Yesterday was an important milestone for the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). Elected officials, curators, community leaders and university staff and faculty gathered for the ceremonial groundbreaking of MURR West, which will add expanded production, laboratory and collaborative research space to the original reactor. The event included a video message from U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, who shared his strong support for our lifesaving work, as well as remarks from Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, UM Board of Curators Chair Michael Williams and MURR Executive Director Matt Sanford.

MURR is the world’s most important university research reactor for fighting cancer, and each year 1.6 million patients benefit from the medical isotopes we produce. Where other healthcare providers expect patients to travel to receive world-class care, MU’s central location means we can quickly send medical isotopes to those who need them most.  

When completed, the 47,000-square-foot addition will be the latest chapter in MURR’s more than 50-year legacy of safety and excellence. Looking ahead, our ambitious plans include NextGen MURR, a new state-of-the-art reactor that will complement our existing facility and improve life for Missourians, and those across the country and world. 

We are thankful for the incredible support of elected officials and the entire Mizzou community as we grow our status as an innovative hub for nuclear medicine. 

— Mun