Current Announces Marquette University, University of Minnesota, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Join Research Consortium

Jan. 8, 2025

CHICAGO- Current, the Chicago-based water innovation hub, announces Marquette University, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as new Current Research Consortium (CRC) partners.

CRC members play a vital role in advancing water innovation by providing strategic, use-inspired guidance that shapes Current's programs - from accelerating technology commercialization through Great Lakes ReNEW, the National Science Foundation-backed Regional Innovation Engine that Current leads.

The CRC's goals include securing funding for Research, Development, & Translation (RD&T) projects, producing research outcomes that drive investment and commercialization, developing a skilled workforce and fostering entrepreneurship, attracting water-focused industries to the region, and elevating the global profile of Current and CRC members as leaders in water innovation.

The University of Minnesota, Marquette University and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee join 10 CRC members, including Northwestern University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Illinois, among others. Together, CRC members represent research partners across the Great Lakes region.

Dr. Daniel Zitomer, Marquette University professor and chair of the department of civil, construction and environmental engineering as well as director of the university's Water Quality Center, said, "Our shared focus on solving challenges related to water quality brings Marquette University and Current into alignment. Together we will explore new innovations in water technologies, engineering, infrastructure and environmental protection that can propel us toward a water-smart future."

"We're proud to collaborate with Current Research Consortium members to drive water innovation and stewardship in the Great Lakes," said Jeanne Hossenlopp, vice president of research and innovation at Marquette. "Together we are shaping the future and fueling economic growth for Wisconsin, Illinois and the broader Great Lakes Region."

"The University of Minnesota is thrilled to join other consortium members," said Jeffrey M. Peterson, professor and director of the Water Resources Center. "Membership is a fit with our mission to address current and future water challenges through collaborative research, education and engagement in our state and beyond."

"The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has led the state in working with Wisconsin industries on water-related research through our federally backed Water Equipment & Policy Center," said Andy Graettinger, associate dean for research at UWM's College of Engineering & Applied Science. "The WEP center, supported by the National Science Foundation, aims to advance commercialization of new technologies in the sector. We look forward to even more fruitful research collaboration through our involvement with Current."

Current CEO Alaina Harkness added, "Current's Research Consortium members bring deep expertise and passion for solving the biggest water challenges of our times. They bring tremendous ingenuity, capabilities to discover and invent novel solutions, and the talent that will become the next generation of water leaders. We are thrilled to welcome Marquette University and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to the CRC, extending the reach of our consortium in Wisconsin, a cornerstone of the Great Lakes water innovation ecosystem."

Harkness also serves as CEO and Principal Investigator of the Great Lakes Water Innovation Engine, or Great Lakes ReNEW. ​​In January, Current was awarded up to $160 million over 10 years from the U.S. National Science Foundation to develop and grow a water-based innovation engine in the region.

About Current

Current is an independent nonprofit water innovation hub, founded in Chicago in 2016. Our mission is to grow an inclusive Blue Economy, accelerate innovation and solve pressing water challenges. We bring together corporations, advocates, researchers and governments to develop water management policies and test new technologies-projects that would be too risky or even impossible without sustained collaboration. Current has helped to raise more than $58 million to support water innovation and inclusive economic development in the region; launched the first real-time water quality monitoring tool for Chicago waterways; drafted a blueprint to build a thriving Blue Economy in Illinois and supported the commercialization of more than 40 water startups. Learn more about Current.

About Marquette University

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.

About Kevin Conway

Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or [email protected].