The need for NextGen MURR

NextGen MURR is the University of Missouri’s transformational initiative to build a new 20-megawatt, state-of-the-art reactor. The new research reactor will expand critical medical isotope research and production for cancer treatments and theranostics. This project will build on the internationally recognized excellence of the 10 MW MU Research Reactor (MURR), the only U.S. producer of four medical isotopes used in lifesaving treatments for liver, thyroid, pancreatic and prostate cancer.

NextGen MURR will serve as an innovation and manufacturing hub for nuclear medicine in the United States for generations to come.

The NextGen MURR Consortium

The University of Missouri’s transformative initiative to build a new, state-of-the-art research reactor is officially underway with the signing of the first agreement. Mizzou will partner with a consortium that includes the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Hyundai Engineering America, the Hyundai Engineering Company and MPR Associates for the design and licensing of the new reactor.

Learn More About The Consortium
Next generation research reactor and consortium partners

A vital resource

The existing University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is the only U.S. producer of four critical radioisotopes used in the treatment of liver, thyroid, pancreatic and prostate cancers, and in imaging agents to diagnose cancers and heart disease. Our nation has an acute need to expand its supply of radioisotopes as more are used in successful cancer treatments, and NextGen MURR will build on the university’s history of lifesaving endeavors.

Learn More About MURR
Graphic shows a map with Columbia, Missouri, highlighted and arrowed line shooting out from Columbia. Text says, Missouri's central location ensures MURR can QUICKLY DEPLOY radioisotopes around the country, which is critical due to the short half-life of radioisotopes.

Saving and improving lives

The University of Missouri is home to MURR, the world’s most important university research reactor for fighting cancer. Learn more about MURR, the importance of radioisotopes and how NextGen MURR will benefit Missourians and patients across the country and the world for decades to come.

MURR by the Numbers

450,000

cancer patients were treated last year with radioisotopes produced at MURR.

95 percent

of thyroid cancer patients are cured after using radioisotopes. Liver, prostate and pancreatic cancer patients have a better quality of life and live longer with radioisotope treatment.

58 years

of safe, innovative history. 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., working at 10 megawatts.

Why NextGen MURR?

Without NextGen MURR, the medical isotopes MURR produces might not be available in the future, leading to a dependency on foreign sources. Missouri can be the center for nuclear medicine to attract researchers, pharmaceutical firms, investors and distribution facilities. Missouri’s central location ensures a quick deployment of radioisotopes around the country, which is critical due to the short half-life of radioisotopes. NextGen MURR will help secure our domestic supply of radioisotopes to treat Americans.

Outline of the state of Missouri, with a nucleus symbol where MURR is located.

Building on excellence

As one of only six public universities in the country with schools or colleges of medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, engineering, arts and science, law and a powerful research reactor — all on one campus — Mizzou is uniquely positioned to tackle critical health challenges. With its campus partners, NextGen MURR supports the bench-to-bedside approach, bolstering the university’s role in the development of new treatments and scientific discoveries that save lives in Missouri, the U.S. and beyond.

News About NextGen MURR

Document signers display a completed agreement

April 17, 2025

Mizzou signs agreement for first phase of new research reactor

New state-of-the-art nuclear facility will expand lifesaving cancer treatment and fuel U.S. innovation in nuclear science.
A nuclear manufacturing technician uses a manipulator arm to work samples in a hot cell.

Oct. 24, 2024

University of Missouri initiative to boost radioisotope production

Expansion plans will scale up production at the University of Missouri Research Reactor, the only U.S. supplier of the lutetium-177 radioisotope.
University of Missouri President Mun Choi delivers his State of the University speech

Sep. 25, 2024

NextGen MURR featured in State of the University Address

University of Missouri President Mun Choi gave his 2024 State of the University Address for Mizzou on Sept. 25.