Stories
Michael Ferris–Looking Back
Ferris has shared his expertise to benefit the public in significant ways–including working with policymakers to help distribute the first Covid vaccines fairly and efficiently in the state of Wisconsin. He consults with industries and companies such as Exact Sciences, energy modeling, agriculture, trucking, and manufacturing, and will continue to do so after retirement, when he will remain a WID emeritus.
Local Funnyman Discovers Formula for More Effective Communication
Rush’s approachable, low-pressure improv activities allow participants to practice speaking spontaneously, responding to mistakes, and adapting their message. He is leading workshops through the Illuminating Discovery Hub this summer.
Wisconsin Science Festival Explores What Makes Us Human
The Wisconsin Science Festival has officially kicked off its 2026 season with the unveiling of this year’s theme, Us. Turning the focus inward, this year’s feature explores the science of who we are, what it means to be human, and what we are capable of. Event host registration is now open, and the festival will take place October 15–25, 2025.
Reshaping Memory with Artist-in-Residence, Viviane Silvera
Interdisciplinary artist Viviane Silvera illuminates the science of memory by turning it into an experience. Silvera will be at UW-Madison April 13-24 as the Division of the Arts Spring 2026 Interdisciplinary Artist-in-Residence, in partnership with the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID), for a packed slate of appearances, workshops, discussions and screenings, including Crossroads of Ideas (April 22) at WID and a discussion with writer Dale Kushner and WID Writer-in-Residence Michelle Wildgen April 23 at 5 pm at the
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24 Hours with WID
The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery is abuzz 24 hours per day. From “eureka” moments in the middle of the night to methodical pipetting in the middle of the day, to gathering diverse ideas from across the globe in the early evening, something is always happening in our interdisciplinary sphere. Enjoy a sampling of the important work we do in each of these 24 hours and please come back periodically as we refresh with new profiles.
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