Wisconsin's Engineering Moonshots Aim for Societal Change
Op-ed brings statewide attention to Engineering Moonshots
University Of Wisconsin–madison
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An op-ed in the Wisconsin State Journal highlights the University of Wisconsin-Madison's 'Engineering Moonshots,' six ambitious initiatives aimed at addressing critical societal challenges. Led by Dean Devesh Ranjan, these projects focus on areas such as human health, sustainable energy, and quantum technologies, aiming to redefine engineering research.
- 01The Engineering Moonshots initiative includes six ambitious research projects.
- 02These projects address urgent societal challenges like health, energy, and food security.
- 03Dean Devesh Ranjan emphasizes the collaborative nature of these initiatives across disciplines.
- 04Success will be measured over time, similar to the Apollo moon landing goals.
- 05The initiative aims to transform technical progress into public benefits.
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An op-ed published in mid-May 2026 in the Wisconsin State Journal discusses the University of Wisconsin-Madison's 'Engineering Moonshots,' a set of six ambitious initiatives designed to tackle significant societal challenges. Author Tom Still, a former president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, highlights the importance of these projects, which span critical areas such as human health, sustainable energy, and quantum technologies. Dean Devesh Ranjan of the College of Engineering envisions these moonshots as a way to revolutionize research by fostering collaboration across various academic disciplines. He believes that the initiatives can lead to substantial public benefits, echoing the spirit of the Apollo space program's goal of landing on the moon. The success of these initiatives will be assessed over time, acknowledging the distinct nature of each goal. Ranjan's background in a farm family in India has shaped his perspective on the role of public universities in driving innovation for societal good.
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The Engineering Moonshots initiative could lead to significant advancements in technology and research, benefiting various sectors including health and energy in Wisconsin.
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