The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (“WARF,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information through this website, WARF’s notification services, and related communications and services. For the purposes of this policy, personal information includes any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular individual.
This Privacy Policy describes how we handle personal information when you use our website. Where applicable law requires your consent for specific processing activities, we will obtain it separately. Personal information collected through other WARF business relationships, such as licensing agreements or inventor memorandum agreements, is governed by the terms of those agreements.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
WARF reserves the right to modify or amend this Privacy Policy at any time. If we make material changes, we will post the updated policy on this website with a revised “Last Updated” date and provide additional notice where required by applicable law or where we determine appropriate. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.
Your continued use of the website or WARF services after such updates constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you should discontinue use of the website and may request deletion of your personal information as described below.
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at [email protected].
Information We Collect
WARF collects personal information in the following categories:
1. Information You Provide Directly
- Name, email address, phone number
- Professional or institutional affiliation
- Communications and inquiries
- Information submitted through forms, subscriptions, or event registrations
- Information submitted through the Innovation Disclosure form, including inventor contact details and descriptions of research or technology
2. Automatically Collected Information
- IP address
- Browser type and device information
- Website usage data (pages visited, time spent, referring URLs)
- Cookies and similar tracking identifiers (described further below)
3. Information from Third Parties
- Service providers supporting our website and communications
- Institutional or research partners
- Publicly available professional information
How We Use Information
WARF uses personal information to:
- Respond to inquiries and provide requested services
- Operate, maintain, and improve our website and services
- Administer events and communications
- Support research commercialization, licensing, outreach, and engagement with potential licensees
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
- Protect the security and integrity of our systems
We may also use aggregated or de-identified information for analytics, reporting, and program development.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
WARF uses cookies and similar technologies on its website. These generally fall into the following categories:
- Essential Cookies: Required for core website functionality, such as maintaining session state and security.
- Analytics Cookies: Used to analyze website performance and usage patterns, including through third-party analytics services such as Google Analytics. These tools may collect information such as your IP address, browser type, and pages visited.
- Functional Cookies: Used to remember user preferences and improve your experience. WARF does not use marketing or advertising cookies.
You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. You may also opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality. For more detailed information about the specific cookies we use, their purposes, and their duration, please contact us at [email protected].
Global Privacy Control Some browsers and browser extensions transmit opt-out preference signals, such as the Global Privacy Control (GPC). Where required by applicable state law, WARF treats GPC signals as valid requests to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information associated with the browser or device transmitting the signal.
Use of IP Addresses
Do Not Track Signals Some web browsers transmit ‘Do Not Track’ signals to websites. Our website does not currently respond to Do Not Track signals. We will update this Privacy Policy if our practices change.
WARF logs IP addresses for system administration and analytics purposes, including understanding website usage and improving services. We may use aggregated or de-identified information derived from IP addresses to support program development and outreach.
How We Share Information
WARF shares personal information only as necessary to operate its services.
We may share information with:
- Service providers that support website operations, analytics, or communications
- Institutional and research partners
- Legal or regulatory authorities when required
- Parties necessary to protect WARF, users, or others in emergencies
Data Retention
WARF retains personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, including to comply with legal, regulatory, and institutional obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements.
Data Security
WARF implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.
If we become aware of a security incident involving unauthorized access to or acquisition of personal information that compromises its security, confidentiality, or integrity, we will take reasonable steps to investigate and mitigate the incident and provide any notices required by applicable law.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to:
- Request access to personal information WARF holds about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Request a copy of your personal information (data portability)
- Opt out of certain communications
WARF does not sell personal information. WARF does not use personal information for targeted advertising.
To exercise your rights, contact [email protected]. We may take reasonable steps to verify your identity before fulfilling requests.
Aggregated and Technical Data Requests
Because WARF generally does not maintain IP address or cookie data in a way that uniquely identifies individuals, requests to delete such data may require additional information to locate and remove relevant records, where feasible.
Artificial Intelligence And Analytics
WARF may use analytical tools, including automated or artificial intelligence-based systems, to improve website functionality, communications, and program effectiveness. These tools may include website analytics platforms, email engagement tracking, and similar technologies. When using such tools, WARF applies safeguards including data minimization, access controls, and, where appropriate, human oversight of outputs that may affect individuals.
WARF does not use automated decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects on individuals without human review. WARF does not provide personal information to train third-party AI models except under written agreements that restrict downstream use and impose data protection obligations.
Children’s Privacy
WARF’s website and services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
International Users
WARF is located in the United States. If you access this website from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, platforms, or services that are not operated by WARF. If you follow a link to a third-party site, that site’s own privacy policy will govern the collection and use of your information. WARF is not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties and encourages you to review the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.
Contact Information
Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
614 Walnut Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53726
Email: [email protected]
Last Updated: June 12, 2026