The Institute for Regional and International Studies Global Connect (Global Connect) supports and enhances global awareness and inspires informed thinking about the complexities of our world.

Announcements

Find out what’s new and exciting at IRIS Global Connect!

Decorative image with the 'I Must Betray You' book cover, and a headshot of the author, a blond woman wearing white jacket.

October 21 Book Club with Author Ruta Sepetys!

Through Cristian’s story, I Must Betray You explores themes of resistance, freedom, courage, and the power of ordinary people to challenge oppressive systems. Set in Romania in 1989, this book follows seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu, an aspiring writer blackmailed by the secret police into becoming an informer.

Register for a chance to win one of 30 free copies of I Must Betray You!

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decorative image with text overlay, "Children's International Story Hour"

Children’s International Story Hour

Children’s International Story Hour (CISH) returns this fall at not one, but two Madison Public Library locations! Each free session spotlights a different country, featuring engaging tales, lively music, hands-on crafts, and interactive cultural experiences.

Please join us at our September event at Pinney Library, and save the date to meet us at Pinney and the new Imagination Center beginning in October!

View full schedule
Headshot of Zindzi Frederick

Congratulations Zindzi Frederick!

IRIS NRC is delighted to announce that UW–Madison junior Zindzi Frederick has been awarded a 2026 Reporting Fellowship by the Pulitzer Center. The Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellowships support students pursuing independent journalism projects on underreported global topics including climate change, migration and refugees, global health, and human rights.

Learn more about Zindzi
Image of a blue sky with the top of Bascom Hall building seen at the bottom; text overlay says, 'Institute for Regional and International Studies Global Connect *formerly known as IRIS NRC'

IRIS NRC is now IRIS Global Connect!

As we begin a new academic year, we are delighted to announce the launch of our expanded global studies center at UW–Madison: IRIS Global Connect is the formal home for global and transregional activities across the Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS) and closely aligns with and supports the International Division’s outreach and engagement mission.

Read more about this new chapter

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Our Mission

The Institute for Regional and International Studies Global Connect (Global Connect) supports and enhances global awareness and inspires informed thinking about the complexities of our world.

We provide resources and expertise to K-12 and post-secondary educators, students and the community at large. Working in collaboration with campus, national, and international partners, IRIS GC strives to put the Wisconsin Idea into action. We are committed to offering cross-regional and globally themed programming in an effort to understand our increasingly interconnected world.

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South Asia Book Award
Journal of Undergraduate International Studies

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