About the Illuminating Discovery Hub

Who We Are

Audience participation at the Majestic Theater featuring Guy Thorne, UW Division of the Arts, Arts Residency Programs Coordinator.The Illuminating Discovery Hub is a force for positive impact that encourages scientific engagement through gathering, connecting, creating, and being curious.

Rooted in the belief that science is for everyone, we bring people together across disciplines and backgrounds to explore the world through both scientific and artistic lenses. By blending research, storytelling, and creative expression, we create experiences that spark curiosity, foster understanding, and build public trust in science.

Housed within the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery—an interdisciplinary research center at the heart of UW–Madison—we collaborate with scientists, artists, educators, and the public to illuminate the beauty, complexity, and relevance of science in our everyday lives.

Whether through public events, installations, educational programs, or community partnerships, our work expands access to discovery and makes science not just informative—but inspiring.

What We Do

Preteen crouches inside a huge soap bubble as volunteers raise the hoop around them.

The Illuminating Discovery Hub creates programs that engage the community at the intersection of science and the arts. We collaborate with partner organizations, artists, writers, scientists, and anyone curious about how creativity can illuminate scientific discovery.

The Illuminating Discovery Hub connects science and society through programs that blend research, art, storytelling, and public engagement. By partnering with scientists, artists, writers, policymakers, and the community, we create inclusive spaces to explore science in imaginative and accessible ways.

We aim to enrich our shared spaces while connecting people to cutting-edge research, creative expression, and opportunities to get involved.

Learn More

Learn more about us in our full video on YouTube!

Contact Us

At the Illuminating Discovery Hub, we are always open to new collaborations and ideas. Please reach out to our team any time to discuss your ideas further!

idhub@wid.wisc.edu

Discovery Building, 330 N Orchard St, Madison, WI 53703