A new agreement between the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, LLC (NorthStar) is aimed at advancing research and supporting workforce development in the nuclear medicine sector.
The multi-year partnership will focus on opportunities for NorthStar and the UW School of Medicine and Public Health to conduct collaborative research, clinical and translational research, and contract research and drug development. It also aims to provide academic and practical, real-world education opportunities to develop the workforce in the growing field of radiopharmaceuticals and particle therapy.
“The new collaboration with NorthStar will build on the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health’s strong leadership in radiopharmaceutical and theranostics research and development, yielding highly productive, impactful research and educational opportunities,” said Nita Ahuja, MD, MBA, dean of the school and vice chancellor for medical affairs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
“This partnership aligns with our mission to advance health with innovative research that extends beyond the university, in alignment with the Wisconsin Idea.”
The effort involves researchers with the school’s Initiative for Theranostics and Particle Therapy. Goals include applying UW’s scientific expertise and capabilities to expand preclinical and early-stage radiopharmaceutical drug development services offered by NorthStar, engaging in clinical and translational drug discovery joint research collaborations, and offering learners access to education and workforce development opportunities through structured training experiences at the company.
A key benefit to the research collaboration is the school’s capability for radionuclide production for medical diagnosis, disease treatment, and fundamental scientific inquiry though its existing cyclotron facility. Capacity will increase significantly with a new cyclotron facility recently approved by the UW Board of Regents, with construction slated to begin in 2026.
“We’re thrilled to partner with one of the nation’s leading academic institutions to drive sector innovation and help accelerate new therapies to market,” said Dr. Frank Scholz, CEO at NorthStar. “This partnership underscores our commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry and developing the talent pool that will be required to support the significant growth expected in our industry.”
The partnership officially launched in September 2025, with several initiatives already underway.
