Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Fueling Breakthroughs Empowering Ideas

100 Years of Fueling Innovation

From a vitamin D breakthrough a century ago to 30+ new products launched annually, WARF has pioneered the art of turning groundbreaking research into real-world impact. We connect the brightest minds at UW-Madison with global industries, generating over 1,200 products and fueling a $10 billion+ economic engine.

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100 YEARS OF PROGRESS, PARTNERSHIP and POSSIBILITY

Explore our history and join us as we look ahead to the next 100 years

1933

GRANT

First WARF-Sponsored Professorship:
1933: A Legacy of Conservation Takes Root.

WARF began a tradition of funding endowed professorships in 1933 when it enabled UW to hire none other than famed conservationist Aldo Leopold

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1933

MILESTONE

First License for Vitamin D Milk:
1933: Bringing Innovation to the Grocery Store.

Vitamin D-fortified milk got its start when WARF licensed its first patent to dairies across the country.

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1938

INVENTION

Stabilized Iodine in Salt:
1938: Ensuring Essential Nutrients Reach Every Table.

Scientists new that iodine could eliminate goiter, but iodized salt only became a stable solution with a WARF invention.

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1941 & 1942

GRANT

Mortgages for Picnic Point and Arboretum Land:
1941 & 1942: Investing in Green Spaces for Generations to Enjoy.

Picnic Point and the Arboretum are iconic parts of the UW-Madison landscape. WARF financing ensures the land was preserved.

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1947

INVENTION

Dicumarol and Warfarin:
1947: From Spoiled Hay to Life-Saving Medicine.

Warfarin, one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the world, was named after WARF.

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1954

MILESTONE

WARF Acquires the Wisconsin Dells:
1954: Preserving Natural Wonders for All.

For fifty years, WARF owned and preserved the wonders of the Wisconsin Dells, and operated the boats and the Ducks.

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1977

MILESTONE

Sale of WARF Institute:
1977: Streamlining for Strategic Focus.

WARF built a legacy of quality control and food testing laboratories. The labs are still in operation, owned by LabCorp.

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1998

INVENTION

Human Embryonic Stem Cells:
1998: Unlocking the Potential of Regenerative Medicine.

Human stem cells were first isolated at UW-Madison, and WARF ensured they were distributed to researchers across the world.

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2017

GRANT

Eleventh Nobel Prize Given to a WARF Grant Recipient:
2017: A Legacy of Nobel-Winning Research.

Eleven Nobel Prizes have been awarded to scientists who’s research was at one point founded by WARF.

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A Century of Impact

For 100 years, WARF has championed world-changing discoveries, transforming lives and shaping a brighter future. From life-saving medical therapies to sustainable technologies, we’ve helped bring innovations to the world.

Explore our story and discover how we’re making a difference.

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Centennial News & Events

Keep up with the latest centennial news and events! Join us as we mark a century of impact and look ahead to the next 100 years of pioneering discoveries.

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Erik Iverson is shepherding 100 years of innovation
Erik Iverson is shepherding 100 years of innovation

As the CEO of Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Iverson is the head of a nonprofit that brings cutting-edge discoveries to the market. For someone with no formal science or medical…

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WisBusiness: the Podcast with Erik Iverson, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
WisBusiness: the Podcast with Erik Iverson, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

This week’s episode of “WisBusiness: the Podcast” is with Erik Iverson, CEO of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. WARF this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary, putting a spotlight on…

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12 UW-Madison inventions that changed the world
12 UW-Madison inventions that changed the world

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, known for helping UW-Madison commercialize discoveries such as vitamin D enrichment, a blood thinning drug and stem cells, may seem like a solid presence on…

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