The Wisconsin Idea
The Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery (WID), an amazing facility built to strengthen UW–Madison’s research enterprise and engage the public in science, kicked off a series of grand opening events on Dec. 2.WID contains approximately 106,000 square feet of research space, including wet and dry laboratories, research support areas, core facilities, and offices — bringing together leading scientists and thinkers to spark new discoveries and powerful research applications. As a gateway to campus for the public, the building also houses teaching labs, designed as collaborative learning environments that will host a wide range of education programs for K–12 and college students, science teachers, and the public.
The facility’s main floor, called the Town Center, welcomes visitors with food, interactive displays, ongoing activities, hands-on learning labs, events, and meeting spaces. It includes public gathering spaces, shops, and restaurants designed to revitalize the streets around the facility and enrich the campus environment.
WID will enhance the Wisconsin Experience for all UW–Madison students. For more information, visit http://discovery.wisc.edu/discovery/.