This was a historic week at the University of Missouri as we continue to secure our role as a national and global hub for innovations in nuclear science and medicine.

On Wednesday, we welcomed Mr. William D. Magwood, IV, director-general of the Nuclear Energy Agency, who joined our community from Paris for the President’s Distinguished Lecture. Mr. Magwood discussed the significant recent growth of the nuclear sector, what’s needed to support the nuclear workforce of the future and how Mizzou can help prepare the next generation of leaders in the field.

We were honored that Mr. Magwood also joined us today for the groundbreaking of the Radioisotope Science Center. This transformative facility is a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy to support the domestic development and production of isotopes that are strategically important to our nation. When completed, it will be more than 31,000 square feet and located at Discovery Ridge near the future site of NextGen MURR.

To mark the occasion, we were joined by Director of the Office of Isotope R&D and Production Chris Landers and Program Manager for Isotope Reactor Facilities Jon Neuhoff from the Department of Energy, former Senator Roy Blunt, Curator Blaine Luetkemeyer, Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Kurt Schaefer, State Representative Gregg Bush and former chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Dale Klein, among many other leaders, project partners and supporters.

Mizzou continues to advance nuclear breakthroughs that make a difference while creating opportunities that strengthen our state’s workforce and economy, including through our participation in the newly launched Missouri Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force. Mr. Magwood’s visit highlights the international importance of the Radioisotope Science Center, MURR and NextGen MURR – as well as their incredible impact in Missouri and across the country.

— Mun