Crossroads of Ideas: Funding the Future of Science

How America Funds Discovery – Research, Innovation, and What Comes Next How we fund research shapes what questions get asked, which ideas have the opportunity to grow, and how discoveries move into the world. For decades, the U.S. has relied heavily on a university-centered model, but the landscape of research funding is evolving, with new approaches and priorities emerging. Enjoy this conversation about the future of research funding in America from panelists Sam Rikkers (Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.), Dorota Brzezinska (UW-Madison), and John Neis (Clarevia Ventures) as they explore the opportunities and challenges of different models and consider what may be at stake for universities, researchers, industry, and society as the nation rethinks how discovery is supported. Moderated by Maggie Brickerman (Wisconsin Technology Council) with opening remarks from Bassam Shakhashiri. Due to a recording error, opening remarks from Bassam Shakhashiri were unfortunately not captured. However, you can listen to him discuss the Wisconsin Science Festival on WPR here - http://scifun.org/Radio/wpr_sci.html and find a copy of his opening remarks for this edition of Crossroads of Ideas here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ux0I.... This event was part of the 2026 Wisconsin Science Festival!