MSU Cuts Ribbon on Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

Michigan State University hosted the ribbon cutting and grand opening of its new state–of–the–art facility for rare isotope beams.

The facility has been in the works since May of 2009 and is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, the state of Michigan, and Michigan State University to help evolve the state.

FRIB will serve as a scientific user facility for nuclear science research and engineering. Officials say the new facility will consist of four buildings and underground tunnels that are about 600 feet long. It will allow a community of 1,600 scientists from all around the world to conduct research and is equipped with the latest technology, allowing the team to create cures for diseases, better national security, and learn about the environment.

Along with other state officials, Sen. Gary Peters attended the ribbon cutting and explained what a big step the new facility is for the state and the country. “The Chinese government are making significant investments in research and development,” he said. “If we fail to do so as well, we risk ceding jobs, economic opportunity, and it endangers both our national and our economic security.”

Officials say the location will help train the next generation of accelerator scientists and engineers.