Supporters from Missouri and around the world gathered in Jesse Hall to formally begin our transformative research reactor project, NextGen MURR. The event included a ceremonial signing where key partners, including a large delegation from South Korea, agreed to develop a roadmap for a new, state-of-the-art facility.

This is a historic moment at Mizzou, and it’s the right time to build on the original MURR’s legacy of success. Because of the visionary investments of state and university leaders more than 50 years ago, 460,000 Americans a year benefit from lifesaving discoveries and innovations created at MURR. Now we are proud to come together and usher in a new era of collaboration for nuclear science and medicine.

We were honored to be joined by consortium partners, including leaders from the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Hyundai Engineering and MPR Associates. We were also joined by Missouri Representative Dirk Deaton, Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves, Curator Bob Fry, Curator and former Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, along with many local leaders, industry partners and members of the Mizzou community.

A world-class university needs world-class infrastructure. NextGen MURR positions Mizzou to save and improve more lives than ever before, create opportunities for future discovery and provide our nation with a critical domestic supply of radioisotopes for generations.

— Mun