Wisconsin Institute for Discovery Awarded Grant to Explore Wisconsin State STEM Fellowship Program
photo by Jeff Miller
The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) is thrilled to announce its recent award from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. This prestigious grant will support an initiative to assess the feasibility and structure of a Wisconsin State STEM Fellowship program, a potential opportunity for fostering collaboration between emerging STEM professionals and state government, including the legislature and policy makers across Wisconsin.
With the goal of equipping a new generation of professionals to contribute to informed decision-making in government, the envisioned program would offer STEM fellows the unique chance to work directly with policy makers, state agencies, and legislators. By bridging the gap between STEM expertise and public policy, the fellowship aims to address the complex challenges Wisconsin faces in areas like environmental sustainability, public health, and economic growth.
“We are honored to receive this support from NCSL, which enables us to explore the transformative potential of a STEM fellowship program focused on public service,” said Andrew Hanus, Director of the Illuminating Discovery Hub at WID. “This initiative could create a direct pipeline for STEM professionals to inform policy and contribute their technical expertise to state government in ways that impact communities across Wisconsin.”
Through this grant, WID will research successful fellowship models in other states, consulting with educational institutions, industry leaders, and government agencies to design a program that addresses Wisconsin’s unique needs. The findings will guide a tailored model for a fellowship program that brings evidence-based insights and STEM expertise to the heart of policy making.
This initiative highlights WID’s commitment to connecting science, technology, and government for the benefit of Wisconsin’s future.
