The Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute, a partnership between UWM, Marquette University and Northwestern Mutual, has been extended through 2028. The three institutions will commit a total of $35 million to the groundbreaking institute over the next five years, building on nearly $40 million invested since its inception in 2018.

The NMDSI has a mission of establishing Wisconsin as a recognized national hub for data science and technology. The partnership has sponsored research projects, awarded more than $17 million in grants, and hosted multiple research seminars to drive engagement and foster new ideas for projects.

“What started out as a partnership without precedent led to precedent-setting results,” said Purush Papatla, UWM co-director of the NMDSI. “It was thrilling to see the vision for the institute come alive with the launch of new academic data science programs for K-12 through graduate levels, new research projects that use the power of data science to solve problems in business and science, and new ways to use data science to advance community well-being.

“With this momentum, I look forward to an exponential growth in our impact over the next five years, not just for the benefit of our region but also for the advancement of the field of data science so it can benefit the nation and world.”

The NMDSI will focus its next five years on programs, research and projects that leverage data science and technology learning in five areas: artificial intelligence; AI and data bias and ethics; behavioral economics; financial literacy; and health and wealth inequities.