Wisconsin Institute for Discovery

Archives: Events

  • Software Carpentry

    Researchers learning unix shell, git/GitHub, Python. Software Carpentry aims to help researchers get their work done in less time and with less pain by teaching them basic research computing skills. This hands-on workshop will cover basic concepts and tools, including program design, version control, data management, and task automation. This workshop teaches intro to the unix shell, git/GitHub, and python. Registration required.
    CONTACT: 815-383-3279, sarah.stevens@wisc.edu
    URL: https://uw-madison-datascience.github.io/2026-01-12-uwmadison-swc/

  • Software Carpentry

    Researchers learning unix shell, git/GitHub, Python. Software Carpentry aims to help researchers get their work done in less time and with less pain by teaching them basic research computing skills. This hands-on workshop will cover basic concepts and tools, including program design, version control, data management, and task automation. This workshop teaches intro to the unix shell, git/GitHub, and python. Registration required.
    CONTACT: 815-383-3279, sarah.stevens@wisc.edu
    URL: https://uw-madison-datascience.github.io/2026-01-12-uwmadison-swc/

  • Crossroads of Ideas:

    Upside of AI Failure. Part II in our Productive Failure Mini-Series
    What failure in AI can teach us, and how it can inspire innovation, critical thinking, and resilience.
    URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crossroads-of-ideas-the-upside-of-ai-failure-tickets-1975825908480

  • Crossroads of Ideas:

    How Failure Fuels Innovation. Part I in our Productive Failure Series
    URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crossroads-of-ideas-why-failure-fuels-innovation-tickets-1975643154859

  • Crossroads of Ideas:

    Quantum Frontiers. Quantum science might sound like it belongs in the lab or a science fiction novel, but its impact is already woven into our daily lives—from the technology in our phones to the future of computing and medicine. Join the Wisconsin Quantum Institute’s Aws Albarghouthi (Computer Science) and Matthew Otten (Physics) for a moderated discussion with Katerina Moloni, exploring the fascinating science of the quantum world and why understanding it matters for all of us.
    URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crossroads-of-ideas-quantum-frontiers-tickets-1797490003989

  • Understanding and Fixing a Broken Heart with Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

    Understanding and Fixing a Broken Heart with Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

    Featuring Dr. Tim Kamp and introduced by Lih-Sheng “Tom” Turng, Professor, Mechanical Engineering

    Every month, WID labs and Discovery Fellows present their exploration of complex systems, focusing on resilience, robustness, and adaptability. A colleague in a different discipliine introduces each talk from their perspective. The talks take place int he Orchard View Room and are open to the public. There is also a virtual viewing options.

  • Indigenous Language Table

    A safe place to practice indigneous languages. An Indigenous Language Table supports learners in developing spoken skills beyond the classroom, building community, strengthening purpose, and normalizing Indigenous languages through representation. It welcomes former students and ongoing learners, community members from classes or self study, and anyone interested in Indigenous languages and people.
    CONTACT: 316-4325, lredeagle@wisc.edu
    URL: https://illuminatingdiscovery.wisc.edu/indigenous-language-table/

  • Crossroads of Ideas: When Antibiotics Fail

    Crossroads of Ideas: When Antibiotics Fail

    Part 3 in the productive failure miniseries!

    How do we manage when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines? What are our options? WID’s Marc Chevrette and Tiny Earth’s Sarah Miller discuss lifesaving drugs: how they are discovered & what we can do to keep them potent.

  • Crossroads of Ideas: The Upside of AI Failure

    Crossroads of Ideas: The Upside of AI Failure

    What failure in AI can teach us, and how it can inspire innovation, critical thinking, and resilience.

    Failure is part of progress, especially in the fast-moving field of artificial intelligence. This Crossroads of Ideas event, part of our three-part mini-series on “productive failure,” brings together David Fields (UW-Madison Department of East Asian Studies) and Rob Nowak (UW-Madison Computer, Data & Information Sciences) to explore what happens when AI technology falls short. From real-world research that didn’t go as planned to the broader implications for society, this conversation highlights how failures can deepen our understanding, shape future innovation, and help us navigate technology’s role in our lives. Together, they’ll discuss what failure in AI can teach us, and how it can inspire innovation, critical thinking, and resilience.

  • Crossroads of Ideas: How Failure Fuels Innovation

    Crossroads of Ideas: How Failure Fuels Innovation

    Part I in our Productive Failure Mini-Series

    Failure is often seen as a setback—but in science and entrepreneurship, it can be the spark that drives breakthroughs. In this first installment of our Productive Failure Mini-Series, explore how missteps, unexpected results, and strategic pivots shape discovery, strengthen ideas, and fuel innovation. Through real-world examples from the laboratory and the startup landscape, this conversation reveals how embracing uncertainty and learning from what doesn’t work can open the door to transformative success.

  • WID Seminar Series:

    WID Seminar Series:

    Rob Nowak.
    CONTACT: media@wid.wisc.edu
    URL: https://wid.wisc.edu/all-events/wid-seminar-series/
    ONLINE: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/98293855424

  • Indigenous Language Table

    A safe place to practice indigneous languages. An Indigenous Language Table supports learners in developing spoken skills beyond the classroom, building community, strengthening purpose, and normalizing Indigenous languages through representation. It welcomes former students and ongoing learners, community members from classes or self study, and anyone interested in Indigenous languages and people.
    CONTACT: 316-4325, lredeagle@wisc.edu
    URL: https://illuminatingdiscovery.wisc.edu/indigenous-language-table/

  • Indigenous Language Table

    A safe place to practice indigneous languages. An Indigenous Language Table supports learners in developing spoken skills beyond the classroom, building community, strengthening purpose, and normalizing Indigenous languages through representation. It welcomes former students and ongoing learners, community members from classes or self study, and anyone interested in Indigenous languages and people.
    CONTACT: 316-4325, lredeagle@wisc.edu
    URL: https://illuminatingdiscovery.wisc.edu/indigenous-language-table/

  • Indigenous Language Table

    A safe place to practice indigneous languages. An Indigenous Language Table supports learners in developing spoken skills beyond the classroom, building community, strengthening purpose, and normalizing Indigenous languages through representation. It welcomes former students and ongoing learners, community members from classes or self study, and anyone interested in Indigenous languages and people.
    CONTACT: 316-4325, lredeagle@wisc.edu
    URL: https://illuminatingdiscovery.wisc.edu/indigenous-language-table/

  • SoundWaves

    *Note: actual end time may vary.*
    The Micro Scale. SoundWaves combines scientific lectures about the world with live classical music performances. Each event revolves around a theme, exploring it first from many scientific angles and then through the lens of music. The program concludes with a live performance of music related to the evening’s theme.
    The science lectures are delivered using language that the curious layman can understand, with a minimum of jargon and formulas.
    CONTACT: media@wid.wisc.edu
    URL: https://illuminatingdiscovery.wisc.edu/soundwaves/