April 3, 2025
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
Photos by Abbie Lankitus
Researchers are improving lives through radioisotopes and related work at the University of Missouri Research Reactor. This week, they had the opportunity to meet with Craig Piercy, CEO of the American Nuclear Society, who visited Mizzou for the President’s Distinguished Lecture.
Following his presentation and Q&A session, Piercy joined state and university dignitaries for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating a 47,000-square-foot addition to the reactor facility. See photos from the events.
University of Missouri President Mun Choi welcomed guests to the President's Distinguished Lecture. The purpose of the lecture, Choi said, is to address grand challenges facing the world, such as ensuring reliable power sources.
Piercy is the CEO and executive director of the American Nuclear Society, leading a community of more than 10,000 nuclear professionals to advance the development of nuclear sciences and technologies for peaceful uses.
Piercy discussed the benefits of nuclear energy not only as a power source but for cancer treatment. The University of Missouri Research Reactor is the only U.S. producer of four radioisotopes – radioactive atoms that are linked to targeting molecules to make up radiopharmaceuticals, which are drugs administered to the body to target cancer cells.
"We're here at the site of really what is a national treasure," Piercy said. "You have the MURR reactor and all of the technological surroundings of that reactor to make, radiate, process and deliver life-saving medical therapies around the country and the world. I'm not aware of any other place in America that has the breadth … of experience to do everything you need to do to turn something from a radioactive molecule into something that treats advanced prostate cancer. You really do have this hidden crown jewel on your campus."
Former U.S. Senator Roy Blunt was one of dozens of distinguished guests who attended the President's Distinguished Lecture. Blunt later joined other dignitaries to celebrate the opening of an addition to the MURR facility.
MURR Executive Director Matt Sanford, pictured holding the scissors, joined Piercy, Blunt, President Choi, UM Board of Curators Chair Todd Graves, Curator Blaine Luetkemeyer and other dignitaries to celebrate the opening of the MURR addition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Dubbed “MURR West,” the 47,000-square-foot, three-story addition to the existing MURR North Building represents not only an investment in the physical infrastructure but also in the future of research and production that will impact lives around the world.
During his visit to campus, Piercy toured the MURR facility. MURR is a national leader in radioisotope production, ensuring they are available to the drug companies producing life-saving radiopharmaceuticals.
During his tour, Piercy learned more about MURR operations. Operating 24 hours a day, 6.5 days a week, 52 weeks a year, MURR is the most powerful university research reactor in the U.S.
MURR offers a wide range of nuclear products and services to a global community, including custom and off-the-shelf products, as well as research- and medical-grade isotopes and radiochemicals, all of which are used to fight aggressive cancers.
Because of radioactive decay, radioisotopes have a short shelf-life, which means they can’t be stockpiled. That’s why MURR’s location in the central U.S. and year-round operations are critical to meeting time-sensitive medical demands.
The MURR team includes executive leadership, scientists, engineers, regulatory staff and others committed to saving lives.
