April 16, 2025
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
Photos by Nic Benner
The University of Missouri’s transformative initiative to build a new, state-of-the-art research reactor — NextGen MURR — is officially underway with the signing of the first agreement, announced today.
Mizzou will partner with a consortium that includes Hyundai Engineering America, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), the Hyundai Engineering Company and MPR Associates for the design and licensing of the new reactor.
“This is a historic moment for our university, our state and the future of nuclear science and medicine,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “NextGen MURR represents our commitment to research that changes lives. It will allow Mizzou to lead the nation in producing critical medical isotopes while opening new frontiers in science, engineering and patient care.”
The announcement comes as global demand for radioisotopes continues to rise, with growing recognition of their role in precision diagnostics and targeted cancer therapies. The new reactor and supporting infrastructure will be the largest capital investment in the university’s history and will position Missouri as a national hub for innovation, investment and manufacturing in nuclear health technologies.
“The Board of Curators is proud to support this bold step forward,” Todd Graves, chair of the UM Board of Curators, said. “NextGen MURR is more than a reactor — it’s an engine of progress. It will enhance Missouri’s role as a leader in nuclear science medical research, economic development and education for generations to come.”
The consortium brings proficiency in developing and designing research reactors through KAERI, globally renowned engineering and construction services by Hyundai Engineering, and nuclear regulatory and licensing expertise found in MPR Associates.
“This remarkable partnership is made possible through the relentless dedication of experts involved in this project as well as the firm partnership between our two countries and people,” Han Gyu Joo, president of KAERI, said. “Building upon this opportunity, we will work closely together with Mizzou for NextGen MURR, saving and improving lives.”
The initial agreement with the consortium covers the design studies phase to develop the “roadmap” for the new reactor. It will include detailed programming studies and a preliminary site evaluation and will establish an initial project cost and schedule estimate for the entire site. This $10 million agreement is expected to take approximately six months to complete, and the results will be integrated into the preliminary design and licensing phase under a separate contract, overseen by the Board of Curators and Mizzou leadership. The total initiative is expected to take eight to 10 years.
“The new reactor will be designed to meet the needs of the future,” Michael Hoehn II, program director for NextGen MURR, said. “From isotope production to advanced materials testing and workforce development, this reactor will be a platform for innovation that empowers the next generation of scientists, engineers and healthcare providers…and most importantly, improve the lives of U.S. patients. It’s more than infrastructure — it’s a strategic national asset in the making.”
“Throughout this project, we promise to honor Mizzou’s core values — respecting our partners, taking responsibility, fostering discovery and striving for excellence at every step,” In-cheol Lim, project executive of the consortium, said. “We are committed to building a partnership rooted in trust, collaboration and shared purpose.”
Building on the legacy of the University of Missouri Research Reactor — the only U.S. producer of critical medical isotopes used to treat various types of cancers — the second reactor will play a vital role in securing a domestic supply of radioisotopes and advancing new discoveries in cancer treatment and nuclear medicine for generations.