July 30, 2026

Research

Blue and purple colorful galaxy of stars.

Researchers with the Wisconsin Center for Origins Research have discovered their first exoplanet, a 170-million-year-old planet more than twice the size of Earth.

Alumni

Two wedding bands laying on an open notebook.

Understanding Marriage and Its Relationship to Divorce

Attorney Allan Koritzinsky has litigated more than 4,000 divorces and officiated nearly 50 weddings. He’s also been married for 57 years and is a father of two. So, it’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about marriage — and divorce.

The Latest

Collage of Department of Biology subjects.

178 Years in the Making: Meet UW–Madison’s Department of Biology

For the first time in 178 years, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has a Department of Biology. Bringing together the former L&S botany and integrative biology departments, this new biology department marks a historic milestone that will bring tremendous benefits for students.

Student Spotlight

Miranda Garcia-Dove speaking at an event.

The Power of Leading Through Listening

Miranda Garcia-Dove, an L&S Dean’s Ambassador and 2026 Truman Scholar, is creating meaningful conversation and bridging divides on campus.

In the Lab

Redesigning Prescription Drugs Based on Molecular Shape

New research in the Department of Chemistry’s Gellman Group undermines traditional drug design and expands prospects for new drugs, including Forteo, Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Dean’s Message

Shaping the Human Future of AI

As Kristin Eschenfelder steps into her new role as Interim Dean, she is addressing curiosity and concerns around the future of artificial intelligence at L&S. Her first message to the community included insight and an opportunity for readers to share feedback.

News

Image of The Big Red Plasma Ball, one of many UW–Madison's experiments aimed at understanding and improving fusion energy technology.

L&S Projects That Will Transform Science and Energy Receive DOE Genesis Mission Funding

UW–Madison researchers joined industry partners and colleagues from universities and national laboratories at the first annual Genesis Mission Summit, as the U.S. Department of Energy announced the first phase of projects funded through the Genesis Mission.

Roundup

Six Alumni Making Their Mark in Comedy

These alumni use laughter to find human connection, shaping culture in writers’ rooms, on stage and through their phone screens.

Fueling Discovery

Badger fans cheer during halftime band show at Camp Randall.

A Word of Advice: Take It

Lyn Van Swol, a professor of communication science, used Badger and Packer games as opportunities to innovate for the public good. Her research showed that when fans from opposing teams spoke, they made better predictions on final scores and who would win.

From the Magazine

1,200-year-old dugout canoe was found at the bottom of Lake Mendota.

Discovering Dugout Canoes

Five years after discovering the first ancient dugout canoe found in Lake Mendota, researchers are now mapping a parking system for boats that are thousands of years old.

Madison Moment

A crowd at the Memorial Union Terrace sings along to "Varsity" on the Fourth of July.

Celebrating America’s 250th at the Terrace

Happy 250th birthday, America! To mark a special Fourth of July, Badgers added blue to their usual red-and-white getup for a full day of themed fun at the Memorial Union Terrace.

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