May 14, 2026
Photos by Abbie Lankitus
Thanks to the University of Missouri Research Reactor, Mizzou is solidifying its reputation as a national leader in a new era of nuclear opportunities.
This week, university leaders and MURR researchers had the opportunity to meet with Mr. William D. Magwood, IV, the Director-General of the Nuclear Energy Agency, during his visit to campus as part of the President's Distinguished Lecture Series.
University of Missouri President Mun Choi welcomed the audience to Monsanto Auditorium in Bond Life Sciences Center.
MURR Executive Director Matt Sanford highlighted the ways in which Missouri has become a leader in nuclear energy before introducing the speaker for the President’s Distinguished Lecture Series, Mr. William D. Magwood, IV.
As the Director-General of the NEA, Magwood oversees an international platform for cooperation in nuclear technology, policy, regulation, research and education that consists of 34 member countries and more than 3,500 experts in the field. His lecture was titled “The Next Nuclear Energy Era: Opportunities and Challenges.”
The crowd in attendance asked numerous questions after Magwood’s lecture, giving him an opportunity to speak further on issues such as workforce development needs and recruitment strategies for engineering students.
Magwood championed medical isotopes from an early point in his career. He lamented that the world wasn’t quite ready for the advances in treatment back then. “What’s really exciting about what we’re seeing today is it’s happening,” he said. “It’s finally happening. There are isotopes that really are going to be miracles.” MURR 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.
As part of Mizzou’s expansion of nuclear capabilities, University of Missouri leaders broke ground on 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.
Beyond isotope production, the Radioisotope Science Center 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 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," Christopher Landers, Director of the Department of Energy's Office of Isotope R&D and Production, said. Landers, right, attended the groundbreaking ceremony alongside former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, center, and President Choi.
Kurt Schaefer, left, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, praised the Radioisotope Science Center as strengthening Missouri's position as a national leader in nuclear science and health innovation. “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.” Magwood also attended the groundbreaking ceremony in addition to speaking at the President's Distinguished Lecture Series on Wednesday.
