The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) and the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) enjoy a century-long partnership that began when UW-Madison biochemistry professor Harry Steenbock patented his discovery that irradiating foods with ultraviolet light increased their Vitamin D content. Steenbock, seeking to commercialize his discovery and return the proceeds to the university, suggested the creation of a patent management foundation to support inventors.
Steenbock established WARF in 1925 with College of Agriculture Dean Harry L. Russell, Graduate School Dean Charles S. Slichter, and a board of successful alumni to “promote, encourage, and aid scientific investigation and research at the University of Wisconsin by faculty, staff, alumni and students.”
100 years later, as the organization celebrates its centennial, WARF continues to support SVM through grants toward research programs and facilities, patents and licensing, WARF Accelerator, and WARF Ventures.