Groundbreaking for MURR expansion held Monday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday for a new addition to the MU Research Reactor.

The $20 million, three-story addition to the existing MURR North Building is being referred to as MURR West, according to a press release from the university. The building will expand the facility’s research and medical isotope production space and testing laboratories.

“Missouri is home to the world’s most important university research reactor for fighting cancer,” Michael Williams, chair of the UM Board of Curators, said in a press release. “MURR is the only producer in the country of four medical isotopes used in lifesaving treatments for liver, thyroid, pancreatic and prostate cancer. This new addition expands our ability to improve the lives of Missourians and patients around the country.”

Speakers at Monday’s event included Gov. Mike Parson, UM System President Mun Choi and Murr Executive Director Matt Sanford.

"The other great thing about it is you’re going to have top researchers from all over the country wanting to come here to be able to be a part of that,” Parson said at the event. “So as long as we keep building on to that, you’re going to have more research done. You’re going to save a lot of people's lives."

The expansion is expected to be completed by fall 2024, according to the release.