Elevating Science at the Medical College of Wisconsin

Within the walls of MCW are individuals dedicated to generating the knowledge that changes lives across our community, state and around the world. Basic and translational scientists at MCW drive discovery and relentlessly pursue innovative and cutting-edge treatments to positively impact health. The work is challenging, rewarding and groundbreaking.

To elevate the important work of these health and science leaders, MCW has launched several initiatives designed to create awareness of its research enterprise and elevate the unique contributions of its scientists to advance health globally.

Project Wonder: The Art of Science at MCW

Launched in March 2022, Project Wonder partners MCW’s basic and translational scientists with in-house and community-based graphic designers, artists, illustrators and writers to elevate and amplify their research interests and discoveries through bold, imaginative, one-of-a-kind artistic representations.

“Project Wonder is such a unique and important initiative,” says Izamar Virafuentes, a graphic designer and artist. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to transform scientific discoveries into art that’s accessible and relatable to the public.”

Promoted across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, Project Wonder reaches upwards of 1.5 million people across the globe.     

Learn more about Project Wonder

Coffee Conversations with Scientists

Coffee Conversations with Scientists is a monthly Facebook Live event and podcast hosted by MCW and sponsored by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW) that shares the science behind today’s trending health topics.

Coffee Conversations with Scientists is delivered in a casual Q&A format between a host and a scientist fielding questions from the audience. Since its launch in early 2021, the series has reached nearly one million individuals across the nation.

“The translation of scientific discoveries and health information into digestible bites for consumers is one of the most critical functions an academic medical center can perform,” says Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, director of AHW.

CTSI Discovery Radio

CTSI Discovery Radio is a national award-winning 30-minute radio show and podcast produced, hosted and distributed by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin (CTSI – housed at MCW) that informs, educates and engages listeners around the world about translational research and current medical and health topics, clinical trials and the latest advancements in treatments and interventions.

“CTSI Discovery Radio enhances our mission to advance health through research and to translate discoveries into better health for our communities, Wisconsin and beyond. The show serves our local community and reaches a national and international audience, with listeners from over half the US and 40 countries on six continents tuning in for educational content about translational research related to current health topics,” explains Doriel Ward, PhD, executive director of CTSI, chief administrative officer of clinical and translational research at MCW, and assistant dean in the MCW School of Medicine.

Throughout the years, CTSI Discovery Radio has received top awards from locally and nationally recognized organizations including the Association of American Medical Colleges, the Healthcare Ad Awards, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and the Milwaukee Press Club.

MCW Content Hub and Social Media

In addition to these initiatives, MCW continues to elevate the unique contributions of its scientists, physicians, community-based researchers, epidemiologists, qualitative researchers and other integral faculty and staff to advance health through its digital channels. On MCW’s blog (referred to as “Content Hub”), readers can find stories showcasing the integral work that the MCW community is doing to contribute toward the goal of improving health for all.

MCW social media accounts – which include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube – amplify these stories and allow for dialogue with the community. Through its digital communications, MCW is celebrating the stellar work that is truly pioneering paths to a healthier world.

– Alex Krouse and Maureen Remmel