“The researchers on campus really have a ... belief in the Wisconsin Idea to engage with the whole state in what they do,” Heisler said. “We benefit from the connection with the university because we get to help bring all of the amazing research going on here out into the world.”

UW-Madison will host several events at its museums and public education centers, including two panels on Oct. 17 and 18. The first, “Who Owns Science?,” will discuss participation in and exclusion from science, according to a university press release. The conversation will hopefully be focused on young “scientists of the future,” Heisler said in an interview, questioning who has had a seat at the table in the field of science.

“Whether the topics relate to equity of opportunities in STEM, cultural norms or fresh perspectives, we design these sessions to be accessible to the university community,” Heisler said in the release. “They take place during the course of the school and work day to encourage the campus community to participate.”