MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The competition among scientists has begun for one of 20 coveted spots at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's new research institute.

The Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery include public and private research facilities.
The university is holding a competition for 20 chief scientists to work on biotechnology, nanotechnology and information technology at the public institute. Outgoing interim director Marsha Mailick Seltzer said they will work on issues of human health and welfare.

Retiring UW-Madison chancellor John Wiley is taking over as interim director of the institute and will oversee the competition that started Wednesday. Faculty from UW-Madison and other schools may apply.

Pioneering stem cell researcher James Thomson has already been named as one of three scientific directors at the privately funded institute.

Advertisement