A new Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery online feature will allow the public to access and find professional profiles of 2,600 researchers at UW-Madison with a simple keyword search.
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation developed the Wisconsin Discovery Portal, according to WARF Communications Director Janet Kelly.
Kelly said the newly created online resource will attract more researchers to participate in collaborative projects across scientific disciplines.
The primary purpose is to allow researchers on our own campus here at UW-Madison to find collaborators,"" Kelly said. ""It also provides a way for representatives in industry to find researchers at UW-Madison that they may want to work with as well.""
University officials said the Wisconsin Discovery Portal will be updated regularly with the most current UW-Madison researcher information, including names, research topics, patent information and any associated companies.
UW-Madison researchers can also ask to update their profile's information and request it to be uploaded to the portal.
According to former UW-Madison Chancellor John Wiley, who will assume his new post as interim director of the public Wisconsin Institute for Discovery in November, the Wisconsin Discovery Portal will provide a communication mechanism for the whole campus, not just those in the science community.
""We want this information to get out wisely,"" Wiley said. ""It will be the way to keep up with what's going on [at WID].""
Wiley also said WID is currently searching for an overall research theme.
""Right now we are in the middle of a competition for ideas for a research theme for the institute,"" Wiley said. ""The deadline for the initial proposal is Nov. 4 '¦ after that we will pick the final theme for the institute.""
Faculty interested in proposing ideas for the WID theme competition are asked to attend an information session either Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. in 1610 Engineering Hall or Friday from noon to 1 p.m. in the John D. Wiley Conference Center at the Waisman Center.
The Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery building on the 1300 block of University Avenue will house the private Morgridge Institute for Research and the public Wisconsin Institute for Discovery. Wiley said he expects the $150 million building to open in fall of 2010.
