UW–Madison Energy Research Centers

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a world leader in energy education and research. Each year, it ranks among the top university recipients of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) research funding as well as funding for energy-related research from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense. UW–Madison energy research activities are interdisciplinary in nature and involve faculty, researchers, and students in engineering, chemistry, geology, and physics, life sciences, business, economics, environmental studies, and public policy.

Energy Analysis and Policy

The Energy Analysis and Policy program is a UW-Madison graduate certificate with an interdisciplinary approach to energy systems and the policies that shape them. EAP’s curriculum gives students the knowledge and skills needed to become leaders in industry, government, consulting, non-profits, and other roles in the energy field and

Engine Research Center

Founded in 1946 by two UW–Madison professors, the Engine Research Center (ERC) is the largest academic research center focused on internal combustion engines in the U.S. and serves as a national resource for information on combustion engine science and technology.

Grainger Institute for Engineering

The Granger Institute for Engineering is a trans-disciplinary research institute in UW–Madison’s College of Engineering. Funded with a $25 million commitment from The Grainger Foundation of Lake Forest, Illinois, the Institute promotes collaborative research and drives technological breakthroughs that enhance the success of U.S. industries and drive economic growth in the nation.

Great Lakes Bioenergy

The Wisconsin Energy Institute is the primary home of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC). One of three bioenergy research centers established by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2007, GLBRC is led by the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with Michigan State University as a major partner.

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center

The NSF-sponsored Wisconsin Materials Research Science and Engineering Center brings together teams of researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds to address a critical void in knowledge involving disordered materials, and the emergence of order from disordered materials.

Power Systems Engineering Research Center

The Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSERC) was created in 1996 as a National Science Foundation Industry-University Cooperative Research Center to address key challenges in creating a modern electric energy infrastructure. Under the banner of PSERC, 39 industries and 13 U.S. universities are working collaboratively to support:

Solar Energy Lab

Founded in 1954, UW–Madison's Solar Energy Lab (SEL) is the oldest of its kind in the world and has been awarded the highest distinction given by the International Solar Energy Society, the Weeks award, for outstanding achievements in developing practical uses of solar energy. The SEL’s mission is to educate students through research experiences in solar and conventional energy utilization

Space Science and Engineering Center

Positioned within the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education, SSEC is a research and development center focusing on geophysical research and technology to enhance our understanding of the atmosphere of Earth, the other planets in our Solar System, and the cosmos.

University of Wisconsin Fusion Technology Institute

Founded in 1971, UW–Madison’s Fusion Technology Institute (FTI) investigates and assesses technological problems posed by controlled thermonuclear fusion reactors and hosts to the largest program in the U.S. for advanced degrees in fusion engineering. FTI’s esteemed degree program provides research personnel for the national fusion program, industry, and educational institutions.

Wisconsin Institute for Discovery

The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) is a research institute on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison built to develop a new approach to science driven by unlikely collaborations and great minds from across the campus and the world. WID's mission is to discover and inspire through interdisciplinary research conducted in a dynamic, collaborative community.

Wisconsin Institute of Nuclear Systems

The Wisconsin Institute of Nuclear Systems (WINS) was created in UW–Madison’s College of Engineering in 2001 with a mission to promote research, education, and public service related to nuclear systems.

Wisconsin Materials Institute

The Wisconsin Materials Institute (WMI) enables collaborative, high-impact materials science and development at University of Wisconsin–Madison and beyond. As an umbrella organization at UW–Madison, WMI provides a gateway for campus materials activities, research and findings.