Scenes from start of semester
The semester started Jan. 25 with routines both familiar – moving briskly to class through the cold, masking up indoors – and new – picking up free surgical masks and take-home COVID-19 antigen tests at the unions.
National science organization AAAS grants fellowship status to 13 from UW
The honor, presented annually since 1874, recognizes efforts to advance science and society, with the fellows expected to maintain the highest standards of scientific integrity and professional ethics.
Cannabis marketers targeting kids on social media, despite prohibitions
A new study led by the UW School of Medicine and Public Health finds many recreational cannabis companies market their products in a way that appeals to children and teens, despite state-based regulations prohibiting it.
UW alum helped pack James Webb telescope for space travel
Wei-Di Cheng, a 1993 engineering graduate, analyzed mechanical ground systems to propose, design, fabricate, test and deliver ground systems to support spacecraft and payload integration.
2022 Distinguished Teaching Award recipients announced
Twelve faculty members have been chosen to receive the awards, an annual tradition since 1953 to recognize some of the university’s finest educators.
Statement from UW–Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank on selection of Jay Rothman as next UW System president
Congratulations to Jay Rothman on becoming the next president of the University of Wisconsin System. His experience working with the business community in Wisconsin, as well his relationships with state and local leaders, will be a tremendous asset. Jay will bring a fresh perspective to higher education and I look forward to collaborating with him on making the UW System even better.
UW–Madison partners with regional leaders to launch Midwest Climate Collaborative
The MCC is a network of organizations committed to accelerating climate action in the Midwest by leveraging research, shaping public understanding, advancing solutions and developing future leaders.
Omicron causes less severe illness in animal models than previous variants
The findings, published in the journal Nature, align with preliminary data from studies of people infected with the variant and offer insight into the nature of the disease with omicron.
Statement from Chancellor and Athletic Director on Anti-Asian Incident
We are reaching out today to condemn the offensive anti-Asian gestures made by a man in Badgers apparel at Tuesday’s men’s basketball game at Northwestern University and to share the actions being taken.
Bus shelters to get solar-powered displays
In a collaboration with student organizations interested in sustainability, Transportation Services will start installing solar panels, lights and screens with real-time arrival information on bus shelters in 2022.
Researchers seeking study participants to lose weight — by phone
Log2Lose, an 18-month study, aims to help people build habits for a healthier lifestyle by sending them motivational text messages and providing an app to keep track of what they eat.
COVID-19 employee message: Important updates before start of semester
In preparation for the start of class on Jan. 25, this message shares detailed information about how UW–Madison will use testing, masking and vaccination, which are proven to reduce transmission and severe illness.
UW–Madison researchers lead effort to create a universal coronavirus vaccine
If the world already had a pan-coronavirus vaccine in March 2020, it could have served as a mitigation tool until vaccines specific to SARS-CoV-2 could be developed.
Video: From weather to wonder
The Wonders of Physics traveling show is back in action at schools and public events. It is now presented by UW–Madison outreach specialist Haddie McLean, a former TV meteorologist. In this video, she visits Pecatonica Elementary School.
Chancellor search website is up; listening sessions continue
The site includes a prospectus for the position, a timeline for the search, details about the Search and Screen Committee, information about UW–Madison and the Madison community, and other details for the campus community and stakeholders.
Name pronunciation feature added to Canvas
“Taking the time to learn and correctly pronounce a person’s name is one simple — and important — way to respect and honor their identity,” says Gabe Javier, associate vice chancellor for student affairs in the areas of identity and inclusion.
Key to a better 2022: Set goals, not resolutions
A UW Health psychologist says the blank slate of a new year can be a great opportunity for people to reset and create a different kind of future for themselves.
Joanna Wang named program executive for Administrative Transformation Program
With 20 years of success in project management, process improvement, IT operations and enterprise resource planning, Wang joins the multi-year initiative to modernize UW human resources, finance and research administration.
Mysterious ‘blue lurker’ stars likely got a spin boost by absorbing their partners
The stars, discovered a few years ago, were spinning far too quickly given their age. Nicknamed “blue lurkers,” they hid for decades within clusters of other stars.
Balancing personal and community risk with the omicron variant
Devlin Cole of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health says, "Wear a mask, get vaccinated and boosted … you can still go out and do the things you want to do, but it’s going to take a bit more planning."