Research events and announcements (Oct. and Nov.)
Congratulations!
Tracey Holloway, above, jointly appointed professor in AOS and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, has been elected as an American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fellow. She joins a distinguished group of 52 individuals in the 2025 Class of Fellows, an honor bestowed annually by AGU to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Earth and space sciences. Since the program’s inception in 1962, less than 0.1% of AGU members have been selected as Fellows each year.
AGU Fellows are recognized for their scientific eminence, demonstrated through breakthroughs, discoveries or innovations that advance the Earth and space sciences. Fellows act as external experts, advising government agencies and other organizations outside the sciences upon request. Holloway was selected for her exemplary leadership and outstanding scientific achievements, which have significantly advanced our understanding of air quality analysis and policy.
Computational Modeling in Biology Network (COMBINE) Conference; Oct. 20-23
Location: Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.
- Model use and development to advance mechanistic understanding of biological systems from molecular to physiome and community scales (e.g., development, epigenetics, host-pathogen systems, plant systems, microbiomes and communities)
- Data exchange, pipelines and model standards for systems and synthetic biology
- Visualization and graphical notation standards for systems and synthetic biology
- Standards for sharing and analysing biological pathway data
- Standards for computational biological models and modelling support
- Metadata description and model annotation in COMBINE standard formats
- Implementation of COMBINE standards in tools, databases and other resources
- Integrated model and data management for systems and synthetic biology
- Standardization and use of Artificial Intelligence approaches in biological modelling
- Emerging standardization needs in multi-scale, multicellular and microbial community modeling
- Community aspects of COMBINE
8th Annual BadgerConnect Research Services Fair: 12:45 p.m.-4:30 p.m.Oct. 21
Location: Health Sciences Learning Center Atrium
BadgerConnect connects UW–Madison life science researchers with campus core facilities and their industry partners to explore innovative technologies and how the cores can support and enhance research. This free event features:
- Live instrument demonstrations (new this year!)
- Keynote lecture and roundtable discussions
- One-on-one consultations with shared resource staff
- Networking reception to foster collaboration
- Online access to core flash talks and tutorials
Screening of Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 22
Location: Ebling Auditorium (Room 1220), Microbial Sciences Building, 1550 Linden Drive
The Department of Biochemistry hosts a screening of Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution, a compelling documentary that explores the life of Nobel Laureate Phil Sharp and the transformative impact of biotechnology on science and society.
Sharp’s groundbreaking discovery of RNA splicing rewrote the rules of molecular biology and ignited a life-saving scientific revolution, laying the foundation for an industry that has become a cornerstone of global innovation and economic growth — and transformed the health of billions of patients worldwide.
Please RSVP by Oct. 14 using the link below:
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Semi-finals Competition, 4-6 p.m. Nov. 24 (Registration deadline is Oct. 22
WID Seminar Series: Tim Rogers, “Connecting Natural and Artificial Intelligence in Cognition and Neuroscience,” 10-11 a.m. Oct. 24
Location: 3rd Floor, Orchard View Room, Discovery Building
The 2025-26 WID Seminar Series: Collaborative Complex Systems: The Year of Discovery Fellows continues with Tim Rogers, WID Discovery fellow and professor of pyschology, as he discusses his research.
Special introduction by Rob Nowak, WID fellow, Keith and Jane Morgan Nosbusch Professor in ECE, Grace Wahba and professor of data science.
Light refreshments available. Hybrid option available.
Vaccines: Dispelling Myths and Making Informed Choices, a virtual forum (Zoom), 7-8 p.m. Oct. 27
Join the Morgridge Institute for Research for a Fearless Science Forum webinar exploring vaccines. Morgridge Investigator Paul Ahlquist will be joined by Drs. Jorge Osorio, Nasia Safdar, and John Williams to discuss how vaccines protect communities, how rigorous safety processes work through each stage of their development, and how to start separating credible information from misleading claims. Participants will leave with practical tools for evaluating sources and making informed choices.
Panel Topics
- The processes behind vaccine development and approval
- Confronting misinformation about vaccine safety
- Where to find up-to-date, accurate information
Who Should Attend:
- Scientists, researchers and students
- Policy makers and public health officials
- Members of the public interested in science and society
- Supporters of the Morgridge Institute for Research
To register and for more information visit, https://morgridge.org/event/vaccines-dispelling-myths-and-making-informed-choices/?src=uwevents
Dr. Daniel I. Kaufer Lecture: Lewy Body Dementia, Caregiving and Advocacy, 3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 28
Location: HSLC, room 1335, or on Zoom
This year’s event is designed for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) researchers and professionals working in dementia care, including memory care providers, neuropsychologists, nurses and social workers, as well as community members, care partners and trainees. The event will conclude with a Q&A panel. Light refreshments will be provided.
Free and open to all. Learn more and register
Global Health Institute’s (GHI) October Global Health Tuesday Webinar, 9 a.m. Oct. 28
- Niti, Saxena, Chief Technology Officer, S M Sehgal Foundation
- Dr. Zoua Vang, Meta Schroeder Beckner Outreach Professor, professor of civil society & community studies; director, Maternal Child Health Equity & Safety Lab, School of Human Ecology, UW–Madison
- Dr. Jill Denson, research assistant professor, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; director, UW Prevention Research Center
- Dr. Tiwaladeoluwa Adekunle, assistant professor, reproductive and population health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Fourth annual UW–Madison Sustainability Symposium, 1-5:30 p.m. Oct. 29
- Keynote: Adele Houghton, FAIA, DrPH, LEED AP (Harvard) on architectural epidemiology, the intersection of the built environment, health, and climate.
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Interactive Workshop: Dr. Cindy Kao (Cornell) on sustainable textile design, exploring materials, circularity, and hands-on prototyping.
- Campus Showcase: Lightning talks and posters featuring innovative sustainability research and practice from across UW–Madison and partners.
- Networking: Opportunities to connect with peers, potential collaborators, and community and industry partners.
Hilldale Lecture, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Nov. 6
Location: Play Circle, Memorial Union
Featuring: “We’re Building the Wrong AI” with Dr. Sendhil Mullainathan.
Mullainathan will explore two kinds of AI: One that will have minimal impact on economic growth and possibly lead to job losses. The other could greatly increase growth rates and improve human productivity. Unfortunately, we are building the wrong kind.
Funding is provided by the Hilldale Lecture Series. This event is free and open to the public.