
Research
In the field and in the lab
From molecules and cells, to plants, animals and fungi, to the processes shaping entire ecosystems, faculty and students across the Department of Biology engage in research with real-world implications.

Get involved
All student in the Department of Biology have opportunities to engage with research through hands-on coursework, independent research projects and more.
Collections
The Botany Garden and Greenhouse, Wisconsin State Herbarium, and UW Zoological Museum store both living and preserved collections of flora, fungi and fauna that support research on campus and beyond.


Newcomb Imaging Center
The Newcomb Imaging Center (NIC) houses powerful, modern microscopy instrumentation that supports research and education in the Department of Biology and across campus.
Read more…
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A hub for botanical research: Q&A with the Center for Botany Faculty Director
The new Center for Botany is a research hub for botanical sciences at UW–Madison housed in the Department of Biology. Members of the center will discover, archive and communicate knowledge of basic…
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Professor Damschen talks biodiversity on WPR
Professor Ellen Damschen joins WPR’s The Larry Meiller Show to discuss why biodiversity matters in Wisconsin, and what scientists are doing to conserve plant and animal life. Listen to the episode.
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Hands-on in Hawaii
Botany students journey to Hawaii to learn about plant diversity in the global biodiversity hotspot.
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DNA analysis of Mongol Empire’s ruling elites
Integrative Biology graduate student Ayken Askapuli’s research reveals implications for the genetic ancestry of the broader Mongolian Empire.
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Tiny copepod for a big discovery
UW researchers turn to the tiny copepod for a big discovery, showing that gene location influences natural selection.




