The University of Wisconsin–Madison Data Science Institute, powered by a generous gift from American Family Insurance, is central to the university’s strategic priority to grow its research enterprise and expand its global impact.
Advancing the Forefront of Data Science Research
Featured research collaboration:
Evaluation of Fungicides for Soybean White Mold
Sclerotinia stem rot, also known as white mold, is ranked third among the top soybean diseases in the northern United States. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated the efficacy of fungicide treatments on disease reduction and their subsequent impact on grain yield. This analysis resulted in a custom website for farmers and an API for agricultural practitioners.
“This project is being led by a great team of researchers from across the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the Plant Pathology Department and Data Science Institute, and North Dakota State University.”
–Richard Webster, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University
On Campus
Events
- October
- October 13Info Session: Madison College Teaching FellowsSTEM grad students & postdocs: learn more about this professional development opportunity. 11:00 AM, Online
- October 13Fall Symposium 2025 - Center for Ecology and the Environment - Day 1Keynote: Dr. Barbara Han3:00 PM, Tripp Commons, Memorial Union
- October 14Python Programming: Data Visualization with Seaborn10:00 AM, Online. Workshop link will be emailed to registrants.
Campus Highlights
Kyle Cranmer to Lead the RISE-AI Collaboration HQ
Under Cranmer’s leadership, the group will catalyze research communities and build connections among UW–Madison’s AI community.
PBS Features Taylor Odle’s Research on UW’s Direct Admission Programs
Odle, a DSI Affiliate, spoke with PBS Wisconsin's Here and Now about the impacts of these programs on UW system admissions of in-state high school students.
New Publication Addresses AI in Physics
In this paper, DSI Affiliates Moritz Münchmeyer and Fred Sala, and former DSI staff member Maja Waldron, introduce a benchmark to evaluate the capability of AI to solve problems in theoretical physics.
DSI Affiliates Receive Inaugural Google ML and Systems Junior Faculty Awards
Jelena Diakonikolas and Sharon Li were recognized as up-and-coming talent whose work intersects machine learning (ML) and systems.
Kyle Cranmer Discusses AI on the Larry Meiller Show
DSI Director Kyle Cranmer spoke with Lee Rayburn, host of The Larry Meiller Show, about the problems and promise of AI.
- More highlights
Points of Pride
66
DSI Faculty and Staff Affiliates
at UW–Madison
$20 M
Research grants where DSI leads
or is a partner
+$6M
Industry-sponsored grants for 55 campus research projects
Data Science News
RISE-AI Collaboration HQ Will Build Connections and Advance Research
This fall, the Data Science Institute is assuming responsibility for a new, campus-wide effort called the RISE-AI Collaboration HQ. This group will catalyze research communities centered on innovative focus areas and build connections among UW–Madison’s AI community, which includes the more than 35 new RISE-AI hires and current faculty, staff, and students.
UW–Madison Joins the AI Alliance
This summer, UW–Madison joined the AI Alliance, an international community of developers, researchers, industry leaders, and advocates who collaborate to advance safe, responsible AI rooted in open innovation.
CDIS and DSI Moving to Morgridge Hall This Summer
Morgridge Hall construction will conclude this summer, with classes expected to start in the fall. The new facility will house the School of Computer, Data, & Information Sciences along with the Data Science Institute, Center for High Throughput Computing, and biostatistics and medical informatics department.
DSI Special Seminar with Dr. Talitha Washington
Dr. Washington shared insights on advancing AI technology and policy responsible for ensuring these technologies promote innovation, accountability, and broad societal benefit.
Data Science for Earth Day
Earth Day, held each year on April 22, is a global event with local roots. Here are a few examples of data science research, tools, and learning opportunities at UW–Madison that help realize the vision of Earth Day.
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RISE-AI Collaboration HQ
A new campus-wide effort called RISE-AI Collaboration HQ is helping to foster new research communities, build connections on campus and off, improve funding opportunities, and enhance teaching and engagement as part of the RISE-AI Initiative.
DSI Director Kyle Cranmer is leading the effort and says: “I’m looking forward to working with campus to incubate and support communities around promising AI research topics that tap into our strengths as a university.”