Catalysts for Science Policy

Catalysts for Science Policy (CaSP) has three main goals:

EDUCATE

Educate graduate students and postdocs about science policy and emphasize the importance of increasing scientist participation in science policy issues, both local and national.

ENGAGE

Increase graduate student and postdoc awareness of various science policy careers and provide opportunities to help them become better candidates for these positions.

ADVOCATE

Communicate relevant science topics to government and funding agencies, and to the non-scientist community in Madison.

Upcoming Events

More events

Apply for UW Day at The Capitol!

The application can be found here and is due no later than 11:59pm on February 28, 2026. If you are selected to present a poster, there will be a training event in mid-April to provide resources for communicating with policymakers.

For more information see the event website: https://staterelations.wisc.edu/uw-madison-day-at-the-capitol/

New Episode of "In a Perfect Policy"

Check out this new episode of our podcast talking about federal funding cuts and the impact on scientists at UW-Madison.

Hearing For State Microbe Bill

A committee hearing for bill the Wisconsin State Microbe was recently bill occurred on 10/22/25. CaSP members and other supporters testified at the hearing. CaSP has continually advocated for the adoption of the State Microbe, check out this page for updates!

Summer WiSTA Memos For Common Council

This summer a group of CaSP members wrote briefs for Madison's common council. Find them here!

Want to get involved? Find more information in the “about” tab.