UW–Madison is internationally known for our research on the complex human immune system, healthy aging and the social contexts and lifestyles that allow people to not just live but to thrive.
RISE-THRIVE will strategically focus our investments in these disciplines to improve human healthspan, building on our existing strengths and generating research into critical new treatments for diseases ranging from Parkinson’s to cancer.
—Jennifer L. Mnookin, Chancellor
Advancing health, improving lives
Wisconsin RISE Initiatives allow UW–Madison to attract top scholars at all stages of their careers to bring interdisciplinary perspectives to solving deeply complex problems. RISE-THRIVE, which stands for Transforming Healthspan through Research, InnoVation, and Education, is set to harness and grow the university’s reputation as a global powerhouse in interdisciplinary health research — translating both medical discoveries and innovative social science approaches into tangibly healthier lives for Wisconsinites and people and communities around the world.
RISE-THRIVE will focus on strengthening UW–Madison’s investments and leadership in two distinct yet complementary areas: the science of immunology and the study of the healthspan, or the number of years a person is not only alive but healthy.
“Diseases and health conditions that cut short the number of healthy years individuals can live are a growing challenge for caregivers, medical professionals and policymakers,” says Provost Charles Isbell. “Being a part of empowering individuals to own and improve their healthspan is a complex challenge that requires an all-hands-on-deck interdisciplinary approach embodied by RISE-THRIVE.”
Growing our understanding of the human immune system is crucial for developing new treatments for cancer, improving organ transplantation, combating autoimmune disorders and enhancing our ability to ward off infectious diseases. Improving healthspan will also require deeper scientific knowledge of the complex relationships between our bodies and the world that surrounds us.
—Robert N. Golden, Dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Investing in a healthier Wisconsin
Over the next several years, RISE–THRIVE will supercharge UW–Madison’s interdisciplinary health research, adding at least 80 hires at all levels across the university. New faculty focused on immunology and healthspan research will join schools, colleges, centers, institutes and other units across campus.
A hub for cross-disciplinary approaches to health
UW–Madison’s decades-spanning global leadership in health research cuts across all manner of disciplines, from demography to pharmacology, from molecular biology to surgery, biomedical engineering and robotics.
For example, UW–Madison researchers originated the field of embryonic stem cell research in the 1990s. More recently, they’ve developed innovative approaches to studying and defending against old and new pathogens, like influenza and the virus that causes COVID-19. In 2023, the National Institutes of Health selected the university to lead a nationwide, $150 million research initiative to investigate the neurobiology of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
University leaders envision RISE-THRIVE as a hub for cross-disciplinary collaboration across campus. At its outset, 10 UW–Madison schools and colleges are set to contribute expertise and resources to boost research in several priority areas, including stem cell biology; immune system-microbiome interactions; social, economic and behavioral factors associated with health and well-being; genomics and epigenetics; and developing new technologies to support health.
RISE-THRIVE will channel the depth and breadth of the university’s world-class research community to provide tangible benefits to Wisconsinites and the world, especially given the recognition that health is about more than just our biology — it’s also affected by where we live, our access to nutritious food and the socioeconomic stressors we face. What better embodiment of the Wisconsin Idea than results that lead to richer, healthier lives.
—Eric Wilcots, Dean of the College of Letters & Science
Get involved
Join an upcoming health event
- September
- September 7
- September 102024 Fall Community Conversation: The Impact of Social Connections on Brain Health4:30 PM, Middleton Performing Arts Center, 2100 Bristol Street, Middleton WI, 53562
- September 12School of Education Distinguished Alumni AwardsPublic Presentations and Awards 1:00 PM, 159 Wisconsin Idea Room, Education Building
Help identify future RISE Initiatives
Faculty, staff, and students are invited to suggest areas where UW–Madison can make a considerable impact to help solve pressing societal concerns. NetID login required.
If you have any questions about the RISE Initiative, please send us an email.