The Microbial Pathogenesis & Host Responses Group (MPHRG) consists of the laboratories of more than 50 UW-Madison faculty investigators from 17 departments, across 3 colleges. Regular meetings are held at which investigators discuss the latest in research findings and share ideas in an informal, collegial environment. These sessions are supplemented by MPHRG-hosted seminars presented by invited speakers from the top labs in the world. MPHRG seeks to encourage interaction and collaboration among UW-Madison investigators; to provide a venue for this interaction through the sponsorship and organization of regularly scheduled meetings and activities; to establish and maintain a formal, identifiable presence on campus for this scientific community; to facilitate the development of funding sources, such as training grants; and to promote the development of the field on campus by leading in cluster hire efforts or assisting in department or center based faculty search committees.

Microbial Symbiosis Group

The Microbial Symbiosis Group at UW-Madison comprises over 20 laboratories, including those of four new faculty that were hired as part of the Symbiosis Cluster. This interdisciplinary, multidepartmental group brings together over 100 faculty and students from departments across the university. Monthly research presentations take place on the third Monday of each month, in which a host lab presents their work and leads discussion. Other periodic events for the group include small conferences and social gatherings.

Biotechnology Training Program

The objective of this program is to educate a new cadre of scientists and engineers whose training and experience cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. Trainees receive Ph.D. degrees in their chosen field, such as bacteriology, chemistry, pharmacy, molecular biology or computer science. Students minor in a cross discipline, for instance a chemical engineer would take classes in biology, and vice versa.

Microbiology Doctoral Training Program

The Microbiology Doctoral Training Program (MDTP) is an interdepartmental Ph.D. program jointly administered by the Departments of Bacteriology and Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Incoming students have the opportunity to do laboratory rotations with any of the faculty and trainers from multiple departments associated with the program. This group includes nearly 90 faculty members in numerous departments and programs involved in microbiology research and graduate training. In addition to this breadth of opportunities in microbiology research training, the program also encompasses graduate courses offered by both departments. The Ph.D. program prepares graduates for research and teaching positions in universities and colleges, for industry or government, and for clinical microbiology.

Microbial Pathogenesis and Host Responses Training Program

The Microbial Pathogenesis and Host Responses Training Program (MPath) is designed to provide trainees with a shared sense of identity and a cohesive focus of instruction and activities in microbial pathogenesis and host responses with the objective of preparing students to pursue scientific careers in a critical research area.

Madison Virology Program

The Madison Virology Program (MVP) is an interdepartmental organization at the UW-Madison whose goal is to provide unified and supportive research and educational opportunities in basic and applied virology.