Established in July 2019, the American Family Insurance Data Science Institute (DSI) performs cutting-edge research in the fundamentals of data science, and catalyzes the translation of this research into practice to advance scientific discovery in collaboration with researchers across campus, and beyond. Developing inclusive, interdisciplinary partnerships that further the social good is at the heart of what we do.
Three primary functions drive the work of DSI: Innovation, Translation, and Collaboration. Cutting-edge research projects bring together multiple PIs to develop innovative data science methodology. Teams of data scientists and domain research scientists translate frontier research methods into practical, adaptable resources. Collaboration staff, working through the Data Science Hub, connect researchers from all disciplines with available data science resources, experts, and efforts through facilitation guidance, training, and events. The enterprise-wide scale of the DSI greatly enhances the university’s productivity in today’s data-rich research environment.
The DSI is a campus focal point for integrating data science into research that addresses grand challenges. It is part of UW-Madison’s strategic priority to grow its research enterprise and expand its global impact, supporting the scholarship of faculty, staff, and students. Our strategy is informed by the Wisconsin Idea: Research and education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom, lab and campus.
