Old McArdle Building

Contributions to Cancer Research

The Cancer Biology Graduate Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a course of study and research leading to the Ph.D. degree. Over 50 faculty trainers from multiple departments including Oncology, Medicine, Human Oncology, Cell and Regenerative Biology, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, etc. participate in the graduate program. This interdepartmental structure offers remarkably diverse training opportunities which span the entire breadth of cancer biology research from haploid or diploid genetics, viral and chemical carcinogenesis, eukaryotic cell and molecular biology, virology, molecular toxicology, and whole-animal carcinogenesis. In addition, curriculum requirements are designed to be flexible, providing students with a maximal opportunity for specialization within this multidisciplinary field. The breadth of research opportunities, flexible curriculum, and outstanding training from faculty allow our graduate students to accomplish their educational and training goals and to establish themselves as independent researchers.

Administratively, the Cancer Biology Program is housed in the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, synonymous with the Department of Oncology. McArdle Laboratory has a rich history of graduate training in cancer research. Since its establishment in 1940 as the first basic cancer research center in a U.S. academic institution, over 1600 women and men have received pre- and postdoctoral training at the McArdle Laboratory. McArdle alumni and Cancer Biology alumni move onto successful careers in academia, industry, medicine and government.