Facility for Rare Isotope Beams - Science Leadership for America, Technology and Jobs for Michigan

Campaign to Bring the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams to Michigan

National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory

Winning FRIB

40 years of leadership in nuclear research - view video [WMV] - 9:42 / 69MB

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The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) is a half-billion dollar federal science project for important nuclear science research, and Michigan State University is competing for it. The Department of Energy is seeking institutions to apply for funding to build and operate this facility. MSU is preparing a proposal and expects to be competitive.

MSU and NSCL

MSU, home of National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), is one of two prime contenders expected to apply for the project. MSU has a world-leading rare isotope beam facility—the nation’s premier facility in this field—employing some of the world’s finest nuclear scientists. Through their participation on committees and publications, MSU scientists have helped to shape the future of U.S. nuclear science.

An Economic Boost for Michigan

If Michigan got FRIB, it would have an estimated positive economic benefit of about $1 billion over the next two decades and create hundreds of construction jobs. It could generate spin-off ventures commercializing applications in materials science, medical diagnosis and treatment, national security, and other sectors for years to come. The Anderson Economic Group has an economic analysis of the project’s benefit to the state.

Keeps Michigan a World-leading Science Research Center

Having FRIB located in Michigan would keep the state at the forefront of nuclear science research, attracting leading scientists from around the world to Michigan. It would be an important asset to the research capabilities of the University Research Corridor—MSU, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University.

Maintains Education Connection

The unique thing about MSU as a site for FRIB is that it would keep education as a key component of this kind of research. MSU already has one of the top nuclear physics graduate programs in the nation—ranked No. 2 after Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Establishing this new rare isotope beam facility at a university will engage graduate and undergraduate students in research and provide middle and high school students a first-hand view of cutting-edge science that is critical for the nation’s future competitiveness. NSCL is big on education. Learn more about how it supports America’s science future.

Michigan Is Coming Together

There’s great support for this project. All of Michigan’s members of Congress are working on MSU’s behalf. Academic leaders around the nation and Michigan business and labor leaders are on board. Learn more about what you can do to help.


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