Media Advisory: Mizzou hosts President’s Distinguished Lecture, groundbreaking ceremony for Radioisotope Science Center

May 6, 2026
Contact: Janese Heavin, [email protected]

The University of Missouri will host two events around nuclear energy and nuclear medicine next week. Members of the media may register to attend one or both of them.

President's Distinguished Lecture

WHAT:

The University of Missouri will host a President's Distinguished Lecture Series event featuring William Magwood, IV. Magwood will present "The Next Nuclear Energy Era: Opportunities and Challenges."

WHO:

Magwood is the director-general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), a role he has served in since 2014. Headquartered in France, the organization is a global policy forum that promotes economic and social well-being.

Magwood previously served as one of five commissioners appointed to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by the president of the United States. Prior to his appointment at the NRC, he provided independent strategic and policy advice to U.S. and international clients on energy, environment, education and technology policy issues. From 1998 to 2005, Magwood was director of the Office of Nuclear Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy.

The President's Distinguished Lecture Series invites leaders of world-renowned research organizations, universities and other industries to share their expertise with the Mizzou community.

WHEN:

Wednesday, May 13
10 a.m.

WHERE:

Monsanto Auditorium, Bond Life Sciences Center
1201 Rollins St.
Columbia, Missouri

**NOTE** Media members who wish to attend must RSVP no later than May 12.

Groundbreaking ceremony

WHAT:

University of Missouri leaders will host a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 31,250-square-foot Radioisotope Science Center at Discovery Ridge. In partnership with the Department of Energy's Isotope Program, the center will support the development and production of radioactive and stable isotopes for research and applications of strategic importance to the nation. The center, jointly funded by the State of Missouri and the Department of Energy, will increase the program's capacity by processing targets irradiated at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) and in DOE reactors.

WHO:

Speakers include:

Matt Sanford, MURR executive director
Mun Choi, University of Missouri president
Blaine Luetkemeyer, UM Board of Curators representative
William Magwood, IV, director-general of the Nuclear Energy Agency
Chris Landers, DOE director of the Office of Isotope R&D and Production

WHEN:

Thursday, May 14
10 a.m.

WHERE:

Discovery Ridge Research Park
4405 Discovery Dr.
Columbia, Missouri

**NOTE** Media members who wish to attend must RSVP no later than May 12.

MURR