Radioisotope Science Center Design and Planning

Radioisotope Science Center — Advancing Nuclear Medicine and National Security Research

The Radioisotope Science Center (RSC) represents an extraordinary opportunity to shape a facility that will serve as both a cutting-edge research hub and a national resource. Drawing on the combined expertise of the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) and the Department of Energy’s Office of Isotope R&D and Production, our design approach integrates decades of operational insight into a purpose-built, highly specialized environment.

Purpose and Impact

The new facility will transform how the United States researches, produces, and distributes critical radioisotopes by:

• Accelerating innovation in research, development, processing, and distribution
• Ensuring a reliable U.S.-based supply of strategic isotopes for national security
• Advance U.S. competitiveness in nuclear medicine, including cancer diagnostics and targeted radiotherapies
• Supporting industrial and scientific breakthroughs
• Enabling translational research for clinical applications

Specialized Design for Complex Science

BSA’s design integrates high-containment laboratories, precision processing spaces, and robust safety systems to meet the demands of this highly specialized field. The RSC will feature:

• Secure, mission-critical infrastructure to safeguard isotope production
• Flexible lab and processing areas to adapt to emerging research needs
• State-of-the-art material handling and containment systems for safety and quality control
• Collaborative work environments to foster innovation between researchers, engineers, and technicians

This facility is projected for completion in early 2029.

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