Mizzou breaks ground on Radioisotope Science Center to strengthen nation’s supply of critical isotopes

By Uriah Orland

May 14, 2026
Contact: Christopher Ave, [email protected]

University of Missouri leaders, federal partners and state officials today celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Radioisotope Science Center (RSC) at Discovery Ridge Research Park, marking a major milestone in strengthening the nation's supply of critical radioisotopes for medicine, research and national security.

The approximately 31,250-square-foot facility is a joint investment between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the State of Missouri, reflecting a shared commitment to expand domestic production of isotopes that are essential but often in short supply.

"Today's groundbreaking represents a transformative step forward for our university, our state and the nation," University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. "The Radioisotope Science Center will accelerate discovery, expand lifesaving treatments and further establish Mizzou as a global leader in nuclear science and medicine."

Radioisotopes are indispensable in modern life, supporting cancer therapies, medical imaging, industrial applications and national security missions. Yet the global supply of many of these materials remains limited and unreliable.

The RSC is designed to directly address these challenges by accelerating the research, production, processing and distribution of critical isotopes. The facility will leverage the unique capabilities of the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) - the only U.S. source of multiple medical radioisotopes - and the DOE to expand production capacity and improve reliability.

"The Radioisotope Science Center directly leverages decades of combined experience from Mizzou and the DOE Office of Isotope R&D and Production, and, with the vital support from the State of Missouri, will significantly strengthen our domestic supply of critical radioisotopes," said Christopher Landers, Director of the DOE Office of Isotope R&D and Production. "We anticipate this innovative facility to deliver extraordinary impacts for our Nation."

The Radioisotope Science Center will include advanced infrastructure to support both research and production, including:

• Hot cell processing areas for handling radioactive materials
• Capabilities for current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and non-cGMP isotope production
• Laboratories for quality control, research and development

Once operational, the teams will process targets irradiated at MURR and DOE reactors, with isotopes distributed nationwide through the DOE's National Isotope Development Center to support research, health care and industry.

Beyond isotope production, the RSC is expected to play a key role in advancing leading-edge cancer treatments, industrial technologies and basic scientific research. It will also allow for hands-on training opportunities for students and early-career scientists, helping build the next generation of nuclear science professionals.

"The Radioisotope Science Center will be a catalyst for scientific discovery and innovation," Todd Graves, chair of the UM Board of Curators, said. "It reinforces our commitment to meeting state and national needs while improving lives through research and medical advancement."

Located at Discovery Ridge, adjacent to the future site of NextGen MURR, the RSC further positions Columbia and Mizzou as a hub for nuclear science innovation and economic development. The facility is expected to enhance U.S. competitiveness in nuclear medicine, support national security applications and enable faster development of new isotopes for emerging therapies and technologies.

"The Radioisotope Science Center strengthens Missouri's position as a national leader in nuclear science and health innovation," Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, said. "It brings high-quality jobs, drives economic growth and ensures our state plays a critical role in advancing lifesaving technologies for patients across the country."

Construction begins immediately, with operations anticipated in 2028.