Water@UW-Madison hosted its annual Spring Symposium, The Art of Water Research, on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 2-5 pm. The theme relates to the many definitions of art, including “a branch of learning,” “skill acquired through practice or study,” and “works produced by human creative skill and imagination, appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”
This event spanned the broad scope of work happening within the Water@UW-Madison network, highlighting the commonalities in process, thought, and beauty of results across disciplines. Presenters who wished to go beyond traditional talk formats to convey the art of their process (how they do water research) and the art of their results (where is the beauty in their work) were encouraged.
We aimed for the event to inspire creativity, reveal new perspectives or interpretations of results, and promote an appreciation of the beauty in both water and water research. Through keynotes, lightning presentations, and structured networking time, this event brought together members of the Water@UW-Madison community and beyond, providing opportunities to draw inspiration from the creative approaches each of us bring to our science and art. Around 100 people attended. Annually, this event strives to amplify and highlight the voices of early-career faculty and new affiliates.