The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) announced Sept. 10 a total investment of $160.7 million disbursed over the past year to the University of Wisconsin-Madison in efforts to support the university’s research and innovation endeavors.
The largest portion of $115.9 million was directed to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research to fund university researchers and research projects and initiatives.
The total also includes a recent investment of $27 million to accelerate four high-impact research initiatives based in quantum technologies, brain health, fusion energy and national security.
“WARF’s role is to help turn great ideas into real-world impact,” Erik Iverson, WARF CEO, said in a news release. “Through our long-standing support of UW-Madison research, we’re empowering discoveries that strengthen communities, drive innovation and improve lives far beyond campus.”
The rest of the allocation goes toward Operational, Investment and Invention Support, staff researchers and the Morgridge Institute for Research.
“UW-Madison’s research community is one of the university’s greatest assets, and WARF’s trustees take seriously our role in helping that community thrive,” Deborah Keller, chair of WARF’s Board of Trustees, said in the announcement. “By investing in people, facilities and the path from discovery to impact, we are helping ensure that promising ideas have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Since 1928, WARF has supported UW-Madison with more than $5.1 billion. This includes grants for the development or renovation of 52 research facilities on campus and $206.9 million over the last 20 years to faculty, student and staff inventors who worked with WARF to commercialize their patented discoveries.
