The Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute (NMDSI) – a first-of-its-kind partnership between Northwestern Mutual, Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) – announced today it is expanding to include three additional Wisconsin-based academic institutions. The institute’s newest partners will include the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), and Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC).
Since its formation in 2018, the NMDSI has been a champion for AI and data science-driven transformation of academia and industry throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Led by some of the state’s most prestigious corporate and academic institutions, the organization continues to advance efforts that will increasingly position the region as a national hub for AI and data science. This includes supporting key investments in research; expanding training opportunities and academic programming; and attracting and cultivating talent by empowering individuals and making a positive impact on the communities where we live, work and go to school.
“We’re thrilled to welcome three outstanding academic institutions to the NMDSI that have made substantial advancements in the field of AI and data science,” said Tim Gerend, chairman, president, and CEO of Northwestern Mutual. “This expansion will result in significant knowledge sharing and greater institutional collaboration, which ultimately accelerates our efforts to develop the next generation of exceptional tech talent and future-ready leaders in Southeastern Wisconsin.”
Through this partnership, MCW will share its own data science curricula to help advance research initiatives. MSOE will explore opportunities to provide access to its Rosie supercomputer and integrated capabilities, enhancing computational power and technological resources. Additionally, WCTC will offer its Applied AI Lab, providing hands-on learning experiences.
These shared resources will enrich the institute’s offerings and strengthen its work in data science education and research.
Over the past seven years, the NMDSI has provided support for a range of AI and data science-related signature programs, including, yet not limited to: start-up funding toward the recruitment of new faculty hires, research seed funding to advance disciplinary and domain-focused impact and outcomes, student scholarships, and the development of new degree programs and curricula. Since the fall of 2023, over 100 semester-long applied AI and data science student research projects have been completed. The institute has also facilitated multiple events each year that have fostered collaboration between its partners, drawing hundreds of attendees within the tech community; while facilitating new opportunities for research, learning, and innovation in the field of data science.