The Latest

  • Fibonacci design

New Kohler Fellows: Advancing Discovery Through Creative Collaboration

The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery introduces the newest Kohler Fellows, a prestigious program uniting science and art through interdisciplinary collaboration. Paired artist–scientist teams transform research into creative work that bridges disciplines, reveals new perspectives, and sparks transformative thinking.

  • 2025 group photo from WID symposium

24 Hours with WID

The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery operates with a dynamic, around-the-clock energy, fostering an environment of constant innovation. From late-night breakthroughs to collaborative experimentation, and global knowledge sharing over zoom, our interdisciplinary hub is always abuzz with activity. Take a glimpse into the exciting work that takes place within a 24-hour period.

  • WID congratulates Nan Li, Discovery Fellow, Vilas Associate award

Discovery Fellow, Nan Li earns Vilas Associate Award

The Vilas Associates Competition recognizes new and ongoing research of the highest quality and significance. Recipients are chosen competitively by the divisional Research Committees on the basis of a detailed proposal.

  • Art work with two circles intersecting and constellation tree like in green are in the middle. It is an artist depiction of gene networks.Katherine Baldwin with minor edits using generative AI tools. The caption was fine tuned with Microsoft Copilot.

Deciphering the Regulatory Network of a Pathogenic Fungus

In a new study, researchers from the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) have created a software tool that can help reveal biological pathways of a notorious pathogenic fungus. Aspergillus fumigatus, which is found worldwide, can infiltrate a human body and quickly overwhelm the immune system. In immunocompromised individuals, this fungus can cause major damage and has a high mortality rate. The new tool may eventually help researchers address the problems caused by A. fumigatus.