The Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center, or WIPAC, is a scientific center within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison with researchers based in the Departments of Physics and Astronomy. Until December of 2011, WIPAC was known as the IceCube Research Center. Following construction completion of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, the mission, vision, and name of the center were revised to reflect the shift from IceCube construction to data analysis and to encompass a broader range of particle astrophysics research interests. Currently, WIPAC faculty and students are involved in IceCube, the Askaryan Radio Array (ARA), the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) experiment, the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) and DM-Ice. Within the field of particle astrophysics, our focus is on neutrino astronomy.
Main goals of the center still revolve around IceCube: maintaining and operating the detector to maximize data output and supporting the international collaboration in meaningful ways. Other priorities include recruiting and developing gifted researchers, developing a national education and outreach program, and contributing to the field of particle astrophysics.
Besides a dedication to research in particle astrophysics, WIPAC is focused on developing and producing innovative instrumentation for current and future projects. We work closely with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Physical Sciences Laboratory on the design and production of electronics and hardware.
Thanks to our involvement in a variety of projects, we have many partners throughout the world. Visit our partners page for information about our collaborations.
WIPAC Mission
- Educate and train future leaders in particle astrophysics through a vibrant science program.
- Operate the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in partnership with the international collaboration and extract scientific results from the data collected.
- Advance scientific opportunities by supporting the design, construction, and operation of a wide platform of experiments.
- Provide expertise and resources for the development of innovative instrumentation.
- Engage the public and students of all ages in scientific progress through education and outreach programs and activities.