header-logo
Medical College of Wisconsin Research
Research

Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin: Knowledge Changing Life

Science is the driver of innovation and knowledge that can change everything—from the way we define, diagnose, treat and prevent disease, to the methods we employ to improve our communities, to the types of training we offer to the next generation of healers, educators and researchers. 
Researchers analyzing diagram at computer

Our Mission

Through laboratory research, clinical trials and community-engaged research, we seek answers. We collaborate with local, national and global innovators. We question everything, and we persevere through every stage of discovery in pursuit of life-changing advancements.

MCW Research by the Numbers

Discoveries & Studies

MCW_Icons_Bulb_Circle_White
5,100
active research studies conducted at MCW
MCW_Icons_MyChart_Circle_White
4,405
patients enrolled in mcw studies
MCW_Icons_PayBill_Circle_White
$424 million
In investments for research and teaching
MCW_Icons_Doctor_Circle_White
1,240+
clinical trials conducted across specialties

Technology Transfer

MCW_Icons_ResearchResources_Circle_White
94
technology license and option agreements 
MCW_Icons_Microscope_Circle_White
416 
active technologies
MCW_Icons_Book_Circle_White
15,000+ 
Electronic journals maintained in MCW's virtual library
MCW_Icons_Apply_White
590
Pending & issued U.S./foreign patents

MCW Key Research Areas

Academic medicine is at our core, where scientists, physicians and students work hand-in-hand with the community to ask the questions no one else is, and fuel the continuous cycle of knowledge that’s shaping the future of medicine.

Three women researchers laughing

Cancer

No two patients, and no two cancers, are exactly the same. At the MCW Cancer Center, our researchers and clinicians are translating cancer discoveries into groundbreaking therapies.

Learn more about the MCW Cancer Center
Woman getting her blood pressure taken

Heart & Vascular

From identifying processes that induce the growth of additional blood vessels in the heart to pinpointing new genes associated with high blood pressure MCW is making significant strides in cardiovascular research.

Learn more about cardiovascular research
Looking at lab workers through a classroom window

Neuroscience

Neuroscience Research at MCW is a catalyst for advancing new, cutting-edge medications and strategies to prevent and treat neurological disorders.

Learn more about the Neuroscience Research Center
Ophthalmology Resident examining pediatric patient

Ophthalmology

The MCW's Eye Institute, is a national leading full-service academic ophthalmology center, whose physicians, optometrists, and vision scientists whose mission is to improve, restore and preserve sight.

Learn more about the Eye Institute

Get Involved

hands with dollar sign icon

Make a donation

Gifts of all sizes help accelerate research advancements and discovery that transform patient care.
DNA icon

Clinical Trials

Individuals can take an active role in our research mission by volunteering for studies or participating in clinical trials.

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

The CTSI is an innovative infrastructure to support and advance education, collaboration, and research in clinical and translational science.
Visit CTSI

Children's Research Institute

The Children's Research Institute (CRI) advances state-of-the-art pediatric health care through translational research programs to find life-saving discoveries and cures in the disease that affect children and interventions that enhance quality of life for children and families living with chronic health conditions.
Visit the CRI

Research Education and Training

Bringing Research to Life

Medical College of Wisconsin in the Media

See All News
Students walking in front of building

In Green Bay, Alumni Have Become ‘Part of the Community’

July 17, 2026

Over the past decade, MCW-Green Bay alumni have stayed in the area to practice medicine and help train the next generation of physicians.

Cheryl Stucky, PhD (right) with female lab member

Pinpointing Pain to Develop New Therapies

July 9, 2026

Using novel techniques, MCW scientists study the molecular mechanisms within neurons, with the hope of better managing and even eliminating chronic pain.

A woman speaking at an event

Community Support Fuels Next Generation of Neuroscience Breakthroughs

July 8, 2026

The 2026 Imagine More Dinner drives cutting-edge research aimed at treating and preventing neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, bringing hope to millions.

Biotech Company Co-founded by MCW Researcher Begins Phase II Trial of First Pepsin Inhibitor for Reflux Disease

July 8, 2026

The trial is led by Nikki Johnston, PhD, professor of otolaryngology and communication sciences and microbiology and immunology at the Medical College of Wisconsin and co-founder of N-Zyme Biomedical.

Shekar N. Kurpad, MD, PhD, FEL ’01 begins role as MCW President and CEO

Shekar N. Kurpad, MD, PhD, FEL ’01 Begins Role as MCW President and CEO

July 1, 2026

Dr. Kurpad steps into his role on July 1, 2026, as MCW's seventh President and CEO, and shares his perspective and commitment to leading MCW into its next chapter. Here, he shares his message about his perspective and commitment to leading MCW into its next chapter.

Medical College of Wisconsin to Lead Landmark Multi-Center Clinical Trial in Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation

June 30, 2026

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is leading a new multi-center clinical trial to evaluate an interdisciplinary rehabilitation model for military veterans and first responders with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic...

Microscope image of mitochondria

Project Wonder: The Art of Science at MCW

Project Wonder: the Art of Science at the Medical College of Wisconsin partners basic and translational scientists with local artists and writers to elevate and amplify their innovative, life-changing research and its impact through bold, imaginative, one-of-a-kind artistic representations. Promoted across Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, this campaign reaches more than one million people nationally.

Explore the art of science

“Together, we celebrate the power of academic medicine to transform discovery into better health for all.”

- John R. Raymond MD, President Emeritus MCW

Contact Us

The Milwaukee Regional Medical Center is the main campus of the Medical College of Wisconsin.

General information
(414) 955-8296


Clinical & Translational Science Institute
(414) 955-8200

Cancer Center
(414) 805-0505

Mailing Address
Medical College of Wisconsin

8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226

Medical College of Wisconsin Google map location

© 2026 Medical College of Wisconsin.  All rights reserved.  | Terms and Privacy | Web Accessibility Statement

Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Legal Compliance Statement
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, military status, or other legally protected classification. MCW maintains full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations in pursuit of our missions. Consistent with federal guidance, we affirm our commitment to individual merit, fairness, and equal treatment in all aspects of academic and institutional decision-making.

MCW's policies, federal and state laws, and regulations prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employees, learners, students, applicants, or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.