The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW-Madison) has announced a three-year, $15 million gift from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) in support of AI-focused programs in the university’s Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence Initiative (RISE). 

The grant will fund faculty hiring, research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student opportunity through the new initiative. RISE anticipates hiring between 120 and 150 staff over three to five years.

In addition, the funding will be used to produce cutting-edge technology, bolster research staff, and provide start-up costs to meet researcher needs. WARF’s contribution will give the university additional leverage to make investments in competitive markets for computer technology and skills, while supporting contributions to the study and advancement of AI, from medicine, philosophy, agriculture, and sociology. 

“AI is already shaping our present. With WARF as a partner, we’re hitting the ground running with RISE-AI to ensure UW–Madison can lead the way in shaping AI’s role in our future,” said UW-Madison chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin. “WARF’s support will help us attract exceptional talent, build cutting-edge research infrastructure, and produce AI innovations that benefit Wisconsin and the world.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/gorodenkoff)