The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) is an interdisciplinary research institute that spans 27 Principal Investigators across 17 departments on campus, with an estimated 400 members, affectionately known as WIDites. Although the WID administration may seem large, not everyone outside the lab is part of the support staff, which can make it confusing to figure out who is responsible for what, particularly when it comes to events.

A common question that arises is: what qualifies as a WID event? To clarify, let’s break down the different types of events that occur at WID and outline the support provided by the various teams.

This guide will help outline the responsibilities and communication support available for different aspects of event planning.

Key Events and Contacts

WID Events

Laura RedEagle – Communications and Events Manager
Pat Pointer – Multimedia Designer

Core WID Events: Annual WID Symposium, WID Seminar Series (8), Quarterly All Hands Meetings (4), Distinguished Guest Lectures, WID Tailgate

ID Hub Events

Sam Mulrooney, Outreach Program Manager, Wisconsin Science Festival Director
Francesca Long, Operations Manager, Outreach Specialist
Andrew Hanus, Illuminating Discovery Hub Director

Core ID Hub Events: Wisconsin Science Festival, SoundWaves, Crossroads, Writer in Residence, CaSP Art Gallery receptions, Kohler Fellowship presentations, Science to Street Art mural unveilings.

Special Visitors to the Director, Faculty Board Meetings

Manny Turrubiartes, WID Executive Assistant

Tiny Earth Events

Sarah Miller, Tiny Earth Executive Director

Core Tiny Earth Events: Tiny Earth Partner Instructor (TEPI) Training, Tiny Earth Summer Symposium, Tiny Earth Winter Symposium, Tiny Earth in Titletown, TEPI Workshop and Webinar Series, Tiny Earth Chemistry Hub Webinar.

Data Science Hub’s Events

Sarah Stevens, Data Science Hub Director
Chris Endemann, Data Science Facilitator

Core Data Science Events: Research Bazaar, Computational Biology, Ecology, and Evolution Group (ComBEE) study groups and monthly meetings, ML+X, Ethics, Values, Information, and Law (EVIL) reading group, Carpentries workshops, and Conduits.

WHIMSY EVENTS – WID Helping Improve Morale & Socializing Year-round

• Whimsy Members – Ongoing recruitment.
• Core WID community building events: Summer Picnic, Scientist/Researcher Appreciation Tea, Holiday Potluck, and PI Day Celebration
• Other examples: non-necessary WID events, moral-boosting activities, WID Wall of Fame, retirements, birthday,  other events subject to volunteer participation.

What if I don’t see my kind of event listed?

We are available to assist with questions or provide support for your event if your own department is unable to do so, provided we have sufficient time and at least four months’ notice. The following types of events or programs do not qualify for supplemental support, such as:

• • Conference hosting, meetings, hosted meals, small poster sessions, symposiums, lecture series, website development for your event, survey/forms, online invitations, printing, catering requests, room reservation, name tags, running the meeting, technical support, etc.