About the RISE Initiative
The Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative is a multifaceted effort focused on faculty hiring, research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student opportunity. Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin launched the initiative in February 2024 to address significant, complex challenges of particular importance to Wisconsin and the world. Cross-campus collaboration will identify future RISE Initiative focus areas in which UW–Madison can make a considerable impact on pressing societal concerns. Ultimately, there will be three to five, which currently include RISE-AI, RISE-EARTH, and RISE-THRIVE.
RISE and the International Division
The International Division supports the RISE Initiative by connecting UW–Madison’s expertise with global perspectives through events, programming, and initiatives. Explore how our efforts foster international collaboration to address pressing societal challenges and create real-world impact. Find ways you can engage below.
Featured programming and events
Educators From Across Wisconsin Hear From Experts on the Ethics of AI and Receive Practical Classroom Tools
Over 200 school administrators, principals, and educators from across Wisconsin gathered at the 2026 Wisconsin State Education Convention for a session on how school leaders can responsibly navigate the growing role of artificial intelligence in K–12 education.
Global Gateway: Chile
Explore how climate change affects Chile and the Southern Cone of South America, and how different groups are developing justice initiatives and resilient solutions to combat the effects of these changes. Global Gateway is a unique, engaging experience designed specially for first- and second-year UW students.
The Global Reach of the Wisconsin Idea
When an international faculty member joins the University of Wisconsin–Madison, they often hear about the Wisconsin Idea—the principle that the university’s influence should reach every family in the state and beyond. For many, it is a new concept to study. But for Rajdeep Khangura, discovering the Wisconsin Idea felt less like an introduction and more like a homecoming.
Artificial Paris: How Is AI Changing the City of Light?
The UW Paris Spring Program is offered through a partnership with the CIEE Paris Open Campus program. A film-focused course offered through the UW Paris Spring Program examines how AI is transforming society, analyzing its impact on social networks and its implications for the environment and human thought.
IRIS Workshop Explores AI’s Future in Education, Business, and Beyond
A collaboration of UW–Madison’s IRIS centers hosted a workshop at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club. Titled “AI and Society: Community Impacts and New Directions,” the event drew over 55 educators, business leaders, and community partners from across the state.
CIEE Summer Community Public Health program
Offered through the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE), the Community Public Health program is an approved UW affiliate program. This 8 week program in Buenos Aires is designed for Spanish-speaking students eager to explore community and public health issues within the Argentine context.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- April
- April 20