Medical College of Wisconsin
Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center
Center for Cancer Discovery

MCW Center for Cancer Discovery

Designed to unite scientists across disciplines, the MCW Center for Cancer Discovery is a state-of-the-art research facility that accelerates collaboration, innovation, and breakthroughs in cancer science.
Center for Cancer Discovery Front Exterior

A New Era of Cancer Research in Wisconsin

Standing five stories tall, the MCW Center for Cancer Discovery is eastern Wisconsin’s first and only facility dedicated exclusively to cancer research—a landmark space designed not just to study cancer, but to advance the health and wellbeing of people and families across the community.

See the science driving discovery.

A Grand Opening for a Transformational Facility

The facility—now the largest of its kind in the region and home to more than 50 laboratories—enhances the region’s ability to advance cancer research that can lead to better prevention, treatments, and outcomes. Scientists, community members, and leaders recently came together to celebrate the grand opening.

Read about the grand opening.

A Powerhouse of Innovation

Researchers at Lab Bench

Biotech Incubator

Situated on the first floor, the BioHub is designed to facilitate the development of investigator-led start-ups pioneering breakthrough cancer diagnostics, therapies, and technologies.

Explore the research programs

Cryo Electron Microscopy

Cryo-EM Facility

The cryo-EM facility, housed in the Structural Biology Shared Resource, enables researchers to visualize proteins and molecular complexes in their native state at near-atomic resolution.

Learn about Structural Biology

Translating Hope Mural

Community Spaces

Light-filled meeting and event spaces showcase community art and provide welcoming opportunities for the public to learn from and connect with the scientists driving discoveries.

Learn about community-informed research

Center for Cancer Discovery Lab with PeopleCenter for Cancer Discovery EntranceCenter for Cancer Discovery Lobby SeatingCenter for Cancer Discovery EquipmentCenter for Cancer Discovery Seating AreaCenter for Cancer Discovery LobbyCenter for Cancer Discovery Laboratory Bench

Explore the Facility

With soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and thoughtfully designed laboratories and public spaces, the MCW Center for Cancer Discovery stands as a destination for scientists working at the forefront of their fields.

 

Photos © 2025 Laura Peters/CannonDesign

Facts and Figures

Powering progress in cancer research and care.

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161,000

SQUARE FEET DESIGNED FOR TEAM SCIENCE
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53

STATE-OF-THE-ART LABORATORIES
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5,500+

SQUARE FEET OF COMMUNITY SPACE
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6

HIGHLY SPECIALIZED SHARED RESOURCES

Physical Space

  • 5 stories totaling 161,000 square feet
  • 53 state-of-the-art labs and 59 offices
  • 5,579 square feet of shared community space
  • 400-seat auditorium
  • Two outdoor gathering areas for informal meetings and relaxation

Community-Driven Science

  • Wet and dry labs share space, linking biological and social research
  • Cross-disciplinary teams collaborate across behavioral, social, physical, and policy sciences
  • Research is informed by community-focused factors
  • Drives solutions that improve community health

Spaces for Discovery

  • Floors grouped into scientific neighborhoods by research focus
  • Open-concept labs encourage communication and teamwork
  • BioHub biotech incubator
  • Interior windows provide visibility into active research

Construction Facts

  • 43,100 linear feet of plumbing piping
  • 34,100 feet of HVAC piping
  • 176,525 pounds of sheet metal
  • 1,101,060 feet of wire and cable