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February 24, 2025

A Special Update on Federal Research Funding

Dear alumni & friends,

We are five weeks into the spring semester, and campus is alive with energy. I enjoyed that vibrancy at our annual L&S Night at the Kohl Center at the end of January, where nearly 500 L&S students packed the stands beside me, cheering on the women’s basketball team to a thrilling victory over Michigan. The excitement in the arena was electric, but what stood out most was the sense of community — our students aren’t just working hard in the classroom, they’re showing up for each other, celebrating together and embracing what it truly means to be a Badger.

At the same time, we are five weeks into a new federal administration. You’ve likely heard about the recent federal directives impacting funding from the National Institutes of Health, which Chancellor Mnookin addressed recently. I want to take a moment to reflect on this issue and how it strikes at the heart of our mission in L&S.

For more than 75 years, federal funding has allowed the U.S. to maintain its position as a global leader in scientific research and human discovery. Federal investment — whether from the NIH, the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or other government agencies — has supported nearly every major scientific breakthrough we have made as a nation. Public funding has not only allowed UW–Madison to be a leader in solving the world’s biggest problems, it has also provided the support to launch tens of thousands of careers dedicated to research, including my own which began more than 30 years ago at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in New Mexico.

Federal support of research, especially curiosity-driven research, is based on a simple but powerful premise: The road to discovery is long and, while sometimes indirect and unpredictable, leads not just to a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us, but to ultimately improving lives and driving economic development.

We see this right here at UW–Madison. For instance, in our Department of Chemistry, researchers are working to unlock new possibilities in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease — a debilitating illness that impacts millions of Americans and is projected to cost the U.S. economy $1 trillion by 2050. With support from the NIH, a research team recently developed a new approach that could lead to more effective treatments. It’s the kind of discovery that might not make headlines today but could, years from now, change lives. And this is just one of hundreds of examples of groundbreaking research in L&S that is made possible by federal support.

This is the nature of research. The impact is not always immediate, and the path is rarely straight. But without steady investment in curiosity-driven exploration, we risk cutting off the flow of ideas that will shape the future. Federal research funding doesn’t just fuel innovation — it supports the people behind the breakthroughs. It provides salaries for postdoctoral researchers, stipends for graduate students, and the resources needed to sustain research at every level. These dollars also have a ripple effect, supporting businesses in Wisconsin and beyond that supply the materials and equipment required to push discovery forward.

Right now, my colleagues and I are closely watching the uncertain landscape of federal research funding and considering what it means for our university, our researchers, our students and, most importantly, all citizens for generations to come. We remain committed to fueling the road to discovery, and we hope you’ll join us in advocating for this critical federal investment because as history has shown time and again, when we invest in knowledge as an institution, as a community and as a nation, essential progress follows.

On, Wisconsin!

Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison

December 17, 2024

Dean Winter Update

Dean alumni & friends,

As we approach the end of another remarkable year in L&S, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. During this season of reflection, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our L&S community and to recognize the power of our collective commitment to our research and educational mission.

Next year marks 30 years since I arrived on UW–Madison’s campus as an assistant professor of astronomy. Throughout my career at UW, I’ve been fortunate to engage in curiosity-driven research unique to R1 institutions like L&S, which excel in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Now as dean, I take great pride in ensuring that our faculty, staff and students have the support they need to address the questions we all share, as we consider our place in an increasingly complex world.

In the coming years, WiCOR has the potential to reshape our understanding of everything we know about, well, everything.

Dean Eric M. Wilcots

This fall, the Wisconsin Center for Origins Research (WiCOR) moved into its own office and research space on the sixth floor of Sterling Hall. What began as an idea in 2019 soon coalesced around a group of researchers from seven different units — astronomy, botany, integrative biology, chemistry, geoscience, atmospheric and oceanic sciences, and bacteriology — all asking the same questions: How did life form on Earth? And what are the potentials for life elsewhere in our universe? In the coming years, WiCOR has the potential to reshape our understanding of everything we know about, well, everything. The collaborative efforts of our interdisciplinary teams will lead to new insights into the origins of life, the formation of planetary systems and the fundamental processes that govern our universe. These discoveries will not only enhance our scientific knowledge, but they will also inspire future generations of scholars and researchers.

These questions could not be asked without the unwavering support of our alumni, parents and donors. I want to especially thank the Department of Astronomy’s Board of Visitors for their foundational support of this important project. WiCOR is but one of the many interdisciplinary research centers housed in L&S and supported by our incredible community. Your generosity has been instrumental in enabling us to create environments where curiosity thrives and where we can tackle the big questions about our universe and our place within it.

Together, let us celebrate the accomplishments of this year and look forward with excitement to the possibilities that lie ahead.

As I look to the future, I am excited about the potential for new discoveries and the impact they will have on our understanding of the world. The work being done at WiCOR and across the College is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together with a shared vision and purpose.

With heartfelt thanks and best wishes for the new year,

Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison

September 25, 2024

Dean Fall Update

Dean alumni & friends,

As we embark on another academic year, I am filled with excitement for the intellectual growth and discovery that lies ahead for our students. In the College of Letters & Science, we are committed to providing every student with an exceptional education, and a cornerstone of that mission is to offer our undergraduates unparalleled opportunities for hands-on research. I know firsthand how transformative these experiences can be, as my own career has been shaped by the research I pursued as an undergraduate astronomy student. The skills I developed — critical thinking, problem-solving and communicating complex ideas — are invaluable in my career. I want our students to have access to the same life-changing programs that I had in my own academic career.

This year, we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of our Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) program. Each year, URS pairs some 200 undergraduate students with faculty mentors to explore career paths through hands-on, interdisciplinary research. Scholars learn what it means to do research in the lab and in the field through weekly small-group seminars, where they explore topics focused on the critical issues facing our society today, from climate change to health disparities within marginalized communities.

URS embodies a mindset of ‘you try, you fail, you try again.’ And you can learn so much from the people around you, from your peers and in your classes.

Hailey Patel ’24

Students join URS during their first or second year on campus, meaning they gain exposure to faculty labs and research practices early in their academic career. Scholars also learn to take risks, knowing there’s a support system in place to help them learn from their mistakes. “URS embodies a mindset of ‘you try, you fail, you try again.’” says Hailey Patel, a URS fellow who graduated last spring. “And you can learn so much from the people around you, from your peers and in your classes.”

For URS Director Hannah Bailey, exposing students to research early in their careers is critical to future success: “Our hope is that this early research experience will help our students make informed decisions about the classes they take, the majors they declare, and the career and post-baccalaureate plans they pursue.”

Philanthropy plays a pivotal role in shaping the student experience across the College, and gifts to the Letters & Science Annual Fund directly support programs such as the Undergraduate Research Scholars. With your generous support, we can expand these initiatives, ensuring that every L&S student has the opportunity to participate in experiences that will profoundly impact their future.

I’m proud of what we’re accomplishing in L&S, and I hope you are, too. Please join me in ensuring that our students leave L&S prepared to lead by supporting the Letters & Science Annual Fund.

Thank you, and On, Wisconsin!

Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison

June 13, 2024

Dean Summer Update

Dean alumni & friends,

I am thrilled to announce a groundbreaking moment for the College of Letters & Science! Last month officially marked the beginning of construction for Irving & Dorothy Levy Hall, a transformative new facility that will revolutionize the way we teach and study the humanities and qualitative social sciences at UW–Madison.

We hope generations of students and staff will find the building to be a real spark for both learning and creative energy.

Marv & Jeff Levy

While many universities are scaling back humanities programs, we’re making a bold investment in these crucial fields. We recognize the enduring value of the humanities in fostering critical thinking, effective communication and a deep understanding of the human experience. Once completed, Levy Hall will embody our commitment to ensuring that these essential areas of study continue to thrive.

Nearly every UW–Madison student, regardless of their major, will benefit from Levy Hall. The facility will house 1,100 seats in 13 modern, flexible classrooms designed to enhance student engagement and collaboration. Gone will be the days of static lectures — and getting lost roaming the labyrinth-like halls of the old Humanities building. Levy Hall will foster dynamic learning environments that encourage lively discussions and interdisciplinary exploration, along with an abundance of natural light, a rooftop garden and commons to support the well-being of Levy Hall visitors.

But Levy Hall is about more than just classrooms. It’s a powerful statement about the future of L&S. This state-of-the-art facility will be a major draw for top faculty and students. A world-class learning environment fosters a world-class education, and Levy Hall will position us to attract the brightest minds in the humanities and social sciences.

This ambitious project wouldn’t be possible without the extraordinary generosity of alumni Marv and Jeff Levy, whose vision and commitment to the humanities are truly inspiring. We are also deeply grateful to the late Chancellor Rebecca Blank for her leadership in launching this initiative. Her dedication to L&S leaves a lasting legacy. And our sincere thanks to Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin for her ardent support and for helping shepherd the process.

This project is also a testament to the vital role of state investment in public education. We are thankful for the support of Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin State Legislature. Additionally, we extend our sincere appreciation to the UW Foundation for their tireless work in securing private funding for Levy Hall and to the many alumni and friends of the College who joined the Levy family in supporting this project.

The groundbreaking for Levy Hall marks a pivotal moment in UW–Madison’s history. This state-of-the-art facility will position the College at the forefront of humanities scholarship and education for generations to come. We look forward to sharing updates on the construction progress as we approach our anticipated opening in the summer of 2026.

Please check out the Irving & Dorothy Levy Hall webpage for more information and opportunities to be part of the Levy Hall story.

Thank you for all you do to support L&S, and On, Wisconsin!

Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison

March 20, 2024

Dean Spring Update

Dear alumni & friends,

Greetings from Madison! We’ve just about hit the halfway point of the spring semester, and our students are pushing through with mid-term exams and projects before departing Madison for a well-earned spring break. And, believe me, it isn’t just the students who are looking forward to spring break. It’s hard to believe that in just two short months we’ll be celebrating commencement with the class of 2024. Over the past four years, our graduating seniors have completed a remarkable journey of intellectual and personal growth that has prepared them to become tomorrow’s leaders. As they reach the end of their L&S careers, I congratulate them on their accomplishments and wish them all the best as they move into the next phase of their lives and into alumnihood.

As Dean of the College of Letters & Science, I take very seriously our commitment that the College not simply provide students with the skills they need to enter the workforce, but with the knowledge and experiences they’ll need to emerge as leaders in their communities and in their professions. Part of that commitment is an obligation to provide our students with the experiences they need to lead in a world that is increasingly diverse, multi-cultural and interconnected. And I strongly believe that the liberal arts education L&S provides — an education that is founded on both curiosity and respect for varied opinions and perspectives — is the best preparation that any future leader can receive.

We know that our commitment to curiosity and respect for varied opinions and perspectives is important because our alumni and industry partners tell us how central those skills are to their success. I’ll share a brief anecdote: I recently met with an alumnus who serves as a judge in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, and he spoke with me about the experiences of Indigenous Americans that he’s facing in his courtroom. Being a history department graduate, he reached out to our faculty experts to seek their knowledge and perspective so that he could better serve the community’s needs. That’s how training is impacting our world and helping L&S develop the next generation of leaders, whose curiosity leads them to ask deep questions about the world around them and to expand their capacity for understanding.

We also have overwhelming evidence from industry leaders that building diverse teams leads to better outcomes. The employers I’ve met with repeatedly tell me that they want workers who have the cultural competency and human-centered skills like resiliency and flexibility to succeed in an increasingly global marketplace. Industry leaders like Deloitte Consulting regularly partner with our career center, SuccessWorks, to offer microcredentials and other programs that focus on developing students’ human-centered skills and their capacity for understanding and navigating today’s diverse marketplace. I am thrilled with this partnership and am looking forward to other opportunities to expand the impact of SuccessWorks on students and their employers.

I’m proud of what we’re accomplishing in L&S, and I hope you are, too. Thank you for your continued support, and On, Wisconsin!

Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison

December 20, 2023

Dean Winter Update 2023

Dear alumni & friends,

Greetings from Madison, where colder temperatures have officially settled in and our faculty, staff and students are winding up another fall semester before taking a brief reprieve during winter break.

As we close out the year, I want to share an update on exciting developments in the Letters & Science research enterprise. We have been and continue to be a research powerhouse — our faculty, staff and students do remarkable work, and L&S generates nearly $130 million in externally funded research every year.

With that said, we are at a moment that demands a shift in our approach. Driven in part by shifting priorities of federal funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes for Health, we must see to it that our scholarship — our deep commitment to advancing knowledge — has a powerful impact locally and across the state, nation and world. We also recognize that advancing knowledge to help address the most challenging problems facing us requires new approaches to research. Therefore, we must focus our efforts on building deep and meaningful collaborations and partnerships not just with other scholars across L&S and the University, but also in industry and our communities.

Collaboration between public and private industries forms a central component of this new approach, and L&S researchers are quickly adapting to this new environment. For UW–Madison, industry-sponsored research expenditures increased 28% from 2021 to 2022, and our overall ranking moved up six spots during that time. This is terrific progress, and we are already laying the foundation for more industry partnerships in the years ahead.

As just one example, amongst our most prominent collaborators is Mark Saffman, the Johannes Rydberg Professor of Physics and director of The Wisconsin Quantum Institute, who has joined the Chicago Quantum Exchange collaboration. He also helps lead Q-NEXT, a Department of Energy-funded project centered on advancing quantum computing discoveries.

Saffman’s work with the Chicago Quantum Exchange has ambitious goals: to advance quantum computing breakthroughs that will impact everything from medical imaging and technology to developing more secure methods for processing and sharing information. Importantly, Saffman and the Exchange are also tasked with fostering an environment that will engage private industries, support startups and help power the 21st-century careers that will leverage these new technologies. This is a powerful example of how curiosity-driven research, in this case the desire to understand the fundamental nature of physics, can and should lead to a remarkable impact on society.

Of course, L&S has always prioritized the concept that the research we pursue here in Madison should support communities throughout the state and the nation. That’s what the Wisconsin Idea is all about. And in so many ways our evolving approach to research today is a deep recommitment to the Wisconsin Idea. That idea, born right here in Letters & Science, has guided our teaching and research endeavors for more than a century. It is why we are so well positioned to navigate this sea change in the funding landscape and to set the standard for how these types of research collaborations can succeed.
L&S is prepared to meet these challenges because of the incredible support of our alumni and friends. Your gifts to the L&S Annual Fund allow us to continue our pursuit of research and teaching excellence by providing critical funds that support our faculty, staff and students.

Thank you for your continued support of L&S, and On, Wisconsin!

Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison

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