The central mission of the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research is twofold:

  1. To pursue outstanding research programs directed toward understanding the causes and biology of cancer and the factors that regulate normal and neoplastic growth and differentiation.
  2. To provide training of the highest quality in basic cancer research at the graduate and postdoctoral levels.

While these two goals represent the cornerstone of our activities, we also seek to provide undergraduates and medical students with a foundation in basic cancer biology and to serve the public and scientific community through our activities for national and international organizations. You can see more on our training and instruction here.

During the past 75 years, more than 1800 women and men have received pre- and post-doctoral training at McArdle. Many of these alumni now hold faculty positions at universities throughout the United States and abroad, and most of the others are doing research at research institutes or in government or industry laboratories.

The current staff of the McArdle Laboratory numbers approximately 200. The 27 faculty and emeritus faculty lead 22 research groups that include 68 graduate students, 31 postdoctoral fellows, and 45 research specialists or other academic staff. Other members of the laboratory include the administrative and support personnel and many undergraduates who perform both research and support activities.

Recent News

  • Remembering Kristin Yelinek

    Kristin Yelinek January 26, 1962 — September 17, 2025 We are very sad to report that a cherished, long-time member of the McArdle community, Kristin Yelinek, recently passed away. A Celebration of Kristin’s Life will …

  • Student Profile: Ruchi Shah

    Where are you from and what made you join the department? I am from the Milwaukee area but moved to Georgia where I did my undergraduate studies. I graduated from the University of Georgia (UGA) …

  • Partners in Giving: October 6-December 2, 2025

    Every fall, Partners in Giving — the annual workplace giving campaign for State, Universities of Wisconsin and UW Health employees and retirees — brings our campus together to make a difference in our communities and beyond …

  • Student Profile: Maya Takashima

    Where are you from and what made you join the department? I am from Maryland. I wanted to join the Cancer Biology Program because when interviewing for the program. It felt like there was a …

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