Extraordinary members of the University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty were honored during the last year with awards supported by the estate of professor, Senator and Regent William F. Vilas (1840-1908).

Among the recipients: Jo Handelsman, director of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and professor of plant pathology, was named to a Vilas Research Professorship.

Created “for the advancement of learning,” Vilas Research Professorships are granted to candidates with proven research ability and unusual qualifications and promise. The recipients of the award have contributed significantly to the research mission of the university and are widely recognized both nationally and internationally.