Crossroads of Ideas: Funding the Future of Science
How America Funds Discovery – Research, Innovation, and What Comes Next
Tuesday, October 20 – 7pm – Discovery Building, Deluca Forum
How we fund research shapes what questions get asked, which ideas have the opportunity to grow, and how discoveries move into the world. For decades, the U.S. has relied heavily on a university-centered model, but the landscape of research funding is evolving, with new approaches and priorities emerging.
Join us for a conversation about the future of research funding in America. Panelists Sam Rikkers (Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.), Dorota Brzezinska (UW-Madison), and John Neis (Clarevia Ventures) will explore the opportunities and challenges of different models and consider what may be at stake for universities, researchers, industry, and society as the nation rethinks how discovery is supported. Moderated by Maggie Brickerman (Wisconsin Technology Council) with opening remarks from Bassam Shakhashiri.
Join the Illuminating Discovery Hub and Amalgam Improv for an evening fusing science and spontaneous improv comedy like no other at Sci-Prov!
Sci-prov combines science and improv in creative, funny, and never before seen ways. Scientists will present their work in short, digestible presentations followed by brief Q&A, all of which can become fodder for the improv scenes. The improv scenes are created on the fly & unique to each show.
Light refreshments and cash bar available. Tickets are free and registration is requested to ensure adequate seating.
We value inclusion and access for all participants. If you would like to request reasonable accommodations to enhance your participation experience, please email idhub@wid.wisc.edu no later than 2 weeks prior to the event. This event is wheelchair accessible.
Where do we come from? Where does anything come from? This new series of SoundWaves brings together leading academic researchers and live music to explore origins at every scale – from the birth of the universe to the first human communities. Each edition pairs scholars from distinct disciplines with a musical program to answer the oldest questions we know.
This event will take place in Collins Recital Hall in the Hamel Music Center.
This first SoundWaves event of the year launches our year-long exploration of Origins. Part of the Wisconsin Science Festival and Klez Fest Midwest, this event looks at The Beginning of Everything. How did the universe come to be, and how have scientists thought about the universe’s origins in the past? Special musical guests The Klezmatics, perhaps the most important and popular klezmer band of all time, will then look at the origins of klezmer music, followed by a performance that will wow you.
This event is free but registration is requested to ensure adequate seating.
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 starts and concludes with a live performance of music related to the evening’s theme.
We often hear that we should “follow the data.” But what does that really mean?
From healthcare and artificial intelligence to climate research and public policy, data has become one of society’s most valuable resources. Yet data alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Statistics help us understand uncertainty, identify meaningful trends, and make informed decisions—even when the answers aren’t simple.
Join Dr. Susan Monarez in conversation with UW–Madison statistician Dr. Claudia Solís-Lemus for an engaging discussion about the promises and pitfalls of our increasingly data-driven world. Together, they’ll explore how scientists transform information into insight, why uncertainty is a fundamental part of research, and what it takes to communicate evidence in ways that build understanding and trust.
Workshop Topic: Stage Presence
This workshop focuses on feeling comfortable on the stage including speaking, physical presence, and with technology. Activities focus on using microphones, moving around on stage, pauses, and engaging with the audience.
This workshop will take place in room 1145 in the Discovery Building.
Space is limited – RSVP required!
These 2-hour workshops are designed for graduate students, post-docs, staff, and faculty in STEM related fields who want to sharpen their ability to communicate effectively and adaptively. In research and industry alike, ideas often need to be shared in real time with diverse audiences- from colleagues and collaborators to decision-makers and the public. These sessions provide a lively, low-stakes space to build confidence in handling the unexpected and the ability to pivot one’s communication. Through fun applied improv practice, participants will experiment with spontaneous speaking, respond to mistakes, and network. Each workshop will focus one a different area of communication – attend one or all of the workshop sessions!
Other sessions this fall:
- Message Crafting – September 16th
- Listening & Empathy – October 14th
Visit illuminatingdiscovery.wisc.edu/sci-prov to check out all upcoming workshops and Sci-prov shows!
