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Sparking innovation and exploration

In 2016, when Mayo Clinic Health System and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire started focusing on collaborative research — a landmark agreement that was only the second of its kind in the U.S. — a new era began for Blugolds interested in scientific research. 

This collaboration exists to prepare the next generation of scientists and health care professionals to be innovators in patient care and human wellbeing. Blugolds can work alongside faculty and medical professionals as early as their first year! This access is exceptional, and rare at the undergraduate level. 

Where change meets action 

The groundbreaking agreement between UW-Eau Claire and Mayo Clinic Health System unites academics and clinical experts in scientific inquiry that will improve patient care and advance positive outcomes. This work empowers faculty, staff and students to explore their interests and put ideas into practice. New avenues of learning are created for all involved. This local effort has the potential to make a global impact.

Setting yourself apart 

UW-Eau Claire is a top masters-level university in the country for excellence in undergraduate research — and our collaboration with Mayo Clinic Health System profoundly expands the opportunities for Blugolds. Research projects are available to all students at UWEC — regardless of your major — and may start as early as your first year on campus. 

You may study compassion fatigue among caregivers, uncover challenges to accessing clean water, improve suicide prevention programs or propose revisions to ER protocols. And your findings could lead to being published in peer-reviewed journals; presenting your results at regional, national and international conferences; and making an impact on future studies and practices. 

These experiences set UWEC graduates apart and are just one example of the many ways UWEC prepares you to excel in the workforce or graduate school. The ability to conduct research, understand data, solve problems and think critically are sought-after skills you will gain at UW-Eau Claire.  

Mayo Clinic Health System has committed

$1.5 million annually

to staff and research projects

UWEC is a top university for

undergraduate research

& creative projects

U.S. News & World Report

Sharing coffee and their dreams

The powerful bond formed between UW-Eau Claire and Mayo Clinic Health System has humble beginnings. Chancellor James Schmidt and Dr. Richard Helmers began meeting for coffee to discuss opportunities after Dr. Helmers was named regional vice president of Mayo Clinic Health System in Northwest Wisconsin. Those coffee talks paved the way for an enterprise that supports life-changing scientific research and one-of-a-kind experiences for students.

What's next?

At UWEC we know there are answers to questions that haven’t been asked. Conversations are happening organically between entrepreneurs and industries that support community health practice and preventive care. We know we can do better together. Through a $9.4-million Wisconsin Economic Development grant UWEC, Mayo Clinic Health System and other partners will meet critical needs in rural communities hit hard by the pandemic.

We invite scholars and practitioners, researchers and educators, young minds and fresh perspectives, financiers and analysts, industry and community all to one table with one purpose: make health care better. 

Blugold Biomedical Innovator Program

UWEC students are also invited to apply for the Blugold Biomedical Innovator Program, a scholarship program that awards 10 students with a $32,000 scholarship, one-on-one mentorship and direct involvement in a research project beginning their first semester at UWEC. Scholarship recipients will also have access to exclusive Mayo Clinic Health System internships and job-shadow programs.

male student, dark hair, sunny day outside Phillips Science hall

UW-Eau Claire's research agreement with Mayo Clinic Health System was one of the main reasons I applied to the university. Mayo Clinic is one of the best hospitals in the world, so knowing that it is heavily involved in our undergraduate research is exciting.

Easton Blissenbach Biology - Microbiology Emphasis

Our research leaders

Michael Carney

Carney named assistant chancellor for strategic partnerships and program development

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is expanding and strengthening its collaborative partnerships with Mayo Clinic Health System and other organizations with the creation of a new assistant chancellor position at the university.

Expanding our efforts
Dr. Timothy Nelson

Blugold alum helps move UW-Eau Claire-Mayo research agreement forward

For Dr. Timothy Nelson, doing research with a faculty mentor as a UWEC student was life-changing. Now, he’s an internationally renowned physician-scientist, helping create valuable research experiences for many more Blugolds.

Back to his roots
UWEC logo
Mayo logo