Show-Me State Times

The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) has been named the 2024 Hawthorn Foundation Project of the Year Award for its groundbreaking work and significant contributions to scientific research, innovation, and economic development in Missouri. This recognition underscores Mizzou’s pivotal role in positioning Missouri as a leader in nuclear science and technology.

Governor Mike Parson presented the award to University of Missouri President Mun Choi and other university leaders during the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Economic Development on Sept. 5.

“We congratulate the MURR team, President Choi, and the University of Missouri on earning this well-deserved award,” Governor Parson said. “Not only will the MURR project see to it that Missouri emerges as a global leader in radioisotope production; it also means job creation, economic development, and cutting-edge research and innovation. We are proud to be home to this exciting new project and look forward to the advancements in healthcare and nuclear medicine that will come from it.”

MURR was selected because of its ongoing expansion of radioisotope production and the transformative initiative to build a new, state-of-the-art research reactor — NextGen MURR. This project represents a $1 billion investment in the future of nuclear medicine and radioisotope production, establishing Missouri as a global hub for leading-edge research and innovation.

“The University of Missouri Research Reactor exemplifies the innovative spirit and forward-thinking approach that the Hawthorn Foundation seeks to recognize and support,” said Becky Willard, executive director of the Hawthorn Foundation. “MURR's contributions to nuclear science and its impact on both healthcare and economic development in Missouri are truly outstanding. This award acknowledges not just their achievements to date but also the promise of what their ongoing work will bring to our state and beyond.”

MURR’s expansion, including constructing a $20 million addition named MURR West, will create more than 50 jobs in 2025 and is set to generate many more as the organization continues to grow. The new addition broke ground in October 2023 will support developing life-saving radioisotopes further solidifying MURR's status as a premier research institution.

“The University of Missouri Research Reactor is at the forefront of scientific innovation and economic development, and we are honored to receive the Hawthorn Foundation Project of the Year Award,” Choi said. “Our growth is not only a win for Missouri but also for millions of patients who benefit from life-saving treatments developed through our research.”

The NextGen MURR initiative is set to make Missouri home to two largest university research reactors in the United States. This project enhances MURR's capacity to produce critical medical isotopes but also drives job creation with more than 200 specialized positions anticipated with the new facility.

“The Hawthorn Foundation’s recognition of our work is a testament to dedication expertise entire MURR team vision University build new reactor,” said Matt Sanford executive director need cancer-fighting drugs efforts advancing nuclear science improving lives patients around world excited expand MU’s leadership contribute future healthcare growth beyond.”

In addition direct job creation initiatives attracted significant industry investment partnerships crucial building robust radiopharmaceutical supply chain reducing U.S dependency foreign isotope supplies driving advancements cancer treatment diagnostics.

About Hawthorn Foundation

The foundation is a highly diverse group statewide leaders dedicated economic prosperity Missourians Since supported trade missions assist promotion globally organization works diligently toward development growth prosperity partnerships local regional workforce organizations.

---