Universities of Wisconsin announce budget proposals to advance life-saving discoveries

MADISON, Wis.-Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter and several university representatives announced today budget proposals focused on advancing life-saving discoveries in cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other devastating diseases.

The Cures for Tomorrow proposal represents a new initiative from the UWs' 2026-27 budget request proposal.

"The Universities of Wisconsin have long served Wisconsin, and our budget proposal is focused on helping meet some of our state's toughest challenges," Wachter said. "Today we offer a commitment to advancing research and discoveries for some of our most pressing health issues."

At UW-Eau Claire, Wachter was joined by Chancellor Edwin Martini, UW-River Falls Biology Department Chair and Professor Cheng-Chen Huang, and Tim Nelson, CEO of HeartWorks, to announce Cures for Tomorrow, which seeks a $25 million state investment to advance cures and treatment for cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other devastating diseases.

"Every family knows what it means to hope for more time, better treatment, earlier diagnosis, and a breakthrough that changes someone's future," Wachter said. "This proposal helps Wisconsin do more: support promising research, strengthen partnerships, involve students, and move discoveries closer to helping people."

The UW Board of Regents will vote on the full 2026-27 budget proposal next week.

About the Universities of Wisconsin

The Universities of Wisconsin serve more than 164,600 students. Awarding more than 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin's talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin's culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu .