveries and applied research, with an emphasis on improving human health and food supply, both locally and globally. WID's unconventional approach to forming interdisciplinary research teams has resulted in unexpected discoveries and breakthroughs. The institute actively seeks partnerships with key entities including the Morgridge Institute for Research, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the State of Wisconsin, and other collaborators, utilizing a unique "campus crowd-sourcing" model to drive research collaborations that challenge the boundaries of modern science. One of the notable aspects of WID's operations is its reliance on grant funding from various sponsors, totaling over $22 million since its inception. Additionally, WID benefits from the state of Wisconsin's initial investment in the Discovery Building and ongoing operational support. While specific details about the last investment and investors are not available, WID's innovative and collaborative research model positions it as an important player in driving impactful discoveries and advancements within the scientific community.