Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) Associate Director for Education Zeynep Madak-Erdogan was named a “2026 Researcher to Know” by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC).
Madak-Erdogan is the Sylvia D. Stroup Scholar and Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Associate Provost for Graduate Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Madak-Erdogan is one of 15 “Researchers to Know” recognized by ISTC for scientific excellence in their respective disciplines. Across fields like public health, sustainability, neuroscience, and innovation policy, these 15 researchers are shaping what’s next, not only for their disciplines, but for the future of the state of Illinois.
Madak-Erdogan was recognized for her contributions to research in cancer disparities, breast cancer, nutrition, hormone signaling, and metabolism.
Source: www.istcoalition.org
“For me the answer has always been to lead by serving […]. Do work that matters to people outside the lab, invest in the people around you, and trust that the rest follows.”
ZEYNEP MADAK-ERDOGAN
Cancer Center at Illinois Associate Director for Education Zeynep Madak-Erdogan was named a “2026 Researcher to Know” by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition
Editor’s notes:
This story was written by Jonathan King, CCIL Communications Coordinator.